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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  2000 Ford Focus 4dr ZTS - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Rick - July 2 - 5:34 pm

  Never had a problem with the car. Though I have received 7 recalls that were repaired. Average 26 mpg/33 mpg highway. Could use about 30 more hp. Car is tight and quick to respond. Fun to drive but does have too much road noise making normal conversations at 65 mph difficult.

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  Ford Focus SVT 2 door - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Jennifer - June 30 - 7:23 pm

  I really like this car because its fast, cute, and is a 6 speed! The only complaint I have is the gas mileage; not good. I get 90 miles each quarter of a tank city, and about 95 each quarter of a tank highway. Other than that its an awesome car.

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  it is a great compact car! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Memphis, TN - June 28 - 6:33 am

  I have very good experiences with Ford Escort. That is why I chose Ford Focus. My daughter considers the old 95 Ford Escort as our family member because it is so reliable and almost problem free for many years! The best part of the new Ford Focus is: everybody in my family loves it very much! Before I bought it, I read a lot of reviews on it and other cars in its class. I think people tell the truth: fun to drive, looks cute, roomy for big size guys, fuel economy, etc. as it claims, the gas mileages are 26/32. However, I get 30/34! During winter season, I still can get 28/33. It is quite, sharp and smooth. The Ford dealer is honest and nice. I am quite happy to own it.

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  GREAT Commuter - 2005 Ford Focus
  By bisquick - June 27 - 4:33 pm

  I bought the car for $8900 with Ford rebate. I was to use it as a commuter, expecting it to be a weak performer. The steering, brakes and ease of driving is great! Considering my other car was a 500hp monster with modified everything! While not as fun, its still very fun and reliable while getting 29-37mpg, wisper quiet interior, great AC, super stereo and its a PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) for the green people. I like it a lot!

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  Techno Crazy - 2012 Ford Focus
  By gnelson1 - June 24 - 6:28 am

  I had the chance to get a skeak preview of the all new 2012 and it is avery nice looking ride inside and out! The new styling is very well designed with unique curves and lines. What really impressed me is the all the techno cool stuff. The Ford first SYNC by Microsoft with the Ford My Touch. The New stiffer framing made from very expensive, ultra strong Boron steel. It will be available with features like remote start and Park Assist ( it will actually parallel park its self with little assistance from the driver). The kind of upgraded features you wouldnt expect to see in a vehicle in the C class. But its the power and handleing that sold me on the vehicle! It is Responsive!

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  Dont Buy This Car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By cmg2001 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  After growing up in Detroit, I never thought I would buy a foreign car. I have finally had enough. After driving this car for 3 yrs and 90K mi, I am finally putting an end to my frustration. Hwy fuel economy of 23- 25 mpg/ 250 mile range - no power with the automatic transmission and recall after recall after etc... If you really want to see what a mistake this car is all you have to do is try trading one in, Hold onto your shorts. For me the answer is toyota or honda or mazda and finding somewhere to park down the street when i visit my parents. PS I am on my fourth set of tires with rotation and alignments done regularly.

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  The Sun is Rising in the West - 2002 Ford Focus
  By svtrollin - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Wow, my supercharged zx3 barely nosed out the stock svt. Thats when i knew i had to have one. This car handles as if you are on a rail, not only that it will pull you away from the curb a lot faster then those eastearn pocket rockets.

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  Great job Ford on a good car! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Robert Cooper - June 19 - 8:36 am

  This car is great on gas. Im getting 34-35 MPG drive both city and highway. I drive 36 miles one way to work 6 days a week. It also has a good sound system in it.

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  Terrible 2009 Ford Focus - 2009 Ford Focus
  By NannyJune - June 17 - 9:03 pm

  In the first 3 months of ownership, I have been to the dealer 6 times for mechanical and body issues. The car frame was totally out of whack, the front end was not aligned, the driver side wiper flew off in a horrendous rain storm, the powertrain light comes on, the transmission kicks, starts in second gear, rarely can get up to speed. They fixed most of the body issues and the windshield wiper but the rest of the problems linger. No one can find anything wrong I am told but still the powertrain light is lit and performance is bad.

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  My Funky Ford Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By shadana - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. This is the first car that I have ever owned and I am proud of my purchase. I love all the standards features (cd player, power windows, locks). Ive driving 5 hours in my car and was still able to go out and party. I still wanted to drive.