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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  2002 Ford Focus - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Francies - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Great car, I used to owen Honda (accord), Toyota (corolla), Subaru (legacy). The price and preformance, build quality is much better for this car

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  Thoughtfully designed, fun to drive - 2002 Ford Focus
  By patrick - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a three-door hatchback to replace my 89 CRX. The Focus ZX3 had the best collection of features for me and its lived up to my expectations. Good flexible cargo area, good fuel mileage, fun to drive, easy to drive on clogged expressways, good stereo, easy to read instruments in all lighting conditions--and cute in Sangria Red!

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  2003 Focus ZX3 - 2003 Ford Focus
  By pmh - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I really do like the Focus, but too many problems, and I though 2003 vehicles had been fixed. I have had my car back 5 times having new rotors at 9000 miles, alignment problems, vibrations through through the steering wheel, water leaking in from the windsheild, radio, door latches sticking, exterior trim falling off. Its just not worth it...stay away from this vehicle. Ford does not accept any responsibility for the product!!!

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  One great SVT - 2004 Ford Focus
  By red04svt - August 25 - 1:12 pm

  Ive owned my SVT Focus for about 5 to 6 months now and I love it. I get many compliments around the city when I ride. Ive taken it to the autocross about 3 times and always finish better than 5th place. This car is a great accomplishment for the SVT team.

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  A winner in every category - 2006 Ford Focus
  By oh no tokyo! - August 24 - 8:03 pm

  Owned a 2003 Focus SE sedan, but wanted something with a little more punch. Decided to buy the ST sedan, and it has been an awesome car every single trip out of the driveway. Sporty looks mixed with common sense, this only improves and already top- notch car. The ST is quick off the line, and holds its own out on the highway. Feels well put together. Handles curves with ease. Lots of good stuff on the inside--heated seats, mp3 player, side airbags, abs, pen holder (2 thumbs up), cruise, heated mirrors. One thing that deserves its own paragraph is the huge trunk the Focus has. You can fit so much stuff in here, tons of luggage, groceries, sports gear, tae kwon do bags...awesome

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  Great mileage- bland interior - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Keith - August 24 - 7:06 am

  Having just traded in a VW Jetta for a Ford Focus, I have gone from flashy to bland. Thats not a bad thing. The Focus gets much better gas mileage. It simply lacks the interior quality & design of the Jetta. The Focus handling is very good. The noise level is superb. There is none. If one is looking for a commuter car that offers great mileage , the Focus is a great choice.

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  Ford Focus - more than you think - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Alex - August 20 - 4:09 pm

  My Focus is easy to drive, its powerful (I also own a Mustang but sometimes I am quicker with the Focus) and its built very reliably. I had no issues whatsover and I drive it in any kind of weather and circumstance.

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  My crappy ford - 2005 Ford Focus
  By starfishinva - August 20 - 1:40 pm

  I purchased this car for the gas mileage since most of my driving is interstate, to find it sucks more gas than a V8 and when taken to the car lot they hook up a computer to it and say im getting 39 mpg but in fact getting less than 22 mpg what a disappointment!!!the rpms in the city are 1800 on the tach on the highway its between 2200 and 2500 and no one will actually check the car out for problems!!!

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  Fun to drive, bang for buck - 2003 Ford Focus
  By black euro - August 17 - 3:10 am

  This car is a blast to drive fast and aggresive, but is also good for just cruising and driving for better gas mileage. The car is compact yet has very useful, roomy interior, for a car this size. The brakes and handling are superb. The exhaust note is like a well tuned performance car, not loud and buzzy. The engine has a wide power band and it will pull all the way to its 7200 redline. ItÂ’s hard to find a better bang for your buck. I have seen so many other compact and b segment cars priced well above what these cars sell for. And most dont even come close to the performance, value and fun factor of this car. The car has been problem free since I owned it and I drive it daily, and enthusiastically.

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  Repeat Buyer Disappointment!! - 2014 Ford Focus
  By D M Warden - August 15 - 7:52 am

  This is my 2nd purchase of a new Ford Focus. The first was a 2011 which I loved. Great mileage, handled well and reasonably priced. I traded in the 2011 for a 2014. Initially I felt once again Id purchased a reliable mid-size sedan which handled well, had great mileage, was comfortable, roomy and in my opinion a classy looking car. Approximately 17,000 miles in I started having acceleration issues. The car would jerk and was slow to get up to speed when accelerating. I had a scary situation when I was going up a ramp in a parking garage and it felt like the car was going to lose power and roll backwards. The sputtering and jerking usually starts after driving the car for a while. Ive had the car inspected by a Ford Dealer and was told I needed the clutch assembly replaced. That was over a month ago. I contacted the dealer today and was told that clutch assembly parts have been ordered for many customers and none of the parts have been delivered by Ford. With all the complaints I dont understand why its taking so long for the parts to be delivered. I have no choice but to drive my car everyday but I have to say the complaints Ive read make me very leery. Im also disappointed in the customer service and customer outreach due to I was never contacted by Ford or received any notification regarding the transmission issues. It was only after I heard about a report on my local news and I started doing some investigation on my own. When I purchased my 2nd Ford I could see myself being a Ford customer for many years to come; now Im not so sure.