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:
Showing 1681 through 1690 of 3,280.00-
Great car - expect some quirks - 2002 Ford Focus
By ZIPYSVT - July 16 - 10:00 amI sold my 00 Mustang GT and bought a new Silver SVT Focus with the red interior, audiophile sound system, and sunroof. At the time, there were no rebates available, and the car was about $18,000. I have about 8,500 miles on the car, and it has been very reliable and fun to drive. I havent missed the Mustang at all. It rides and handles extremely well, the stereo is impressive, the overall ergonomics are top notch. It has pretty tall gearing, but the 6-speed has great feel. It does have some performance car quirks - the cold idle is rough, and it needs RPMs to launch well.
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Steal This Car - 2003 Ford Focus
By juanabee - July 16 - 10:00 amI was the lucky guy who snagged a 2002 model for under 15 grand. The love the car and it would be a wonderful machine even at list however knowing I paid economy price I still pinch myself to see if Im dreaming. Ive logged 7500 miles so far with one long trip and it has not shown any weakness. I even took it over a jeep trail in Colorado to the surpise of the many SUVs at the top.
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Nice ride. - 2003 Ford Focus
By WiseJake - July 16 - 10:00 amThis wagon rides like a Cadillac. I had a Focus 2 years ago, and was always recieving recall notices in the mail. I was leary about getting another one; Im very happy I did.
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Great Little Car - 2004 Ford Focus
By IseeClearly - July 10 - 10:00 amThis car is a delight to drive and pleasure to own. Ive been able to haul considerably large loads in it - to my satisfaction. It consumes a bit more gas than it should; my 15 year old compact sedan consumed far less even in its last months. It has a tendency to reach high speeds before I know it; hard to avoid speeding. The upholstery is poor, but the seat is comfortable for me. I had no options for better tires so the ride can be rough at times.
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It is a wagon with a Blaupauck standard - 2004 Ford Focus
By leonkreb - July 10 - 10:00 am2 kids and no more Mustang opted 4 a wagon over an SUV and didnt want to pay much: frugal CPA. Handles fine, nice pickup 4 a small engine (had 2 Mustangs since 17). Inside is ok in fit however I am 63" 275 with a 56 jacket size & 23" arms (competitive strongman)(I can not fit in the yupo BMW 3 series or Audi). The stereo is great: Blaupauk that is standard CD MP3 player. Just wish the rear seats fell flush when down. Looks exactly like Volvo V40 (Ford owns Volvo) for 10K less minus sun roof & leather seats. If you need a slant on your front grill 4 10K more go 4 it. My wifes 2 friends have the Volvo & they even said it is same just less frilly.
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FOCUS ZTW A-OK - 2003 Ford Focus
By raiderrick - July 10 - 10:00 amOK, only had it for a month, but so far, so good. Lots of pull from the Zetec and it sticks to the road like glue with the Pirellis. Bonus cross beams (luggage rack) on delivery were a surprise. RR
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Ford Focus ZX3. my first brand new car. - 2005 Ford Focus
By mini-pearl - July 10 - 12:15 amThere is nothing bad about this car. Good mileage, economical operation, fun to drive. It has a 5 speed manual transmission. This car gets 27 around town and 30 mpg highway.
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Reliable for over 5 years - 2002 Ford Focus
By dk - June 30 - 9:07 pmI bought this car brand new in 2001. I have treated this car good and it has been good to me in return.The door latches had a recall on them because they would stick, and sometimes still do. My valve cover gasket needed replaced at around 83,000 mi. I have around 85,000 mi on it now. Other than that , I cant complain about the car. I live in the Cleveland area , so it has seen its share of brutal weather. It is not the best car in the world in snow, but it is way better than lets say a Mustang. The stereo system rocks and the car handles tight and has good pick up for a 4 cyl. For the money this car is not bad (the new ones) This was my first brand new car I have owned and I am glad.
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Good buy for the money - 2005 Ford Focus
By Donna - June 29 - 11:53 amI bought this car back in February of 2005, when the car I was driving at the time suddenly dropped dead. Im a little upset that I didnt get in on the "family deal" & get a few thousand dollars off of the car. But I had no choice. I needed a car. I went to the dealership and pretty much looked for the cheapest cars they had. I was very surprised at what I got for my money. Actually a great little car. Great sound system, very fast pickup, pretty good gas mileage (except when you run the air conditioner -- it sucks up the gas). Huge trunk, back seats fold down. Had to talk the salesman into giving me an ashtray out of another car.
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Good car - 2003 Ford Focus
By vbchick - June 27 - 4:24 pmI have had my car for about a month. Overall the car is great. It gets great gas mileage and is a great little car for me. I am 61" and fit pretty good. There is lots of head and leg room. Other cars I sat in my legs hit the steering wheel, but in the Focus the adjustable up/down feature of the seat gives me lots of room. Overall this is a great car.
