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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  Very Fun, Great Buy - 2006 Ford Focus
  By TB765 - September 8 - 9:37 pm

  I bought my 06 Focus SE sedan brand new and the car has never disappointed. The engine is very peppy and have great all around pickup and performance and it makes a great sound. Gas mileage is alright. i get between 28-32 mpg in normal driving. This car is probably the best handling, most fun to drive small car on the market. You can throw the tightest bend at it and you can take it very fast, and with absolutely no drama at all. Yes, the a/c compressor shuts off during acceleration, but it turns right back on so i dont really mind. The only bad things about this car is the quality of the interior and it hydroplanes sometimes in heavy rain. The finish on the radio is coming off in places.

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  Last Ford I will ever own after 20 years. - 2014 Ford Focus
  By nobrandnames - September 7 - 11:12 am

  This is the worst car I had ever owned in my life. My first Chevy as a teenager beats this junk, and it was total junk. Good luck with getting parts made in Mexico Ford; like the transmission. I am buying VW for now on. This is the first car and with only 20000 miles I cant wait to trade it in. I would trade it for a lawn mower; at least it will get me places. transmission skips and you take it in and they say it is fine. My old sales man offered to trade for a fusion but afraid trading it in for one piece of junk for another. I feel sorry for the person who bought a fiesta.

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  Focus SE fun & cool WHEN not in service - 2001 Ford Focus
  By dbhero - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I really wanted to like this car, it fits what I need to fit in it, and it is fun to drive. My hubby liked his, though he never bothered to fix some minor quirks. Unfortunately, mine has been in the shop TOO many times! The service light kept coming on for various reasons causing 4 return visits within the 1st 1.5 months & several since. The seatbelts broke in the back, the CD player ate my CDs. I traded in my van for this because I needed dependability, wondering if I should have kept 1997 van. Anyone interested in a class action /lemon law?

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  I dont know what your problem is? - 2000 Ford Focus
  By rll - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive put 58,000 miles on my zx-3 in a year and half. These miles are combined freeway, mountain, and L.A stop & go. this thing has been perfect. Nothing to do but change the oil, Im still on my original set of brake pads. As a long time Benz owner(5), I bought this as a disposable car, I had no expectations of a E55 or similar. Ford has done their homework on this one, this thing is a blast to drive, especially on empty curvy roads. Im probably going to give this to my teen-age daughter and get me the SVT. Even with the dealers gouging, Im thousands ahead of the small Benz coupe, and it will be alot more fun to drive.

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  WOW!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By adam swenski - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I like this vehicle soo much, when it breaks down in like 12 years, i am hoping to buy another. Thanx FORD!

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  SVT Focus - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Russell - September 7 - 7:10 am

  LOVE the car! My first Ford, and it surely wont be my last either!!

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  So much Better than Expected. We Love it... - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Ken Smith - September 6 - 8:25 am

  I was hesitant in purchasing this car based on reviews related to the tranny. I had purchased several vehicles; however, from Jordan Ford with exceptional service through the years, so because it was certified, and because we liked the sporty looks, we took the plunge. We noticed the slight surge with the transmission, and I asked the service manager about it. He said; "you traded in a hot rod five-speed Mustang for this and you wound up with a hi-tech transmission that permits the features of an automatic transmission with the optional benefit of a sport shift manual". The engineering permits either option. "Youll notice a slight shudder initially accelerating in the fully automatic mode", he said. In the sport shift mode, youll control it much as you did your five-speed manual in the Mustang." My main driver is a pickup truck, but when the wife allows me to drive the Focus, I choose the sport shift mode which is lots of fun. We just completed a 2,300 mile road trip and the Focus performed like a champ. Wish my truck had that navigation system... We averaged 38 mpg on the trip and were quite comfortable, considering the size of the vehicle. Plenty of room for our stuff with the hatchback and the Ruby Red with oversized 18" wheels/tires and Titanium trim got lots of looks and nice comments. To those who dont understand the tranny, read the manual to get the gist of the sport transmission, and enjoy the ride!

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  My Focus - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Ken - September 5 - 8:46 am

  This is my second Ford Focus and I love it. It is fun to drive, great on vacations and a very comfortable small car.

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  2007 Focus ST Sedan - 2007 Ford Focus
  By auto - September 5 - 5:53 am

  This car is a lot of fun to drive, very quick at the start with a 2.3L Duratech 24. Tuned suspension system that keeps the body from rolling at high speed cornering. Great street appearance package that gets plenty of looks. Great trunk and back seat space in the sedan. Sweet looking interior complete with leather. Super nice Sony 6 disk sound system includes sub woofer in trunk. Love this car would recommend this car!

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  Focus ST - 2.3 Litres of Pure Fun! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By fast07st - September 4 - 12:58 pm

  I have the 2007 ST - a special performance model. The 2.3 L engine delivers good power (151 HP) and great torque (154 lbs) at a low rpm. It is more than adequate, better still can be easily improved. The cars upgraded suspension handles great at high speeds and is still comfortable to drive. Its very stable and responsive (the euro spec ST & SVT heritage helps here). Brakes are also very good with 4 wheel disk and ABS. Winter driving is helped by the traction control, heated seats & mirrors. Summer is fun w/ the sunroof, A/C & the great sounding Sony speakers and tuned stereo with a sub. I found the car very well optioned for the price. I look forward to drive it as much as possible.