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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  Buyer beware - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Ignition defect - February 13 - 12:08 pm

  Ignition replaced 3 times. Exhaust pipe that connects to engine replaced twice. Mechanic said it will have to be replaced again and again because it is a known defect. Brakes replaced too many times. Now engine rattles. My mother has the same car. Same problems. It has been in fender benders twice and a guy driving a stolen truck ran in to the front end and no dents! The other cars had the damage. That is one great thing about the car. There is not a lot of room in the back seat.

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  new owner - 2005 Ford Focus
  By igor - February 10 - 2:40 am

  bought 2 wks ago. have 700 miles on it. so far all good, without complaints. Best things: HATCHBACK without the blingbling: I would be in Mazda3 5door, but I don;t need the engine and ppearance package. Ford got it right with offering the 3door as a cheaper alternative. Sedans are impractical, and I dont need a wagon.. OPTIONS: I put almost everythign on the car, and it feels like a much more expensive car. ENGINE: while sometimes I miss the v8 I got rid off, the engine is decent enough for every situation FUN: the car loves to be pused a little. loves curves and sharper driving (refreshing after expedition). Quality... way beond anything GM, without the extra premium of japanese beand.

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  What a disappointment! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Katherine Wilson - February 5 - 2:35 am

  I bought this car in April of 2003 and enjoyed it for about 3 months. It began to deteriorate quickly and had a variety of uncommon and mysterious problems. Many problems came from shoddy materials. I felt trapped by the financing and had to get many rides from friends for the whole time Ive owned it. I was reminded daily of old saying "FORD = Fix Or Repair Daily." Ive really resented paying high and constant repair bills while still making car payments. I still have two years on that loan but I just got financing to trade it in and get anything other than an American car. Im looking at a Hyundai Elantra and surprised how much more comfortable it is. I will miss having a wagon though.

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  focus se is good - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Joseph - February 4 - 5:26 am

  great car, needs more horsepower

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  Best Focus Yet - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Desert Dog - February 3 - 1:46 pm

  My third Focus. Liked the other two, love this one so far. Extremely quiet compared to the others. Smooth shifting automatic. Upholstery much improved. Fit and finish excellent so far. Ive rented a Fusion while traveling, and this has many of the same atributes, but has a tighter (better) steering radius. Really impressed so far.

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  Good at First - 2000 Ford Focus
  By nada - February 1 - 9:47 pm

  When looking for my first car I wanted something affordable, reliable, and good looking. I bought it used with about 55,000 miles. And over the course of the last 4 years with this car I have replaced the ignition 2 times, replaced my alternator, had to have the trunk fixed because it wouldnt open, had my brake shoes fall off while driving (probably not a defect with the car, but it was one more thing I had to pay for), my power door locks broke causing the driver door to not open, which meant crawling through the passenger door. And the back door open sensor is busted. I have a power steering fluid leak. And a valve in the engine blew, which was approx $350 to replace. Just be wary.

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  Watch Out! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Matt - February 1 - 3:58 pm

  I bought this car new in 2004 to replace my ailing 94 S-10 with 240k miles. I am less than happy with my car. Things that went wrong under warranty. CD Player - dead within weeks, replaced. Heater Core - dead within 18 months and leaked all over interior. Replaced part but not interior. Wobbling - found no problems, but I paid to rebalance, still wobbles. Unfixed issues - starting, the car just sometimes will not start. AC - varies from cold to warm randomly. Interior stinks, as one person mentioned "rattlebox". Engine seems loud, and Ive been told its just injector pulse. Interior can get loud on highway. Currently, blower on level 3 does not work. No leg room, tilt wheel stinks.

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  so far so good - 2006 Ford Focus
  By timotee - January 31 - 2:27 pm

  I have had my car for a little over a year now. I must say that I love this car. It really is too bad that Ford is doing away with the hatchback! My only single complaint is the fuel economy. I do mostly spirited highway driving and I average about 24 mpg. I realize the EPA sets these numbers so its really not their fault. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  GREAT CAR FOR A TRAVELING FAMILY - 2001 Ford Focus
  By my zx3 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  This has to be the best for your buck.Being in the military we wanted a car to travel with us both overseas and in the states and the Focus is it. Being 23years old and over 6 foot tall I hate small cars and minivans, but the interior room is huge and inviting, I can even sit comfortably in the back seat with my child and his carseat! Everything is set up without having to manuver or stretch for cupholders and heater controls.I drive mostly on the highway and my Focus has no loss of power passing or just cruising I definetly would tell people about this vehicle, it has been an awesome investment for my family

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  love it and hate it - 2001 Ford Focus
  By uniquezx3 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, great power, i take on even v6 accords and win. All around good car, but...dont get if you are looking for fuel efficency or dependability. i have a auto and get 25 on the highway!!!!! i should get like 30+, had the alternator go out, and the dpfe sensor go out 3 times!