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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  Made in USA? - 2002 Ford Focus
  By John or Juan - May 25 - 3:50 am

  I was recently at a local Ford dealer, who had a huge selection of Focus automobiles, and not one was "made in the USA" : all arrived...legally...from south of the border. That aside, the Focus appears to be very well built and a solid performer overall.

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  Dont Buy This Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By jend99 - May 24 - 4:20 am

  Worst experience with a car and a dealership in my entire life! I urge anyone and everyone to stay away from the Ford Focus. For the last NINE months I have had continuous brake problems with no resolution other than Ford uses cheap parts. That they do! The salesperson never told me I would have to pay to replace the brakes every 12,000 miles (as they now tell me!) or I would not have purchased the vehicle.

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  Disappointed - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Red Focus - May 23 - 9:36 pm

  Focus started to have problems last year, around 70,000 miles. Automatic door lock wont work. Passenger door wont unlock anymore. Have to crawl over the drivers seat. Tumbler locked up ignition a couple of weeks ago. New ignition: $320! I like the car. But its been having major problems now.

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  love my car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Barbara - May 23 - 2:06 am

  I have been driving my little wagon for six months now, and just love it. It is a breeze to park, has a huge cargo area, gets 30 mpg highway and 22 mpg city. I am so glad I didnt waste my money and buy something twice as expensive. If you just want a simple car to haul a small family around and run errands, this is great. I downsized from a Taurus wagon and it is like losing 20 pounds.

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  this car is better than its reputation - 2001 Ford Focus
  By JLS - May 21 - 9:52 am

  I am the original owner of my Focus. I have been driving it for 3-4 years. It is not the fastest car at the light, but you knew that. It is however, a great deal: once it gets going, it really goes reliable, responsive, handles extremely well (I live in the midwest and laugh at many when I pull easily out of snow), and easy at the gas pump. All in all, a great little car.

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  FUN FUN FUN!!! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By gustergurl - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a 2002 Focus ZX5 and I love it. It is very confortable and runs great. Mine has leather seats, power moonroof 6 disk cd changer and many other perks. I think this is the best thing Ford has done in years.

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  2005 Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Rodney - May 16 - 6:26 pm

  So far so good. The ride is really rough but I guess that is to be expected from a compact car. Overall, excellent car for the money.

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  I love this car! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Major - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I just raved about this car for the first two weeks I had it. I still love it just as much. (How can you really "love" a car)? The independent rear suspension adds a lot to the ride and handling. The car came standard with everything I wanted. Somedays I get up and think of someplace to go just so I can get to drive my Focus wagon. There are so many nice things about this car.

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  leaking coolant - 2000 Ford Focus
  By 1432 - May 13 - 6:04 pm

  Leaking coolant after 33,000 miles dealer replaced water pump twice. At 65,000 miles again leaking coolant per dealer diagnosis thermostat housing froze and leaked. This ruined water pump. Dealer changed water pump, again twice. This suggested that quality of parts are bad. All total this car has had 5 water pumps for the first 65,000 miles. Car was taken to independent mechanic. After more tests to find cause of loosing coolant, it was determined that coolant was passing to cylinder and head repair has to be done. This problem is in addition to transmission electronic component failing, rear window not working, and the rough idling causing vibration.

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  Focus - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Bill - May 12 - 8:42 pm

  One of the best small cars we have had.