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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  Bang for your buck!! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Army19k - January 14 - 1:15 pm

  Recently getting back from Iraq, I felt like I needed something that would be suit me performance wise and in style. I had done so many months of research and was looking at the Nissan SE-R Spec V and Civic SI-R. But when I came across the Focus SVT I was quite impressed with the performance and standard options. Styling of this car interior wise is awesome. When you stomp on the gas you get pushed back in your seat. 0-60 in 7 seconds and the tuned suspension makes the car handle so amazing. Now, the check engine light is one of the pains that come with this car. The IMRC and O2 sensors always seem to cause problems but usually arent anything huge. Aftermarket for this car are endless.

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  A blast to drive - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Floci - January 14 - 2:00 am

  We bought it 15 months ago new, and both my wife and myself are still in love with it. Handles like a sports car and nothing has gone wrong with it. It has 24000 km on it. I have nothing bad to say about this car. So far it is a very joyful experience owing one.

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  Basically, a very good car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Lance - January 12 - 4:53 pm

  Low mileage car when I bought it. 2.0 Zetec, 5 spd. I drive it conservatively & get 35mpg overall. Love hatchback room & a pity it is no longer offered. A very good, reliable car, new, or used, for the money.

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  Great & Fun little car. - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Nick - January 11 - 3:17 pm

  Before my Focus I drove a 93 Escort. This Focus with the 5-speed manual is a much better car. I dont really have any gripes about the car. Gas mileage is good, and the car is very peppy, and handles great. Love the sound system, I got the 6 disc changer/ MP3 stereo. Sharp looking car in black.

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  2018 Ford Focus - 2018 Ford Focus
  By Brittani - January 10 - 4:26 pm

  Well I just bought it with only 18 miles on it . Drives really good . I have no complaints so far . I really like the Focus and hope it lasts me awhile. Will do an update later on it once I drive it some more

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  Nimble and Thrifty - 2012 Ford Focus
  By rholzman - January 9 - 2:46 pm

  Have put 3000 miles on an SE with the sport package. Yes the transmission takes some getting used to and perhaps some wear in on the part of the car - it feels a little like a novice driving a manual transmission at first. The car handles well with even less body roll in the corners than the Acura Integra I drove and loved years ago. The brakes are superb and I suggest going with the sport package to get discs on the rear wheels if you get an SE. I am 65" and there is plenty of room up front for me. Averaging 32 mpg in mostly suburban driving. Overall this is a fine car.

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  Ford Quality??????????????? - 2002 Ford Focus
  By tifosi - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a black SVT Focus about one year ago. The car is a blast to drive when the road gets twisty but lacks the kind of power that I crave. The chassis is very well balanced, the handling is nuetral and the car is very easy to rotate. I would prefer a little less body roll and better high speed stability as the car is a little twitchy in high speed sweepers (100mph +). My major complaint with the car is the quality. I had to get a new power steering pump, alternator, and now the intake runner control quit working. This in addition to several different noises and rattles that emminated from the exhaust.

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  Centennial edition - 2003 Ford Focus
  By kunal - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the car June 16th for my wife. What sold me was driving dynamics simply unreal. Our Focus has advancetrac which most cars in this price range dont even offer! Plus a 2k cash back from Ford sweetened the deal even more.

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  Personal thoughts of my first new car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By John - January 9 - 2:08 am

  Fun to drive with its sharp cornering abilities, handles better than some all wheel drive vehicles in the snow and on the ice. Its low to the ground for superb handling. Will hold very well in cold conditions.

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  Never thought I would buy a FORD - 2005 Ford Focus
  By chevyfangoneford - January 6 - 10:36 am

  Well this an update for what I wrote last time. Ok I have 6k on the car. I have had the car 6 months. I have issues with the paint 4 times; not too happy. The paint had been bubbling up on the doors and hood and also the trunk. Brand new car and had to have them paint these parts 4 times. Ford really needs to do better quality checks before sending vehicles off the assembly line. Also had the CD player replaced; was skipping all my CDs. That problem has been solved. Still have the paint issues though. But in all fairness the cars has been great. No other issues, if so I will write again.