Overview & Reviews

Introduced more than a decade ago, the Ford Focus was one of the first small cars from a domestic automaker that was truly competitive with traditionally more dominant models from Japan. An affordable price, sharp handling, expressive styling and availability in multiple body styles all contributed to making this one of Ford's most popular cars worldwide.

Since that time, Ford has gone on to introduce second and third generations of the Focus. Sadly, the second generation lost a lot of the mojo built up by the original, first-generation model and is hard to recommend as a used car. However, Ford has refocused its efforts for the latest Focus, and as such it stands as one of our top picks for a small hatchback or sedan.

Current Ford Focus
Available in sedan and four-door hatchback body styles, the Ford Focus boasts eye-catching styling and a sharply designed interior fitted with high-quality materials. There are three main trim levels: S, SE and Titanium, as well as an electric version. The high-performance Focus ST is reviewed separately.

The only engine available is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 160 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual and a six-speed automatic, the latter actually being a dual-clutch automated manual. Fuel economy is very good no matter what you pick, and with the available Super Fuel Economy package, the Focus earns a 33-mpg-combined estimate from the EPA.

If you don't want to use any gas at all, there's the Focus Electric, which is strictly battery-powered like Nissan's Leaf. Propelled by a 107-kilowatt (143-hp) electric drive motor and powered by a 23kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Focus Electric has an estimated range of about 76 miles between charges. It can be recharged in just 4 hours from a 240-volt power source. Owners can also keep tabs on their electric Focus' charging state via smartphone integration.

Even the base Focus S comes with air-conditioning, full power features, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack. Moving up through the trims gets you luxuries such as Ford's Sync voice-activated phone/audio interface, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, keyless ignition and entry, rear parking sensors and a rearview camera. There's also MyFord Touch, which features a large center touchscreen that minimizes button clutter. Options include a navigation system and an automated parallel parking assist system.

In reviews, we've been impressed by the Focus' refined road manners. Handling is sharp, with little body lean in the corners, while the steering is communicative and fairly quick. The ride is firm but well controlled over bumps. The 2.0-liter engine deserves praise as well, as it provides above-average performance and fuel economy. Changing gears with the five-speed manual transmission adds to the fun, though a sixth gear would be appreciated on longer freeway jaunts. The automatic is the one fly in the Focus' driving ointment, as it upshifts too quickly and is reluctant to downshift unless the throttle pedal is mashed to the floor.

Inside, the Focus boasts excellent materials, supportive seats and a hushed environment. Relative to its competitors, though, the backseat is a little cramped and the electronics interface can be unintuitive. But all in all, the Focus is a well-rounded, well-built economy car that is easy to recommend.

Used Ford Focus Models
A complete redesign of the Focus took place for 2012, and this generation represents massive improvements in the areas of cabin quality, overall performance and high-end features availability. Apart from subsequent minor equipment and trim level shuffling, these Foci are similar to the current model. The Focus Electric debuted for 2012.

The second-generation Focus ran from 2008-'11. It was available in coupe and sedan body styles until the final year, when only the sedan was offered. More squared-off styling distinguished it from the first Focus. Motivation was provided by a 2.0-liter inline-4 making 140 hp (130 in California-emissions states) hooked up to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Originally, the trim levels included base S, midgrade SE and sporty SES for both body styles. Ford's Sync system, which allowed voice control over cell phones and the audio system, was available and unusual for the economy car segment.

The following year the coupe's front fenders lost their glitzy chrome trim, and the trim levels were shuffled. Coupes were available in SE and SES trims, while the sedan came in S, SE, SES and leather-lined SEL trims. Stability control became optional but then was made standard for 2010.

A used Focus from this generation makes for a value-packed choice, but most competitors were stronger vehicles overall. It offered solid and reliable transportation with a few notable perks like the available Sync system, but the cabin lacked the more upscale materials quality that segment front-runners had. And although it offered a reasonably pleasant driving experience along with excellent fuel economy, its handling wasn't as finely honed as that of some sportier rivals such as the Mazda 3.

When the Ford Focus debuted for 2000, it was available as a two-door hatchback (ZX3) or as a sedan (ZX4) or wagon (ZXW). The base engine was an anemic SOHC 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine rated for 110 hp, or a preferable DOHC 2.0-liter engine called the Zetec that was good for 130 hp. Transmission choices were a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. These earlier Focus models went through a variety of changes, many of which are important to pay attention to if you're looking for a used Focus. In particular, Ford continually tinkered with the car's trim levels and availability of standard and optional features. From 2000-'04, the trim levels were typically base LX, midgrade SE and high-line ZTS. Antilock brakes and front-seat side airbags were optional equipment, and stability control was offered for a few years starting in 2001.

For 2002, Ford added a four-door hatchback (the "ZX5"). Starting in '04, the Focus gained an available 2.3-liter inline-4 that offered 145 hp and cleaner emissions. A 170-hp four-cylinder engine and a six-speed transmission were featured in the short-lived and rare Focus SVT hatchback. Coveted by young enthusiasts, the SVT Focus was offered as a hatchback from 2002-'04. For 2005, the Focus got a more modest refresh that provided cosmetic changes on the outside, a revised control layout inside and an updated engine lineup that included either a 136-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that produced 151 hp (sedan only). The trim levels were renamed S, SE and SES. The wagon and hatchback were dropped after the '07 model year.

Our editors were quite fond of the Ford Focus in its earlier years, and the car earned Editors' Most Wanted award designations from 2000-'03. Although we consider the first-generation model a good, inexpensive buy on the used market, the Focus' reliability record hasn't been ideal, particularly regarding the 2000 models.

User Reviews:

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  Fantastic Focus - 2012 Ford Focus
  By 330zhp - December 15 - 2:01 pm

  Traded in an Audi Q5 for better gas mileage and lower payment. Expected to feel like I was downgrading, but the Focus was quite surprising. Interior is comfortable and well laid out. Quiet inside with solid ride. Sound system is not quite up to Bang & Olufsen system in Audi, but not bad at all. I actually like the My Ford Touch interface better than Audis MMI. Lots of nice touches in this car that even Audi does not offer (e.g., LED interior lighting and a sunglasses holder that actually holds an adult pair of sunglasses). Test drove Elantra and Focus was much, much better. Car is brand new so averaging only about 28mpg. I hope this number improves as the car is broken in.

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  Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By thescorpion1024 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I love it, great car. Great gas milage and fun to drive. However your back will bother you on long road trips.

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  Great Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Ryan Knutson - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I think its a great car, I was really impressed with basically, everything on, and with the 03 Ford Focus ZX3. I believe everything should test drive it, to know how great this car really is for a ford vehicle. Acually any vehicle in the 03 ford focus price range for that matter.

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  LX Sedan Review for Ford Focus 2003 je - 2002 Ford Focus
  By jellenmsu - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with my purchase. The Focus was recommended to me from a friend of mine who had one. You feel safe in it. Fuel economy is great, especially with rising gas prices. It is fun to drive. It has a smooth ride. My only concern is that when it initially came out Consumer Reports rated it very highly. Later, it lower its ratings because of its realiability and customer satisfaction.

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  Lots of fun all year long! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By BlurryBlue - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is really fun to drive all year long, except when it snows! (I definitely need to buy snow tires this winter) Seat heaters are nice even in the summer because they relieve the tensions of a daily commute. The car sounds awesome for just being a 4- banger.

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  Love my car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By chuckangerstein - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I have only had one problem with my Ford Focus ZX3, the check engine light stays on, Ive had it fixed multiple times and it just comes right back on. Other than that its been great. Ive driven it all over California. It handled the curves and turns on narrow Highway 1 like a $30,000 sports car and it can haul so much stuff its amazing. Its the perfect blend of utility and fun for me.

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  Not a bad little car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By larrh7 - December 13 - 11:27 am

  This isnt a bad little car. It isnt a 10 or even a 9. Now think of it. Bo was a 10. Like everyone else it should have a trunk release. How stupid can you be Ford. The seating is great for my short wife. She can see out rather well. I fit in just fine to and Im 6 235. The milage isnt what it should be. My wife just drives at around 60 and she hasnt gotten 30MPG yet like people on here are claiming. They should be able to get better than this with the poochy 4 cylinder. I have an old 95 Corrola that has 150000 on it and it get 37 MPG. Like I said this isnt a bad little car for the money but it isnt a 10.

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  Awesome - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Sagar - December 10 - 10:08 am

  I must say that Ford has improved in building the vehicles. The ride is very comfortable and it gives the right gas mileage. The looks are cool and interior lights are awesome. The engine is very quiet compared to the older models of Focus. I chose Ford over Toyota and Nissan.

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  Good choose - 2008 Ford Focus
  By smitty - December 9 - 9:13 am

  We like our Focus. The mileage is 41 highway & 30 city, very good for an automatic. Have a squeak in suspenison is hand brake cable in hanger in front of rear axle. Ford has a fix a new grommet. We think it is a very good buy for the price. Looked at Toyota, Nissan, Vibe, Mazda

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  not the best car...... - 2003 Ford Focus
  By designgrl - December 9 - 2:00 am

  bought this car 5 months ago, has been in the shop 4 times, and will be back again next week! electrical problem, brake problem at 400 miles(!), the windshield motor was broken when i drove it off the lot, a strange ticking noise in the dash that they cant seem to fix, and a defective tire that they wont replace- 1 tire badly damaged after only 6k for no reason (no curbs, potholes). also, during 1 repair, dealer broke my transmission dipstick while trying to force in, will not replace!