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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  I like to be in Focus - 2007 Ford Focus
  By robert hunter - September 7 - 8:06 pm

  I like the stick shift. The transmission is smooth and aids with fuel economy. The heater and AC are great and easy to control. The rear seats are a little cramped for big people but I rarely have anyone in the rear. Ill buy another Focus when this one has a lot more miles on it.

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  Go alot to have it fixed - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Randy - September 7 - 7:12 am

  Fuel pump fails ,erg fails ,power windows brake easy , cant open the door

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  Bells and whistles made this girl happy - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Lindsay - September 4 - 6:43 am

  I am very glad I chose this car. I am a bells an whistles girl, and this car has it all. From the sync to the ambient lights to the moonroof, this is an awesome ride. Handles very nice on the icy Alaskan roads. I bought this car in January, and the gas mileage was a tad dissapointing in the cold temperatures (-40, about 18 mpg) but it has improved sice we warmed up to 40 above.

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  Great Car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Pauld75 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I love this car as soon as I saw it I fell in love with I get great gas mileage I love the way the car handels on rough road.

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  Consider The Focus vs, Civic and Corolla - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Alan - September 3 - 6:33 am

  I traded for my Focus 4 weeks ago. I test drove both the Focus and a used Corolla. The SE Focus had a more modern interior and with the Sync System beat the Toyota S-Type hands down. The Focus lacked the accelleration of the Toyota, but the new Focus with sunroof, spoiler, Sirius and Sync was $2K less. I took the Focus on a 1600 mile business trip and am only more pleased. I am a conservative driver, but I still maintian 65 to 70 MPH highway speeds. My average fuel econony for the trip was 36 MPG even burning 10% ethanol for half the trip. Commuting nets >32MPG. Trunk space was ample and you have the option of dropping the rear seats if needed. Looks are fine. In summary, I love my Focus!

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  Check Engine Light - 2000 Ford Focus
  By LCM827 - August 31 - 2:00 am

  We have had this vehicle in the shop 10 or more times since we purchased it. All for the Check Engine light. They have replace everything, The last time it was in the shop for almost 2 months, They told us the engine needed to be replaced and then they replace the values on cylinder 3. We pick up the car and within 2 days the check engine light came on again. Then they told us the values on cylinder 2 need to be replaced. We like the car but this problem we are having doesnt seam to go away for long.

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  Nice But Also Irritating - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Martman - August 30 - 11:18 pm

  Back window motors needed to be replaced twice under warranty. After the warranty expired both back window motors broke AGAIN and the windows dropped into the back doors. They are now held up with tape. Get this ... it will cost $400 per door/window to replace. Ford doesnt care, its out of warranty. Crazy. I cant leave anything of any value in the car since the car cant be locked. I refuse to pay $800 for this problem! Its their problem. Other than that I love the car.

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  So so car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Evil Focus - August 29 - 9:31 pm

  I have owned this car for about 2 1/2 years, and I would have to say I have had my share of problems. A few months after I got it, I was left stranded because it just wouldnt start (only clicked). After replacing the solenoid at 30k miles the car did ok. The tires seem to wear down quicker then any other car Ive had. About a year went by with no problems then I got a transmission leak at 55k miles. Cant forget about all the recalls including the fuel pump that died on me as well. Also about a month ago the ignition decided to lock up, leaving me stranded again. And just the other day my alternator went which cost $350. Besides that, the car isnt too bad. I would recommend a newer model.

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  Great for Price - 2005 Ford Focus
  By N0v4c41n3 - August 29 - 1:03 am

  Im pretty critical of vehicles myself, but overall i was very pleased with the vehicle. Unfortunately it is not for the die-hard performance fan. Granted it definitely has the potential. No major problems with the car but it does rev too high between shifts, clutch is not as responsive as the engine needs, the engine does not lose rpms fast enough for serious performance use and takes most of the fun out of it, corners well, accelerates rather well, but cannot use the torque of the engine to drift in corners because the engine does not wind down. But for under $20,000 we shouldnt expect it to handle like a Porsche

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  Great for the young family - 2005 Ford Focus
  By DeeAnn - August 28 - 4:36 pm

  I love my Focus wagon. Its great because it fits all our needs. We have one small child and 2 dogs. Everyone fits with room to spare. The Focus drives great, has some get up and go for a wagon. Ive only had one small problem with my highbeams not going off but took it to the dealer and they fixed it in about 1 hour.