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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  Fun around town - 2004 Ford Focus
  By T.C. - October 28 - 11:18 pm

  I bought this car cause I couldnt afford another economy car on the lot. I really do like it. I live in the big city and getting through traffic can be fun. The 2.3 is a definite plus. Quick and nice high end performance. Cornering is great also. My main drawback is the stiff suspension. Ive had two back surgeries and the ride is quite bouncy. Ill try new shocks and tires, this car is worth the investment! The interior is very nice for us also. All within easy reach. I will admit though. This car is more fun to drive than comfortable. Would like to have both.

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  Great Handling Car! - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Tommy - October 25 - 9:29 pm

  I purchased this Focus in August 06 and it has impressed me so far. Handling and power is impressive for a car under $18K. Very comfortable for a small car.

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  take my car, please - 2001 Ford Focus
  By fletcher - October 24 - 7:00 pm

  A friend of mine always says, "i cant afford to buy cheap things." I should have listened to his advice about this car. I really like how it drives, but I really hate that I seem to spend at least one day a month or more driving to a repair shop because something else has gone wrong. Its hard to have a good relationship with a car upon which you depend that is utterly unreliable and unrelentingly so. These things are ugly and like to break down, but at least they are initially inexpensive and get relatively good gas mileage. Im buying a Honda or a Toyota next. No more Fords for me.

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  Good car but having buyers remorse. - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Jeff Sandburg - October 23 - 11:32 pm

  I am about 5 months into owning this car. I have put a little over 6,000 miles on it and it is already going into the shop for the second time due to the transmission issues. The automated manual transmissions in these focus are horrible, in my opinion. It jerks and shifts hard to the point where I hear metal grinding. This car is new. I should not be having these problems. Very disappointed in Ford to put out a car like this. I do love the look of the car and interior. The engine performance is great but its hard to enjoy the ride when your car violently shakes off the light. Would be a wonderful car if a conventional automatic transmission was used.

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  Good, but... - 2006 Ford Focus
  By economicat - October 19 - 7:23 am

  This is a very useful family car. We chose a wagon instead of an SUV so my small kids could get in and out easily on their own. The problem is that there are no rear headrests, so my children (4 & 8) will soon outgrow this car and we will have to replace it. The heated mirrors and seats work great and the care gets decent mileage. It will make strange noises if gas falls below a quarter tank, so beware. Sometimes the start is a little jumpy, but not really that bad. Fully loaded, it is an affordable alternative to the $35K+ we would have spent on another wagon, with as much rear room as a midsize SUV.

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  Focus is junk - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Sharon Kemp - October 18 - 10:48 am

  This car has mechanical problems.The front stablizer link went bad at 30,000 miles along with the wiper motor &cooling sensor.At 50,000 miles the doors would lock when the car was not running & would not let me back in,neither with the key or the remote.The gages would flip and wig out when it rained.The car would jump out of gear and down shift and the gear shift would not move out of gear.Loud knocking noise coming the front and re end.When I would take it to the Ford dealership they could never find any problems when they would drive it,but How could they hear anything when the AC would be on full blast and the radio on.They thought I was Crazy.So I bought a Toyota

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  Focus ST - 2006 Ford Focus
  By mospace - October 16 - 1:43 am

  I love my Ford Focus ZX4 ST. It is fun, fast and reliable. I also really appreciate having a sporting oriented car that gets better than 30 mpg. Mine is a head turner with the Street Appearance package. Its interior is very comfortable with leather, moon roof, and loaded up. Fantastic car.

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  Focus ZTS - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Giardina - October 14 - 2:00 am

  FUN TO DRIVE, EXCELLENT HANDLING CAPABILITIES, GREAT VALUE FOR THE PRICE EUROPEAN SPORTS STYLING PLENTY OF INTERIOR SPACE

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  Best first new car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By chris - October 11 - 11:00 am

  OK for one my family has owned Fords for a long time and I think they are some of the best cars made. I test drove 15 cars before I test drove my Ford Focus and I fell in love. I do have some stuff to say. The head liner isnt cheap it is a safety thing the side airbags come out of the whole top so thats why it looks cheap. Next the side vents to do stuff if you set them right they help remist/defog ur window and also its ment to blow on your arm not face thats what the two center one is for. Some bad things about the car are minor though there is no trunk release inside the car and the trunk liner does not stick to the floor if you put and heavy items in it over all the car is great

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  Decent and fun to drive! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Roen - October 9 - 10:25 pm

  Ive had my 2004 Focus ZX3 for a little over a year now and so far no problems. Ive heard Ford had fixed all the problems in the previous model year Foci into the 2004 models and its pretty obvious. The 2.3L PZEV engine is very torquey at low RPM ranges, around 3,000 rpms, which is practically everyday RPM ranges. Very smooth ride, nice interior, and beautiful styling. Fuel economy isnt as great for a car this size, however. I calculated an average 26 mpg city/highway driving, which is what youd expect from a larger vehicle like an SUV. But the 2004 Focus is an overall great car to drive thats actually more reliable than the previous model year Foci.