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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  Fix Or Repair Daily - 2001 Ford Focus
  By M MAY - November 24 - 2:00 am

  This is absolutely the worst car I have ever purchased. The title says it all.

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  Excellent car for the money - 2000 Ford Focus
  By martin_tilam - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Of all the cars I could lease for 233 a month and 1500 down, the Focus was the best. The standard lease offered 2,500 more miles a year than volkswagen. Also my insurance company informed me that Ford doesnt require the expensive lease coverage that other companys do. The car is very comfortable and roomier than cars that cost much more. I have had one quality issue and that was the fuel pump, however that gave me plenty of warning and was covered under the warranty, also Ford rented me another car while mine was being repaired. The only disappointment in the car is gas mileage. Which I feel should be at least 10 miles per gallon higher.

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  I love my Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Christine101101 - November 23 - 6:35 pm

  I love my Focus. This is the second one I have owned. I totaled my first and walked away without a scratch. They are safe, reliable, fun, and affordable. I recommend them to all of my friends. Great car, especially for the price. I have the 2.3 liter engine and it can really go!

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  Great car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Jim - November 22 - 1:00 am

  This is the second Focus we have purchased. We bought a basic, no options 4 door model for our daughter to use at college. Hard to beat the price for a nice, new car. The 2nd one we bought for my wife is a ZTS with most of the extras added. Again, hard to beat the price for a nice, "loaded" car.

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  SE sedan Automatic - 2009 Ford Focus
  By BarryG - November 21 - 12:03 pm

  Havent had it long at all but wanted a smaller, good gas mileage, American car. Couldnt be more pleased so far. Very comfortable, smooth, outstanding gas mileage (30+ overall), and adequate power. Doesnt feel like an econobox tin can ala the Yaris I test drove. Sync is great as is the leather wrapped steering wheel. Interior quality seems worlds above the previous Focus. Really enjoy this car and glad Im buying American again.

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  2012 Focus SE A surprise to me - 2012 Ford Focus
  By freelanceshots - November 19 - 6:54 pm

  Dont have a lot of miles on my car just yet but Im digging my focus. Transmission seems more then fine. Ive got the auto 6 speed and from what Ive been told the transmission shifts and does what it does so that it can get better fuel consumption. Im not trying to drag race anymore so it does just great. Its a lot quieter then my Ford Taurus I was driving and I can really appreciate that. Looks pretty good in my opinion. First real time out on the highway I was pulling 45 mpg where it only gets better with the more miles you put on it. Accessories I plan to get include the stick-on keypad entry, rubberized mats, rear trunk mat and some ceramic window tint.

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  In a niche of its own - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Jasen S. - November 19 - 8:56 am

  It lacks the ergonomic perfection of the Civic, the driving dynamics of the 3, and the eternity and a half warranty of the Elantra, yet the Focus brings to the compact table a truly unique set of attributes.It has an amazing set of features (bluetooth, usb, sirius etc), great steering, mid-size ride comfort, a vault like chassis, and admirable fuel economy. On the debit side, the taller than average ride height limits its toss-ability through curves, and the interior could use fewer expanses of silver plastic. All told, with the benefit of 3500 in factory incentives, the Focus presents an overall value and feature set unique to the market. Thumbs up Ford.

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  MUCH IMPROVED - 2005 Ford Focus
  By durability05 - November 15 - 10:53 pm

  Previously owned a 2000 Focus LX, until I moved up to SUVs, still own 04 wrangler and 04 Pilot EX. I use this Focus as a commuter car, and it is not only cheaper than my 2000 Focus. It cost me only $12,000. It is much improved, especially in power ,auto transmission, handling and braking. And it still retains its exclusive Euro traits, excellent car!

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  fun to drive - 2005 Ford Focus
  By ljcollaz - November 10 - 9:53 am

  3 months owning the car and am more impressed than when I first bought it. MPG holding in the upper 20s, handles like a dream with a responsive Mazda engine. Hopefully the engine will last like my 13 year old Miata, which @ 140,000 miles is almost indestructible. Ford is doing their homework to compete with the imports.

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  I LOVE my 04 ZTS Sedan! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By SaraQuinn - November 8 - 3:59 pm

  I love the extra kick the 2.3L engine gives over the LX & SE versions, especially when passing the slower drivers in front of me. Im glad I bought the 04 model before they took away the character of the car with the 05 model, like the homage to the Ford Oval in the dashboard vents, etc. The drivers cockpit has a nice tight feel to it & the location of the all controls is great. The car handles well, even at higher speeds (70-80 MPH). I never feel like the car is going to break away from under me. I havent had to do any major work on the car & Im at 34,000 miles in 19 months. The power sun/moonroof adds quite a bit of fun.