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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  Good car for the $$ - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Jason - November 11 - 12:32 pm

  I got this car brand new in March, I Had 3 things at the top of my want list for my new vehicle purchase. 1~ Under $15K new. 2~ averaged over 26-mpg. 3~ Good warranty. Well my 2006 Focus SE is all of that and then some. My purchase price was $12,550, that was with auto transmission, power windows/locks etc. The car drives and handles great, I am averaging 29-MPG so far, so Im happy with that. (Ive put 15,500 miles on it so far). Overall great car.

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  2007 Focus ZX5 SES - 2007 Ford Focus
  By patricki - November 11 - 12:00 am

  Purchased Oct. 2006 and have driven for about two months. Audiophile system rocks, moonroof is superb, ABS braking system is outstanding. Am getting about 26 - 35 mpg. Fun car to drive and extremely comfortable. Feel safer than ever with side airbags.

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  Cheesy Face-lift - 2006 Ford Focus
  By David - November 10 - 5:40 pm

  I wished they didnt change the exterior styling, its horrible especially for the hatchback version. Its basically the same Focus, but more refined and it handles great, very predictable and secure. The interior space is quite good for the size of the car. I enjoy all the features that came with my ZX5, like 6 CDs, moonroof, heated seats.

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  Many comparisons later... - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Jodyimnew - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I researched on the internet and then set out to drive the top 4 (Corolla, Civic, Mazda3, and Focus). After some unpleasant experiences with my 2000 Focus I really didnt expect to buy another Ford. I could not believe the improvements in the 2005! It was much more comfortable and fun to drive than any of the others. The power is great, mileage over 30mpg, looks good, and the price with all the "standard" options beat the others- hands down! Love to drive (and my friends love to ride) in my sporty new Focus!

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  REALLY NEAT CAR! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By vwjimski - November 10 - 10:00 am

  PRETTY GOOD VALUE, CONSIDERING PRICE PAID! GAS MILEAGE WAS IMPORTANT ITEM CONSIDERED. SIZE OF CAR IS SUPRISING,INT ROOM IS LARGE FOR CAR RATED A SUBCOMPACT! EASY TO REACH CONTROLS A PLUS. RIDE IS VERY GOOD, VERY QUIET INSIDE. WIFE WILL USE THIS FOCUS...HER CAR! BOUGHT FOR AROUND TOWN DRIVING.MY WIFE HADE A 1998 FORD CONTOUR V6 AUTO,AND WE HAD REAL GOOD SERVICE OUT OF IT, SO IM LOOKING FOR MORE OF THE SAME WITH THIS FOCUS! BASED ON PAST FORDS WE HAVE OWNED, I THINK WELL BE JUST FINE !BUT...WHOEVER READS THIS...IF YOU DONT MAINTAIN THE VEHICLE PROPERLY,YOU WILL GET WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT! IF YOUR LOOKING FOR A DECENT RIDE, CHECK THIS ONE OUT...BEFORE YOU LOOK AT A FOREIGN MODEL!

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  Works for me! - 2006 Ford Focus
  By scott - November 7 - 6:29 pm

  I just wanted to comment that I have had my Focus for about 6 months. I have had no problems with the car (knock wood). I am 6 foot 4 and weigh about 360 lbs and have had no comfort problems. As a matter of fact it is one of the most comfortable new cars Ive been in lately. There is plenty of head room and my knees are not jammed into the dash or anything else. It is very fun to drive and the mileage is good.

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  Focusing on Quality-Where is it? - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Mark Roman - November 6 - 2:00 am

  At crusing speeds, there is an electrical problem which causes the vehicle to stall whenever I turn on the lights or flick the high beams back and forth. Its been the shop twice to trace the problem to no avail. While I had the vehicle in the shop for the first service, some grease monkey backed into it damaging the rear bumper. They had the vehicle in the shop for 19 days in January. Whenever I flick the windshield washers, I get a strong smell inside the cabin of antifreeze. Theyve replaced one piece and it still occurs. The drivers seat has a loose piece. Theyve also replaced the outside rubber on the drivers side door and the car alarm.

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  Happy, Happy - 2012 Ford Focus
  By finesse1 - November 5 - 2:17 am

  Ive had this car for over a month now (1250 miles) and love how well it handles. I love the manual trans and Im comming from a BMW 328 CI manual! Gas milage is edging up with every fill up. Now avg 29 - 30 mpg only because it is fun to push it around corners and thru traffic. Very comfortable, quiet and user friendly. Sports package is a must! Its still new enough in my area to draw stares, smiles and an occasional nod. So far looks to be a great choise!

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  Cheap and good mileage - 2008 Ford Focus
  By roper-girl - November 4 - 7:26 pm

  Had car for about 3 months. Great affordable car with good mileage. I get 32 town and 35 highway driving 60 MPH. Lots of road noise, having transmission concerns. Visually appealing design inside and out. Much better quality and ride than other comparable vehicles in its class. Would recommend if you are looking for a really affordable new car that gets decent mileage.

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  nice car - 2012 Ford Focus
  By becheurh@yahoo.com - October 30 - 3:11 pm

  Nothing wrong .I hade 64000 miles on it