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 so far - 2000 Ford Focus
  By ZX3 review - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Great performance, trend-setting styling for low price are the selling points on this one. It blows away the Civic, Corolla, Echo, Sentra, Protege, or anything else in its class. Weve personally had no reliability problems for 45,000 miles other than some squeaky brakes that Ford replaced for free and a few recalls. Others have had mixed experiences, but I cant say theres anything about this car that has disappointed me.

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  Wagons are Back! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By RMN in NOLA - October 31 - 5:36 am

  This is a very underrated wagon. It is cheaper than most but has almost everything you need.

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  2005 Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By sgallagh - October 30 - 11:39 am

  Not impressed with the cheap tires I had to replace after 25,000 miles. Brakes have been replaced twice within first two years. Just took it in for its 30,000 mile maintenance and had to pay $600 for the parts and labor. Seems like Im always needing to take it in to have somthing checked out whether its alignment or brakes. For a car that was rated well by Consumer Reports, I am not all that impressed by the Focus. I was hesitant to buy a Ford but took the chance. Not sure Im happy I did. The "fun" aspects of the car dont make up for its flaws.

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  Smart Buy - 2008 Ford Focus
  By blazojon - October 29 - 1:23 pm

  I did lots of research before buying my first vehicle and I found the Focus to be the best bang for my buck. My main interests in the Focus were the great exterior and interior looks along with the great gas mileage. I considered the Maza3, the Hyundai Elantra and the Mitsubishi Lancer, and I am very pleased I chose the Focus. I chose the SES trim with traction control.

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  Champagne on a beer budget - 2016 Ford Focus
  By bc72393 - October 29 - 1:49 am

  I leased my 2016 Focus Titanium in March, and I have put 7,000 miles on it since then. I absolutely LOVE this car - I look forward to driving it every single day. I have owned a 1999 Volvo V70 XC, a 2011 Mazda3, and most recently a 2005 Acura 3.5 RL, and this is by far my favorite out of all of them. Coming from the Acura, the Focus drives and feels like a bigger, more expensive car than the price tag would suggest. It is solid, with a smooth, buttoned-down ride, and exceptionally tight handling and steering feel. It feels much more solid and smoother than my Mazda 3 ever did, and it has much lower levels of road noise as well. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, even over extended periods, and the level of technology is impressive. I love the Sony stereo (which is powerful and has punchy bass), the navigation system, rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and the SiriusXM TravelLink (which has already saved me from several traffic jams). The remote start has been great in both the cold winter weather AND the humid summer weather that plagues New England. Best of all, the gas mileage is far superior to that of any of my past vehicles, especially when it only costs about $20 - $25 to fill the tank. The only true downsides are a lack of rear-seat legroom for taller people, and the dual-clutch PowerShift transmission, which can get a little confused at lower speeds. It is worth noting that I test drove a 2012 Focus back in 2011, and it is MUCH improved over the earlier model years. Certainly not a deal-breaker, and not nearly as bad as some of the reviews claim, just something that takes a little bit of adjusting to. A little more power would be nice as well, but I was spoiled by the V6 in my Acura, and the increase in gas mileage more than makes up for it. Overall, I find my 2016 Focus Titanium to be a fantastic car for the money, and I do not feel I downgraded by switching from a luxury/premium brand. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a high quality vehicle without breaking the bank

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  Not a bad compact car! - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Jtc - October 26 - 2:34 pm

  Not that the power shift transmission is not a Automatic, it is a manual with automatic shifting. Overall a good little ride for the money. I like the sportier look the 2016 with the Se appearance package has.

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  Any excuse to drive it - 2005 Ford Focus
  By bob - October 25 - 7:40 am

  I cant remember the last time I owned a car that is so much fun to drive. I went from an extended cab four wheel drive pickup truck to my ZX3 and dont regret that decision at all. I am glad that I got the manual transmission, however. I had the opportunity to drive a Focus with the automatic while on a business trip, and the difference is quite obvious. I highly recommend the Focus and have already decided that I will be getting another one when my son gets this one in a few years.

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  What Happend when I CRASHED my Focus - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Fiorucci88 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I was just recently in an accident with my Focus and it DID NOT hold up very well at all. This was a low speed accident, and my car wound up being TOTALED. The other car had very slight damage on it, and mine folded like a $2 bill. Thank God no one was hurt, but at the point of impact I was only traveling at about 20mph and my car has been totaled. Who knows what could happen in a high speed accident. Its not worth the risk.

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  Love my car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By susan - October 23 - 2:46 pm

  The Focus was my first brand new car. I have not had one single problem with it since Ive bought it. My husband has a Honda Civic and my car is by far more comfortable, roomy, handles better and less noisy. I commute almost 2 hours a day and my car has been perfect.It even took me through my entire pregnancy comfortably. The car is quite fuel efficient - I only fill up once a week. The stereo system is very clear as well! Have spent many long hours on roadtrips and it has been comfortable and great on the highway! A great car. The only thing is the dashboard is kind of cheaply done and is getting worn looking. Some difficulty in bad weather.

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  Great Little Car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By sheilah - October 21 - 5:06 pm

  I love this car. The body of the car is wonderful, it looks like a new car not a 2001. Its very comfortable and the pick up is great. My car has it all, this is the first Ford that I have bought and it will not be the last. I love this car. Also there is so much room inside the car, it has everything I so glad that I found it.