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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  Focus ZX3 S - 2006 Ford Focus
  By dan - July 13 - 8:29 am

  I got this car about four months ago, and I have no complaints, other than I wish I got one with AC. For what it is, which is a cheap, entry level car, its a great value. Very fun to drive on back roads, and can pass decently on the highway if you drop it into fourth going 60ish. Manual transmission and clutch are good. Acceleration isnt blistering by any means (I have the PZEV version, with only 130 horsepower), but its fun on windy roads. I love how the back seats fold flat, cause it give my dogs a big area to hang out. I installed front seats for the 2004 SVT focus, which Id recommend, since the ones that came stock werent too supportive. I get 23-24 mpg, all city driving.

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  Nice, fun to drive - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Jeff - July 10 - 12:01 pm

  Just brought My Focus a few weeks ago and am very pleased. Overall quality is better than I expected and its really a blast to drive. As a former Honda salesperson Im amazed at how well thought out the interior is and the comfort of the ride. Definitely happy with the experience so far.

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  quite a good car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By asb - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy my new Focus. It is a confortable car and I like it. Still not confortable with the gas mileage...could be much better for this size car.

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  Great value - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Jordan R - July 8 - 8:52 pm

  Purchased a 2016 Focus SE w/Sport Appearance package as a daily driver. Mix of city/expressway driving. IMO the Sport appearance package is the best bang for the buck. You get a ton of features with it including: rear disc brakes, upgraded rear bumper, painted lower trim, fog lights, upgraded front honeycomb trim, paddle shifters, leather steering wheel, leather shifter, and 17" upgraded wheels and tires. All that for about a grand more. I will admit the "leather" on the steering wheel is nothing to write home about, but it is better than the standard wheel on the S. I liked the Mazda 3, but given the discounts and incentives combined with the better priced packages the Focus came out much much cheaper. Mazdas appearance package for example is 1750 and if you get it on the i-Sport you have to add an additional package further increasing the costs. MSRP on iSport and iTouring (how I would equip) were 1500 and 2500 higher respectively. Fuel economy has been right around the combined mark of 30, sometimes up to 32 combined. It wont win any races but the engine is smooth and has enough power for passing. I find the electronic steering very good, I never feel any vagueness or sluggishness. Its very direct and dialed in well. Prior years have had problems with the powershift dual clutch trans. So far Ive not had any issues, but Ive been driving dual clutch trans since 2007. There are certain quirks about them that arent seen in a conventional auto with a torque converter. I may end up buying the extended warranty depending on how others fair with the trans. I plan on keeping this car a long time. I love the multi-function display and its many options. It has a display with info on several catagories or you can focus in on one catagory such as a digital speedometer. The eco stuff is kind of goofy and seems pointless. Ive already achieved "Eco Champion" even though I have no idea how I did it. I dont drive with economy in mind. I did have the display freeze on me one time during a 40 mile trip. I attempted to switch from Trip 1 to Trip 2 and it hung up with a blank blue background with miles and gears displayed. The miles were stuck and did not go up. Once I got to my destination the screen stayed on with the key out of the ignition. Eventually it went out and came back to normal once I restarted the car. The miles did jump up to the expected amount. Has not happened since, so hopefully it was a fluke. Steering wheel controls are plentiful and work well. Bluetooth audio streaming works well and picks up quick. I prefer paddle shifters to the +/- on the gear shifter. If in manual mode and making a left turn - to shift into 2nd the upshift button will be up at the 12 oclock position. Its just awkward, but my GTI was like that as well. My Evo MR has it on the column so they dont move with the wheel. Back seat is a little tight in the leg room department, but I will rarely have anyone back there. Little touches like dual USB, hinged 12v power cover, coin slot, arm rest tray, and a plethora of cubbies are very nice. Has the three blinks option when using the turn signal which I prefer. It may seem kind of cheesy but I like the wipers. They arent normal in their sweep, they kind of come out of the middle. I would call it euro-style. This also means you dont get the half moon missed spot in the middle since they fold back into that spot. Theres a couple of minor annoyances Ive uncovered after owning it for a few months. First is the top of the dashboard is not dull enough and reflects onto the windshield quite a bit in the mornings driving directly east. Next is there is a slight dip in the dash where it meets the windshield (this is for the defroster). Normally this wouldnt be any sort of issue but it causes a visual distortion due to the reflection change. For example if you are driving along a road marked with a solid line to the right - you will notice the line will shift on the bottom inch or so of the windshield due to this. Once you see this it WILL annoy you. I had to point it out to a passenger and once they noticed it it bothered them too. Last the key I have is not smart (thats a different package) I wish however that it at least folded or something. Its a bit bulky and "old fashioned". Audi/VW keys for example flip out like a switch blade and as such fit better in your pocket. I am overall very happy with this purchase and would buy it again if I had a mulligan.

• 

  Never again - 2014 Ford Focus
  By C Wayne - July 8 - 12:49 pm

  My Focus is currently waiting for its second repair of the all-too-common transmission shudder issue. The first fix (which was performed when the car was in the shop for an exploded A/C compressor) lasted about 1 week and the issue came back. I just lived with it until the other day when the car revved up and stopped moving while driving. Luckily I got into a parking lot where I checked everything I could look at out and restarted the car. It drove normally to the closest dealer who couldnt see me for days. Went to another dealer today and found it needs a new clutch and TCM. Dealer has no idea when the TCM will come in so the car sits....oh, and when the parts are in its only gonna cost $1500 to get it "fixed". Ford should be ashamed of themselves for this transmission and lack of support.

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  Sweet Surprise - 2004 Ford Focus
  By John Royce - July 8 - 10:59 am

  We purchased our Focus as a commuter but we use it so much more. We never buy 4 cylinders with automatic transmissions, but here its perfectly mated. Steering is direct with good on center feel. The 2.3L PZEV engine is refined and responsive. Its quite roomy and the hatch lends SUV utility. At 40,000 miles, it has been totally reliable. Its solid, tight and remains an absolute pleasure to drive. Plus, the Audiophile in-dash 6CD stereo package is amazing in such an inexpensive car. Its also reasonably quiet, although better sound proofing could make this car nearly perfect. All in all, a dynamic, fun, surprisingly premium experience.

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  wow - 2003 Ford Focus
  By bowke28 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  im surprised at how bulletproof this car has been over the last year. my only gripe is that my gas mileage hovers around 23 MPG in all-city driving. but get out on the highway, and it goes to about 34.

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  Great Car...if you get top of the line - 2000 Ford Focus
  By richy - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Nice car. Handles better then my BMW & cost a lot less to maintain. I have the top of the line but I can see where the car would look cheap if you get anything less. Great Price

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  2005 Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By anonymous - July 1 - 8:51 am

  Bought the car new for $11,000 under the Ford employee-discount sale. Its roomy inside, even for the rear seat, and its practical and fun to drive. Early on there was a problem with the manual shift linkage that took a few tries to be fixed properly, but there havent been any other troubles with the car since then. Its a very nice car for the money.

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  New focus real value - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Gary Verburg - June 30 - 4:22 am

  Great gas mileage at a great price. Forty miles to the gallon and $10,000 less than a hybrid.