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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  Glad that I bought the 08 Focus - 2008 Ford Focus
  By jcwilliamsjr - December 23 - 3:50 pm

  I have had my Focus for about six weeks and already have over 3000 miles. I am very happy with the decision to purchase this car. Fuel mileage is over the Ford rating and at times is bumping the 41+ mpg and is a fun car to drive. Great car by Ford for the money it can not be beat. I looked at the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Nissan Sentra prior to buying the Focus.

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  Family Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Inhispeace - December 17 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has great driving ability, I do not know about its reliablity because of the fact that I have not owned it, but just under 3 months.

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  My focus on my Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Focused - December 10 - 10:00 am

  The 05 version of the Focus is 100 times greater than its previous year models. All the kinks are worked out and Ford has added new perks to make this version fun to drive and inexpensive to own. Plus, if you factor in all of Ford rebates, this car is a steal!!!

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  Value for money to the MAX - 2007 Ford Focus
  By lilboyracer - December 7 - 3:29 pm

  I wanted a car which would fulfill both my need for speed and be attainable on a modest budget. One of the things I was really looking for was a stickshift. I got this car used with just 8K miles on it and fully loaded for a song. I have ended up driving it 1.5K miles in 2weeks. This is living the very busy life of a medical resident with only a few free hours daily which i have enjoyed spending with this car. I love the handling and the feel of the car and the acceleration and power is more than sufficient to easily exceed legal speeds. This car is fully loaded and I love all the creature comforts. In a nutshell the best buy ive ever made.

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  Ford Focus - 2002 Ford Focus
  By lauren mattatall - December 2 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is fun to drive and excellent as far as gas mileage is concerned. The Ford Focus that I bought last year has been great for me, an on- the-go student.I love road trips and this car has proven itself. It can go anywhere reliably and for very little money. I have had only one problem, with the CD player, but it gets used A LOT! Ford fixed it with no problem.

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  Problems and More Problems - 2000 Ford Focus
  By DavidAA - November 26 - 10:00 am

  Continued visits to the service department. This was the first model year for the Focus and it shows with the continued problems at only 30,000 miles.

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  I love this car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Mumdula - November 22 - 3:33 am

  I bought this for fuel mileage. I got 28.6 MPG on my first tank but I did a lot of coasting and slow acceleration The vast majority of my driving is in town. I havent done any highway driving yet. It is my first ford and it is very comfortable to drive with a lot of pep for a 4 cylinder. I would leave a lot of room for passing though - Especially on a hill. I love the sync system. It has a volume control so I can hear well on the phone and others say they can hear me very well also. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone that does alot of driving.

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  Great Little Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Ron Willinger - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Excellent all around run around car and was fun to drive on long vacation.

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  Ford Focus - 2002 Ford Focus
  By AJIowa - November 20 - 5:16 pm

  This car has excellent handling. I am not a car person so my primary reason for purchasing was price and gas mileage. The inside of the car is a little small. Passengers in the back seat have to scrunch up and it would not be good for long car rides with four people. This car needs new tires constantly. I am lucky to get 15k out of a tire. I mean they are completely bald. I have had alignment checked no problems. I rotate the tires but barely can do it twice before I need new ones. I been through 7 full sets of tires in 5 years. The tires are supposed to get 50-75K and it isnt even close. I also had to have the struts front and back all replaced by 50K.

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  I love my 2016 Ford Focus Electric! - 2017 Ford Focus
  By Dave - November 18 - 7:01 am

  I leased my 2016 Ford Focus Electric from a dealer in Portland, OR in October, 2016 and I truly love it. If you are looking for an electric vehicle I highly recommend it. I drove the Nissan Leaf, VW Golf-e, and Fiat 500e and the Focus Electric was the winner. It has the same body style as the gas-powered Focus and looks very sharp. It comes standard with fancy alloy wheels and the front grill and headlights make it look very sharp. There are only 2 model packages, and the difference is just the seating. The cloth seats made from recycled material are not great. I opted for the leather. The interior is well designed and has ALL the modern amenities like touchscreen, backup cam, blue tooth, steering wheel controls, etc. The LED lights that glow at night are a nice touch. You can pick the color and intensity! The stereo is a Sony and is decent but not great. The fact that the car is so silent all the time makes the stereo easier to hear and sound better. Driving this car is a true pleasure! The acceleration at any speed (with just one gear) is amazing. Its hard to restrain from going fast in this thing. It handles well and is very responsive. One big drawback is the turning radius. I often have to do a three-point turn when on a street whereas other cars could just make a tight u-turn. This may be my only complaint, other than the low mileage range. My 2016 model was rated around 85-90 miles per charge. In ideal conditions this does occur, however the heater and A/C will put a dent in the mileage. The heater more so than AC. In the winter I was getting more like 50 miles on a charge. But, I found that like a cell phone if you just plug it in regularly you never dip down too much. It comes with a charger that plugs into a regular 120v outlet. I run a 50 ft extension cable to where I park it. You can even put a little lock on the charger if parked outside. I love driving past gas stations and never having to stop. There are no oil changes! If you wish you had a Tesla this is the best next thing. With incentives from Ford and the state, I had $14,000 taken off the sticker price. That made the price $17,100 and my lease was based on that. Ford knocked it out of the park on this one!