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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  Great Car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By roams11 - April 2 - 10:00 am

  This car has been excellent for my weekely trips to work of 200 miles. I have gotten 37 mpg driving the speed limit. Typically at 75-80, I still average 28-30 mpg. The car is quick, responsive and I feel really benefits from the large diameter tires.

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  Not the best Ive owned by a long shot - 2002 Ford Focus
  By mj23cantona - April 1 - 4:57 pm

  I bought this car because I could get more features and a bigger engine for some $3000 less than I would have paid for a Toyota Celica. Now, five years and some $5000 more than the cost of the average Celica over this time, all I can say is it was a bad choice. Pretty much all that could go wrong did, coolant system twice, CD chager twice, A/C twice, clutch, thermostat, power windows, brakes need constant work, windshield sealant, trunk bounces back every other time, noisy. Its the last Ford Ill ever own. About a year ago I quit putting money into it, all I do is maintenance. Since then the CD changer and the drivers side window have kicked it, we now own two Toyotas. This one is errand car.

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  car of cars - 2004 Ford Focus
  By jackielighting - March 29 - 10:00 am

  this car is truely the best car I have ever owned both men and women look at the car as I drive by I have seen them point and smile with the look of wanting on there face

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  greatvehicle - 2004 Ford Focus
  By johnearly - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Use of vehicleis 60% highway 40% city. find easy to handle with excellent gas milage. outside of normal oil and maintenance no other problem . one thing needs betterment would be radio. plan on buying new one next year,

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  I hate this car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By elh430 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I have not had a single good experience with this car. It leaks when it rains hard, the braking system sucks, (I have been told it the type of brakes it has), the window adjustors fall off all the time, handles terrible in the rain, and snow. the manual handles for the windows were put on backwards, I could continue.

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  ford focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By david gutierrez - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I swithced from an SUV to the focus because i was worried about the gas price hikes. Although i miss the height of the SUV, i love the gas savings and the sportyness of my 5 speed focus.

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  My Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By laurie - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2002 Focus used. It has been an absolute pleasure. The hatchback and split rear seat offers great cargo storage. I have been able to move all sorts of stuff. My boyfriend is 64" and fits very well into the car. People are usually suprised about how roomy the inside is for a small car, and ther comment posativly on the design. Mine is a 5 speed and is a kick to drive. Peppy and responsive.

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  Recommended - 2003 Ford Focus
  By TheReverend - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive enjoyed our ZX5 Focus a lot. The power is adequate, though not great, and it handles like a champ on all types of roads. I love the way the interior is laid out, ergonomics are good, seats are comfy. Our minor problems were that we had to have it re- aligned after only 17K and the paint chipped off the shifter knob at about 15K. The alignment could have been my fault, I do drive it pretty hard. The exterior looks get a little old after awhile, but aftermarket parts are everywhere.

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  Dont but anything ford made after 2012 - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Alex - March 29 - 9:30 am

  I drive 2013 focus SE and I had been driving it for a about 40,000 miles on it even though the transmission was making noise crank and shudder I figured I will just keep driving it and disregarding the noise as long as it drives but now it is at 59,xxx miles and when i got underneath to do an oil change i noticed transmission leaking. Called dealer and they cannot cover any repairs since the car has branded title. Now im stuck with this car that needs lot of time and money to get a repair. Worst of all is that this is a common issue for years 2012-2015 and even after repair people been saying they keep failing after short periods of time. Will never buy another ford and would like to warn anyone from buying these mechanically poorly designed vehicles.

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  Stinks to be me - 2000 Ford Focus
  By notafocusfan - March 28 - 8:47 pm

  I have driven my car since I bought it because I was a single parent and could get free labor to fix it and could not afford to buy a new car. This car is really bad. It is great because it still runs but it had to have 2 ignition switches, countless brakes, rotors and tires every 20,000 miles. We have lifetime brakes now and it is eating them too. It had to have a new motor at only 90,000 miles in 2005. It dropped a valve seat. New oxygen sensors twice. It now shakes and rattles the dash sounds horrible.