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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  A bigger car for me - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Laura - September 23 - 8:23 pm

  I switched up to the Focus from a subcompact. Ive only got about 1400 miles on it so far, but I really like it. Its fun to drive, comfortable and gets decent gas mileage (most of my driving is city driving). Its also the first brand new car Ive ever bought, so I did a lot of research before buying. It handles well and no longer feels like a boat compared to the old car! Im still very happy that I went with the Focus instead of some of the others I looked at.

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  Awesome car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Tonya - September 19 - 2:43 pm

  I bought my Focus brand new in 2003, it now has almost 77,000 miles on it and still going strong. Only thing I have had to have done is an all wheel alignment because of the roads I live on. The tires are a little expensive but I think Ford made a right choice with the tire size due to my experience with the Aspire the lower profile tires were a wise choice. I love this car, gets great gas mileage and drive good. It has been very reliable and couldnt have asked for a better car.

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  Aftermarket - 2003 Ford Focus
  By pwallace01 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I used to drive a mustang and let me tell you. This car handles and responds to driver input much better. Anyone can take this car and drive it fast through a corner. The only downfall i see from the factory is that it only has 130HP. The aftermarket, however, is plentiful. You will like this car.

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  Satisfied Customer - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Suze - September 12 - 4:50 pm

  So far Im getting about 34 to 35 mpg on standard 5-speed. It seems wider and is higher than my Escort wagon, which I prefer. I think it is a good value compared to others on the market. For me, if its not a Ford, its not a car.

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  $12000? Cant go wrong - 2006 Ford Focus
  By livforvaca - September 9 - 11:25 pm

  After 6 months any new car is just "a car". This one does everything you need, especially at $3 a gallon. Im 62" and fit in it great. The air is cold, stereo is fine and $250/month with $500 down is great. I wanted a Charger RT but my payment would have been $600/month. You figure it out!

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  Focus Happy - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Ferdman - September 9 - 12:10 am

  I drive 30 miles each way to work and needed a fuel efficient car. The Focus is a pleasure to drive. The drivers seat is very comfortable and the only comfort I would wish for is a telescoping steering wheel. After 4 tanks of gas I am getting 31.2 mpg in mixed driving which is about 60 percent highway. Handling is delightful with responsive steering and agile cornering. I got the SYNC system and boy am I pleased. Nothing like a USB port in the dash that allows you can plug an 8 gig memory stick full of music. Between the memory stick, Sirius Radio and CD stacker I will never suffer for lack of entertainment. So far no defects or immediate fix items. Very happy Focus owner.

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  07 Last of the Nimble Focus Hatchbacks - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Mojave_Explorer - September 2 - 3:56 am

  The little ZX3 is not a Mazda 3 but it is its less expensive cousin with the almost same 2.0 engine less the vvt. Too bad that Ford is replacing the hatch back in 08 with a coupe, but maybe it will drive just as well. I am getting 25 mpg in town and on a trip across California and Arizona on the interstate, I got 30 mpg average on a 400 mile trip, and my ZX is an automatic. I have only had it for a few months but they have been trouble free, and Ford now has a 5 year 60K warranty just in case. Its a solid little car for the price.

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  I love the car! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Bob 1122 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I got this car as a first car and it has been a great car. I love how it handles. The car seems like its on tracks. It never slides out. Not that I have tried.....lol i have had the recalls done and the only problem is that it seems to have some problems in the snow. But i think thats its just the tires. If you were looking for a small car look at the focus!

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  Great Car, Awesome Value, Excellent MPG - 2008 Ford Focus
  By mlauer - September 1 - 12:26 pm

  This car is fun to drive and gets excellent mileage. My best mileage so far, over 3 days, driving 440 miles, is 41.2 MPG. Overall an excellent choice for any commuter.

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  Not for tall people - 2006 Ford Focus
  By John Smith - August 31 - 8:53 pm

  I have owned this car for 5 days now and I have been trying to figure out how to get rid of it. Dont get me wrong, its a fun little car if you are under 6 feet tall. I have experienced terrible back and leg pain from the drivers seat. I am 63" tall and go to the gym at least 3 times a week and in great shape. On the test drive and for a couple of days the car was fine then uncomfortable every other trip. Then had to drive 30 miles to and back from somewhere is when the excruciating pain began. This morning was a 5 mile trip to work and not less than 50 feet out of the driveway was when the pain began again. Please be very weary of this vehicle if you are tall!