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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  Nice littler car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Nice little car - September 13 - 11:47 am

  With a few little tweeks I can get About 38-40 mpg on the highway at around 65-75Mph. Its not the fastest car but Its absoulutely the best car for fuel economy and reliability. I put over 33,000 miles on it in 24 months, and it still run great. Road noise is a problem but $350 or less if you do it yourself will fix the problem (Road noise foam or strips).

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  Easy Transition - 2005 Ford Focus
  By courtdug - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned a Ford Escort and was reluctant on going to the Focus. The transition has been wonderful! I love the way the car handles, its very quiet, I love the speedvolume and the size of the car. Its spacious and comfortable!

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  I love this car! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By SVT1105 - September 10 - 9:55 am

  Well, I have only had this car for a week now, but I love this car! Its so fun to drive and its peppy! I have had so many people say they love it! I really dont think I have had any issues or complaints about the vehicle! I would recommend this car to everyone who wants a sporty, fun car to drive with decent gas mileage!

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  Great Little Commuter! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By lucy - September 8 - 3:44 pm

  I have owned this car for 7 years, and it has been a great commuting vehicle. It is very dependable (only one major repair), and fun to drive. It seems very roomy on the inside compared with other compacts I have been in, and I like the high position of the drivers seat. Great visibility.

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  So far, so good - 2000 Ford Focus
  By jcode - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I have 31K miles on it so far, and there have been no major problems. A couple recalls, and a few very minor inconveniences have occurred. The brakes and windows are both a little squeaky. Also, once in a blue moon, my gas gauge decides not to work. I enjoy driving it. It handles very well, and has plenty of power to change lanes and merge in traffic. I get around 31 mpg. Overall a fun car to drive.

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  Things to check - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Golfer - September 7 - 2:00 am

  The experience has been good todate. A few modifications would help this vehicle.

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  Love my Focus Wagon! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By BJZotter - September 5 - 10:23 pm

  Since the first time I saw the Ford Focus wagon, I knew that would be the next new car I would want. We are both Ford people all the way and I would not choose another make for a new car. I absolutely love my wagon, it looks great, drives great, I get about 30 mpg and I feel so safe and secure when I am in it. My husband likes driving it so much (when I let him) that he will probably get one as well. Its truly a great car!

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  Leave it curbside with your garbage! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By nelmania - September 5 - 8:03 pm

  Ive always been wary of buying a Ford and now I know why. Its a mistake I will only make once. Hopefully its not too late for you! I purchased my 03 Focus 2 months ago with 19,000 miles. I have taken it in to the dealership 3 times now due to stalling problems and each time the dealership says there isnt a problem and does NOTHING, not even a courtesy car! My confidence in this vehicle and Ford as a whole is about as low as it gets.

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  4 years and counting - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Loyola C. - September 3 - 6:33 pm

  Im torn on this car. Ive had it for 4 years and had to replace the alternator today (cost $531.89 p/l). Like some other people, early in the purchase I had problems w/the ignition and had to have it replaced. I had to have the tires replaced too. Ive always made sure to service the vehicle and care for it as instructed, and other than the alternator, I havent had to deal w/any major repairs yet. For a lower end car, I think it has done pretty good.

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  Lotta bang for the buck - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Wayne Bengston - September 3 - 11:43 am

  The Focus ST is more than the sum of its parts. The good; 0-60 in under 8 seconds. Effortless commuting & cruising. Superb handling with a Progress 22MM rear bar and Goodyear F1 GS-D3 tires to replace the mediocre Pirellis. Rich, communicative feedback from the tight, responsive steering. Very responsive, torquey 2.3L engine. Comfortable on 6+ hour trips. Seats 4 full size adults comfortably. Slick shifting 5 speed manual with a light, smooth clutch. Huge trunk that gets bigger by folding seats. Comfortable, upright seating position. The bad; interior rattles & squeaks. Indifferent fit & finish, huge panel gaps. Below average fuel economy for the performance. 26 MPG w/73% hwy.