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:

• 

  STAY AWAY - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Izzy Schwartz - August 3 - 12:19 pm

  Dual-clutch auto trans is a living nightmare. It was horrible originally, is still terrible. ITS A FAILED DESIGN. If youre considering a Focus, go rent one (with 10-15k miles on it) for a week or so and drive it on your normal routes.

• 

  trust me dont buy one. Im a professional driver - 2013 Ford Focus
  By mark lacroix - August 2 - 12:01 pm

  Let me first start off by saying Im a professional truck driver for over 20 years Ive owned my own trucks and I know how to get the most out of vehicles . This car has severe transmission problems. I naught a Ford focus 2013 to reduce fuel and to have a little fun in it. I put 122000 miles on it . Yes that wasnt a typo. 122,000 miles. Comuting to sanbernadino to hinckley daily 94 miles one way. First I experienced at around 80 thousand miles the computer module completely went out left me stranded in the middle of the dessert for hours. Towed it back. They fixed. 2nd time at 122 thousand going up the mountain towards big bear dam near killed me and 5 people behind me transmission said it was overheating and went to crawl mode and completely disengaged while cars behind me were spinning put to try to avoid me there was no turn out to get the car too. Finally got it back to dealer and same problem but this time that computer module actually prematurely wore out the clutch witch they wanted 1800 to fix the computer module was still under warranty but they would not fix clutch. I tied to trade it in they would only give me 2500 credit to the car. Yes you Hurd me write 2,500. they know that car is a pile [non-permissible content removed]!!! I had a 2003 ford ficus with 267,000 miles on it and it ran like a top same motor same clutch. Someone T boned it sadly. So I thought I would get same mileage out of new one. Another thing is suspension it wore out to quick and gave tires flat spots witch led to a bummpy ride. Please take it from me get rid of this car as fast as you can. There menu more problems with this car but I dont feel like writing a book about it.

• 

  2014 shaky focus hatch - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Bill - August 2 - 7:56 am

  Transmission is worst Ive ever seen. Auto that feels like its slipping. Terrible lag. Dealer (Freeway Ford) says thats normal for this type of transmission. JUNK transmission. Dont buy an automatic Focus.

• 

  My 2nd Ford Focus - 2013 Ford Focus
  By TNugent - August 1 - 7:10 pm

  My 2013 Ford Focus SE hatchback is a terrific vehicle. We still have our 2001 Ford Focus ZX3 hatchback - 250,000+ miles and still a very reliable vehicle. Both are manual 5-speed transmission. The 2013 performs well in acceleration, road handling and on ice/snow. The only complaint i have about the 2013 SE hatchback is the quality of the "cargo cover". Its been falling apart (on the ends/connection) since a few weeks after I purchased the vehicle in August, 2013. I sent a note to Ford Motor Co never received a response. It gets 28-35 mpg normally the max mpg was about 50 mpg when driving a country highway for 30-40 miles at 50 mph. Overall, I like the head room/leg room for driver/front passenger, sunroof works well I purchased the winter package. Overall satisfaction is 9.5 out of 10.0 (due to cargo cover being poorly designed/materials).

• 

  I should have heeded warnings. - 2014 Ford Focus
  By MollyRose - August 1 - 12:07 pm

  We purchased the Titanium package 2014 Focus in August 2014. It was sort of a rushed purchase because of a situation we had at home. At first we loved it. It was comfortable and efficient and looked pretty decent for a 4-door sedan. It now (Aug 2015) has about 4000 easy miles. It has always been babied and garaged and serviced regularly. We were thinking all along "why are people complaining about the Focus?" NOW we know. At the low mileage of 4000, last night the car showed us its real performance. It started jerking and fluttering and stopping and starting, really scary on the road. Then the engine light came on. We made it home thank goodness. Were taking it to the dealer Monday and I am already anticipating a scene or non-help from what I have read on numerous reviews. This really irks me. We bought a brand-new car thinking it would last at least 10 years for us (like most of our non-Ford cars have always done). This is our very first "lemon." What happens remains to be seen, but I am not optimistic. The salesman looked us straight in the eye on the day we purchased this car and smiled and said, this is a "great little car." What a joke. He HAD to know the problems.

• 

  Transmission from hell! - 2014 Ford Focus
  By bgalicia - July 29 - 11:12 am

  Dont even think about getting the automatic transmission. I have taken it in 5 times and it does not get any better just took it in and still not fixed- shuttering, nonresponsive between 0 and 20 mph. Rides good at speeds of 20 and above bit will experience whiplash in stop/go traffic. Ford downplays any issue their Customer Relations Dept. reacts as if this is new to them. These guys have left the consumer and their dealers holding the bag. This was my 3rd consecutive Ford purchase but "no mas"!

• 

  161,000 MILES and still going - 2009 Ford Focus
  By cHaSech - July 26 - 10:14 pm

  I got this maybe two years ago, put a lot of good miles on it. Weve finally reached 161,000 miles and its still AWESOME!!! i get about 27.5 mpg I could be getting better mpg.. "bad driving habits" Mine personally doesnt have a lot of the features. I have cloth seats "normal staining".. Only real complaint is that the non-leather steering wheels is not in the best of condition.. The steering wheel is cheap rubberish crap, slowly coming apart. Everything else about the car is great! Been a huge blessing to be driving. Thanks!

• 

  My first car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Taylor - July 25 - 10:20 pm

  This is my first car that I paid for myself. I bought it used for $7,000 at 120,000 miles. It was previously owned by the son of the car dealership owner so its basically still in brand new condition. Ive now had it for 3 years. Ive had to replace the alternator and battery and a part for the fan vents. It sticks and the cheap plastic piece broke so I couldnt use defrost because it was stuck on front vents. The interior is pretty much 100% cheap plastic and everything rattles and makes quite a bit of noise when driving, however, the car has never NOT gotten me where I need to go. On top of that, I love the fact that it has 5 cup holders. I also had the chance to test drive one of the newer Focus models back when I bought this car 3 years ago and noticed that the visibility in the 2005 was actually better in my opinion.

• 

  Unforeseen Transmission Problems - 2014 Ford Focus
  By C Alan - July 24 - 2:49 pm

  I didnt like the transmission in my new 2014 Ford Focus the first time I test drove the car. I was told by my Ford dealer that it was a new system that would "adjust to my driving." It was fine for the first 7,500 miles but soon after it started to shutter, rumble, and vibrate at stops and jump while going into second gear. I havent noticed any problems on the highway but in reading the other reviews, Im scared. I just brought car in to the dealership where I bought it and they didnt appear to be upfront about the problems. When I badgered them, they told me the transmission was on an extended warranty and they have heard about the Focuss transmission problems. When I asked about a technical service bulletin regarding the transmission, they were once again quiet. They called me to say they werent "experiencing anything too bad" and they would see if it met "Fords specifications." I dont care if the car meets Fords specifications or not. I am upset. I bought a new car and I expected it to work with a fully functional transmission and the dealership can tell me all day that theres nothing they can do because the car meets Fords specifications. Im not going to stop until I have a car that works like it should. If I could got back in time 11 months and tell myself to buy a Honda Fit, I would.

• 

  FOUND ON ROAD DEAD ...comfy to wait for help in? - 2014 Ford Focus
  By christa - July 21 - 5:13 pm

  roll back on hill: I have had several instances where this has almost caused an accident on the road where my car that was a safe distance in front of other cars began to roll backwards having to hit my gas or press my breaks in order to prevent impact. My car has rolled over 10ft backwards. Auto max keeps saying its what its "SUPPOSED" to do saying that and the shuddering, shifting hard and jumping is too. Contacted Temple Tx ford and explained the situation and how we were being treated and they had us meet this time with the actual technician for ford at Automax in Killeen where he witnessed the roll back first hand and my husband having to intervene by pressing the gas to go forward before hitting a dealership car. He seemed very surprised and told us right away it was unnatural and he would definitely need to contact ford to look into it further. We went back into service where he told the Service guy what had happened, service continued to claim rolling back 10 feet or more was normal and the tech began to agree...within five minutes... we are paying extra to insure that if we have to leave it with them like we have been needing to do so much we would have a car since both my husband and I need to work. WE HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE to use a car being told that they dont have one available and there is a waiting list to get them. They have recently bought a shuttle bus to haul everyone with. I have NEVER SEEN a loaner car by the way. they kept the car for a week only doing the one thing they only do...Reset the computer. We have done this 3 times and I will be taking it in again since my problem hasnt been fixed