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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  Worst car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Kienna Summer Shkopich-Weddell - March 30 - 7:28 pm

  I paid 500 dollars for this car and drove it for exactly one year. After replacing all 4 wheel bearings, the front right spring, plus having to refill the antifreeze every morning during the winter months in Northern Canada, I gave up and took it to the dump. I wanted to set this car on fire every single day that I owned it. I do not recommend, I would not say that this is a safe car. Much happier with my older 1990 Honda Accord.

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  Automatic Trans is TERRIBLE - 2014 Ford Focus
  By dobber10 - March 30 - 4:02 pm

  CAr has approx 13,000 miles on it and the transmission shutter/slipping is getting progressively worse. Dealer will not even talk about repairing it even though it didnt do it at time of purchase. They say it works the way it is suppose to and the service guy says they know it gets that way. Dealer should make people aware of the poor design before they buy it. I am investigating lemon laws to see what can be done but again, the dealer will not even accept an appointment to see if they can fix it. They stick to the position it is normal. We are in our 60s and this is not the first car we have even owned -- but it will be the last Focus we ever consider and possibly Fords in general.

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  Reliable with minor issues - 2008 Ford Focus
  By willt5 - March 23 - 5:37 pm

  I bought this Focus because it was affordable and was known for being reliable. So far my experience with the car has been good. Ive owned it for about a year and a half and so far have changed the notoriously bad motor mounts and sway bar links. Other repairs that will be needed in the future are the control arms due to the bushings going bad. Car only has 65,000 miles on it and basic parts are starting to wear. Otherwise, it has been fairly cheap to maintain and reliable.

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  Manual transimission S model - 2014 Ford Focus
  By dallastx2 - March 22 - 1:07 pm

  When renting a car for work I always request a Ford Focus. It is a compact vehicle which feels safe to drive. The Focus feels solid on the road. This past year needed a new car, wanted something with better than average fuel economy - purchased a Focus. I picked up the manual transmission version. Not having used a manual transmission in years, its been fun getting back to driving with a stick. The engine performance has been a pleasant surprise. Having a manual transmission gives me the opportunity to drive the vehicle at higher revs. The engine has not disappointed.

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  Transmission Unsafe - 2014 Ford Focus
  By baltazarre - March 18 - 2:21 pm

  7 months in - stranded twice by transmission errors. First one said "Transmission Overheating - Stop When Safe". Dealer in CT worked on it for five days but did not enter work into Ford system. This time received "Transmission Failure" message and car went out of gear while driving. Almost rear ended. Brought to original dealer in NJ. They found a code for a Service Bulletin about not being able to put it in reverse, which wasnt the problem, but cant find anything else wrong. Left with unsafe car and no options. Absolute junk

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  Great on gas, but improvements needed - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Adam Holly - March 14 - 10:09 am

  Decent power, but Ford needs to put a 6 speed manual in it! 3000 RPM cruising at 115 km/h is absolutely absurd. The MTX-75 needs to be retired. Fun facts about the S: No low washer fluid indicator, and you cannot turn the traction control off on the S, short of pulling the fuses for it under the hood. Phenomenal on gas, however. Even with winter tires, its not great in the snow, partially due to the low ground clearance. Tuxedo black metallic paint is gorgeous when clean! The build quality is good, save for the stupid mud flaps Ive lost both front ones because the clips dont hold, and the rear ones are barely hanging on. Only been in the shop once for a wheel bearing when new (warranty)

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  5 Speed Manual is a champ!! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By John Walton - March 6 - 11:07 am

  Hearing a lot of bad reviews about the automatic not being a good choice. Duh, its a 4 cylinder! What were you expecting the automatic version to be like? When has a four cylinder with an automatic ever been a good, reliable, engaging choice? [non-permissible content removed]. I leased this car with 90 miles, it now has 21,000 trouble free miles on it and Im seriously considering buying out when the lease is up. The My Touch sucks and has been the only glaring deficiency. When an aftermarket system is available best believe the annoying Ford voice is gone. Drove this 1,600 miles across the country with out a hiccup. It was a very comfortable ride too.

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  Drives good. Dash set-up sux. Synch Sux. Forced loss of privacy really sux.. - 2012 Ford Focus
  By dez88 - February 25 - 12:59 pm

  Handles great. Stops ok. Has been reliable. Shifting is good once you learn to let it shift like a manual. Gets nowhere near the mileage it claims. Synch absolutely sucks eggs. Controls for blinkers /wipers /doorlocks /windows/ sound system/phone....it all is really bad...comical in some cases. Ford FORCES agreement to sharing your info with their "marketing partners". It is really BAD BUSINESS! I get sleazy, liar, cold callers saying things like "I am with the warranty department for your Ford Focus" when they are not...trying to sell me an aftermarket warranty. I have Fords extended warranty. Ford does not allow you to opt-out. You will need new phone number if you buy a Ford.

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  Gas tank fell off!! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By jeje2 - February 22 - 5:58 pm

  2002, only 56,000 miles, very well maintained & garaged. I drove 150 freeway miles, filled the tank, and while crossing an intersection toward the freeway on ramp, the tank fell down and one side was dragging on the ground. Could have been fatal pretty scary. Luckily some angel mechanics spent 2 hours, jacked up the tank and re-secured it. The front bolt came out, and they said it appeared it was bolted into the wrong hole to begin with one with no threads! And Consumer Reports rates this car - year and model as one of the most unreliable of all.

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  2013 Focus SE - 2013 Ford Focus
  By sts_pa - February 10 - 11:56 am

  I bought this 2013 Focus SE hatch new 2 years ago and have experienced zero issues with it. Chassis is sublime and engine provides adequate power while returning >30 mpg and easily over 40 on the highway. Interior has too much hard plastic, but thats expected at this price. I love the cloth seats and the hatch holds tons of stuff. The powershift automatic has unpleasant characteristics at low speeds (chattering, lurching), but works great when pressed. Ford seems to deliver the best driving compact in the segment at this price IMHO. Hoping the reliability stays good going forward.