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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  Fun to Drive - Cheap to Own - 2005 Ford Focus
  By bj mercer - August 1 - 1:40 am

  I put a lot of mileage on this car commuting over 150 miles a day usually. I was going to get another little economy car or truck like I often do - but they do not make small little 4 cylinder trucks much anymore and when I test drove the Focus, I was sold - and I was able to lease the ST cheaper than some of the other models (including high mileage - I only keep cars for 2 years, btw). I drive in northern and southern Ontario - lots of winter driving in bad conditions. Car reminds me of my 88 BMW M3; just really fun to drive and toss around and mix it up a bit. Also really surprise some people. Needs a bit more power - but keep the 4 cylinder engine.

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  Better Than A Civic, For Less Money - 2002 Ford Focus
  By rob217 - July 30 - 11:23 pm

  For the money, you cnat beat it. Fun to drive, good on gas. I lowered my car 2" & it made a world of differance(New Springs). The rides a little stiffer than normal, but get it on twisty road & its worth every penny. Also, a K&N Filter helps a little with the power.

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  Fun basic transportation - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Jim Schaffer - July 30 - 3:34 pm

  Ive waited two years to write this review because often times first impressions are not accurate. But in this case they would have been because Im as happy with the car now as I was when I first drove it off the lot. The 2.0 motor has lots of pep. The suspension has you thinking your driving something thousands of dollars more than what you paid for it. The fuel mileage is excellent (35 mpg on the interstate). The interior and exterior design is contemporary and very apealling (in my opinion anyway). Overall, an excellent little car!

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  So not dissappointed - 2005 Ford Focus
  By BIG KIRK - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I traded out of a full size SUV, and was doubtful that I would be content with a compact as a replacement. I love this little car!! Theres plenty of uummmph under the hood, the STs seats hug like nobodys business and the list of standard features is the best for the money. So far I havent had any problems with the car, but I would encourage others to opt for the upgraded stereo system.

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  Well See! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By focus1 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my 05 Focus last month and so far Ive been pretty happy with it. However, there were three defects that have been corrected. They forgot to install one of the bolts that holds the rear wheel well guard in place. Paint defect on the hood and the passenger mirror molding came loose. Local dealer fixed them all. Must have been built on a Fiday or Monday! Overall this little car is very good. The idependant rear suspension is nice as is the handling and responsiveness. The driver seat feels like it wraps around you. Traded in my 03 Corolla for it. The Corolla is jerky on the road and hurts your rear after a long trip. I hope the Focus can stay par with reliability.

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  Not What You Expect - 2002 Ford Focus
  By monkey0305 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  My experience with this car has not been a pleasant one. Three weeks after I purchased my Focus, it broke down. I came to find out that the stick shift had come loose while I was driving it. If you are planning on purchasing this car for a family, especially with small children, I would advise against it. The interior has very little room for taller people. If you have a child that is in a rear facing car seat, be aware that the passenger or driver will have limited space. Another thing I have found wrong with this car is its many blind spots. I have had numerous close calls with other cars due to the lack of veiwing space out the windows.

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  Great Car With a Few Caveats - 2012 Ford Focus
  By T - July 26 - 4:35 pm

  Love this car, albeit with a few minor nitpicks. Its fast for a base model, drives great with the 5 speed (I did not want the DCT!), handles fairly well and visibility is very good. Power delivery is linear, throttle response has only a very slight lag from the drive by wire system (1/10th of a second or so) and it really comes alive above 4k RPM. The electric power assist isnt as good for road feedback as hydraulic, but is better than other electrics I tested by far. The interior is somewhat on the small side, especially in the back but is just large enough for me and the seats are high quality for basic cloth. The only real nitpicks are the lack of S level features and a few noisy interior parts-no cruise, manual rear windows and no computer functionality except a trip meter. The engine is a bit coarse also and really needs super to run right. I can live with this considering I rarely use cruise and almost never have rear passengers, but do miss having a realtime MPG calculator. The sound system is adequate, but somewhat mediocre in terms of fidelity. Coming from an older VW GTI, this car has almost the same HP, handling, steering feel and responsiveness while getting much better gas mileage. Ive had no maintenance issues except having to replace a dirty air filter and a missing brake fluid cap that someone had sealed with plastic wrap and a rubber band (??).

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  Not worth the money - 2003 Ford Focus
  By ckw - July 26 - 9:22 am

  The first two years I had the car it worked great. I had no problems with it. Then it started having problems. First, the radio went out. Then I began to have brake problems. Then my water pump and related components began to develop holes. Now the brake pads have worn down and the alternator has just about gone out. In the last 2 years, my car has been in the shop 5-6 times. Additionally, I used to get really good gas mileage. Now, its below average and my driving habits have not changed (perhaps due to the alternator). Ive had other cars that maybe went to the shop once in their whole lifetime.

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  my blue Focus - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Joe Gaver Jr - July 24 - 4:10 pm

  Surprised how gutsy and nimble this thing is despite having 4 fewer cylinders than my 1990 Mustang GT had!

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  Best handling car, ever! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Ksmith - July 19 - 6:31 pm

  I absolutely love this car! I received this car as a gift, and the first thing that came to my mind was, oh no a Ford. But once I took it around the block, my view about the car changed completely. Has plenty of power (more than BMW 318i), stops on a dime, very comfortable with a spacious, quiet interior. The car is very solid, when I close the doors it shuts with an air tight thump like that of a Mercedes or Volvo. If I had to sum up this car in one word it would have to be responsive. I have driven a BMW M5 before and my Focus is tighter and handles better than the BMW. My Focus saved my life a few times thanks to its perfect handling! I have driven Hondas and I would take the Focus!