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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  Focus Work Wagon - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Brent - January 19 - 11:43 am

  Bought it because my partner had 2 Foci and thought it a great car for the business. Big change from a BMW 7 series. What a great car, changed the springs right away to H&R Sport, major improvement in handling. Upgraded the sound with Boston Pro speakers. 17" custom rims and 50 series rubber. Full header and sport exhaust, throttle boy, intake make about 20 more ponies. Excellent changes and what a car now, handles and rides well, goes better and is fun to drive on trips. Now what we need is the European 5 cylinder, or 140 or best of all the Diesel Focus. Next improvement: Spax shocks and cross brace. Maybe a Jackson or Powerworks supercharger. :)

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  Focus is a Winner - 2005 Ford Focus
  By john - January 16 - 3:30 pm

  I think anyone that would take the time to drive the Focus would fall in love with it. The handling is wonderful and gas mileage is exceptional. The car is cute and sassy. Comfort is built in with the quality.

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  Best car in its class! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By TrueReview - January 14 - 6:00 pm

  Early this year, I purchased an all base model 2008 Ford Focus. I drive a whole lot and need something with good mileage but also family safe since we had our first baby on the way. We drove everything in its class and spent at least a good month researching what would fit us best. I have a strong dis-taste for most Asian vehicles, but even so we test drove the Civic, Fit, Corolla, Echo, Yaris, Impreza etc etc. We ended up picking the Focus for its great value and still the best mileage overall. Rated better than the Aveo! I drive this vehicle every day and love it to death! Its great fun to drive, spacious for a little car and still smooth and powerful! Very safe too. Great job Ford!

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  Were Loving Our Focus! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Matthew - January 12 - 10:38 am

  Im not sure why everybody hates these cars so much or why theyre all having problems. We bought ours used with 36,000 miles on it. We werent too excited about getting it because of all the problems we had heard about, but this was the only choice we had and we needed a new car. When we first bought it, it was awesome. It drives so smooth. It has an awesome stereo, great interior quality, overall just an awesome car. Weve had it for a while and its a daily driver between my fiance and I. We havent experienced any problems with it. Nothing with the transmission or anything else, its still driving like the day we bought it. Its amazing on gas too. Its a great car and I would recommend it to anyone. The only problems Ive found in it is that its a little on the small side, especially in the backseat and the lack of storage sucks. Other wise, its the best car we have ever owned. We bought it used from a dealership in Ohio and we have a 5 year - 150,000 mile, bumper to bumper warranty so if something does break, its completely covered, but I dont think anything is going too. You have to remember that this is a Ford Focus and not a sports car. I think some of the people having the problems arent treating their car the way that they should be. I think a lot of people complaining about the transmission also dont realize that its a "Electronic Controlled Automatic" but is actually a" Dual-Clutch Manual Transmission". If youve ever driven a manual, you know how it feels, BUT we havent noticed it feeling like a manual. It feels exactly like an automatic should. I came from a 5-Speed Mitsubishi Eclipse before this Focus so I know what a manual feels like and our Focus doesnt drive anything like that so I dont why everybody seems to be having problems. If youre looking for a good car, quick and nimble, great on gas, and an awesome stereo, check out the Ford Focus.

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  Lemon Demon - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Olga Nehring - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car thinking what a good deal. But quickly that turned upside down. The cluch had a recall, after they fixed that (ha) I put It back in the shop three more times. Now Im told the sound is normal. Dont think so. Ive had it in two times for a clunking noise in the back left side, they fixed it once but the noise came right back, I guess in stuck with that noise to. The back light went out, the gas light stuck on, they are fixed but for how long I dont know. I didnt buy the extended warranty, OH NO! Ive read the other reviews and Im scared. Now there is a noise in the front when I go over bumps!

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  Nice Car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Trafalgar72 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I picked a Focus over a Civic despite all warnings by friends, and I am glad I stuck with my choice, the only complaint I have is that you can feel the car pitching side to side in steep turns around 20 mph. I like the styleing, but it could be improved. I suggest this car, but I would go for the 130 hp, if I were to to redecide. It handles great, and test drive one if you get a chance. I hear that American cars have bad reliability and that fords have bad transmissions but I , hope and think my Focus will hold up.

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  suprised - 2002 Ford Focus
  By scrunden - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I was impressed with the room the car had, the way it handles and rides. I thought id never own a small car again. I bought it on the advice of my brother who owns 3 for his business they all have at least 60,000 miles on them and are only 2 years old but he has had no problems with any of them. The only thing I wish for ishat the 130 hp engine was standard on all models.

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  Amazing Car at an Amazing Price - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Robert Aitchison - January 12 - 2:00 am

  My Focus is getting close to 2 years old and is still as solid as the day I drove it off the lot. Performace is AMAZING, its an incredibly fun to drive car. Reliability has exceeded expectations.

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  European Car at Economy Prices - 2002 Ford Focus
  By mroland - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Extremely responsive and fun to drive. The cars begs to be thrown into corners and play. It has a fanstastic stereo, and roomy accomodations for 4 people. Its a sport hatch more than an economy car.

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  My Toy Mustang - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Marv - January 10 - 11:15 am

  I have been a GM fan prior to this car. We have over 200,000 miles on this car and the only thing that we have done is replace the front brake rotors. My son is a Ford Tech and does all the PMs on the car. Will I buy other Focus? Yes! It has been the BEST car I have own, period. Ford build a GREAT car.