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:

• 

  Great design terrible quality. - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Jim - January 3 - 9:27 pm

  Engine wire pulled loose while driving car stopped running and had to be towed. Engine sensor broke car would not run over 30 m.p.h. Tires worn out after 25,000 miles over $120 each to replace (Ford used a non-standard size). Rear brake pads worn out after 30,000 miles. While replacing pads, discovered bearing hub cap was never installed on one side. Tailgate wont stay open. CD player ate CDs and then stopped working (twice). Screws to open CD player require a special tool to remove. Ignition switch broke at 30,000 miles - key would not turn, could not start- drive car. Ford refused to pay for fix, despite dozens of owners reporting similar problems on websites.

• 

  SVT = KEWL - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Anonymous - January 2 - 4:46 am

  It is a blast to drive, a big difference from my 01 Focus. Interior looks a lot nicer and I grew to love the red exterior color I have. Bought the car with issues (bad previous driver), there are quite a # of TSBs on the car but nothing major.

• 

  #1 Compact car in the USA, period. - 2000 Ford Focus
  By E. Cory - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I all around enjoy this vehicle. I dont think that after owning this car I will be able to drive anything else like it (cavalier, neon, civic) because the road handling is THAT GOOD. Engine is peppy when it is needed and the car reinforces that feeling with a good sound. It could use some more pep, but Ford fixed that with the 2003/4 PZEV engine. I am truely extatic with this car (purchased used last July for $10.5k). Go to a Ford dealership, test drive the car and take it on a hilly and curvy road and you too will understand why this car is so much fun to drive!

• 

  So far so good - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Skreppy - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I was a little sceptical about owning the 2000 Ford Focus SE (5spd Dohc), a debute car, but so far it has proved me wrong. Aside from the pesky recalls and affordable maintenance the car has been a very practical and fun ride.

• 

  perfect car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By joephatmamma - January 1 - 10:00 am

  this car is so much fun to drive, i am 16 and of course i love to race, i have raced some bad ass cars out there and one. the ford focus is completely underestimated

• 

  Ford figured it out - 2002 Ford Focus
  By jimbelin - December 28 - 2:26 pm

  The Ford Focus is one of the best economy compacts out there, period. Fine build quality, comfort for four adults, a joy to drive and great mileage (36.5 highway). It is every bit as good as its Japanese counterparts and thousands less, for a fully equipped car. Mine cost $10,027 for power everything (not seats), ABS, alloy wheels, front & side airbags, DOHC engine and a good sound system. Great commuter car, good first car for a teen driver or choose the wagon for a family in the making. Cant think of any negatives about this car.

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  They could have had a winner!! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By nodriveslow - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Ford could have a winner if it would abide by its own slogan "Quality is Job #1" Ive had a water leak through the windshield that necessitated a new carpet being ordered. Gas mileage is atrocious. Ive had quite a few other annoyances, but by far the worst happened last week. I only have 10,500 miles on it and the dealer just told me that I need new brakes on all 4 wheels!! After doing some research, I found a web site: www.fordfocusbrakeproblem.com That says it all. You know there is a problem when a site has had over 60,000 views. There also was a class action suit filed in California. I called Ford to no avail.

• 

  Reliable and Fun to Drive - 2014 Ford Focus
  By rebelnate - December 23 - 9:31 am

  I bought this car in August of 2014 from the dealer and drove it off the lot with 10 miles on it. I now have around 39,400 miles in 26 months. I also have the 5 speed manual transmission. The only issues I have had with the car were replacing a tail light bulb and then 2 tires because of nails. It is peppy for a small car and has more horsepower than the other cars in its class, (which is something I looked for). On interstates going the speed of traffic on open highways I average 35.5 mpg. On 2 lane highways with a lower speed limit I have averaged between 39 and 44 mpg of 200 mile round trips. It handles well in all types of weather. The AC cools off the car quickly in the hot days of summer. The bluetooth syncs easily with my phone, however I have had to resync it once. The legroom is the back is a little poor but it is a small car. The resale value of the car is poor because of issues with automatic transmission however but the manual transmission editions are reliable and fun to drive. I would easily consider buying one with a manual transmission again.

• 

  Dont buy this year - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Heather - December 20 - 9:02 pm

  Since I got this car I have had to replace a fuel pump (recall but still stunk), and am now having to mess with my transmission. I dont know if it is just my car or all 2001 Focuses, but I hate it.

• 

  Hasbro makes better cars. - 2000 Ford Focus
  By DDB365 - December 20 - 2:35 am

  This was my first new car and it was a nightmare. Within the first three weeks it sound like my left rear wheel was about to fall off, my hazard lights kept blinking nonstop, my brakes kept sqeaking really loud all the time, the ignition cylinder broke, and I had to pay $100 for a pair of new keys because they have a stupid chip in them. My lumbar seat lever broke on both sides, my rear seat belts didnt work, my sun visor screws came out, my rear tail light cover melted because the light bulb over heated. These cars have really cheap parts. Same on Ford you would think after all of these years of experience Ford has they would have made a better product.