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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  Good Buy - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Ford Rules - February 10 - 2:47 pm

  Got this car in July of 2005. Great deal with incentives and finance rates. The Focus has a better suspension than my old Civic and you sit a lot higher. Very roomy inside and no problems with 10k on it. Getting about 26mpg in city and 32mpg highway.

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  I may be alone, but I love my 00 Focus! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Cornicus - February 9 - 4:43 pm

  This car is the best car Ive ever had. I bought it used, and it was a rental before it went up for sale. Sounds like a horror story right? WRONG! This car is fantastic. I love it. It is beyond reliable. Ive had it going on 2 years, put 13000 miles on it, drive it every single day, and it just gets better and better. Ive only had to deal with a thermostat, 1 recall, one old dead battery and 1 old dead battery cable. Even with those problems though, it would get me where I needed to go, no matter what. I love it, and I havent read any good reviews so heres one. Best Car Ever! And adorable to boot! Main points: uber reliable, and if something does go awry, VERY simple to fix.

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  ford #4 - 2004 Ford Focus
  By sop00ran - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Although the vehicle listed is new, I can not tell what the reliablity is going to be. Given the fact that I have owned other Ford products, I would assume this would not be a problem. The car is constructed well with much attention to detail. It is fun to drive and handles well. I would like to see the larger motor be put in all models. Pennsylvania subjects vehicles to extreme conditions (hills and valleys) as well as snow and ice. Extra power is important in these conditions. So far, I am very please with the Ford Focus SE that I have purchased. Thanks Ford

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  105,000 Mile Focus is a Beautiful Car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Eugene Conway - February 5 - 11:49 pm

  I have 105,000 faultless miles on my 01 Red Focus 4 door sedan. Previous car was a Civic so I was very careful researching this car. The beautiful design and the ride quality was what sold me. This car has never let me down -- very reliable and an extremely responsive and wonderful riding car. What an engine -- more like a six cylinder than a four, and a smooth smooth transmission. Every time I look at this car I get a good feeling. This car has 3 important features that the Civic never had: beautiful design, high visible driving position and excellent brakes and handling on wet pavement. Money well spent I would say.

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  Poor Quality - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Russ Blayney - February 2 - 4:06 pm

  Our company owns three 2002s. One blew engine after 1700 miles. Hose clamp failed, waited 3 weeks for replacement motor under warranty. Tranny valve went out in another car @ 22000 miles. Now this same car is needing a new tranny @ 57000miles. All 3 have trunk release problems, eat tires and rattle a lot. All of these cars have been maintained to Ford specs and dealership service. No more Fords for us. The jokes are still alive and well, Found On the Road Dead & Fix Or Repair Daily.

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  2001 ZX3 Review - 2001 Ford Focus
  By G. Brown - February 1 - 3:17 pm

  Have had car since new, few problems. Nice roads manners and driveability for compact car. Would not have a problem buying another. Needs a little more horse power, 50 more would be good. :) I thought the ZX3 design was cutting edge in 2001, now all manufacturers have one that looks like the ZX3. Average 21-22 mpg city, 28-29 highway.

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  Love the car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Mike Castegnaro - February 1 - 11:16 am

  I recently purchased my 2002 Ford Focus ZX3 and I really love it. This car has power everything, including a 6 disc player. I have always had Ford cars and trucks and NEVER had any problem with any of them at all. The gas mileage is great and has a lot of pickup. My friend purchased an 06 Toyota Scion. Its also a really nice car, but it does suck up the gas. We both have 4 cylinders. My Focus gets 26 mpg around town and 35 on highway. This is my most expensive car that I have ever purchased, also my newest. Close to $10,000. The dealership was great, however, a little bit of pressure was involved. I did get a good deal though. This car will last me the next 10 years.

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  Love My Focus - 2003 Ford Focus
  By ehren - February 1 - 2:00 am

  When my T-Bird was involved in an accident, I was given a Ford Focus to drive by the rental company. I thought I would hate driving a smaller car. After a week I bought one.

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  Enjoy My ZTS w/2.3 PZEV - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Red Doggy - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Really surprised by the performance and smoothness of the 2003 ZTS with the 2.3 PZEV engine and 5 speed manual transmission. Ive owned it for 2 months and had no problems. It handles like a sporty car. Hope the reliability is better than the earlier 2000-2001 models, which received a lot of recalls.

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  2012 ford focus purchased 5-06-2011 - 2012 Ford Focus
  By clarences - January 30 - 4:06 pm

  We purchased this car over a year ago. We have 16000 on it no troubles. Transmission shifts very smooth. just let it shift its self. everyone is talking about tranmission, just let it shift on its own. I have driven it in cross winds of 30 to 40 mph. wind on some long trips, steering is amazing. Handles better than my town car in a cross wind. Gas mileage has been 35 mpg on trips with a/c on at 70 to 74 mph. If I slow down to 60 I get 40 mpg. City driving is 30 to 32 My only complaint is it is hard to get in and out of and the ride is frimer than i like. The direct fuel is a winner. I tried to get 60 size tires on it, not available on SEL. FORD makes you buy what you do not want .