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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  Not satisfied - 2004 Ford Focus
  By jaladymaverick - February 22 - 11:17 pm

  I am not happy with the noise level from outside while driving. The car drives horribly in the winter due to being light weight. I am not getting the gas mileage I was anticipating.

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  Its been good to us - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Steve - February 20 - 11:11 pm

  Car is fun to drive, handles very well plenty of power (if you rev the heck out of it). The hatchback design is very useful. My son wrecked at 2 months and came very close to a total wreck, but it was fixed in the dealership body shop and weve put 135,000 miles on it since. No injuries, the car will take a heck of a whack. Weve had a few problems, most attributable to damage from the wreck that wasnt caught (except for the drive train most of the front end, suspension included, was replaced) Fuel use is 28-32 mpg average about 30. I realize some people have had a lot of trouble with these cars, but not us! One of the best weve owned.

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  Dont do it! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By sumkindawonderful - February 20 - 6:13 pm

  I recently destroyed my 2000 Toyota Echo ... nothing ever went wrong with that car, I just was an idiot and crashed it. I had to buy a new car and immediately fell in love with my 2000 Kona Edition Ford Focus ZX3. I thought it was an upgrade from my Echo: power windows, power door locks, good sound, good pick up ... definitely a downgrade. Ignition doesnt release key all the time. Recall on fuel pump which before fixed caused engine to stall at 70mph on busy California freeway. Small plastic piece on window regulator broke window taped up. Check engine light on & transmission problems. Grinding brakes all the time. Turn radio down and volume goes up ... list goes on and on.

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  Bulletproof windshield. - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Keith.o@protonmail.com - February 19 - 4:01 pm

  Ive owned my Focus ZX3 for nearly 7 years. I bought it used with around 110,000 miles on it for $5000 in 2011. It now has around 151,000 miles on it at the date of this review. Ill admit Ive had some brake problems. But Im not so sure I can blame Ford on that, perhaps the criminals werent as clever as they thought and Ford outsmarted them as that emergency brake stopped the car when the brakes totally failed, a plus, in my opinion. Ive never had any problems with the engine, transmission (manuals are great when getting your cars computer hacked might be a downside on the highway, throw it in neutral, problem solved, right?) has never failed, unlike some GM automatics Ive owned ... and the steering is quite precise. I really like how it can accelerate in flat road conditions fairly quickly when shifting properly with high quality tires (Michelin or Bridgestone). However, it can be a bit of a slow one up a high grade road, say I-70 heading towards the Eisenhower Tunnel. But, 4th gear and not pushing the engine is fine, no need to pass anyone except them truckers who should be going slow, you know? All in all, its been a good car. I got my $5000 worth since owning it. I think an upgrade to the 2017 RS model would be worth considering. The gas mileage for me is less than whats advertised, but I use the clutch to slow the car down rather than ride the brakes. I also tend to downshift for acceleration and having a real tachometer is quite helpful to prevent redlining and blowing up the engine. It doesnt leak oil. The air conditioning has never worked though Ive never bothered to get it fixed, it just drags the performance anyways. Having a cabin filter is nice when psychos are spreading chemicals in front of you, just close the windows and push the button. The power steering will still work if there is sabotage, just add that stuff that seals the hose, work your steering wheel a few minutes before driving to get the fluid moving, and drive. The one annoying thing is the check engine light has been on for nearly 4 years now. Good deterrent against would be thieves whove hit the crack pipe too many times. A buy if you can find one. Later haters. I would also add Ford service has been fantastic. The dealership needed a few days to make some repairs that never happen to cars very often (hacked key fob and accelerator cable tampered with which then broke). Though aggravating to be without a running vehicle, they shuttled me to a few key places I had to be at in a brand new Lincoln and picked me up when the car was done with the service. This is as of December, 2017. Thank you again, Ford.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 Ford Focus
  By bDw - February 18 - 11:34 pm

  This is an excellent vehicle. I LOVE it! It is very fuel efficient ... very good car for a teen because it is very safe. One of the safest cars of the newer model cars. Very good looking as well.

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  Ford Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Jim - February 18 - 11:22 pm

  Our 2004 Ford Focus has been a great dependable car. We enjoy the way it handles and the gas mileage. We will without a doubt be buying another Ford Focus.

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  Porsche Killer - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Ben - February 17 - 6:19 pm

  Great car, needed reliable transportation, good economy, but no sacrifice to performance, and needed it all on a strict budget. Shopped all the imports, but the SVTF had much more bang for the buck. The SRT4 will spank it in a line, but the SVTF out handles cars that costs 5 times as much. I autocross it often, once entered a Porsche Club of America event, came in 4th out of 75 cars, 55 were Porsches! Im a decent driver, but the SVTF makes me a great driver. Easy to drive and very predictable handling. I can haul a lot gear to work in the hatch, and go racing on the weekend. Well balanced car, Ford needs to make more cars like this!

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  So-so - 2005 Ford Focus
  By John Doe - February 16 - 1:30 am

  Im a bit disappointed at its performance and fuel economy. I have a full-size sedan which is thriftier and performs much better. The fit and finish inside is much better than outside, where panels dont line up neatly and some stamped parts are not even. The paint is good though. Although the steering wheel provides telescoping besides tilting, it should telescope farther. At 65", I find the feet position uncomfortable. Yet, its got a hard-to-beat price.

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  Love this car !!!!! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Blue SVT - February 13 - 10:00 am

  One the most fun cars to drive. I have driven Porsches(924s, 944, 911), Mustang GTs, Camaros, BMWs(540i, 840i,330i) and for thousands less this ranks up there with them. I get looks from Mercedes, Porsche,BMW owners because how original the car looks (yes, it stands out even though there are thousands of Focus cars on the road).

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  SVT Focus 2002 2 DR - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Dawei - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car. It is affordable and econimcally nice. It should be souped up and it will dominate the competition.