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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  Great looking, fun car to drive! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By AorB - December 20 - 2:00 am

  After reviewing and test driving several of the smaller cars, civic, neon, etc. we decided to purchase the ZTS Focus. We have been very pleased with all aspects of this car. The design, layout, and way this car drives made me an instant fan of Fords newer efforts. The interior ergonomics, materials, handling, and pleasantly refined Ztec twin cam motor has made the purchase one we have been quite pleased to have made.

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  Not that impressed - 2000 Ford Focus
  By save yourself - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Obviously, this car is fairly new. But heres a few problems that Im currently having: the break lights are stuck on; it randomly decelerates when Im driving; it at times decides it doesnt want to go fast and takes (and im being quite literal here) 2 minutes to accelerate 20 miles per hour; it stalls when I try to merge; it stalled 8 times in 40 minutes tonight; it doesnt start in the rain. The cars less than 4 years old. Dont buy this car.

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  Excellent value - 2008 Ford Focus
  By george - December 15 - 10:20 pm

  We recently had to buy a new car for my wife to drive to work - about 50 miles per day, round trip. Due to Ford incentives I saved $2500 off sticker I paid $13,733 for an S version with automatic, ABS with traction control and, if you can believe this, a spare tire ($60.00). The sticker was $16,255. One savings was a $1000 "Conquest Rebate". Thats given to people who own cars from competing brands. We own an 06 Corolla so we got it. Toyota had basically no incentives and a comparably equipped Corolla was going to cost me more like $15,900. A comparably equipped Civic was going to cost more than the Corolla.

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  I love my Ford Focus - 2002 Ford Focus
  By loretta stein - December 14 - 2:00 am

  The first thing I noticed about my Ford Focus was how solid it feels. I owned an Oldsmobile Achieva previously and loved it. The Focus feels as solid as the Olds. The steering base is small and it takes corners easily. The design inside and out is outstanding! I love this car!

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  Great value this ZX3 - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Prof100 - December 13 - 3:05 pm

  I love this car. Its roomier than my Taurus. It has every option. The car is nimble for driving around the town and on the freeway. Ford could lose the middle console. Its useless. Seatbelts are designed for child safety & you have to dig for the latch end thats sandwiched between the seat & the console. Tires were replaced with with Pirelli tires at 40,000 miles & should have been 10,000 miles earlier. New front brakes @ 32K. Rotors are disposable. Rear hatch key gasket keeps falling out in car washes. Rust is starting form on the bottom of the hatch. Thats not FOMOCOs fault. Thats from a dealer who repaired the car when my wife tried to move a concrete pole with rear bumper.

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  Impressed - 2002 Ford Focus
  By jayandrew - December 10 - 11:06 pm

  I bought a 2002 Focus ZTS with an automatic a week ago and am very impressed. The car feels very solid, rides well and has excellent handling and traction. The weather this past week has tested the traction control and the advance-trac. Both did good. I got the car for about $400 over invoice and it came with all the options that I wanted including the 6 disc changer.

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  best hatchback for the money - 2004 Ford Focus
  By racerjae - December 9 - 10:00 am

  This car is worth every penny, especially with the generous rebates. All the magazine reviews are correct. The car handles and brakes like a race car. Although the SVT Focus is sluggish at low rpms, it comes on forcefully (like a turbo) at mid to high rpms. It has a nice exhaust note thats not offensive like aftermarket ones, and the telescoping and tilting steering wheel allows for the perfect driving position. The performance, practicality, utility, and fun to drive aspects of this car are unmatched. If you can find one without the unnecessary options, buy it. I got mine (no options) for only $16,700 out the door! Definitely a no- brainer.

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  Pocket Rocket - 2002 Ford Focus
  By fsovctu0s2 - December 9 - 12:43 am

  Bought as a leftover & paid $15,000. Needed snow tires for N.E. winters. Had 3 alternators, numerous horns, loose heat shields, and car felt like it had lost its snap. Brought to dealer who discovered a broken intake manifold control valve. Part was on backorder so had to wait about 3 weeks. Had rental with extended warranty. When I got the car back it was like new again with the power. Battery light came on day after I came home with it due to a bad connector at alternator. Dealer fixed immediately when I returned. Idle was high but I think the new control valve fixed that. Brakes are awful in the wet. Front brakes replaced @ 40,000 miles & same results. I do love the car but engine light has been on. Great on long trips.

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  Fun and quiet - 2005 Ford Focus
  By jereme - December 7 - 7:20 pm

  Extremely quiet car, sporty, quick shifting, and comfortable. I was in dire need of a car after my previous one failed (73 Beetle). This was not my first choice, as I am still not a fan of the looks. But price and warranty definitely pushed the choice for me.

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  Bought it for the Great Gas Mileage - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Paul G. - December 2 - 1:39 pm

  Id previously owned two 2003 Focus hatchbacks with automatic transmissions that my sons drove. Id always been impressed with their quick acceleration and solid handling. After reading reviews on this generation, I purchased a well-equipped model, but with the manual transmission (so as to avoid the issues so many others had complained about with the DCT). It easily delivers 2 out of 3 things I wanted - terrific fuel economy (30 MPG after 1300 miles, though my shorter trips as the weather is becoming cold its getting me around 27 MPG), and very nimble handling. Other bonuses: its fun to drive, the German manual tranny & clutch are the smoothest Ive ever had, its quiet, the interior is nicely appointed. Contrary to what some say, the back seat leg room seems adequate for my 511" teenager. Also, the storage space is fine, especially with the rear seats folded. The third thing? I can get "zippy" (my wifes word) acceleration, but only if I rev high in 1st & 2nd gears. I also drive an 07 Mustang GT, so I think Im just having to deal with the adjustment. The older 2.3L 4-speed AOD models Ive driven seemed to move very quickly, but they probably also lingered in the lower gears. My major complaint: There is NO elbow room. When Im by myself (which is why I bought this - I no longer needed the SUV I was driving before), all is good. When theres a passenger in the car, theres just not enough space. Yes, I have broad shoulders, so this may not be a problem for you. While I shift, it seems Im always jostling the passenger unless theyre planted as far right as possible in their seat. Leather seats are a little sticky. Every day, at first application, the brakes grab hard. Id also have liked an auto-dimming mirror, but on the whole, Im very happy with my new purchase.