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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  4 Years and still going strong - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Tony - May 21 - 12:47 pm

  Bought my ZX5 with 5000 miles on it in Dec 03. As of today it has 82,000 on it and other than routine PMs, it has never been in the shop for repair. Gas mileage averages about 27 combined city/country driving. It is an awesome little car. I see another Focus in my future

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  Great deal, but rife with rust! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Krakenbound - May 21 - 7:30 am

  For the price, this car cant be beat, if you value the same things I value, which are 5 speed performance, hatch back functionality, clean and modern interior, low maintenance, and reasonable gas mileage. The 5 speed is very quick. The handling is very good. The tires stick well, work great in the rain, and arent too noisy. The interior has clean lines, functional controls, and good shades of grey. The seats are well designed, firm, and very comfortable for my 510", 240lb body. (my 52", 110lb girlfriend likes them too!)

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  My ZX3 is a workhorse! Im sad to sell! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Chenago - May 20 - 12:06 pm

  Ive been driving my little ZX3 for seven years now. It has been a wonderful little car. Yes, its true that I it had some recalls, but thats all over with. I can haul almost anything that I want. The purchase price and the cost of gas still dont add up to the cost of a hybrid. It will carve Highway 55 with the best of them and Ill pass them at the pump, because Im getting 35 mpg. It has spunk in the city and cruises easily on the highway. The stereo rocks. In seven years Ive replaced the battery, window crank and the ignition switch. Im very sad that Ford isnt bringing back the ZX3 in 08, so Im selling and purchasing a new 07. Heres to another seven years!

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  Very peppy car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Slimm - May 19 - 8:27 pm

  I love my car. I have no regrets of buying this car since day one. It has a great amount of power for such a little car. I love everything about this car. I would recommend the Focus ST to anyone that still needs a sedan but also wants a little power

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  Fun little hot rod from SVT - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Chris - May 19 - 1:59 pm

  What a great car! Having owned SVT products in the past, I have always been impressed with the performance, handling and all around fun factor of these cars. This Focus was no exception. That being said, it does have its "quirkiness", mainly that the engine has an emissions-control function that makes the revs hang in-between shifts and that the dual-stage flywheel takes some getting used to. However, these are easily corrected by a "tune" for the ECU. It also adds 10 HP to wheels and allows you to scan for DTCs. The car handles extremely well for a front driver. You can actually get it to four wheel drift!! I have the EAP package-a must have!

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  Ford is doing it right! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Jerry McGee - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Great daily driver that I use in sales in So. Calif. area. Has been exceptionally reliable and 95% problem free. 80,000 miles on it now; never has used any oil. I change my own oil regularily at 5M intervals. Very adequate interior room compared to my last 2 Tempos. I am a happy camper!

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  I recommend! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By DanielJKaser - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car a few days ago. I have had a great time driving thus far and I look forward to driving it every time I go outside. Although I have not stepped on it (regardless of the apparent factory breaking in) I feel as though I should give it at least 500 miles of easy driving to keep the seals from busting. I outran an Integra without evening givin it too much gas:)

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  ford focus--COLLECTIBLE - 2003 Ford Focus
  By mickeysmarauder - May 16 - 2:00 am

  like the ergonometrics--very comforta ble riding unit-rides around corners as if on rails-spirited response(for the horses available)-no problems so far

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  The Ford Focus Electric doesnt get enough credit - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Tim - May 15 - 3:36 am

  I have had a lot of cars in my time (VW, Honda, Mazda), and this car is definitely the best value for my money that I could ever imagine having. There is one caveat... you have to be able to drive the car within its range. This probably isnt the car for you if you live in a cold climate, and you need to keep it plugged in if you live in a hot climate. However, I would call this car a luxury car, and to drive a car of this quality every day I would easily spend 3 times as much in overall costs. Range... If you drive this like any other car, then your range will probably be 70 miles on an average day, but only around 45 miles at 32 degrees. The great thing is that traffic actually increases your range. I couldnt imagine a better car in traffic. It is comfortable, quiet, and using the low range mode means you rarely have to touch the brake pedal. Battery... I just tested the battery, and after 2 years I have not had any loss. The car has a cooling system on the battery. Maintenance/Repairs/Warranty... I have had no maintenance costs. The car has been in the shop for 21 days in 2 years for work on the charging system. However, I have a backup car so that has not been an issue. The great thing is that the charging system/battery is warranted for 8 years/100k miles. As long as you can deal with the car being in the shop periodically, then this isnt a problem. Again, I look forward to 8 years of very low maintenance costs. Exterior... I love the exterior. I have the white pearl paint, and the paint quality is very good. I love Mazdas and Hondas, but their paint is notoriously bad and cheap. Its nice to have good paint for a change. Interior... This is one of the nicest cars I have ever had. The leather seats are of high quality, and it feels like a luxury car. It is very quiet, and there is no emissions to breathe in. Cargo space is very small due to the battery placement, but i love the fact that i can put items in the back without them sliding around. Ride... The ride and handling is very good. The car is heavy, so it rides well, and the handling is very good. Performance... The car is very slow off the line up to 5 miles an hour. However, in real world driving most people to take off quickly from the line. The car has a very smooth start. The rest of the time the performance is very good. Acceleration is great once you have started, as the electric motor provides instant torque. It is most impressive while going up a hill. If I need to pass going up a hill, I am around the car in front of me before they have a chance to react (too many people like to speed up when you pass them :) ). Value... I got an amazing deal, as Georgia had the $5000 tax credit. So, my effective price was only around $17500 with all the incentives. I have had no costs at all for the car over two years (no oil changes), and with electricity so inexpensive my only significant cost is depreciation. Depreciation has been steep with gas prices so low now, but the cars depreciation will be negligible over the next 3-4 years. Most people dont realize that the true cost to a car is not its purchase price, but its depreciation and repair costs. We had a 2007 Acura TL type S and a 2003 VW Passat. The Passat actually cost us twice as much as the Acura TL due to the poor depreciation of the VW and very high repair costs. The Focus Electric has a high depreciation hit when you first buy it, but it is very low after that. Features... I love the auto start. On a hot day I start it before we get in and it is so much cooler than any of the rest of our cars. The heated seats keep me warm on the days that are 60 degrees, so I dont use the heater that much. I love the low range. I use it often in traffic, coming down hills, or going through traffic lights. It slows you down without having to use the brakes, and the power is reclaimed through regeneration. Things you have to learn how to do... Keep it charged. We have a backup car, so if we forget to charge it, it is not a big deal for us. If you dont have a backup car that could be an issue. Keep it cool. During the hot summer months, heat degrades the battery. So keep it inside or plugged in. You probably will need a level 2 charger installed.

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  U-Bet-Cha! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Dusty - May 10 - 4:40 pm

  Sporty, Quick and a blast to drive, and handles like it is on a rail! what more can you ask for?