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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  Smooth Daily Driver - 2017 Ford Focus
  By KAM. - June 22 - 12:46 am

  I needed a daily driver to replace my previous 16 year old sedan without breaking the bank. My primary concerns are reliable and economical with a secondary for fun to drive. Hence, I found an anomaly, a manual transmission on the dealer lot took a little effort and Google to find. The 3cyl turbo is weak at low RPMs, but comes alive from 3000-6500 and can be quite fun. Pedal placement is atrocious for heal-toe shifting, but the after-market has a fix to realign the throttle pedal. Overall, the engine is raspy and fun at high revs while economical at normal speeds. EcoBoost folks: You get Eco OR Boost... pick with your right foot! This engine isnt even broken in yet but has achieved amazing combined fuel mileage despite the occasional floggings.

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  05 Focus after two years - 2005 Ford Focus
  By htw - June 20 - 5:08 pm

  A six-speed auto tranny would boost mileage. Seat belt for driver hard to snap into holder due to console. Auto up/down on both front side windows would help as would rear disk brakes. But, somehow, its great fun to drive!

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  Cute but not reliable - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Dr. Jane - June 19 - 8:24 pm

  Replaced brakes at 13,000. Have replaced wheels and had bearings replaced twice. Problems with vibration ever since I bought the car. Worst car for repairs I have ever owned. Bought in 2003, currently 60,000, getting ready to trade in, I am done.

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  Great bang for the buck - 2005 Ford Focus
  By scavio - June 17 - 10:00 am

  I definitely didnt imagine two weeks ago that Id walk away with a car for less than $15k (after rebates and discounts) as great as the Focus has been thus far. Its comfortable, has many of the options that I wouldnt have expected in a "economy" car, and most importantly doesnt feel cheap. I bought this as a commute/winter car because my Camaro wasnt cutting it, and thus far the Camaro has sat parked while I have enjoyed driving this car.

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  My Ford Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Debra Anne - June 15 - 6:05 pm

  When I bought my Focus I was looking for a reliable affordable car to get my kids to school, me to work and to the supermarket. But I have to say it is really a pleasure to drive. It responds quickly and tightly to any kind of situation. Smooth shifting, great mileage, and a fun ride overall. A fun fun road trip car. And after three years of a NYC commute and transporting teenagers it is still in excellent condition - not a tick or a sputter. I did my brakes and will do my shocks but this is totally chalked up to NYC roads and driving conditions.

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  Fun & Practical - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Brent - June 14 - 9:13 am

  First Impressions - The first time I drove the Ford Focus Wagon was in 2003 as a rental. I was really amazed how fun it was to drive and so eventually we needed to buy a second car and it had to be capable of long trips that allowed our new dog to come along for the drive. Second Impressions - Our new 2006 Ford Focus Wagon ZXW SES is even better now that when I first drove the Focus. Not only is it extremely fun to drive, but its fully loaded with options that some car makers dont even offer. The engine is peppy yet fuel efficient, the drive feels sporty and the visibility is perfect. Plus we can drive in comfort with leather heated seats and our dog has his own room with a view.

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  Funner n My Ducati? - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Goldmeister - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Well not quite, but this is a very enjoyable little commuter. Buy decision after a 15 minute test drive. Cannot do better for the $$. I did have trouble finding one, good luck on that. BTW this is our third Focus, no probs with any of them.

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  Have Focus will travel - 2002 Ford Focus
  By dan - June 9 - 4:40 pm

  I have had my Focus since Thanksgiving of 2001. Over the past few years the car has been pretty solid transportation for me. I live in Cleveland OH, so it has been through some serious weather. The car handles pretty good in snow with the front wheel drive. I can only speak for the ZTS model on this , but the car has pretty good pick up for a four cyl. It eccelerates nicely while mergining on the highway. I did have a recall on the door latches, which was no big deal. I did get an oil leake around 83,000 miles. It turned out to be a valve cover gaskett. It cost me $35 from Ford for the gaskett. I do have some rust forming around the Ford logo below the spoiler. My grade: B, a reliabl car

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  2003 ZX3 with PZEV - 2003 Ford Focus
  By micweb - June 8 - 10:00 am

  PZEV = 2.3L, 14ohp engine. Excellent handling, spacious cabin, easy to operate controls, comfortable seats, and a supple ride. Best seller in Europe, just another compact car over here makes for some great bargain shopping. Only three negatives: rear passenger windows are small and make lane changes tricky; and both window cranks and door locks operate in the "wrong" direction (not an issue on power models). But, the sound system is great, with standard CD on all models and MP3 on above Base models.

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  2005 ST - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Dale - June 7 - 11:06 am

  Ive had my ST for a couple of months now and its a real blast to drive. My wife got the basic model and I got the ST and Id recommend the ST for it has a much tighter feel for the road. (and a bit quicker). I havent had a 5 speed in yrs and I forgot how much fun they are while getting better gas mileage also. The heated leather seats are a real plus and the stereo really cranks!