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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  My first car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By first last - November 11 - 1:19 pm

  it is a very fun car. I drive it to college every day and love it but it needs some serous HP improvements. The 5 speed needs a 6th gear because 55 mph =2200 rpms but that means it can do a high top speed. I did 75 in 4th without trouble

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  A good price for a good car - 2007 Ford Focus
  By mike - November 10 - 5:46 pm

  The Focus that I bought a year and half ago was an exceptional car. I have driven it as a delivery car and have had almost no problems with it so far. Its versatility is good and for a small car it has plently of room. I would recomend this car to anyone that is looking for fuel efficency and a nice rideing small car. The only thing I would have done differently was bought he 2.3L engine for better pick up.

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  So far so good - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Yemats - November 8 - 11:10 am

  This car performs better than I expected for the cost. The mileage is somewhat disappointing with the automatic -- only about 25, mostly highway. It has plenty of power and handles great, very smooth and quiet. The only problem I have experienced is a malfunctioning hatch release.

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  God I Just Love It! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Mr. Lincoln - November 6 - 7:43 pm

  I knew exactly what I wanted when I ordered mine. After a brief comparison of similar vehicles on the web, I found that there are no other vehicles in its class or price range that can be equipped with so many options. I have an SE with about every option you can put on it, this means it is nicer and cheaper than an SES. I didnt buy the car for its looks, but now that I have tinted the window and added molded mud flaps, it is a darn good looking car. Gray of course makes the car, especially when considering that color is not available for an SES. Basically, anyone who wants a nice focus, dont go for the SES because the same features standard on that model are more expensive. I am so happy!

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  THIS CAR IS FANTASTIC!!!! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By JONATHAN ANTONIO - November 3 - 10:00 am

  this one is a real buy, for under $12K, i got what i wanted for a coupe! compared to those high priced hondas and toyotas!!i just love to drive anywhere, even to las vegas!! the power is amazing!

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  Go slow to enjoy!! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Big "L" - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Just bought my ZTW and took a small trip across the state. The cars handles well but the noise level at highway speed is terrible, I had to constantly raise the volume of the radio in order to hear it. At city driving speeds its more tolerable.On my first tank of gas which was this trip I got 24.9mpg mostly 65-80 mph. I was hoping for better gas mileage, since Ford Web site says 26-36. Sticker says 25-30, who is lying??One good thing is that I got it for an out the door price of $14,300.00 Maybe because it was 8-31-2003 ?? Save thousands compared to Matrix-Vibe (less trunk).

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  DO NOT BUY A FORD!!!! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By lawanda - October 31 - 2:20 pm

  I purchased a ford focus 2013 six months ago and everything is now falling apart and has electrical issues please to avoid lots of stress please skip out on ford...Ive called corporate and they did nothing basically told me that theyll put in a report but other than that my 4 year old and I are screwed even though our lives are in danger

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  Great until now - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Matt in Portland Ore - October 31 - 7:41 am

  Vehicle has been great up to now. It has 75,000 miles. I have driven a mix of city and highway with minimal problems. A few weeks ago the car begain sputtering upon starting. Typically it would go away in a few minutes. This past Monday it got worse. When I pushed the accelerator it was as though it was not connected. Mechanic replaced the ignition coil but this did not solve the problem. They do not know what the problem is.

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  POCKET ROCKET, small size but large powe - 2004 Ford Focus
  By joshuam - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a small car with alot of power. SVT is that way to go. i test drove a few other cars (celica,eclipse,sunfire) though each have there benefits, i must say that the FocusSVt is on top.

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  Fords nightmare - 2002 Ford Focus
  By jimmie - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Recalls, bad bearings chewed up tires, rattles and knocks over bumps, I thank god every time I drive it (my wife is the primary driver) that it is a 2 year lease. Hate the slow diming interior light. I am Fords worst nightmare, have entered my peak earnings years, kids college is done and after 13 new Fords I am going to Toyotas. Drip, drip, drip, the steady loss of market share.