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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  My mechanic loves my Focus - 2001 Ford Focus
  By carfocus - April 27 - 11:43 pm

  I have had this car for over 3 years and it has been nothing but one mechanical problem after another. Issues: brakes, brakes, brakes alternator the ignition went bad electrical system issues, stalling. Its only saving grace is its handling and pep. It is fun to drive, when it runs. Car is not reliable, cant wait to get rid of this lemon.

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  Focus is practical and fun - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Woody1 - April 22 - 9:03 pm

  I drive mostly highway miles, so I wanted something that was responsive and comfortable with good gas mileage. I got it with the Focus. No problem driving to and from work. My Focus is equipped with the safety package (ABS & side airbags), as well as traction control. I also have a six CD stereo, which has a great sound. Its tough to find a car with all that for around $15,000 after the cash-back offers. I recommend this car.

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  Great Wagon - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Mark Forman - April 21 - 2:00 am

  A wonderful vehicle to drive with good handling and peppy engine. We have had the previous Focus wagon(2001) and loved it for its reliability. The new wagon with the PZEV engine is a step up in performance. A good choice.

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  Could do without the dealers - 2000 Ford Focus
  By cheeseshark - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I have moved 3 times (all away from my purchasing dealer) since purchasing my ZX3. It has been through every recall and program (7 or 8 now, I think) and at each step I have had to bear the burden of ford dealers who treat each request for service as though it were MY faulty craftsmanship that created the service needs (1 exception, University Ford, Peoria, IL -great attitudes and service). But, Ive moved again and I now take my vehicle to a local mechanic for EVERYTHING.

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  awesome - 2000 Ford Focus
  By erict - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I love this car

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  Love to drive - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Janice - April 18 - 5:25 pm

  I had a Ford Explorer and with the gas prices going up I wanted something that was better on gas and also something smaller. At first I was not sure about the leg room in the back for 2 teenage girls but turns out it has plenty of room for them. I love the way it handles. I love to drive it. My girls are learning how to drive and we disagree on who gets to drive.

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  Begs to be Driven! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By DGoggans - April 16 - 11:54 pm

  I commute 102 miles daily, and I need a car that makes those 2.5 hours bearable. The Focus makes the drive a pleasure. Im on Interstate 75, and my Focus runs with the big boys without breaking a sweat. Outstanding on all counts. Feels like a much bigger car with a MUCH bigger engine. This is my first Ford. It wont be my last!

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  Wish I still had my ACURA RSX - 2012 Ford Focus
  By sy1219 - April 16 - 8:34 pm

  This car has a real nice interior and the exterior is really good looking but that is it, the car has pits in the roof from the plant where it was manufactured, at 1350 miles the screen for the MY FORD TOUCH went black which means I dont have a radio, navigation, etc., there is also a rattle in the door panel, and the fan for the heat an ac goes up and down in speeds which is really annoying all this in a month of ownership and a $28,000 price tag, honestly dont buy this car unless you get a deal of a lifetime. I WISH I HAD MY 2002 ACURA RSX and not this piece of junk.

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  Love My Ford Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Stuart B - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I recently traded in my 2000 Focus ZTS when I purchased the 2004. My wife has a 2001 LX also. The Focus represents probably the best overall value in a car today. My experience has been excellent with this model. Prior to my Focus, I only purchased Toyotas. I routinely average 31 mpg with about 65% highway. I suffer from lower back problems and the Focus seats are comfortable for me. I have found these cars to be very relable and definitely fun to drive. I highly recomend the Ford Focus.

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  Satisfied - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Alabamian - April 13 - 7:56 am

  I drive the 2008 SES, my parents got it for me for high school graduation and I love this car. Im coming from a 96 Cobra SVT and I miss the power but the Focus greatly makes up for it. I love the voice activated items like the phone, mp3, and sync. I also like the mood lighting and awesome sound system with the big bass in the trunk (yes it is stock!) The gas is also great. I drive 60 miles a day to and from work and this car is so comfortable and performs with ease and is surprisingly peppy. Overall I think Ford did an awesome job on this car.