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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  Great little car - 2009 Ford Focus
  By kls - August 15 - 12:10 am

  Ive always owned GM products but decided to try a Ford. I wanted a smaller car because of getting better gas mileage. I was surprised at how stylish the 2009 Focus is. It handles great and gets good gas mileage and is very peppy for a 4 cyl. I do miss my remote start that came standard on my Malibu, the sun visors are very cheaply made, outside temp & compass should be standard on all cars.

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  Great Small Car - 2009 Ford Focus
  By jturner - August 14 - 5:43 am

  Purchased for use as a well rounded, American made, economy car. Im not a fan of GM, Toyota seemed too bland, Honda seats were too low. Other cars also seemed too high tech, which is fine, until the warranty is gone. Weight to power ratio is great, fun to drive, low maintenance. Its sporty, but certainly no sports car. However, if I wanted a hotrod, I would have purchased a hotrod. For what it is, the car is very well put together.

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  Focus delivers the goods where it counts - 2006 Ford Focus
  By William E. Irving - August 11 - 4:23 pm

  I wanted a car with 4 cylinders and a 5-speed to replace my aging 6-cylinder auto 99 Jetta. Jetta still beautiful and a joy to drive, but neither very economical nor particularly reliable. Always liked styling of the Focus, so I thought I would try it, after 25 years of VWs. Dont know what all the carping about build quality is about. Paint is deep and lustrous, body panels fit, feels tight and solid on the road - no rattles or squeaks. Interior not as pretty as Jetta, but is functional, sturdy and comfortable. Engine torquey with smooth power delivery. Focus weighs 500 lbs less than Jetta, so power deficit not a big deal. Moreover, car has been very reliable - old Foci Ive seen hold up well.

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  Upgrade from a Prius C to a Ford Focus Hatchback - 2016 Ford Focus
  By SHERRY SMITH - August 10 - 7:15 am

  I traded in a 2013 Prius C for a 2016 Ford Focus Hatchback. I am very happy with the Focus. The Focus is slightly longer and wider than the Prius C. The materials used in the Focus interior are a higher quality than the materials used in the Prius C. The Focus is more comfortable, quieter and has more pep than the Prius C. The Prius C had quite a bit of road noise while driving, making it hard, at times, to listen to music or be on the phone. There are two things I miss about the Prius C: 1) the wonderful gas mileage (52 mpg) and 2) the hands-free entry (I never had to pull my key out, the door unlocked automatically when I approached the car). I am still getting used to having to unlock the Focus with the key fob. (Such a minor inconvenience, however I REALLY liked the push-button start in the Prius and the auto-unlock, making getting in and out of the car hands-free.) Another Focus plus: the seat warmer in the Focus has 3 temperatures where the Prius C only had 1 (and the heat seemed to toggle on and off). Also, the Focus has a heated steering wheel, which comes with the All-Weather package. Again, something I never thought I wanted! Now that I have it, I love it. Perfect for Michigan winters. All in all, the Focus is a superior car to the Prius C, with high quality materials and a solid, stable, peppy feel behind the wheel. It is excellent quality for the price. I highly recommend the 2016 Ford Focus Hatchback.

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  Needs a little improvement - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Doreen - August 10 - 3:36 am

  1st new car in 20 years. Good gas mileage without having to get a hybrid. Like the stadium seatting for the back seat. Roomy trunk for a small car.

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  Broken after only 3800 miles - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Ginger - August 9 - 1:14 pm

  I have enjoyed driving my car and it gets really good fuel mileage, but I went to get the windows tinted and the auto man showed me where there were screws missing from the doors. Then after owning the car for 3.5 months the starter goes bad, which dealer did fix.

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  05 Ford Focus ZX4 SE - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Charles Smith - August 9 - 10:49 am

  Low rear view obstructed by high tail end. A kid could not be seen immediately behind the car.

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  2004 Ford Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By cagirl - August 9 - 10:20 am

  Its fun to drive, and gets great mileage. Only problem is squeaky breaks. I Love it.

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  Too Many Repairs - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Toni E - August 9 - 9:55 am

  Here I have a 2003 Ford Focus wagon with 52K miles. Decided to go on road trip had to be towed twice. Started smoking, Ford dealer said it was battery. Then it died again this time alternator replaced. Made it home and was told the a/c compressor is going. Real nice at this low mileage. In repair shop at least 7 times since I bought it. All about the brakes and rotors. No one could fix them right, still squeaked loudly. Final answer from mechanic that all Ford Focuss do this. Give me a break. I went to brake specialist and they fixed it. Doors sound like tin. Cant open left side passenger door. Just a piece of junk. The money Ive spent on this car I could have had a wonderful vacation.

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  Utterly Awful, Unreliable - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Galiana - August 8 - 8:27 pm

  I bought this car at 20k miles. At 30k, it needed new brakes and completely rebuilt calipers. The mechanic told me that it was very common for the factory installed plastic calipers to fail at 30k miles. The car is now at 60k miles and has gone through 3 sets of brakes (I do not drive like a maniac at all) 4 sets of tires, and 3 stereos. The factory-installed 6-disc changer on this car is a piece of junk and fails constantly. Recently, the engine has started leaking copious amounts of oil. With all of these problems, I have been told that they are common with the Focus (especially the 2002) but not with other cars in its class like the Toyotas. No pickup, bad car.