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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  I love my car, but be careful - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Jolee - August 26 - 10:41 am

  My mom had a Focus, and when my Escort died I needed something safe for our new baby, so we go the Focus. Its a good size, I feel safe in it, and its fun to drive.

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  Fun Wagon - 2001 Ford Focus
  By reizul - August 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Focus. My first was a lemon (dealer caused the problem)that Ford bought back. I like it so much that I thought Id give it another try. Im not disappointed. Good interior room and lots of space to haul things. Having a kid and a 85 lbs dog forced me to get a wagon and the only thing I dont like is driving an automatic. Will I buy another??Well see in 4 more years when it is paid off. Right now Ill say YES!

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  Focus On This! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By I-Man - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2001 Ford Focus on or around the 5th of August (2002) at around 30,000 miles. Later that week, I drove it up to Vermont for a vacation, and the car had problems accelerating. This happened on the way back too. The car also started slowing down for no reason, until it was going about 10 mph. We let it sit for a while, then drove it home with no problems.

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  Could be Better!!! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By DennisHuther - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle and i am in the process of trying to get Ford to buy it back from me. Too many Problems to list in even 700 words or less. I will never buy another Ford again..... I own 6 of them but i will never purchase another....

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  Fast, Fun And Praticle - 2002 Ford Focus
  By King Scottie - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Focus as my first new car back in Feburary 2002. After two cross country road trips, and a 50 mile a day commute, I must say that this car has performed like a champ. My gas mileage is typically between 30 and 34, and on the longer highway only trips can hit 38. The handling of this car is amazing, and corners better than any sports car Ive driven before. The comfort is above average, but you can get a bit sore after more than 5 or 6 hours in the car. All in all, if I had to do it all over, Id still choose the Focus.

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  Very Impressed! Really like it! - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Grant - August 26 - 2:17 am

  I have had this car two days, and Im so impressed. It has solid power through all gears, good exhaust tone, and has a great overall feel. Filled up after burning a 1/4 tank just to see what my mpg was, and was impressed with 26 mpg for city driving. Seats have good side bolster, trunk is quite big for car. Wish the cup holders were arranged differently, but dont let that discourage you from buying. You can get a fully loaded Focus ST, way cheaper than a loaded Civic. I have caught a lot of heck for getting a Focus, but after most people see the car they are quite impressed, and say "not bad"

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  Good bang for the buck - 2005 Ford Focus
  By gearhed79 - August 24 - 5:33 am

  So far so good, as Ive only put 3500 miles on it -- surprisingly roomy for such a small car. Lots of features available at a good price. Fuel economy is good even with "spirited" driving.

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  My Focus - 2000 Ford Focus
  By chainmail - August 21 - 2:32 pm

  My Focus has given me excellent driving pleasure for 6 years. When delivered it had a small oil leak in the transmission casing. The dealer replaced it and I have had no trouble

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  Fun car but lots of problems! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By KTW - August 21 - 8:00 am

  I purchased this car used 2 years ago. I love the look and feel of my car but Ive had to totally replace the air conditioning as well as 2 of the power windows. Now my key will not go into the ignition and from everything Ive been reading this is a common problem. I dont feel safe driving a car that may leave me stranded somewhere. I hate to get rid of it because its really good on gas and very nice looking. :-(

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  Great Car - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Raymond - August 20 - 10:43 pm

  I have several types of vehicles in the past, but have found the Ford Focus 2006 is the best I have owed so far.