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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  Great Little Car! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Kaks - January 25 - 10:36 am

  Traded a 2002 Mustang GT for this car. I needed better gas mileage and so far I love this car just as much as my stang. Its comfy, zippy, and just looks awesome! Love all the gizmos! Great job Ford. Thanks for a great little "Gas Getter"!

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  Worst Car I EVER owned - 2001 Ford Focus
  By corncars - January 24 - 9:47 pm

  This is the worst car EVER! I did not want an American car, but my spouse insisted. This is like driving a time bomb! The dash board lights flash and blink, the radio works when it feels like and the speedo just stops abruptly! The dealer can not figure out what is wrong. It is leaking and burning oil and when the heat is on, the fumes fill the car, again, Ford has not explanation. It looked nice and sporty, but the inside is ROTTEN! Spend your money on a nice Toyota or Hyndai, at least youll get a 100,000 mile warranty!

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  Satisfied - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Mike Summers - January 24 - 3:10 pm

  I bought this car after I put $120 of gas in my truck and said enough is enough. The car has met all my expectations that I had for the small car. Im 62" and I recently took a day trip and it wasnt bad but I believe it wasnt built for me. I paid $13,650 drive out with no trade-in. I believe buying cars at the end of the month is best. This is my sixth new Ford I have purchased since 1976 and I will continue to by their products. I have checked two tanks fulls of gas for mpg and I have gotten over 33 mpg from both tanks. Its probably 75% highway and 25% around town.

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  Better than 28 MPG ! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By cjones - January 23 - 10:00 am

  Love this car.... I work for a Ford Dealer and decided on this car after a customer passed on a great deal. I havent looked back. I drive agressively and average better than 28 MPG with an EPA rating of 20/25! Its a joy to drive, but does need more torque at lower RPMs.

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  98,000 and still going! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By 03FOCUSlx - January 21 - 8:23 am

  I purchased this car 2 years ago with 32,000 miles on it. At 55,00 miles the ignition had to be replaced $150. At 75,000 timing belt and tensioner broke and left me stranded, also needed battery, spark plugs & wires, crank sensor. Repair cost was $1000. Then 95,000 miles and six months later, the tensioner broke again, left me stranded -- $350 more dollars. Then at 97,000 miles the battery cable fell off from the starter, had to be towed, $77. At 98,500 it went back because the check engine light was on, it then needed a, oxygen sensor for $130. Now I guess it is fine, still running good, never put brakes on it yet; just tires and oil changes. Overall for having 100,000 miles on it, it is a pretty good little car!

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  Enjoying my new Focus - 2007 Ford Focus
  By LR - January 20 - 12:16 am

  This is the best car I ever bought, so far. It has plenty of get-up and go. It feels like a sports car, (I opted for the sports package with upgraded rims and tires). Great gas mileage. All around, fun and sporty car!

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  do not buy this car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Emilee - January 19 - 1:32 pm

  I have had my ford focus for one year and so far my ignition has gone out, my clutch has gone out, my fuel injector has gone out, my power steering has gone out, my windows have stopped going down and much more. Do not purchase this car. IT will be the worst mistake you ever make. I am still paying $200 a month for my mistake and cant get out of it because i am upside down in it.

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  Way more fun than a Toyota Corolla - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Hocus Focus - January 15 - 10:39 pm

  I bought this car brand new, and have owned it for almost eight years. Its been a blast to drive and way, way more reliable than my previous car (Toyota Corolla). Only major complaint was an ignition lock problem in year seven, which by then was out of warranty and cost $250 to replace. Being a 1st year model it had a few recalls but they were fixed quick, free, and easy. Fuel economy (23 city, 33 highway) was a little lower than expected. Handling was a MAJOR positive surprise. Braking fine, replaced once at 51K. Front and Rear headroom impressive - a friend who is 63" fits in the back seat with no complaints... and he even works for GM. 5-speed manual shifts fine, clutch is a breeze.

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  2005 ZX4 ST - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Felipe - January 14 - 4:03 pm

  I originally bought this vehicle for my wife and I have now been driving it since we bought an SUV. I havent had any problems whatsoever with this vehicle.

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  Problems?...Not Fords. - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Derek Ripley - January 14 - 3:10 pm

  I have had this car for almost a year, I bought it with about 65k miles on it. I have never had any problems with this car other than ones that I solved, and they were problems that I could have avoided. Its fun to drive, gets better than est. gas mileage.