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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  ZTW Wagon with a manual? You bet! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By lerust - June 6 - 9:06 am

  Yes, you can get a ZTW with a manual! For some reason American manufacturers insist comfort = no pulse. After some searching, they found my manual-shift ZTW Wagon and its great. Sure, its no dragster but its powerful enough to get in trouble. The seats are uber-comfortable and supportive, even for a tall guy (6 3"). Good sound, sharp steering and compliant around town ride. I drove about everything in this market segment and, with a manual, the Focus ZTW wagon is solid.

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  Massive Disappointment - 2000 Ford Focus
  By APL - June 4 - 9:23 am

  Test driving the ZX3 with manual transmission sold me on this cars fun to drive qualities. However, having owned many cars (including 3 Fords) I can honestly say this car was the biggest lemon I ever had the displeasure of owning. Over the course of 84k mile ownership I replaced the AC system, valve cover gasket, ignition mechanism, EGR valve. The car was fun to drive and got great gas mileage but left me stranded more times than every other car I have owned combined. Amazingly, mechanics and tow truck drivers could usually guess what my problem was because they had seen so many Focus with the same issues. It feels like the sun has shone brighter every day since I got rid of it!

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  Clutch - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Darlene Herald - June 3 - 6:42 pm

  From the moment I purchased this car (which is an automatic) there was a shuddering when you stopped at a red light or stop sign and accelerated after the stop. When I finally called in August 2015 after I told them what the car was doing it took me two months to get in to have them diagnose the problem because as I was told this was a problem with this model. Once I got it looked at in October 2015 I was told it was the clutch as they had suspected. They returned the car to me and I was told 4 to 6 weeks to get the part in. In middle to late December 2015 I called to see if the part was in and NO. I was number 30 on the list (so there are 30 cars before mine that are waiting on this part) Called in late January 2016 to see about the part and NO part for my car yet I am number 23 on the list. In the meantime I continue to drive this car which shudders and sputters every time I drive it wondering if this is going to be the time that it will shudder and sputter until it dies and I am left stranded. Call a 1-800-392-3673 number I was told to contact to see why I cantt get this part for my car. This is a KNOWN problem with this car. Google it and you will be amazed at the problems they have with this car. I cant believe Ford isnt manufacturing this part faster than this so this can be repaired and that they continue to sell this car (Its just not with this model year. If you go online it with this model in general). This is the first Ford I have ever purchased and you can count on it that it will be the last. Customer service by Ford in manufacturing the part and getting out to the dealership (at least the dealership I am dealing with keeps telling me they are getting about 3 parts per week from Ford) so these repairs can be made is terrible. I am truly disappointed that I purchased this car.

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  Decent Car for the Money - 2004 Ford Focus
  By dgk - June 1 - 9:50 pm

  Originally, I had wanted an SE, since I didnt really need all of the extra junk that the ZTS has. However, since it was the end of the model year I ended up getting a good deal on the ZTS. The 2.3L engine is quite peppy for a 4 cyl, and the car handles like a sports car that costs thousands more. The interior is quite comfy and can easily hold four people without much effort. The trunk is surprisingly large, probably due to the height of the back of the car. The styling of the car is okay I guess, but I am not much into that sort of thing. My only complaints are that the fuel mileage is very disappointing for a supposed economy car, and it seems like the exterior scratches easily.

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  Good Car for the Money - 2007 Ford Focus
  By rbogrow - June 1 - 7:40 pm

  I have had this car about a month now and so far have been pretty pleased. The 5-speed manual is very fun to drive and the car responds well. I have been getting about 30 MPG on about 50/50 driving. My biggest complaint are the really cheap sun visors. I did have a fit and finish problem with the hood and a paint drip above the rear light upon delivery.

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  Never Bored with this Ford - 2006 Ford Focus
  By docamg - June 1 - 3:16 am

  What a pleasant surprise! I have owned the car for 4 months and am delighted with its performance, reliability and ergonomics. It is a pleasure to drive, handles extremely well and gets great mileage. I highly recommend the Focus to anyone who wants an inexpensive, fun vehicle.

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  Best for the money in every way - 2003 Ford Focus
  By ischober - May 26 - 8:31 pm

  My Focus 4 door wagon is the best car for the money I have ever had. Huge space with back seat down. Has everything a more evpensive car has except dumb things like outside temperature sign ( just lower the window). Only possible drawback is that the back seat does not seperate the same as the back of seat. Air excellent, good mileage. Wish I could buy another new one here in Mexico! If there is a new one anywhere in Mexico I would fly to get it!

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  ZX5 - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Jason23 - May 25 - 11:04 pm

  After purchase from private party I changed out plugs and wires, oil (5-20), replaced damaged side mirror and antenna. The 16" low profiles with alloys corners like a dream. Nice pick up with the 16 valve zetec 130 pony 2.0 liter fuel injected grinder. 6 CD changer and no nonsense dash layout provides a solid experience. Im up to 28 plus mpg driving 11 miles one way to work. Nice quiet ride and tight suspension. Access to oil filter is difficult for oil changes. All in all a great value for the money.

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  Great car for the money - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Melinda Dawson - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is zippy for the price. Nice styling and easy to drive. Hate the seat setup as I cant adjust the wheel and accelerator distance to match my body... but other than that have no complaints

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  Nice Car - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Michael - May 21 - 4:06 pm

  I work for a delivery service. Since purchaseing this car in April 2007 I have placed 9000 miles on it with no problems. I really enjoy every minute in this car. The ride is great and the car coast on the Highway at 85 with little noise but reponsive speed. I average around 31 mpg during city and highway drive. At the same time this fuel efficeny is reached with my focus running no stop for 4-6 hours at a time. The interior is spacious and refined. On long trips at speed of 80- 85 mph I usually average 34-35 mpg on the highway. This car is a great buy with the ford deals and I would buy another in four years with out a question.