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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  Dual clutch sucks - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Arthur James - September 23 - 7:42 am

  Do not buy this my brand new ford focus se makes grinding noises and trembles when its going from 1 st to 2nd gear.

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  Easy rider - 2008 Ford Focus
  By FOCUSED - September 22 - 9:13 am

  I love my new Focus. The ride is smooth and the leather smells heavenly every morning. After leaving a mid-size SUV I was afraid of missing the power and room but the Focus has ample power and tons of front leg room for me to reach out with my long legs. The trunk is very large and holds more than enough shopping and luggage for most. The back seat is small and would be good for small children. I am usually the only one in the car but the kids fit just fine when we get out together. I am thrilled with the 5 options for music. USB,MPG or I-pod, radio, 6 CD changer, and the best, Sirius. The car looks better tinted and I recommend purchasing aftermarket door edge gaurds. Happy trails!

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  Good mileage, handles well - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Mike Bretz - September 21 - 12:47 am

  No problems with vehicle. Good MPG in city/highway driving, very good MPG highway driving. Comfortable, and decent acceleration. ABS and 15" alloy wheels a must.

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  You get what you pay for - 2016 Ford Focus
  By J. Griffith - September 20 - 12:38 pm

  Cons: Bought a 2016 Focus S Sedan less than 3 weeks ago. Within the first 400 miles of driving it the passenger side rear wheel cap fell off. This wasnt covered by the warranty. Luckily the parts are so cheaply made that it only costs $36 to replace, although this should not be occurring with a brand new vehicle. Vibrations are also noted in the front seat roof storage panel, possibly from a loose part. Being an S model, the panel is merely for show and has no direct access without taking the entire panel off. An unnecessary feature in my opinion. Acceleration is minimal at best and the rear seats offer little leg room if you are a taller driver. On the manual transmission model the pedals have a cramped feel; the clutch could be offset to the left by 3-4 inches. Pros: Basic model (S trim) still offers Ford Sync and a rear backup system with monitor. Instrument panel is well laid out. Spacious seating in the front if you dont mind compromising for rear seat leg room. Smooth shifting with a manual 5-speed transmission. Fuel efficient for both city and highway driving.

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  Focus was good for first year, stinks now - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Manfredo Sauce - September 14 - 5:46 am

  Saucy car but breaks down after a year. It was awesome in high school, then i had to keep going for recalls to the dealership, and a noise from the rear wheel never went away - even after having the dealership fix it 3 times in a row! They probably just sit around and wish I would forget about the problem but its difficult when youre driving with noise in the back of your car and you get embarrassed when people ask you waht the noises are. Its fun to drive but the road noise is killing me. I wouldnt be surprised if my hearing decreased due to this car. All my family buys is Fords but i am disappointed.

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  Great car! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Prash - September 11 - 9:14 pm

  My wife and I bought this car since it was exactly 14k. Corolla and Civic were more expensive and Sentra had worse mileage. I did not want another Accord because of the price. I have had this car for about 3 yrs now and now have 103k miles on it. I never changed the tires until one blew up at 102k, Jiffy Lube messed up my gas line due to a gas filter change and I had to get the entire gas line replaced. Other than changing oil, trans oil, coolant, tires, serpentine belt..no major problems. I would recommend this car to everyone. I drive 170 miles everyday and get about 33-36mpg. Why would I want a hybrid giving me 40k and costing me 24k?

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  Reminds me of... - 2012 Ford Focus
  By dq64 - September 10 - 5:45 am

  Ive only been driving my Focus about a week and half and that might be a bit too early for Edmunds wishes for the sake of this board, but I will check in here as I drive more. I just wanted to say that the last time I felt so "right" in a new car before my Focus was my 1988 Honda CRX Si. I remember the 1st week or two of that car was pure perfection. Ive had 4 new cars and 1 used since (Del Sol, Integra GSR, Subaru WRX, Mustang GT, 1998 Subaru Impreza) and none have felt as precise or pleasing as this. I just think its worth noting that I never thought Id find another car that felt as good as my CRX.

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  should be a class action lawsuit against ford - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Beezies3 - September 9 - 6:48 pm

  Ford has known since 2003 that the dual clutch was no good yet they put it in my 2012 Ford Focus.

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  Shuttering Take Offs - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Penny Boyles - September 9 - 1:10 pm

  My 76 year old mom bought her a Ford Focus brand new. The road noise was terrible - to the point you couldnt hear the person sitting next to you talk. Cresent Ford in High Point NC kept saying there was nothing wrong. I went to the dealership with her and after much conversation and driving the model above - Ford Focus Hatchback - she decided to trade. She got an extended warranty to cover the car during the entire loan. Now this car is doing the same thing and more. The road noise has increased - similar to the previous Focus. In addition, the car has a shuttering when you excel from a stop. We took it back and after several months waiting on a part - the dealership fixed the problem (so they said). It has only been a couple of months and the shuttering has started AGAIN!!!! Im going back with her again. They are going to fix this car or give her one that doesnt do it. Dealership wouldnt make it right. They said it was "normal" and was not anything that needed repair. If that was the case, why did they try to fix something that wasnt broke? We was able to work with another Dealership - Modern Nissan - in a trade. She now drives a Toyota Camry and is thrilled to be rid of her Ford headache

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  ford focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By sarahsnell - September 9 - 2:00 am

  i love everything about my car!!