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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  4DR Titanium - 2012 Ford Focus
  By jaybar2 - March 25 - 8:48 pm

  Weve had the Focus Titanium for a couple of months now and all I can say is that I cant believe this is a FORD. This car drives and handles like a much more expensive car and the best part is the handling. My wife who is not a car person commented last week that she likes how the car handles. This from a person who doesnt know the difference between a BMW or a Yugo so if she noticed the handling you know it has to be good. The gas mileage is pretty unbelievable and I mean unbelievable, yesterday I was cruising at a steady 65 MPH on the highway and eventually the computer showed 45.2 MPG! In town Im getting well over 30mpg, the highway mpg is in the diesel range! 40-45mpg.

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  Commuter - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Jeremy - March 25 - 1:46 pm

  2007 SES sedan 5MT. This car was purchased as a commuter car to keep from putting so many miles on the Mustang and to do my part to help reduce my carbon footprint. Purchased for its base cost, fuel economy, and because its a Ford (Im a Ford guy). So far (after 7 months and 14,000 miles) it has met my expectations for an economy car. Fuel economy has been between 30 and 37 mpg, and power, although not overwhelming, is acceptable with the 5-speed. Styling is more grown-up than the 1st-gen and the current Focus. Everything works like it should. My cars are all well- maintained, so Im interested in how this one holds up over the years.

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  Worn Brakes - 2004 Ford Focus
  By JohnNV51 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  We really enjoy the car. My youngest daughter is the primary driver. Since we have owned it, several of my co- workers have purchased one for their teenagers. The handling is quick and the car has a nice feel on the road at highway speeds. The sound system is nice and the seats are comfortable. We like the fold down rear seats as we can fit the snow boards inside.

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  Excellent - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Ohio consumer - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Wow great little car.Zippy! It really is fun to drive and deceptivly roomy interier.

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  2001 ford focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By cab - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2001 Ford Focus. I have the high performance tires on the car which suck if you live in the Northeast. They are horrible on bumps and have had bubbles in them caused by hitting potholes. Hello this is the notrtheast. If the tire can not take potholes then dont sell cars with that type of tires in the northeasr. sell them only in phoenix. I have had constant emission problems. Thank god they were covered by the warranty. The paint has rusted & chipped out by the trunck. Which was covered by warranty. At 40,000 miles my starter went and i had to pu a new one in .

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  This should have been a LEMON Vehicle - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Elisa Maldonado - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought in 6/00 a brand new Ford Focus 2000. To make the long story short, I have had to have 5 fuel pumps put in the car. Has left me on the street, shop had my vehicle for 3 months, could not figure out what was wrong with it. Co worker at work has similiar problems that I had, she has traded the car since. Her vehicle was newer than mine.

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  great car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By danny123 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my Focus since 9/27/01 and its been a great car. Its fun to drive and totally reliable. Ive never had one thing go wrong with it.

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  Love my Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By wildways58 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I was a not looking for a car when I bought my Focus,I had been looking for a SUV. We needed sometning big enough for a family of five. My Focus had been great,We all love it.It has plenty of room for everyone and great trunk space.I will look at anopther focus when it is time to trade.

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  Love this Car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Chankanaab - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Im a big guy - 64" - and laughed when the dealer told me Id find the Focus comfortable, but he was right. Its so much bigger inside than youd ever think, and Ive been really glad that I bought it. Its a reliable, zippy little car. Great for commuting, great on gas mileage. Huge trunk. Id recommend it to anyone.

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  World Ford Lemon - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Fjorda DCheape - March 23 - 2:00 am

  After purchase, I feel abandoned by World Ford. [Although, I did get solicitations for auto insurance] Engine idles roughly -- enough to shake the vehicle. Cuts completely out when coasting with the clutch in. Frankly, I do not trust WF enough to take it back. I can see the $$$ now -- as I opted out of the maintenance trap - - a mistake, I suppose.