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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  A lot of car for the money - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Dan - September 3 - 10:12 am

  Cant say enough good about this car. Had Fords Escorts Zx2 (2) of them with the same engine, the Focus lived up to my expections. Had some small issues but as with all cars youll always have some. I would like to see some more engine performance parts available from the dealer to give a little more pep.

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  This is the only Focus I will own. - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Connie - September 2 - 8:03 pm

  I am so disappointed in this car. I was expecting an economy car and that is not what I got. Driving is fine in good weather, but get a little puddle and this car is thrown around. get a little snow and anthing over 35 miles an hour is a fishtailing experience. I will never own another and I dont recommend one to anyone. A set of new tires that fit this car was over 600 bucks. That was not an endearing feature.

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  Solid - Quick - Smooth - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Dave - September 2 - 7:00 pm

  When I test drove my Focus I was surprised at how well it drove. It accelerates well and the automatic transmission is one of the smoothest Ive ever felt. I drove a Mazda 3 automatic and the downshift was quite abrupt. The Focus downshift is controlled and smooth. Also, this car handles curves excellently. You can keep pushing the throttle on a curve and the car stays on it without body roll. Because of the performance, options and rebate I think it was a good purchase. If you are looking for an inexpensive, fuel efficient, zippy and solid vehicle I recommend this car.

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  This car sucks! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By highly upset - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I was very proud of my Focus when I first bought it! It was just an adorable car to me...until it started behaving in true Ford fashion! At 33,000 miles, my rear axle actually broke. My tire couldve come off and I couldve been killed! And now my A/C condenser and one of my window regulators are broken..not to mention my radio randomly just shuts off from time to time. Also, my key gets stuck in the ignition or just wont turn to crank up the car! The car needs to be trashed and Im trading it in as soon as I can.

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  This car sucks! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By HIGHLY UPSET - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I was very proud of my Focus when I first bought it! It was just an adorable car to me...until it started behaving in true Ford fashion! At 33,000 miles, my rear axle actually broke. My tire couldve come off and I couldve been killed! And now my A/C condenser and one of my window regulators are broken..not to mention my radio randomly just shuts off from time to time. Also, my key gets stuck in the ignition or just wont turn to crank up the car! The car needs to be trashed and Im trading it in as soon as I can.

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  Great Little Family Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Pastor Gadget - September 2 - 10:00 am

  We area typical family, two adults and two kids. Our ZX5 is our only car and it is not a minivan but it us comfortable for all of us. The car handles well with great power for this class. for the 17 months we have had the car it has had no problems or recalls. We have not had the expected fuel economy but we always have a full load and live in Texas so the air is always. I have been very surprised how much space there is in the hatch with the seats down. Very flexible wth to 60/40 split rear seat.

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  Drive Circles Around Competition - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Kevin - September 2 - 8:45 am

  These cars are an amazing, theres no way I could have bought a better car. I had a few issues at first and got very upset. All my issues stopped as soon as I fixed the problems myself.

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  The Best Compact Car Ive Known - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Mike - August 31 - 7:13 pm

  Ive been driving Civic for 6 years and kind of tired of driving no-character car. Finally I was hooked up by the new Focus, especially the cool design. Unexpectedly, the interior was also neat and clean. Very quiet, too. I traded in my Civic with no regret. Frankly, I didnt know Ford has come this far matching, actually exceeding Japanese sedans. Great work, Ford!

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  Pretty good deal, but a few small flaws - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Brett N. - August 31 - 4:16 pm

  First off, I dont have the transmission problems because I drive the manual version of this car. My gas mileage is great. I drive a little more highway miles than stop and go, so it my averages are skewed on the high end, but it has to get ~33/39 (I average about 37) in the warmer months and ~29/35 (I average about 33) in the winter months. The original price of the car is good and my car payments are definitely manageable. I havent have to have any repairs. My bluetooth connectivity acted up once, but all it required was pulling the fuse, starting the car, turning off the car, and putting the fuse back in. Overall, I do wish to change a few things: during winter, the wipers sit really low, below the reach of the defrost, so if its really icy and they freeze, its impossible to dethaw them. Also, the contours of the car mean you have to wipe away snow above the door or else it will fall onto the seats as you open them. Apart from winter worries, if you have a passenger, the bar between the passenger, the seat, etc. block the blind spot more than I am used to. Also if there is a tall cup in the frontmost cup holder it interferes slightly with the gearshift. Overall these are minor flaws, and overall I am very happy with it.

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  the most bang for your buck - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Mike - August 31 - 8:03 am

  Obviously the Ford Focus isnt a luxury model. You get what you pay for. But I purchased a 2005 ZX2 SES om July of 05 (the day before Ford decided to do employee pricing). I also added the upgraded sound system, side impact air bags, and moonroof ... I paid $13,150. I believe that dollar for dollar you get more for your money that Toyota or Honda. Remember you are paying premium price on those two cars because of reliability. Ford has worked out the kinks and I believe its not worth paying an extra $6,000 for a Honda just because a Ford MIGHT break down and a Honda MIGHT not.