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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  Comfortable, reliable car with great mileage - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Kristina Wieland - August 19 - 1:27 am

  I am very pleased with my 2014 Ford Focus. I get great gas mileage: 31 to 38 mpg in town with AC on and 41 to 48 mpg highway driving with AC on. I was a bit concerned with the slight shudder I sometimes get from the transmission when accelerating from a stop. The first service technician I talked to about this said it was normal for the Focus. I found this explanation unsatisfactory. During another stop at the dealership, another technician explained the mechanics of the Focus transmission and then the shuddering made sense. With almost 17K miles on my car, it has proven to be very reliable, comfortable and economical. I will definitely be purchasing a Ford the next time I shop for a car.

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  13 Focus = serious issues - 2013 Ford Focus
  By AGGambler - August 18 - 5:14 pm

  Research before you buy! Nothing but issues. Transmission trouble resulting in 4 dealer trips until recall replacement. Speakers emitting a high frequency noise (with cracking and popping) causing safety concern which Ford will not fix. I would caution against this vehicle. Too many complaints.

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  Do NOT buy this car - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Madison - August 18 - 7:19 am

  I bought my 2012 Ford Focus in September of 2014. I got it Pre-Certified with only 16,000 miles on it. When I test drove it, it was a great ride, pretty quiet, and comfy. I noticed a little jerking when starting from a dead stop and I thought it was just because it was touchier than my old car. So I fell in love with it and purchased it. About 2 months later, the jerking was so bad that my passengers were complaining about it. I took it into McCafferty Ford where I purchased it and had it serviced. The mechanic told me this was a common problem so he "reprogrammed" the transmission and sent me on my way. A month or two later I took it back and the clutch needed to be replaced after putting about 2,000 miles on it. Now, I am going through the same issue for the SECOND TIME IN LESS THAN A YEAR. When I go back to the dealership Thursday, I am claiming lemon law and getting a different car. I also got hit by a tractor trailer when I was merging because the transmission stuck and wouldnt accelerate. Its dangerous. Seriously, dont waste your money.

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  Terrible Transmission - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Adam Leibenguth - August 17 - 9:17 am

  Im usually not one to write a review on anything, but I just couldnt get over the terrible transmission on the 2014 Ford Focus automatic. I am at 12.5k miles, and the jerking/shaking between 1st and 2nd gear is consistently getting worse. I first noticed it around 5-7k miles and thought it was just in my head, but a few thousand miles later it was obvious to anyone riding along. From an outside perspective, I must look like a man who cant drive a manual car. The car jerks the worst if Im starting out from an incline. Once I get to 2nd gear the car seems fine, but living in a city with many stops, it is very uncomfortable. If only I had read some of these reviews earlier.

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  Stunning but NOT in a good way - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Model T - August 13 - 9:13 pm

  25,000 miles, Just picked up from dealership for the 4th time after transmission repair. It will go back for fifth time as soon as they can get a new clutch to install. Told by dealership it will take 4 to 8 weeks for part to come in as Ford has 30,000 on back order. I confirmed the backorder story with another local dealership and my coworker who is also waiting on a clutch. Tried to get Ford to buy back and the Dealership offered me $2900.00 less than Edmunds and NADA say is Fair Market Value. By my count the Dealership had sixteen 2013 and 2014s on their used car lot.......the whole ordeal is just stunning to me. I have read that Ford has no fix for the problem. They have the audacity to say this is not a safety problem yet the car stutters so bad when you try to accelerate it jerks you in your seat like a bumper car at a circus. I guess we will have to wait until people start dying ala the ignition switch issue another American car manufacturer ignored. Do not buy this car if you do you will regret it.

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  worst car I have ever owned! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Melissa - August 13 - 4:42 pm

  I have had problems with this car since I bought it in 2012. It first started with electrical problems, then transmission and now it just wont start. The parts to fix car are expensive. Ford charges 150 just to look at it. I will never buy another Ford! It is by far the worst car I have ever owned.

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  Do not recommend - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Lis - August 12 - 10:24 am

  Bought this car brand new back in 2011, I have had issues ever since. Taken to the dealership several times to be fixed and they never get fixed. Mainly transmission and the my ford touch technology. Just terrible.

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  Dont lose your Focus! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Michael Friedhoff - August 11 - 11:48 am

  Great little car! 38,000 miles so far and no issues. Looks great! Handles great! MPG could be better (average 28 mpg), but Im a little heavy on the accelerator...

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  transmission problems"only 6 months" - 2012 Ford Focus
  By D - August 7 - 4:34 pm

  I brought this car 6 months ago. At first I would hear a clicking sound when I slowed down and I took it to the dealership, and they told me that it was not cause of the dual clutch . So I didnt worry about it, but know it has a huge problem, where the engine makes a clicking sound when I turn the car on. When it does this the car wont go pass 30mph. I took it to the dealership about 3 times, were it stay in there for about a week and each time I get it back I drive it about two or three days and the problem comes back. So I figured the dealership doesnt know how to fix it , so they just get it and guess and take your money

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  Versitile Economy. - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Devon Nelson - August 6 - 10:19 am

  I bought my 05 ZX5 back in 2013 with 76k on the clock, it now has 93k and nothing major has gone wrong.The worst problem being the driver side rear door lock going out, I bought a used part and replaced it myself. I wish the fuel economy was better I seem to get 28mpg max but other then that the hatch has allowed me to haul big items and 4 doors make passengers getting in easier. My friend got a brand new Fiesta ST and its a pain to get in and out of and the car feels downright claustrophobic despite being a great deal faster. The Focus is a great used car bargain.