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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  Great Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By 2112Rush - August 15 - 5:33 pm

  This Focus has been the most reliable and fun car that we have had so far. Its is great with gas. Only big problem that weve had with it is something with the timing belts. But overall it has been a great car, very, very reliable. And the price isnt bad either.

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  My 01 Focus was great, just bought 08.. - 2008 Ford Focus
  By new 08 focus - August 15 - 3:10 pm

  Cant say anything at all bad about my Ford experience with regards to Focus. After owning an 01 since new with well over 100k mi and superb reliability I gladly bought a new 08 Focus and its head and shoulders better than my beloved 01! I havent sold my 01, what does that tell ya. Great fuel mileage and comfort not to mention quite peppy even with smallest 4cyl motor choice. Great car for 1st time buyer as well as older frugal guy like me,

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  Hot pick - 2000 Ford Focus
  By InfernoJ - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Purchasing the Focus ZX3 is definately one of the best choices I have made thus far. The new sportier design and its compact, but roomy size made some heads turn whenever I drive by a crowd. The ZX3 has definately made a statement; this new sporty car is here to stay.

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  Nice, dependable (so far) - 2002 Ford Focus
  By John - August 14 - 10:30 pm

  We bought our Focus from a private party who wanted to get out of his Ford lease he had through the family. We couldnt pass up the deal, and bought it, even though we wanted a Civic. Knock on wood...so far its been great. Its roomy, runs great (although it has that little Fordish-tractorish purr), requires little gas, and handles well. My wife is a teacher, and we needed a reliable vehicle. If you are in a similar situation, I highly recommend this car. Trust me, I spent 2 weeks researching all compacts, and this ones got most bang for our buck.

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  Good car, good price - 2006 Ford Focus
  By jacob - August 14 - 1:23 am

  I bought this car in December of 2006, and after previously owning a Mustang I thought it would be less fun to drive, but I really like it. It gets great gas mileage about 25 city/37highway. It is also great for long distance road trips and after having it for 1 1/2 years now I havent had any problems at all. The car is fun to drive and a great commuter for anybody.

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  Satisfied Driver - 2012 Ford Focus
  By ave345 - August 14 - 12:28 am

  I am a college student and my Ford Focus now has 1000 miles. What can I say, I absolutely love my car. I am a car enthusiast and come from a family who has owned Fords since the 1980s. The transmission takes getting used to but once you know how it performs the ride is good. I got my Focus in silver and let me tell you it is a head-turner. Learn how the transmission shifts and you will see the power and economy work.

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  Poor Car - 2015 Ford Focus
  By Karen Frye - August 13 - 11:55 am

  If I would have read the reviews before I bought this car I would have never bought it. Culutch issues Ford refuses to fix it because its not bad enough to replace yet. Over all the car is nice, its sporty, drives good. I have always stood by a ford Not sure now Stay away from Ford Focus

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  Not The Best - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Jennifer - August 12 - 10:53 am

  My dad originally bought this car for me for my first car. I will say that for a first time driver, it is decent. Very easy to drive. For the few years I owned it, I never had any mechanical problems with it. The 4cyl. engine, in my opinion, is way too small. Awful pickup on the highway. It is very low to the ground and had a tendency to bottom out. Also, not really good in the snow. Decent MPG though. I ended up trading it in for a 07 Jeep Liberty, which I love and would recommend to someone over the Focus.

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  Swaying Impressions - 2003 Ford Focus
  By WrstPirateever - August 10 - 8:28 pm

  For a 2 door, this thing is fun to drive. Pretty good acceleration, and plenty of trunk space once the back seat is folded down. I couldnt believe it when I fit my new 42 inch TV in there and noone else could either! The back seat is useless for passengers unless they have no legs. Very tight quarters back there. Now for the bad. Ive never had so much trouble with traction especially on wet roads. I also have less than 60,000 miles and Ive already had to have a brand new transmission put in (luckily covered under warranty) and new tie rod ends. Now Im having issues with what I believe is the air intake control. Finally, this thing eats through tires like crazy

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  2 month review - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Biker8 - August 10 - 7:10 pm

  Bought the car for work/commute 2 months ago as gas prices were just eating me alive. Drive about 30k/yr. After ablut 5k mi, Ive had no issues. The car has 29k mi. I do have a wheel bearing noise in front otherwise, everything else works fine. Im actually surprised how comfortable the car rides. Performance is reasonable. Car looks somewhat cheap inside however, its not an expensive car. For the money, its much less expensive than its Japenese counterparts & much better than its American counterparts. Overall, for the money I definintely buy another Focus. By the way, Im getting over 30 mpg combined. I am however, conscious about how I drive it.