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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  I never thought I would drive a Ford - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Ibrat29 - October 2 - 5:56 pm

  I love this car, it is reliable and I have not had any problems. I got it to replace my Plymouth Breeze after I was in a auto accident. The color and the room in it is awesome, and its really comfortable for road trips. And the gas mileage is awesome, 26mpg around town, and 31mpg highway.

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  easy to find in any parking lot - 2014 Ford Focus
  By M. Rohde - October 1 - 5:07 am

  great value..reliable ...really good pick-up...love this car!

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  Fun Ride - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Robin - September 30 - 12:04 pm

  This small car has great get up and a very nice drive. It is comfortable on long trips.

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  Favorite car - 2007 Ford Focus
  By nwkent25 - September 30 - 10:56 am

  I have 50k on this car already-going back and forth from WA to TN and I could not ask for a better car. We did a trip across the country with 4 adults and we were all comfortable. We also spent only $380 in gas (Aug 08). I have the mileage up to 40 mpg. The only thing I have had to replace (besides maintence items) was a blinker bulb for $1.41. I have owned a lot of cars including a Volvo and a Lexus and several Hondas and this has been by far the best car I have owned. I will run this car until it has a million miles on it and go trade it in for another Focus. Get a 5 speed--it makes them way more fun to drive

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  Love the 5 door hatchback for hauling - 2005 Ford Focus
  By CJ - September 29 - 1:05 am

  Just adore the 5 door hatchback. I can move most anything, yet it is a classy car and much bigger on the inside than it seems. Great mileage and reliability with over 50K on engine. With the rear lights being so large yet sleek, I never worry about tailgaters anymore. They either stay back or go around once you hit them a couple times. Only problem is the additional CD holder handle broke on me.

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  170,000 miles on it - 2001 Ford Focus
  By xjandxj - September 28 - 12:56 am

  Just sold my ZX3 after 7 years, 170,000 miles. Fun, fun car to ride however, it has truly been unreliable pretty much from day one. Calipers, fuel pump, catalatyic converter, wheel bearings $500 dollar repairs 5 months in a row escape a few months and starts all over again finally sold. When running (second to none) on fun factor but not without cost.

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  Great Little Wagon for Price!! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Lisa Pelz - September 27 - 9:38 pm

  Love this vehicle! Handles well with awesome gas mileage! Holds all of my sons sporting equipment as one of the reasons why I have purchased this vehicle. Love the sunroof and the multi disc player. I bought extra, the net for groceries and the cargo cover for the back so you can hide your valuables. Handles great! Fits me like a glove. No where to put your purse but in the back seat. Unfortunately had one accident in it and we were all safe! Awesome!

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  Fun Little Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By James - September 27 - 5:06 pm

  I bought this car because I was traveling long distance to work, at first 120 miles on way now about 60. The gas mileage is good. I avergave about 30 mpg. I have really enjoyed having it. No major problems. I did have to replace the ignition switch once and the engine light stays on, Im told its because of where I buy my gas. I just find this a fun little car. My entire family enjoys the car. It goes good in the snow and wet roads as long as I take it nice and easy. Ford must have done something right with this one because I see lots of them on the road.

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  Excellent Choice - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Timothyc1984 - September 26 - 12:22 am

  The car has been an excellent traveling car. During the summer I drive it more then in the winter but thats because I have a 4x4 80s Toyota for the ice. The gas mileage is good, 26 in the city, 35 on the highway for the most part. It has great acceleration for a 4cyl on an automatic and it is very fun to drive. I did replace the radio in favor of one that has full iPod capability in summer 2008.

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  it is a nice car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Memphisian - September 25 - 1:10 pm

  I bought it to replace my old Ford Escort. Now my wife drives it and I drive it during weekends. Compared to my Ford Fusion, it is noisy. That is the only thing I can complain about. Man, this car is 4,000 dollar cheaper than Ford Fusion. Can they be the same? I own it for 3 years and only the CD player had problem and it was replaced by a brand new one without cost. Believe it? This car does not need to change air filter. The gas mileage is good, it is a great economic compact car.