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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  Dont buy - 2012 Ford Focus
  By mike1992 - February 6 - 6:01 pm

  We bought the car, it looked great. Soon the transmission started giving us problems, couldnt find a gear, shook like a motor mount had broken off, loud noises, etc... Had it to the dealer many times. They fixed it somewhat, not completely. It seems every 5-10k miles we bring it back. Were in a lawsuit now with ford. Im trying to get them to take the car back. We have an appointment next week to bring the car in for the same repair. Dont buy this car.

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  2014 Ford Focus se - 2014 Ford Focus
  By novakjmn - February 1 - 10:13 pm

  Well I love my car. But its transmission sucks. Its not sporty when it should be and it isnt efficient when it should be either. It only gets 24mpg and I have to replace the shitty tires already. But I get a lot of compliments on the looks and the interior. And it does drive so damn good.

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  2013 Titanium Focus - 2013 Ford Focus
  By rringo - January 20 - 6:08 pm

  Its hard to believe that people who have written bad reviews have the same car as I do. Yes the tranny can be a little quirky sometimes but this may have a lot to do with the driver. I have owned a lot of vehicles, Mercedes, BMW, Toyota Nissan etc all of which I liked. I love this car and feel it is the most for the money I have ever owned. Runs great, drives great, looks great and is comfortable with great mileage. Ive taken trips of 3000 miles. Sorry those other folks didnt get one like mine.

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  11 MONTHS--20,000 MILES--NO PROBLEMS - 2014 Ford Focus
  By texasaustin - January 18 - 7:21 am

  Writing because see negative reviews. 2014 5-door Titanium--loaded. No problems at all 20,000 miles. "Auto manual" transmission is a little quirky-adapt to it. Power more than adequate-flooring it has a 1-2 second delay--plan ahead. Usually add oil when 1/2 quart low-wanted to see how long before must add oil. 5w20 full synthetic not quart low after 10,000 miles. Wish less firm ride but it came with the package. Every car should have capless fuel filler, auto/pushbutton start, auto climate control, auto answer phone system, auto on head light. My Ford info system-learn it-seldom malfunctions. Gas mile average 29.9-30.4. (Saw 46.6 on 26 mile loop@71 speed control--40.6@71 over 50mi on IH-35.

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  Looks and sales man can be deceiving - 2014 Ford Focus
  By desw - January 15 - 3:43 pm

  I dont typically sign up for websites to do reviews but I will this time. Do your homework before you even consider this car. Ive had this car for 8 months and Im already trying to figure out how to get out of this upside down car. When I first test drove it the test vehicle was fine. I had seen a couple reviews about the transmission being a little jumpy but the sales man reassured me that that issue was very rare. No. I had it less than two months, took it in 4 times, and was without it for a month and ford treated me horrible. called headquarters and got dismissed there too. Ive had such issues with a new car. Ridiculous! Dont do it pay a little extra and get a better car!

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  Piece of junk - 2013 Ford Focus
  By aaamadre - December 28 - 6:54 pm

  I bought my 2013 Titanium new, mainly to have a reliable car. Horrid transmission that jerks and hesitates. Not safe for merging. Also it randomly wont start. Im trading it in this week.

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  Very pleasantly surprised! - 2014 Ford Focus
  By rex81 - December 19 - 2:54 pm

  Ive owned import cars for years and was planning on buying a Mazda3 but just couldnt pass up the price on the Focus. After incentives it was $6,000 below a comparable 3. Im glad I did. Ive had it for 9 months and 15,000 miles and I love it! Its comfortable, quiet, efficient, stylish, and well built. It feels light but solid at the same time. Great suspension allows for a perfect ride/handling balance. I enjoy getting into it every day. I opted for the manual transmission SE with sport package. Glad I did because I rented a Titanium with auto trans and hated it. Like two different cars. Its true: The auto has issues. And the MyFord Touch was annoying. Simple is better here.

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  Satisfied Customer - 2012 Ford Focus
  By jisla - December 18 - 7:46 am

  My 2012 Ford Focus Hatchback is great. No problems at all. In the beginning I noticed a little jerk with the transmission, but it is no longer an issue. I just trained my right foot on how to accelerate and it accelerates real smoothly now. I love the way it handles and is great on gas. I love the exterior and interior design and the no gas cap feature makes putting gas in this car a snap. I just love driving it!

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  Stay Away - 2014 Ford Focus
  By dre1104 - December 16 - 11:20 pm

  Unfortunately, but honestly, when asked, I always warn potential buyers to stay away from these cars. On paper, it seems the ideal car - economical, fun to drive, and nicely equipped. But the truth is my car has been plagued with issues since day #1. Like many others, I have been dealing with transmission issues that cause erratic shifting. Plus, interior trim, software, and interior rattles that have taken more than a year and half to even begin the process of solving. Bottom line, Ford doesnt stand behind their cars, and doesnt invest in customer satisfaction or making this car the car it claims it is. Dont trust one review. Before you plunk down money, search online. Be warned...

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  Love my Focus - 2011 Ford Focus
  By breiser2 - December 9 - 1:12 pm

  Ive had my focus for two years now. I bought it used with 11,000 miles on it. Now Im at 50,000 miles and have still had no trouble. This is a car I would recommend to everyone. I did extensive research when buying my car. I narrowed my list down to the Focus, Fiesta, Nissan Versa, Hyundai Elantra and Scion XD. The Focus came at the best price, for the best reliability ratings, was the most fun to drive, and was the best looking. The Sync program isnt the most efficient system of all time, but it is a nice convenience. Occasionally it struggles, but anything electronic has its occasional lag. This car is great, I swear by it and plan to drive it for the next ten years.