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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  JUNK JUNK JUNK - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Angela - April 3 - 1:29 am

  This car is JUNK! Transmission slips, nothing but issues after having it for 2,000 miles. brought car in they wouldnt fix it until the 3rd time i went with the mechanic. WOSRT CAR EVER! I WILL NEVER BUY FROM FORD AGAIN!! Corporate is USELESS, all they said was they cant do anything about it. JUNK

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  Loved my first one so much, bought 2nd - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Dr Dean - March 30 - 12:01 am

  Purchased an 07 Focus SE 4 Sdn (Kiwi Green Met.) for the wife in Feb 08. After driving it on weekends and enjoying the ride, gas mileage, and overall feel, I traded in my personal business (ministry) car for a second 2007 Focus SE (Infa Red) with sport appearance pkg and 6-CD. Would definitely recommend this car to someone looking for a good handling, fun to drive, and good gas mpg car!

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  Never Owned a Ford Before - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Pandora3d - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I am not one of those that get into the whole heated debate about Ford vs. Chevy, etc. Some have given me hell about owning a Ford, but I cant complain. (yet) Not that Im expecting things to go wrong, just have my eyes open in case. I love my little Focus ZTS and I think it looks sleek, sharp and sexy. I enjoy the sound system (not so sure my fellow commuters do...) and the EASE of steering. I am a happy first-time FORD owner. Thank you!

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  Cute, fun car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Dugan - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought this as a 2nd vehicle to save gas. Shopped around, bought base model no extras, not even A/C. Ford had best deal and rebate at the time. Fun, sparky little car and gets me back and forth to work, thats why I bought it. Enjoy so much have used on occasion for other uses, have a Jeep Cherokee also. Dont know if I would drive Focus in the winter, not completely satisfied with performance in rain.

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  I HATE this car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Ranita - March 28 - 8:23 am

  I have had my car for 7 months now and I have had so many problems with this vehicle. Theres no power locks and the brake are already bad. This was my first car so I REALLY had no idea what I was getting in to.

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  Awful - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Richard - March 27 - 12:26 pm

  Picked this up just over a year ago with 38,000 miles on it & over a year of original powertrain warranty left. Since then, its been into the shop many times. Ive spent over $3,000 repairing this vehicle, replacing the a/c compressor, the a/c condenser, the alternator, the tensioner pulley, & the front sway bars amongst other things. None of the repairs were covered by the warranty. The car now has 47,300 miles on it, & I cant wait to trade it in. In my opinion, I think that overall, its a good idea poorly executed, put together with poor quality parts.

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  Great on gas, bad in snow. - 2002 Ford Focus
  By ScottK. - March 27 - 11:45 am

  I had my Focus for one year and put on 15k. I didnt have any mechanical issues at all. The car was great on gas, about 25-36mph, city/highway. The car was unstable at highway speeds in snow even though it had traction control. I crashed the car in snowy conditions and was able to walk away with only 2 small scratches. Id get another one, but wouldnt drive it long distances in poor winter weather.

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  Love my car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Trent - March 26 - 4:40 pm

  So far the car has been a blast to drive. The 5 speed manual trans is smooth and the clutch is very responsive. road noise is a thing of the past so far, and I love the responsivness of the suspension and steering.

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  One of the best cars - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Phil Springer - March 26 - 8:13 am

  Absolutely love this car. One of the best I have ever driven, fun every time I get in it. Really changes the concept back to driving and away from commuting. I wish the mileage was a little better, especially since it takes premium. Also, it eats tires like the Cookie Monster, but it is a fair trade, I will take it any day. Cant say enough, too bad Ford stopped making them, not enough performance. It definitely isnt a drag car, but luckily, the real world has corners, and that is were this car puts a HUGE grin on your face!

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  OK but fun - 2001 Ford Focus
  By eric - March 25 - 10:15 pm

  The 2001 ZX3 is an OK car. I had one since the beginning and its been OK. This car balances out with a lot of trips to the dealer for fixes but pretty dang fun drive when you get it back. There is too much rattling inside at around 50,000 miles but everything still holds on strong. One thing I am very happy with is its performance on the highway. This car can somehow cruise at 85 miles an hour at only 3500 rpms! I get around only 20 miles a gallon at that speed but sometimes its worth it.