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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  Ford Focus wagon - 2006 Ford Focus
  By percy abols - July 20 - 12:32 pm

  Went to look at the new Fusion and ended getting the Focus - on impulse. What attracted us was the exterior design and the comfortable interior. Following a brief test drive, we found the car peppy and fun to drive. One can quickly exceed the speed limit without noticing it. The car is my wifes city run about. The only problem we had was with the AC. Turns out that one cable was improperly connected at the factory - hence the problem. It has been corrected and all is well. Should have gotten cruise - perhaps we will get it installed at a later date though the expense gives one pause for thought.

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  Fun, stylish, reliable car. - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Melissa - July 18 - 4:38 pm

  I have had my Focus for about 8 months and have put over 11,000 miles on it. It is doing great with no major problems so far. The only problem I have had is that there was not adequate adhesive sealing in the top of the front windshield, causing the windshield to pop out of place. However, this problem was covered by the cars standard warranty, and it was fixed easily with no subsequent problems. I like nearly everything about the car.

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  Great first 2 months - 2012 Ford Focus
  By red_racer - July 18 - 1:50 pm

  I have made it to 2 months and 2,000 miles. I have been very happy with my purchase. I had a Jeep Liberty which I liked but needed better fuel economy and I got it I drove to a job 48 miles away one way for 4 days and averaged 35.2 mpg it was city and highway. It has been living up to the rating. I got a full loaded model with everything but the parking pkg. An amazing amount of stuff in what is a compact. Way more than my Liberty Sport. The transmission seemed a little buggy especially the first few blocks that seems to be mostly gone. Only dilemma was the Navigation would not work. So had to have it fixed. But after a reboot and and upgrade in service no problems.

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  poor mileage, worse customer service from FMC - 2012 Ford Focus
  By - July 18 - 11:58 am

  FMC advertisements and website make untrue, deceptive and misleading statements as to mileage for the Ford Focus. FMC customer service is indifferent or dismissive and unresponsive to dealer statements that there is a 6,000 mile break-in period - FMC says what Ive been told is appropriate and they concur. I drove an almost 2,000 mile road trip, on cruise control through Ill., IN, OH, PA and NJ to document my recorded 31-33 mpg. The dealer says I get 37.5. The math is simple. The FMC representations are absurd and astonishingly arrogant and offensive considering $20,000 is spent on their product. The transmission had to be recalibrated twice to get it right.

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  Revaluation of 2006 Focus - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Don Arthur - July 17 - 4:33 pm

  I have discovered that Ford engineers have designed the Focus on-board computer to disengage the A/C compressor when accelerating either easily and normally or upon hard acceleration from a stop. This causes the A/C to blow warm air during this procedure, which is normally not too noticeable EXCEPT if you live in a place like Phoenix AZ when its 110-115 and the cars interior is even hotter. My dealer service department has checked the car and reports all is normal and I have even seen a bulletin from FORD indicating this is normal. I have gone from loving my new Focus to now thinking it is just another new car piece of junk. Also, it appears in this climate I am now getting only 17-18 mpg city.

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  Practical Performer - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Alleve23 - July 17 - 7:30 am

  Traded in an SUV for this car in the North East. Performs well in the wet/snow conditions. The ZTW has provided me with more than adequate storage space and power. It is nimble and quick with the ZETEC. Rear shocks needed to be replaced at 2000 miles; they have been fixed and have given me no problems since. I have driven the vehicle 26,000 problem free miles per year and it has been holding up very well.

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  Excellent car for the money - 2006 Ford Focus
  By KT - July 16 - 10:30 pm

  This car is just plain fun to drive. I love the sport feel that the ST offers but also the fact that it is practical and safe. I got the infrared color and have had several people stop me in parking lots and ask me about the car. Eye-catching interior plus a sweet MP3 player make this car a blast to drive, and the power from the larger engine doesnt hurt either. Hard to go wrong with the Focus these days with Ford throwing huge rebates into the mix. I want to move up to a Mustang in the next few years, but to tell you the truth, the Focus will be difficult to part with.

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  I Love my Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By ShellyG - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a new Focus ZX5 last month and it is the funnest car to drive. I traded in an F150 and I am just so happy not to have to park that HUGE truck anymore. And I can even fit a 30 inch TV in my Hatchback!

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  Egg Yolk Yellow - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Vidking - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Great car, super fun to drive, holds the road and curves like a sports car. Comfortable even for me at 6-1" Decent if not great fuel economy. Road noise is there, but similar to any small car. I have 2003 ZX5 Premium with sunroof in Egg Yolk Yellow. It gets admiring looks and feels more expensive than it is. After rebates, it only cost me $12,500. It could definitely use more power. If I were to buy a 2004, Id opt for the 2.3L 145-HP engine and leather seats. Leather would make it feel like a car costing twice as much.

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  I love my SVT! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Dubs - July 14 - 4:10 pm

  Ive had my SVT ZX-5 for over 2 years now, and I love the car more now than I did when I bought it. The car loves an autocross course and twisty back roads. The silver exterior and the black leather with red insert interior look great.