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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  Ill always have a ZX3 in my driveway. - 2004 Ford Focus
  By QueenBecca84 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  My experience with a ZX3 2000 Ford Focus Hatchback 2 door has been really awesome. I fell in love once my eyes set on her. I have a really bad obsession with this car.

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  Oh Yeah! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By beetle_chick_cj - July 28 - 2:00 am

  As a poor college student this car was my first choice. It is very economical (the price and the amount I save on gas). I recommend this car to anyone! It is very roomy inside and is extremely quiet!

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  My Focus... - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Candra - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Focus since October 2000. It gets good fuel mileage and if you take good care of your car, it will take good care of you.

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  My Ford Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By LaraLynn - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I love my Focus.....it is perfect for what I needed financially, economically and relistically. The back seat has planty of room to seat confortabely, and the front seat has plenty of leg room, even for my 64" boyfriend. I am impressed with its power and gas mileage, it does very well out on the open highway and on long road trips. I am very pleased with my purchase!!

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  great car to own - 2004 Ford Focus
  By sr - July 28 - 2:00 am

  great car to own

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  Analyzing 2003 Ford Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Richard - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I belive this is the best car yet. Ive been through many, and this ones the greatest thus far. Thank you, Richard Fulcher @ MawMaws52@aol.com

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  THE BEST IVE OWNED - 2004 Ford Focus
  By angichaos - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing. I have bought 2 brand new focuses in the past two years. These cars are fun, fast and they look great.

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  great car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By lakidafam - July 28 - 2:00 am

  i just love my car i always wanted one since i first seen one in 2000 when they first came now i have it i just love it

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  Ford - A car that is a mistake - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Ford - fix - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This is a joke of a vehicle. My cousin bought a new Focus. From day one she had problems with this auto. During her first 1000 miles of driving the transmission needed to be fixed three times. At 1800 miles the battery failed. At 2700 miles - the brakes failed, yes at 2700 miles the brakes failed. Her dealer was useless. The zone representative was of no assistance. She will never buy a ford and I would never own one either.

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  THANK GOD FOR FORD MOTOR COMPANY - 2004 Ford Focus
  By chrissy - July 28 - 2:00 am

  MY VEHICLE BEFORE I PURCHASED MY LITTLE ZOO-ZOO WAS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. IT HAD ALL THE LUXURY OF AN SUV, BUT THE GAS MILEAGE WAS A LITTLE HARD TO SWALLOW DUE TO THE FACT THAT I TRAVEL 55 MILES A DAY TO WORK. AFTER PURCHASING THE FOCUS, MY GAS WORRIES WERE GONE. I DO APPROM. 300 MILES ON A TANK OF GAS AND I LOVE THE SLEEKNESS AND COMFORT OF MY VEHICLE. I WOULD ADVISE EVERYONE TO AT LEAST TEST THE FOCUS AND EXPERIENCE THE LITTLE ZOO-ZOO FOR YOUR SELF.