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:

• 

  73,000 Miles and counting - 2000 Ford Focus
  By kadian - July 14 - 2:00 am

  For the price, performance, handling, overall comfort and economy have been great. Nice stereo, my mountain bicycle fits nicely in the back once front tire removed.

• 

  Not a good buy - 2003 Ford Focus
  By stanggirl - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car a year ago and within the past year have had nothing but problems. After exactly a year and some days my car would not run b/c the clutch switch went out. Not a good thing for a pretty new car taken well care of.

• 

  Fords best Focus EVER! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By cedartree84 - July 12 - 7:41 pm

  This car is beyond awesome! I previously had a 2010 Focus and this beats it in several major ways. The first is I am getting about 3-4 better MPG in this car than I did in the 2010. This is amazing considering I get about 20 more HP than the outgoing model. Next the interior quality is spectacular for a car in this class. I feel like there is a ton of room and the controls are very driver-centric. Speaking of driving, it is a dream to drive. It handles really well and taking it on a windy country road is a lot of fun. There a few minor things that Ford needs to address (which I will detail below) but all-in-all I would call this a home run.

• 

  Works great and takes the punishment - 2007 Ford Focus
  By trvlingsalesma - July 10 - 5:05 pm

  I bought htis car to use in travelling sales job. I have almost 72k miles on this car since 9/06 and only a few problems. As others have stated the Pirelli tires were gone at 20k miles. While under warranty cracked hub, broken stabilizer arm and brake drum were replaced. At 30k miles rear struts were replaced ( I sometimes carry excess of 350lbs in trunk and back seat). At 60k thousand miles had to replace alternator. I am large man 511" and weigh 300lbs, interior is roomy enough except on trips over 4 hrs. Driver side seat needs to be replaced, but that is my fault. Car still gets great gas mileage and is really quick. Fun to drive in mountains and never fails to go when pushed.

• 

  Fun in the twisties - 2000 Ford Focus
  By John - July 6 - 1:21 pm

  Its been a great first car. Had a few recalls, but Ford fixed them all no charge. Other than that, just replace a sensor or two (I have 90k miles) wheel bearings, brakes. But those are all wear items, so its not really a problem. Never left me stranded. OK power with the Zetec DOHC engine, 0-60 in a 5-speed takes under 9 seconds, which is fine for freeway merging. Handles great for such a cheap car, very fun when the road gets twisty.

• 

  Good car - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Caymro - July 6 - 5:33 am

  Horrible seats and SYNC sucks. Drive train great. Fender benders cause not much damge to body but a lot to other cars.

• 

  Wont buy a Ford again - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Dissatisfied Owner - July 4 - 3:01 pm

  Bought my car new and was fine until after I passed the "Lemon Law" limit. I only have 61000 miles on my car. Ive had nothing but problems with my car! In the shop constantly. Transmission went out, had radio replaced 6 times, now have an after market radio paid for by Ford, alternator and cellunoid went out, blower motor went out, mold in my A/C x 2 and getting poorer gas mileage. It makes the weirdest noises that my local dealer cant always find the cure for. Never did get the gas mileage it claimed to get. I purchased the extended warranty and was so glad I did! Id be in the "Poor House" now if I hadnt.

• 

  Youll Be Sorry... - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Future Honda Owner - July 4 - 10:00 am

  3 years and 5 (or is it 6) recalls later I can only say I wish I had gone with my first instinct and bought a Toyota or a Honda. I guess I just didnt believe that a "World Class Car" could really be so poorly executed by Ford Motor Company. My 36 month warranty ended in February of 2003 and Im looking at new front brakes (under 12K miles), repair of an engine oil leak and window molding that is falling off. My neighbor laughs and says it is traditional Detroit engineering - good enough to last through the warranty but no more.

• 

  solid choice - 2003 Ford Focus
  By tmk - July 4 - 10:00 am

  If you are thinking of buying a compact car, take a look at the Ford Focus. I looked at Hondas and Toyotas but settled on a beige 4 door Focus SE, and I have been really happy with this car. The ride is smooth and comfortable, as is the interior/seating. The exterior styling has grown on me, and now I am stoked on it. The trunk is freakin huge, big enough for trips or a trip to the grocery store. I got a 6 disc in dash player and this is worth the extra cash. Very safe car with the family in mind. You just cant lose on this car--especially with Ford offering mad cash back on the Focus, go get one!

• 

  Make My Next Car A Honda - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Chris Hosmer - July 2 - 12:33 pm

  I purchased this car two years ago and for the first 15,000 miles it was a great car. It now has 44,000 miles on it and it has been a nightmare! Besides the numerous recalls on this car, the following parts have been replaced: alternator,fuel pump,battery,I.P.S. sensor-twice!,drivers seat bracket-twice!,headlight lenses-three times!,rear wheel bearings- three times!,trans. computer reprogrammed-slamming into gears,fuel inj. computer reprogrammed-no starts!,front end linkage+tie rods!-And I dont beat on my car at all!