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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  Good car but not for big people - 2007 Ford Focus
  By tcumpire - November 16 - 8:36 am

  The 07 Focus is a good little car. It has all the features that you need to have a comfortable ride except for space. If youre a bigger person (Im 64") the leg room up front can be a little cramped.

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  Give me a brake! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By rjkosack - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Have had no problems with Focus since new until 24K service where I find that my front brakes and rotors are history! I have noticed brake dust on the front wheel covers of all focuses (Foci?) this is a major problem and makes me realize that this is the last of the breed that I will purchase

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  Not going to buy another - 2000 Ford Focus
  By jspin77 - November 15 - 2:00 am

  My wife loved the car for about a year and a half. Until all the problems. We ruined the rotors at about 15k miles. I guess that is my fault for not checking the brakes, but I have never had a car that ran through breaks before 30k. Since that we have had well over $2000 in the car in three years. It has left my wife stranded twice(which sealed the deal). Currently, it is still not running. Its not starting sometimes. We will see how much this one costs. I have a total of 60k mi. Mostly highway. Since replacing brakepads, they have lasted well over 40k mi. Many of the problems that I have had, are also happening on my fathers Winstar.

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  Ford Focus is fun, but unreliable - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Thomas Dolgin - November 15 - 2:00 am

  The Focus ZX3 Power Premium is a great car. It is fun to drive. The engine could use some more power, especially with an automatic and during the summer when the air conditioning is on. Some minor defects are covered by the manufacturer and dealership, but are still a pain to deal with. There are too many defects and problems that are just annoying.

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  Update on my Focus - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Don Arthur - November 14 - 4:27 pm

  With a bit over 4300 miles on the clock the fuel mileage seems to be a little higher. This is an automatic and in-town mileage has improved from 18 using the A/C and 20-21 not using A/C to around 23. Highway mileage has been 32 in the past, no recent long trips to see how that is doing. Using the A/C in town seems to really bring fuel mileage down. Overall, the Focus has been a reliable car, good acceleration, comfortable and fun to drive. Im a senior citizen and dont put on many miles a year.

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  A Good Car for they Money - 2007 Ford Focus
  By PC IN FLA - November 12 - 1:40 pm

  I was looking for a 2nd car to replace my much beloved, but(sick), gas sucking 1997 Suburban. This being just a second car I didnt want to spend a lot but I also didnt want something boring to drive, and also I didnt want to spend a lot. Well I couldnt pass up the rebates, end of model incentives, and the price. Over all this car is fairly nice, Im not real crazy about the perelli P6 tires, and the gas mileage is a little less than expected, and a 6 sp manual option would have been nice.

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  Excellent auto - 2002 Ford Focus
  By doglover - November 12 - 8:38 am

  I am almost always the one to bash an auto maker. But the Focus 4 door wagon has been very good to me and with 199,000 has been awesome. The only regret is Ford not making this mid size wagon anymore. I am the original owner the things that were replaced was wiper motor, tires, brakes(only the second set) a little pricey, the alternator (which was still under warrantry). A very honest reliable vechicle good value. Yes, I would buy another Focus. A little bummed about the removal of the wagon.

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  Steer Clear! Lemon Alert!!!! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Donewithford - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Experience uncooperative dealers, and months in court litigating this Hecho in Mexico Focus! Motor blew with 619 miles on it, 3 fuels pumps, trim falls off, door locks broken, and eight recalls! Quality is NOT job one anymore! Not reliable, and I dont trust this car anymore.

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  You get what you pay for. - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Don / Wisconsin - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Questionable electrics tarnish the enjoyment of a very affordable car. Ive had numerous lights burn out on a regular basis, the headlights arent nearly bright enough ( a recurring problem over the last few years that Ford refuses to address ) and an intermittant clutch pedal/ignition cutout switch that works when it feels like it. The car handles well and should be fun to drive except the shift linkage feels like its imbedded in frozen peanut butter. My dealer told me "..thats just the way it is". However, whenever these annoyances start to irritate me I just look at the window sticker and my blood pressure reverts back to normal. Still a lotta bang for the buck.

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  First Time Ford Owner and Happy - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Rusty - November 11 - 11:35 pm

  I purchased the car about 7 months ago and have already put 10K miles on it. I have not had one single issue with it. I had the dealer put some low pros on it with 17" rims which make the already well handling car better in handling. Its probably the best handling car Ive owned even better than the Honda I used to have. Ive never owned a Ford before but Im definitely impressed with this car and will buy another Ford. I get a lot of compliments on how the car looks and it has the feel of being mechanically sturdy.