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:

• 

  Fun to dirve - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Otrow71 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I was looking to trade in my SUV for something more fun to drive and that got better gas mileage. So far I am nothing but impressed with the car, as it is super fun to drive and has great styling and gets good gas mileage. I even have a C5 Corvette in the garage, and I would rather drive this car day in day out. Bottom line is that this is a great sports car, before you even consider the great price.

• 

  So far, So Great! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By bald_eagle1 - July 30 - 9:13 am

  I am a 53 year old male and this is my first American made car. After a lot of research and test driving, I decided to buy the Focus instead of a Civic or Elantra. This car handles much better and is quieter than my previous car (2009 Accord). It has a nice "throaty" engine sound and more than adequate "pickup". If it will be as reliable as my Honda, I will be more than happy. My wife is so impressed with this Ford, that she is considering a 2013 Escape!

• 

  Great Car for all around use - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Bob - July 29 - 2:56 pm

  Traded down to Focus from an SUV. The Focus performs well and acceleration is not affected by the number of people in the car like other small cars. I truely enjoy the gas economy. Interior is roomy, seats provide the support and the being able to raise or lower the driverss seat is a good touch. The SES provids most of the nice buttons that are normally not standard in this price class of vehicle. Ride noise is minimal compared to other small cars Ive owned. Handling and ride qualilty are outstanding.

• 

  As good as it gets - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Daniel Feldman - July 29 - 4:13 am

  This is probably the last affordable station wagon that provides what stations are supposed to: space, with a lot of fuel economy, without paying for the performance of the car. My only complaint would be about the interior design where a few more compartments could be added, and the quality of the materials could be higher. It would be great if all the accessories offered on the British version of this car were available.

• 

  Silly gearing - 2012 Ford Focus
  By my2012focus - July 28 - 5:56 am

  In summary, the car is fine for what I wanted, which was a fuel-efficient back and forth to work car. I am extremely happy I bought the S package instead of paying for more ammenities. Had I paid over $20k for this I would have been very disappointed. This car has very low torque below 2000 rpm, which combined with gearing makes it difficult to start and slow to accelerate. Once you get to a certain RPM though, it takes off.

• 

  Fords just cant get a transmission correct - 2014 Ford Focus
  By John - July 27 - 2:15 pm

  The issues of junk transmissions keep on coming when it comes to Ford. The Focus has an automatic manual transmission (it is a manual trans that shifts automatically) but this one has been in the shop 4 times to have the trans gone repaired. They have done a recall but just cannot seem to fix it. My friend is on her 3rd repair at 20k mi and is going to lemon law the car. The trans slips under mild acceleration causing it to shudder in the 1st couple gears. The electronics package for cell phones is terrible. We would struggle to get it to pair with our cell phones and it would work for about 2 months then stop again. We just gave up. Also the interior is made out of cheap materials. The sun has completely eaten away the vents in the rear window deck and it looks like the car is 20 years old. Bad thing is we live in Oregon and get like 3 months of sun a year. Lastly there is no rear seat leg room. When I am in the car I have to jam my legs up against the dash so that my 11yo son has some leg room. I would not recommend this car.

• 

  2003 SE Zetec - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Tim - July 22 - 12:16 pm

  I had my problems; first the cold idle is still very rough till it warms up. Dealer couldnt fix. Also the rear camber adjusters were factory defective which made the car handle terrible in the winter and ate the rear tires up at 20,000 miles; dealer installed new adjusters and tires under warranty. I told the dealer to take the terrible low-profile Firestones and chunk them as we live in a snowy climate. Engine has plenty of power. Transmission has a harsh 1-2 rolling shift if you dont stop completely. Brakes are excellent as far as stopping power, steering is nimble, ride is acceptable, gas mileage is way below what it suppose to get. All this said I do like the car but my review at 60,000 miles may tell the story.

• 

  Nice Car with some problems - 2000 Ford Focus
  By L.A. Driver - July 19 - 2:16 pm

  Im a first-time buyer and I purchased this car used. Within the 1st month, water kept fogging up the headlights (dealer wanted to charge me $300). Ive had to replace the brakes twice in 2 years, and the brake pedal squeaks (loudly), had two recalls, and it rattles, and it produces too much brake dust. The interior side panel broke already and the latch on the passenger seat broke so you cant adjust seating anymore. While some of these problems can be rather annoying, I still love the car. I broke the family tradition of buying only Japanese cars when I got this one.

• 

  2.3L makes the car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By mtk - July 18 - 5:47 pm

  Bought a year ago and absolutely love the car. Unfortunately Ford decided to drop the 2.3L in the ZX3 for 2005 which I believe was a great combination. I had a 6 cylinder Ranger that sucked gas and this car does better but not great. I tend to "drive" the car and get around 24 mpg city without the A/C on - average, not bad. The car only cost me $10k brand new (with rebates and A plan). Ive spruced up the interior a bit as there are many aftermarket items out there for the Focus which personalize without being gaudy. Fun to drive. No problems to date - go out and buy one used if you can find one. Make sure it is a manual to maximize the fun factor. Did I say it was fun to drive?

• 

  Too many problems. - 2012 Ford Focus
  By amanda - July 16 - 5:42 pm

  I have had the car for 4 years and it now has 75,000 miles on it. 1- Not long after purchasing the car, it started jerking when I would try to take off. I advised Ford of this and they said it was normal. Then they finally sent out a recall for the transmission. 2- Car was a year old- driving down the road I started smelling something. Ford advised us to have the car towed to them. I did and they advised it was an overfill of something and it was just getting rid of the overfill (sorry, cant remember what it was). While the tow truck driver was helping us load the car, the front end of the car scrubbed the ground and scratched the paint off the car (a lot). Ford advised us it was the tow companys responsibility and the tow company advised us it was Fords responsibility (because Ford called them). End the end, no one took the blame so it is still messed up. 3- I had the car exactly 3 years when the driver side window quit working. Of course, no longer under warranty. 4- (July, 2016) Had the car for 3.5 years and the rear wheel and hub assembly needs replaced (not a cheap repair). 5- (October, 2016) the water pump busted. Not very happy with all this repairs and costs. Now thinking I should sell the car before something else goes wrong.