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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  sports car in disguise - 2004 Ford Focus
  By recharged95 - August 28 - 2:36 am

  This is the car with *the full package*. Not just shoving an S/C or turbo on for bragging rights, this car runs like a tuned European car WITH [some] torque. It handles, brakes, sounds (thumping stereo!), excellent road feel, and rides comfortably. Excellent daily driver for those on the go -- hatchback capability and room is excellent. This car is for people that know how to drive and wants a relaxing, involved driving experience. Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to drive and yet utilize the full potential of their car, hence its demise :(. Only thing to look forward is most manufacturers have taken notice and are integrating SVT DNA into their lineups for better cars.

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  2002 ZTS - 2002 Ford Focus
  By sanjosezts - August 28 - 1:53 am

  Bought my 2002 Focus ZTS for $17K out the door (MSRP on mine was $19,840), and could not be happier. I ended up with a great looking and handling car that has leather, moonroof, 6 disc in dash changer, ABS/Traction control, side airbages, and 16 inch wheels. No, it is not fast, but the handling is so tight I hardly notice. I have over 5,000 miles so far, and have not had one issue. Quality is great, car feels very solid, with no squeaks or rattles so far.

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  Avoid this vehicle at all costs! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Jane H - August 25 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for approximately 2 years and I absolutely HATE this car. It has been terribly unreliable. I realize that I have high miles on the vehicle, however I do not think that a 2 year old vehicle should have to have the alternator replaced after 35,000 miles. Right now it is stitting in my garage collecing dust becasue yet again it has another problem. I am done with Fords.

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  Runs Great BUT Eats Tires - 2002 Ford Focus
  By MBFlorida - August 14 - 4:15 pm

  I researched many different brands of cars in the same price category before choosing the 2002 Ford Foucs SE Comfort Sedan. I love the styling, the interior especially the tilt/telescoping steering wheel and the height adjustable drivers seat. I am tall at 6 ft 2 in. so many small cars were just way too small.The Focus fits nicely without making me look like a clown unfolding from a clown car. At almost 4 years old I have had few problems other than excessive tire wear. I replace my tires every 20000 miles or less from the first 20000 miles on.

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  Move over Civic, Focus is here to stay!! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By focusracer1 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Today it is 10/11/03 and my focus turned 80,000 miles today. I have babied it and at the same time trashed it and it is still running as if were brand new. My friend who owns a 2001 Honda Civic, has gone thru a blown transmission and some bad shocks. The whole thing about Japanese cars being better than American cars has been thrown out the window thanks to the innovation of the Ford Focus. Anyone who is looking for an economical car with some real go, then look no further than the Ford Focus.

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  Ford Focus Rocks - 2003 Ford Focus
  By tonya byrum - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I was scepticle about buying my new Focus wagon. I worried that I would tire of it quickly and worried that I might not find it sporty enough. But, I absolutely love it. I have never been happier with an auto purchase.

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  Great car - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Oscar Argueta - August 12 - 6:27 pm

  Ive heard really bad reviews of the Ford Focus saying that its not reliable that it will not work at all. So I started investigating a little and the reason why people are saying that the Ford Focus se 2012 its not reliable or does not work its because apparently the automatic transmission does not work at all! All of the reviews and videos that Ive involves a Focus with an automatic transmission, so myself I decided to try the manual transmission model and it has been great! no issues with the transmission or even the engine Ive always do the maintenance on time and its not expensive. So if you are going to buy this car try the manual transmission.

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  Avoid at all cost - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Angry Qt - August 8 - 1:54 am

  I purchased my Focus in 2001 with 33,000 miles and had no problems for the first 6 months from then on its been down hill. Recall on the rear wheel bearings, recall on the battery cable that also blew my alternator and battery, all 4 power window mechanisms have broken ($500), the brake job cost $500 because you have to get new rotors EVERY TIME -- they cant be machined, the cooling system needed extensive repair ($2000-$3000), the electrical control for the air conditioner broke ($379), the CD player broke, havent gotten that repaired yet, the ignition cylinder locked closed so I couldnt put the key in -- $1000 plus tow, and the trunk lock broke ($700). To make it short, over $7,000 in repairs thus far.

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  So much car for relatively few dollars - 2003 Ford Focus
  By 2003ZX5SVT - August 2 - 2:00 am

  When I bought this car I knew it would be fun, but I didnt realize what a great package Ford put together. Its practical, feature laden, sporty, fun, roomy, cheap all things that usually not found in a single car. It could use more power, but thats always true. The creature comforts are first rate - HID lights on a sub 20K car - wow. It handles like its on rails, once moving is relatively fast.

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  I love my focus! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By maribela21 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I used to owe an escort, and the difference with my new focus is night and day. I look forward to driving my car everyday......im still in love with my car, thats what buying a car should feel like......wouldnt trade it for the world!