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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  Not a bad buy at all - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Legato2001 - June 4 - 4:50 pm

  I initially got some bad advice from people about buying a Ford. Although Ive had the car for only a couple of months, I find those complaints to be unfounded. Its not the most comfortable car in the world for long drives, but it definitely allows for a fun drive. The steering is very nice, the sound system is very good, and the fuel economy leaves nothing to be desired. All around, a great buy for the money.

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  The real mileage is 18.7 mpg, not 26 mpg! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Wenguang Wang - June 3 - 11:53 pm

  I bought this new 05 Focus in Nov. 2004. The performance and comfort are good. However, the claimed city driving of 26 is a dream. I constantly get 17-19 mpg for city driving. I dont use air conditioning, dont press the gas hard, nor brake hard. I dont drive with windows open. I dont drive with lights on in daytime. However, I can never get higher mileage. If I had known it uses this much gas, I would not buy it at all.

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  01 Focus a standout but for 2 things - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Arnold Rosen - June 1 - 2:38 pm

  A car that is very pleasant to look and a solid and reliable driving experience with 89,000 miles. Easy to find instrument controls and nice high seating view. Heater and a/c strong and reliable. Quiet engine. The downside - key lock failed at 85,000 miles. It was bad - caught in a mall ($230). Ford never said it was bad and they knew it. Steering rack ($300) at 85,000 miles.

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  I keep having a bad feeling... - 2000 Ford Focus
  By ginga - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I initially really liked my car, even after a few months when I had to replace the brakes, I still liked my car. Well now, 5 recalls, 3 brake replacements and an ignition cylinder replacemnt, I now hate my car. I keep having a bad feeling that things are just going to keep going wrong.

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  Unexpected 40 mpg on highway! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Eric - May 28 - 9:43 pm

  My recent purchase of the Focus was the right choice. On my first tank of mostly highway miles I got 40.4 mpg. Good power with the manual 5-speed. Satellite radio is a big bonus. Cruise control is steady and the overall ride is smooth. A great feature is the constant mpg reading that helps you ease up on the pedal to get optimal mileage. I test drove the Corolla, Aveo, Cobalt, Mazda 3, Yaris and Kia Rio. Ford focus has good looks, a solid engine and was the best bang for the buck. I highly recommend it!

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  Brians Focus - 2001 Ford Focus
  By bjhfla - May 27 - 2:43 pm

  The Focus gets great gas mileage. As far the interior of the car I think its cheap and does not wear well. The engine is great, the A/C is no good it stopped working after a year and half. Have never had problems with tire wear. I had gotten 55,000 on the first set and are only on my 2nd set. As of now, I would most likely not buy another Ford product when I do go to get a new car.

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  priced right - 2001 Ford Focus
  By stan - May 27 - 10:44 am

  The Focus has been a good solid car. No major problem but seems to heading for the repair shop more now that it is off warranty. I would suggest to get the extended warranty if possible. Problems with the radio volume control and trunk leaking.

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  2003 ZX3 - 2003 Ford Focus
  By SilverOne - May 27 - 10:00 am

  I used to have a 2000 ZX3 before this and I loved it. I put way too many miles on it and just had to get a new car. I decided on the ZX3 once again because of how much of a great vehicle it was. Its very fun to drive, has very good performance and power for a 130hp engine, the handling is great and it has lots of room. They have made many improvments on the newer models and fixed a few things also. I know Im going to like this car as much as I did the last and will probably get yet another Focus after this one! Sounds crazy but I really do like them.

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  My First Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By 089437620583 - May 27 - 10:00 am

  The company i work for deploys Ford Focus wagons and i drive one 100+ miles each day... So a Focus was my first choise when it came to buying a new car. The car rides super smooth and is really quiet. Its very comfortable and everything is within reach. The guages are easy to read and the 5-speed is very fun. In the department of reliabilaty, not a problem. My work car has been in 3 accidents and the only thing wrong with it squeaky breaks. Nothing has gone wrong with it except for problems that were the result of human error. My car has turned out to be a fun, cheap, reliable car to drive.

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  great car, only had it for 3 days though. - 2013 Ford Focus
  By robert fisher - May 26 - 7:23 pm

  terrible visibility out rear window. windshield wipers a bit annoying, otherwise not too bad looking and very comfortable.