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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  My pokis - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Jerrid Francis - November 11 - 2:16 am

  I have had My Focus for 4 years, Its been great never had any problems with my car. I have put a lot of miles on this car. A lot of counrty roads city roads and hiways. I have put 3 sets of tires on it and a brake light bulb. I live in the snow belt and the car gets around in it good, The only downfall is that you cant get real tires on it only toy tires. I would like to beable to have real snow tires studs caps mud tires what ever thar called, and a little higher off the ground would be great. Its not so great on the sand bar. And another downfall it rides like a lumberjack. If Ford would build a car thats higher of the ground real tires, all wheel drive, 4cyl diesel, that would be great.

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  A real lemon - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Charles Zeller - November 10 - 11:05 pm

  My experience with the Focus wagon was extremly bad very nice car but unreliable, was in the shop every other day begining on the first week of purchase. Electrical problems and front brake problems also including cooling problems which the dealer could not fix during warranty time.

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  Ford Focus 2003 - 2003 Ford Focus
  By zane lommock - November 8 - 3:43 pm

  I have performed only standard maintenance on this auto since purchase. I placed tires on car at 33,000 miles. Car gets excellent mileage on highway and city driving. Only complaint is lack of power from 110 hp engine, adequate but only just.

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  Stick to Imports - 2005 Ford Focus
  By may - November 6 - 1:20 pm

  this was my first new vehicle. in less than 2 weeks it was in service. then it was in service every other week for one issue or another. my personal vehicle was in service for a rattling noise in rear area transmission probs rear hatch not locking dome light turning on whenever it felt like it... i wont go into my experience with the service department. in short, my car was back at the dealership longer than me driving. filed lemon lawsuit ford could not buy back- so they issued a settlement check. although it is a spacious vehicle, do not buy- resale value blows not to mention reliability. if you do buy, make sure you get gap insurance!! many service depts still cant fix hatch probs.

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  Best car Ive ever had - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Michelle - November 5 - 4:31 pm

  I love this car. Its easy to drive, the interior is very intelligently designed and it feels like a much bigger car yet drives very sporty. My only complaint is an annoying squeak from the area of the backseat which so far, Ford has been unable to fix.

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  Great Car!! Better than Civic ! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By 86 - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Really great car! Fun to drive and reliable! It never had broken down!Its made in the USA!

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  Incomparable in Class - 2002 Ford Focus
  By cyberfossil - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Besides a 911, havent driven a better handling car (magazines compare it to a Boxsters handling). The power off the line is not where its at unless you drop the clutch at high RPM (bad for your clutch, obviously). Its when you get rolling that you notice the difference. It eats up corners and is quite forgiving. Side air bags are a nice touch. The front seats are pretty good but wished I waited for the Recaros. Excellent ride.

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  Good gas mileage, fun, comfortable - 2008 Ford Focus
  By brchil - November 3 - 1:56 am

  I havent had the car very long but its an incredibly impressive car for the price. I have a 5 speed SES. The gas mileage has always been over 32 mixed no matter what. The manual is easy to drive and kind of fun. Love the dash and layout. Its very responsive and easy/fun to drive. Good comfortable ride, handles nicely. Its an all around great car for the money and theyve proven themselves to be reliable. Very happy. Ambient lighting is nice and power moonroof is not cheap. Nice attention to safety. Great wheel and driver controls.

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  Fun to Drive, Easy to Park - 2005 Ford Focus
  By RWGManhattan - November 2 - 1:40 am

  Great little car with sporty handling, good fuel economy, and lots of flexible space. It parks in spaces too tight for most other available cars except the cramped Mini and cheap Chevy Aveo. Its got better handling than and a ride superior to the Hyundai Elantra, the Scion triplets (though the boxy XB has more and more flexible interior space), and other cars in its class. It doesnt have the cramped feeling of the Corolla, the Pontiac Vibe, the Civic.

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  Nice Escort Replacement! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Gas Saver - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car almost 3 months ago. I had a 95 Escort before this one. The biggest improvement I noticed first is 48 more horsepower with the same 31 mpg I was getting with the Escort. Lots of power for a little car. I looked at the Hondas, Kias, etc. looking for a good comuter car without costing a bundle. This car is loaded with features that would have cost a lot more had I bought a Honda or Toyota! A lot of car for the price!