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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  Epic Fail, Ford - 2012 Ford Focus
  By herman15fusion - December 7 - 4:04 pm

  I purchased the 2012 Focus SE Sedan in February, 2012. Horrible Mistake! Initial satisfaction was quickly replaced with the realization that I had paid way too much for something so poorly built. The engine is extremely weak, and the transmission shaked and shuttered with only ~5,000 miles on the vehicle. I had the transmission serviced three times. Each time, I was told "thats just the way this transmission is..." and then provided a computer update (the 3rd one I paid $150). I received a letter from Ford Corporate in mid-2014 stating they had extended the warranty on the transmission. The only positive to this was that I was refunded my $150 for the last software update.

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  If I could have one car never built again this would be it - 2014 Ford Focus
  By mattyguru - December 5 - 9:52 am

  I wouldnt take the time out for this if it wasnt for the fact that everyone should know about how horrifying not only this car is but Ford for even letting this happen. The car has a recall on the transmission it stalls when driving and can even randomly shut off while driving. Ford wont even give you a rental tell they check what is wrong. even when it is under warranty and has a recall so they already know I am not at fault for this cars problems. Writing this while still waiting for a estimated time on how long tell they can even look at it.

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  Roller Coaster - 2014 Ford Focus
  By johnk1978 - December 4 - 1:28 pm

  The transmission is horrible. They said it wouldnt be so jumpy after 1,000 miles. Well...now that Im at 4,000 I feel like Im riding on a roller coaster. I work a lot and now I have to find time to take it back again and have them figure it out. If they cant figure it out, it will become property of Ford. I cant wait for my lease to be up.

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  Great value in a sporty package! - 2014 Ford Focus
  By 773badger - November 29 - 7:27 pm

  Overall, I really like my Focus Titanium hatchback. It has everything that make it a comfortable place to drive over short or long distances and it gets great MPG. Its a solid ride on the hwy at high speeds and was a good combination of value (mpg and price) and comfort (leather, nav, push button start, other tech).

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  I love my focus - 2014 Ford Focus
  By vw1991 - November 26 - 12:26 am

  I bought my car a few months back and while it may be a bit soon to review I have to say I love this car. I can fit a disturbing amount of shenanigans into my focus. I have 2 children a well over 6 foot husband and our family dog. We all manage to pile in with room to spare. It handles much better than my previous cars on the highway. All my cars have been 4cyl hatchbacks and I have to say that EVERY one of them was miserable at highway speeds. The focus doesnt even sweat at the 75mph limit here in KS. I read the awful reviews of the automatic and I opted for the familiar old 5 speed instead. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone looking for small cheap car with tons to offer.

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  More Dual Clutch Transmission Problems - 2012 Ford Focus
  By thomasln - November 20 - 8:53 am

  An update to my previous post. The TCM ground fault is clearly not the problem as the car continues to slip out of gear. I took it back to the dealer, they kept it for 6 days, then called to say that it "needs a new transmission" that will cost over $5200. Others have posted that they have paid for a new transmission only to have the same problem. Do not buy one of these cars for any reason. I am now stuck with a car that moves only when it wants to, that I cant allow my kids to drive, that my wife refuses to drive, and that I cannot sell because my conscience wont allow it.

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  The only one - 2012 Ford Focus
  By duke2012 - November 17 - 3:34 pm

  We have a 2012 Focus and it has been a great little car. We are averaging 33.5 mpg on a trip from GA to TX & back, interstate and stop & go driving. At 20,000 miles we started having transmission shudder, I called service at our dealer. Decided it carry it in with it was time for a oil change, in a week got a notice from Ford stating to carry it in for service on the transmission. We carried it in the first of September and got it back the same day, no more shudder. We now have a 7 year - 100,000 warranty on the transmission. Dealership and Ford did everything to make us happy. Not sure about the other post but we are happy.

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  Disappointed!!!! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By finnigan1 - November 11 - 6:39 pm

  Horrible purchase. I previously owned a 2001 Ford Escape and experienced no issues, so I figured I would stick with a Ford vehicle. I have a long commute and decided the 2013 Ford Focus would be a practical choice. 3 months after purchasing it, the heater needed to be replaced. Ford also decided to replace the clutches in the transmission as well since it was very noisy when accelerating and shifting gears. Vehicle was returned to me and the transmission problems still existed. As of right now, its sitting at the dealership waiting to have the power steering rack replaced...Ive owned this car for 18 months, and have driven 54000km....brutal.

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  Dual Clutch Trans shifting problems - 2012 Ford Focus
  By thomasln - November 9 - 7:43 pm

  My trans kept dropping out of gear. No pattern - interstate, intersections, totally unpredictable. Would leave me stranded & the car would not go into gear. Ford dealer couldnt find the problem until I made video. They said I needed a $200 software patch that didnt work. I drove it 200 feet & it died in the dealers lot. After 8 days in the shop, they found a loose ground wire in the Transmission Control Module inside the transmission. I have driven about 450 miles with no recurrence of the problem. If you are having trans problems, let your dealer know to check the grounds on the TCM before you spend $. I regard it as a manufacturing & design flaw.

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  285,000km - 2010 Ford Focus
  By dsantin - October 29 - 8:35 pm

  Overall excellent fun durable reliable car. Good in snow, MPG, comfortable, features like manual / heated seats-mirrors, tilt steering, traction control that were hard to get at this price with others. It still runs so well but I look after it. I do some rough back roads in snow as well.