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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  Its been good to me - 2000 Ford Focus
  By blue_td - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Focus ZX3 for almost two years now, and have no complaints. While the numerous recalls have been a bit annoying, the car has not given me any problems. Its fun to drive, good on gas, very roomy (for a small car), and reliable.

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  Focus on fun - 2005 Ford Focus
  By martine4 - January 28 - 3:47 pm

  The Ford Focus ST experience has been a good one. The car is small, a virtue in my situation, handles very well, is very comfortable, and has all sorts of creature comforts one wouldnt expect at the price. I dont see many ads for this car ... Ford doesnt need to advertise it heavily because word of mouth from satisfied owners do the trick. I have had the car for ~9 months and have ~5900 miles on the car. It has never missed a beat! All features cruise control, 6-disk CD player, skid control (in Iowa we occasionally need this sort of thing), 4-wheel disk brakes. Everything works. Heating, cooling ... no problems. Its reliable and I enjoy driving it.

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  good bye old pard - 2002 Ford Focus
  By DICKSTER - January 26 - 8:19 pm

  I bought this car on impulse. Basically it had a practical style because of the functional hatchback design covering a tiger. I love to drive this car. It handles better than anything Ive owned or driven in the past although a turbocharger would have been better. The creature comforts are just right for this type of car. Its not a plush ride nor should it be. Too bad Ford hasnt figured out how to make a car reliable. Ive had all sorts of problems from bent axles to a failed oil pump causing me to replace the engine. Just replaced the dual mass clutch that literally exploded and not under stress. I dont enjoy waiting for tow trucks so its going to a new owner who will love the handling.

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  Ford Focus ZX3 Mediocre Car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By pumkin - January 24 - 8:11 pm

  The car is awful on gas, it currently leaks oil at 86000 KMs. It has its share of noises, but in the end it is reliable. Considering my 2000 Neon had bad spark plugs, broken springs, a rebuilt transmission, a new radiator and also leaked oil by the time it was 3 years old ... I cant complain. I love the little bubble design, which allows taller people to fit comfortably height-wise. The Zetec engine has enough power for its size, but mind you its no racing machine. Finally, I cant stand how Ford has recalls that state "we will only pay if you know that this is the exact cause"... either you will replace a part that has been causing problems for Focuses or you wont.

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  The factory didnt tighten WHAT?? - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Postmortemcowboy - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought my brand new 2002 ford focus on a thursday... by the following monday (only 200 miles later) i was experiencing a popping/grinding noise coming from the front right which appeared to be suspension related. So took it back to the dealer. Well it seems the factory forgot or just didnt tighten the sway arm links on the front passenger side, not only that i did find a rubber moulding that wasnt properly installed. The factory needs to employ people who dont forget to tighten up STEERING components. This could have been a fatal accident waiting to happen. Needless to say the dealership paid for the rental for a day and didnt charge me a dime to fix my car.

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  GREAT FUN AT LOW COST - 2003 Ford Focus
  By 1BadEgg - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Couldnt be happier. Lots of car for the money. Got a ZX3 Premium for mid 13s. Lots of room for a compact, Zetec engine with a 5 speed is a must. Have never been in a position where I was underpowered. Ride is good, a little noise, but acceptable. Seat height and wheel up/down/in/out option is great.

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  a good companion - 2001 Ford Focus
  By josip - January 22 - 2:30 am

  If I were out for a new car, I would buy it again. Very good car in any sense. Had just a few glitches in these five years. The original Goodyear Eagle RS tires provided a smooth ride but started to slid and hydroplane too soon. The new TOYO tires make the Focus a beast with gentle heart.

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  120,000 Miles and still drives fine - 2002 Ford Focus
  By bigticket42 - January 21 - 6:27 pm

  Bought this car because of gas prices. Bought it with 120,000 miles on it. The car runs great. Good gas mileage, not great but I have the ZTS with the sportier engine in it. I am 66" and I have good room. Trunk is good sized but the opening is not big enough. Traction in winter rime is terrible. Need snow tires. Problems are that the fog lights at this time are not working, not sure why. The control module for the traction control and ABS is out so I have to manually pump brakes until I get it fixed. Other than that it is a good economy car. Probably not up to the standards of the Japanese or a Jetta but better than a Chevy Cavalier from 02 and probably as good as the Neon from 02.

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  great handling but mechanical trouble - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Scott - January 20 - 3:49 pm

  I have experienced quite a few mechanical issues with this car and I would not buy another.

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  ZX3 Pitch Black - 2005 Ford Focus
  By desm0derek - January 18 - 8:11 pm

  Bought this car after researching smaller models. Found it was designed by an esteemed designer. Looks are terrific and the finish is excellent as you would expect from a Euro designed car. Driving is a hoot and the performance is more than acceptable. I also managed to get 2 high back chairs in the large rear after folding the seats down. Economy is 30mpg at all speeds although if you use the power higher up it drops slightly -- 27ish. All in all I am very pleased with the car and actually chose this over the BMW 323 because of the price differential the BMW didnt offer the extra edge to warrant the price. The Mazda 3, Nissan, Toyota and GM vehicles were a bit lacking in quality.