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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  Thumbs up and down - 2012 Ford Focus
  By andie333 - October 14 - 2:08 am

  I was looking for a car with excellent mpg for a long commute to work, and I bought the Focus hatch with manual trans. That was 6000 miles ago.So far, Ive got mixed feelings about it. First, the good stuff: Car has the smoothest manual tran ever. Seats are comfortable, and cabin seems basic with a relatively intuitive dash and controls. Its slow to get up to speed, but holds consistently. maneuvering is tight and pretty nimble. My biggest disappointment so far has been with the cars mileage. only about 29. Weird cabin whir w windows open.

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  FordMan - 2006 Ford Focus
  By southbender - October 13 - 7:18 pm

  Have had since 2/06. Had issues with the tailgate immediately, and the backseats needed adjusting, they wouldnt relatch first time folded down. Drivers door needed to be reset also right after purchase. Hatchback door key mechanism fell out, my spouse noticed and picked up a small key cover. Have driven from Northern IN, to Boise, Phoenix, and Nashville. Cruises at 70mph no problems. Great gas mileage. Good pick up and go in traffic. Tight steering. Great car for the money.

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  2003 Focus ZTW - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Roger - October 12 - 5:53 pm

  I now have 135000 miles on this car. I have owned it from new. Only problem is that it wears out a lot of tires. Doesnt seem to help to align and rotate. last set of tires lasted 20,000 miles. Perhaps because they are the low profile 16 inch. Otherwise car uses no oil, averages 23mpg combined city and highway.

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  LEMONVILLE - 2000 Ford Focus
  By UNFOCUSED - October 9 - 11:26 pm

  NOTHING BUT RECALLS AND ON SOME PARTS, THE SAME RECALL THREE TIMES. DEALERSHIP LEASE MANAGER TOTALLY UNREASONABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS LOOKED AT BY TWO INDEPENDANT MECHANICS THAT SAID THE CAR WAS UNSAFE.AND! THAT IT WAS A LEMON. I PAID TO GET OUT OF A LEASED VEHICLE THAT WAS A MISTAKE FROM ITS FIRST DAY ON THE CONVEYOR.SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS LATER I LEARNED A HARD LESSON. :(

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  Im delighted with this car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By MaineCat - October 7 - 11:26 am

  When I bought this car, I was making a 74-mile round trip commute. The car has performed beautifully and more than lived up to its EPA gas mileage estimate. (I got about 40mpg driving mostly back roads and highways, even with my heavy foot.) Sales and service experiences have been great. My only complaint is that the headrests are a little uncomfortable for me; they tend to push my head forward more than is comfortable, hence the 8s in comfort and interior design. This car has been great fun to drive, and Im glad I chose the Focus over the other models I was considering (Chevy Aveo, Honda Fit, and others in similar class.)

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  First Car from Dealership - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Dragonz - October 7 - 10:42 am

  This car is fun to drive. I bought it at 37000 miles, 5 years old, but it still ran smooth. I had to replace the alternator and battery only a month after I got it, but the dealerhsip replaced those for free, even though they werent on the warranty. Its sporty, great gas-milage, and has a sun-roof which is always fun. Recently took it on a trip to Wendover and it ran smoothly.

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  Small Price = Good Buy - 2002 Ford Focus
  By firefighter28jfc - October 7 - 1:01 am

  I bought my ZX3 7 years ago at age 16 and have only encountered one problem with it besides regular maintainence. At 36K, the front half-shafts went bad, but since they were replaced, its been smooth sailing. I have made many engine modifications, as well as bigger wheels and a lower suspension, and the car has been fantastic. This vehicle is really worth the money.

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  Had Better - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Mavwreck1975 - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I have had four Fords before this car and I can easily say this is the only one Im not satisfied with. I bouth it used with 20k on it. At 25k, a bad vibration started coming from the rear wheels. Now at 34k, the headlights turn on and off randomly and the automatic transmission slips out of gear when the lights shut off. Oddly this problem has no effect on the engine. My two Crown Victorias and my Escort were much better cars.

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  As god as it gets - 2001 Ford Focus
  By BmwLuvr - October 3 - 2:00 am

  You couldnt ask to drive a better wagon fo the price. Powerful, responsive yet silent engine. Remarquable driving experience, in particular on city streets and highways. The cabin has plenty of room, and is very comfortable. Honestly, I dont know what else could have done Ford to make this car better for the price. Considering all the instruments and gadgets this automobile ha, I rate it 9 or 10 across the board.

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  My new ZX5 - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Jeff Davis - October 3 - 2:00 am

  My car is new and the fit and finish is perfect. We all expect that - of course but it really isnt always the case. My ZX5 is the size I wanted, has all the toys I wanted and the power is what I expected. Its peppy, takes corners very well and doesnt leave me feeling like Im driving a toy box.