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 - 2005 Ford Focus
  By halogoggles - December 8 - 1:10 pm

  Just bought this car about 3 weeks ago. I spent waaaaaaay too much time researching cars. I was between an 04 Civic, a used Ranger, and an 05 Focus. This car is my first car and its perfect. It drives wonderful, gets great mileage, and looks nice and I love Ford. The bang for your buck on this car is fantastic. I ended up getting this for just a tad more than a powerless Hyundai Accent I test drove. (If you are REALLY on a budget and dont mind not having anything under the hood, I guess I could suggest that). Overall, I love the car and so far, its done everything Ive wanted it to do and with regular maintenance, I expect the same.

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  Nice little car for the money! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Laura from SF - December 7 - 11:50 am

  Nearly bought a used Corolla for my daughter after her Accord was totaled (not her fault). I am so glad I checked the newspaper and saw the great rebates Ford was offering, this car cost less that than the Corolla and had so much more to offer in terms of gadgets and safety features. The performance is quite peppy and have not has any issues since purchased. The car is cute and turns a lot of heads, they always ask what it is and are pleasantly surprised to find out its a Ford. I feel comforatable with my daughter driving back and forth from college with this car. Its got six airbags. I enjoy driving it too, when I get the chance.

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  Ford Focus - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Groverdo - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Wanted a station wagon & bought the Ford Focus EXPECTING good gas MPG. The car is noisy to drive due to the wheel well being inside rather than in the trunk. The average MPG has been 25mpg. The plastic fittings inside the car are working loose. Dealer "cant find anything wrong" & said the car gets 40mpg...did "explain how their computer does MPG". NOT pleased with car nor Dealer. Ford does GOOD trucks but NOT the Focus.

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  Cool Little Package - 2008 Ford Focus
  By J. Stiles - December 3 - 3:09 pm

  Great car. Love to drive it when I can get it away from my wife. Excellent mileage. Good performance for a 2.0 litre. Styling turns heads and gets compliments. The toys inside rock. Its a total 21st century rig. Lots of room for the size of the vehicle. Overall, we love this car.

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  Never again - 2001 Ford Focus
  By JTnVa - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I put allot of milage on my car . More miles in a year than most people do in two . High milage or not this car has been a headache . I absolutley hate it . In between having to replace the o2 sensor not 1, or 2 times , but 3 . Having to have both rear window motors replaced twice.My quater window broke due to body flex,and why does a quater window cost more than a windshield anyways.My ac quit working right after my warrenty ran out.My radiator dumped all of its fluid out on a roadtrip. My power steering pump, and a few other things.Not to mention all the recalls this car has had its not worth what Im paying for it.

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  Love my Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Teppi - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I had a horrible buying experience at Earnhardt Ford in Phoenix, AZ, but thank goodness I ended up with such a great vehicle! The gas mileage is great and it drives so smooth and sporty. I was originally looking at buying a Toyota Matrix, but decided on the Focus instead because of the value. It is a more affordable car with virtually the same features.

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  focus on life - 2004 Ford Focus
  By donna hall - December 3 - 2:00 am

  i have a 04 ford focus zts and it has a 2.3l in it and a 5 speed auto trans. and when i bought it,it had 3 miles on it and it now has little over 1800 and i am still as happy with it as i was when i bought it and will keep it.i would tell anyone to buy a ford focus and would tell them to go to mooresville ford to do so.they were willing to work with me and i feel like they would work with anyone.....

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  Bolan - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Bolan - December 3 - 2:00 am

  SVTF has great handling nice engine and tranny its very well equiped and its fun to drive but it requires premium fuel and for sure this car is NOT a gas saver but its fast and thats important

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  Fab Focus - 2003 Ford Focus
  By chekmarc - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Excellent value for the money. Solid construction, well equipped as standard and very comfortable for a small car. I purchased several options because I spend a lot of time in my car (heated seats/mirrors, spoiler, leather, 6-disc in-dash CD, low- profile tires, power moon roof). It was worth it. I also like the european styling. The ZTS/ZTW has plenty of power with the 2.0 litre. Next model year available with 2.3 litre, even better.

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  EXCELENT FUN & EXCITEMENT - 2004 Ford Focus
  By joe drake - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I love my focus! My wife had a 2001 zx3 when they came out with the svt after driving the zx3 three I new this was something I had to drive. I loved the way the zx3 handle and it had a nice amonent of horse power. When I new i could aFord a new car. I had to test drive the focus svt. I was in love if i could get a so called nicer more pricy car I would have to pass. This car moves on demand the only thing I would ever drive is a more powerful focus. I didnt just buy a svt zx5 but also bought a zx5 for my wife to replace her zx3. Because now we have to kids the focus svt zx5 gives me the fun of a sports car and the comfort to carry my to kids in style.