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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  Major Mistake!!! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Unhappy Customer - May 26 - 10:00 am

  The CD player has been replaced twice and in fact is in the shop now. The air conditioning leaked into my car and caused it to mildew under the carpets. There was a strange smell coming from the air conditioner and for a while black soot like stuff came shooting out of the vents. For a while now it has not been accelerating properly. It feels like its dragging. The brakes went bad at 35k and the fuel pump had to be replaced at 37k . After they replaced the fuel pump, I started having strange electrical problems. When I turn the air conditioning up or the lights on something else will turn off.

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  Its OK - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Jason - May 26 - 3:53 am

  I purchased this car two years ago new. So far I have been pleased with the car but it has had several issues and the dealership was a nightmare to deal with. Right after the warranty ran out I had a $1300.00 air conditioning problem that the dealership ripped me on. There has also been some other repair issues that I feel reflect poor craftsmanship; however I do like the car and I guess for an economy sedan it will do.

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  Exceeding max MPG - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Dave - May 24 - 8:10 am

  After being shot down by Massachusetts car dealers, I purchased my Focus SE in Salem NH. As advertised, the car had a mileage range from 29 mpg to 41mpg. Sticker average was 35 mpg. I found that the 5 speed manual transmission outperforms the 4 speed automatic. With 80% highway driving at 2500 RPM, just over 65 MPH, I average 41 mpg, easily. I once had this car performing better in the mileage catergory at 55 MPH. I actually attained 42.6 mpg. This is the reason I purchased the car. I am totally satisfied with it. Its also fun to drive. I wonder if Ford will Offer a 6 speed manual transmission in future models.

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  Great alternative to Jap Econ Cars - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Nils L - May 23 - 10:00 am

  When I purchased this car, I was coming from a foreign economy car, and I was impressed right away at how solid this car felt, and how quiet the ride was. I was impressed on the handling of the car, the only complaint I really would have is that the base 2.0L engine could have a little bit more zip to it, but its still a very fun car to drive.

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  I wasnt planning on buying this one.... - 2005 Ford Focus
  By MJoJung - May 23 - 10:00 am

  I needed to replace my Taurus wagon, which went on life-support @ 14 years. Did a lot of research into minivans-- hadnt even heard of the Focus--but search engines kept referring me to the Focus. Drove it, liked it, liked the price & bought it. One month later like it even more--sensible design, handles well, but the biggest surprise is how much interior room it has--from inside it feels like a small SUV (except Im getting 30/gal on the highway). For a stationwagon it accelerates smartly. Im very happy with it.

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  Gas Problem - 2006 Ford Focus
  By tomw - May 22 - 11:56 am

  I really like my new 06 Ford Focus ZX5 SE. Ive only got about 600 miles on it however, and when filling up with gas, both times the gas backs up and shoots back out of the filler tube within seconds and splashes all over me! I have to barely squeeze the pump handle in order to get the gas into the car - a real hassle and Im awaiting Fords answer to this problem.

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  Buyer-Beware!!! Terrible Transmission - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Mark - May 21 - 12:33 pm

  We bought our 2012 Ford Focus SEL 4cyl. Automatic w/overdrive, leather heated seats, tech pkg and even tinted the Windows. This car was purchased main reason of saving on fuel expenses. What are we soon found out was that the transmission works on a dual dry clutch system that has proven to be a reoccurring nightmare month-to-month. I would urge buyers to do in-depth research before purchasing this vehicle as it is and will be a vehicle that needs to go to the shop regularly for transmission resets in computer module issues. In the 1 year we owned the car, I lost hours upon hours of my time waiting on a tow truck to come and pick it up and take it down to the dealer. Also had to open two major cases against Ford motor company. They did nothing about it, therefore I will never buy a Ford vehicle again! Sad to say because Im a patriot and love the thought of buying American. Just traded it in and lost $3500 to negative equity. Shame on Ford!

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  most comfortable car for the money - 2006 Ford Focus
  By josh - May 20 - 11:32 pm

  I started out looking at the Fit and the Yaris, but after rebates and a little price negotiation, I just couldnt pass up the Focus. Sure it might have a lower trade in value, but I also paid a lot less than a comparably equipped import, and the Focus has more options making it more comfortable to drive while I own it. Focus also has a longer power train warranty that is transferable. I was looking at entry level cars, and for the price I dont think the Focus can be beat. Nothing else has as many comfort and convenience features for less than $14,000. Plus I got the dealership to throw in window tint. )

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  Worst new car I ever bought - 2006 Ford Focus
  By wiwany - May 19 - 11:09 am

  Six Flags on the road - thats the way this sloppy manufactured car rides. Suspension must be made of marshmallows. A pot hole in the way? just hit it - and sends you somewhere you would never anticipate beforehand ... I would even say: dangerous to drive!

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  Nice Car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Ford Owner - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned several small Fords and this one seems to be the best one yet. The Zetec engine is very nice. I would avoid the standard engine. The only problem Ive encountered is the squeaky rear brakes. No engine problems at all.