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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  Fantastic Car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Ryan - April 26 - 1:03 pm

  This car is fantastic. I purchased this car on 04/26/2008 and I absolutely love it. The Sync system is absolutely a must. I asked if the Sync model could be installed after the fact and they stated no that it was a factory install so for the extra $400 I got a Focus that had it. The fuel mileage is incredible, I am getting about 30 miles to the gallon city, and 35 miles to the gallon highway. The Focus handles great at highway speeds and in town around corners. I traded in a gas hogging 2007 Ford Escape XLT and I am so glad I did.

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  I like it, but I wont get another one. - 2000 Ford Focus
  By sschultzy88 - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car after a deployment to Germany, where I got the chance to drive a Focus on the Autobahn. German model had a Turbo-diesel and four wheel disks, which arent available here but made the highspeed rocket ride more controlable and economic-topped out at 220 km/Hr, approx 140 MPH. Great car! Mine makes noises when going over dips and bumps in the road. There is also a "clicking" noise that comes from the gear box while idling in neutral. Ford build quality leaves much to be desired, and even though I like the Focus I wont get another one.Its still a fun car, fair to good all around. Good stereo, but alas not the best of the Xplode line either.

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  43000 miles report - 2000 Ford Focus
  By loolala - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I got my car in June 2000 when it had only 11 miles. IÂ’ve had good mileage since day one, and it has remained around 31 to 32 mpg. Besides about 5 recalls it got and a couple of fixes under warranty, it has been virtually maintenance free. Total operation cost in 2.5 years is $10620 with 43000 miles. Cost per mile is just less than 25 cents! If you want to know how I get those number, check out Town Hall under Ford Focus ZX3 #2367.

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  Hard to Shift Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Bob M. - April 18 - 3:00 am

  I have a 5 speed which is almost impossible to shift since the engine RPMs dont come down following acceleration in each gear. I bring it up to 3000 in first and it just stays there. Ford and my dealer both say "thats life". I hate this car, wish I had never bought it. It has a 6CD stereo which will not load the CDs. Bob

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  Rides and handles like my former BMW - 2012 Ford Focus
  By mhorstein - April 15 - 5:16 pm

  I was persuaded by the Focuss ride and handling, and front seat comfort. I had looked at the Elantra, Cruze and Mazda 3, and it was no contest. The suspension is firm and the ride well controlled. The steering is light, quick and precise, and the interior is of high quality. A big plus: all four windows are one-touch, up and down. Now the negatives. The back-seat legroom is so scant that there is room for only two other people when I am driving. The audio controls are maddening to operate, and the transmission is reluctant to downshift, making it necessary on occasion to revert to manual operation. I get only 23-24 mpg in city driving. Worse yet, I cannot even go 250 miles on a tank of gas.

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  Great cheap commuter car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Tom - April 14 - 7:17 pm

  These model Focus tend to have some vibrations you can feel at stops but its a cheap commuter so you cant be too picky. Ive had mine for just over a year (bought used in 2015 21500 miles) and its been perfect for going back and forth to work in but big enough to move people if need be. I read a two star review saying a new front hub/bearing is only sold with the axle for $800 or something like that, complete [non-permissible content removed] that is, New hub/bearing is $50 off rockauto.

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  Problematic Car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By 2ManyProbsW/Focus - April 14 - 4:47 pm

  The only reason we bought this car was because it was 0% interest. There have been many parts replaced because the metal used was cheap. Its been in the shop every year since weve had it. I am not happy with this car. The extended warranty only covered 1 part any time weve had problems. The warranty seemed to do nothing for us. The ignition and fuel are the biggest problems. Its loud from the noise outside especially on highways. There isnt much leg room in the back seats. The stereo system is TERRIBLE. We replaced our ignition and key 3 times! Loud muffler. This is a noisy, break down car. Id suggest against getting one. Ford never helped me at all with any problems.

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  Not what its made out to be - 2002 Ford Focus
  By charlie - April 14 - 10:50 am

  I have had my car in the shop more than in my driveway. I have had two recalls already and the car had to be brought back in because of very poor gas mileage, tranning problems as well as problems with the engine. certainly not a good buy.

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  Not everything is roses with this new model. - 2012 Ford Focus
  By bwj3278 - April 13 - 9:35 am

  It was about 3 weeks ago I decided to trade in my gas guzzling F150 for a new Focus. With two jobs and one of them being real estate, I really needed something fuel efficient. Lets start with what I do like...most of the styling...the only part I dont like is the unpainted rocker panel plastic...it looks cheap. The car rides and drives well and the Candy Blue paint is awesome and gets lots of compliments. However, it is not all well... I am currently waiting for a new dash, because mine split. My driver side air vent plastic is chipped, a door is misalligned, and a rattle has already developed. This is my 12th Ford, and my last until Ford can get it together.

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  Sporty drive in an economy car. Above the rest! - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Rickey Silverman - April 10 - 1:33 pm

  The best features of this car are its attractive looks, driveability and availabiity of many trim levels, engines, tires and wheels allowing you to choose your own style. I love my SE with the sports and trim packages and the automatic. The controls are simple and logical, the backup camera is a a useful tool for in town parking and I am thoroughly enjoying the Sirius stereo and handy bluetooth compatibility. The car feels smooth and responsive and handles beautifully. It is a quiet as a Cadillac my friends say. Comfortable too especially in front. The rear seats are a bit small though. The car also doesnt seem to have great traction in the wet though. I have yet to experience the New England winter yet. I like having the paddle shifter for the automatic too, though I havent used it much.I am not worried about reliability as it is a lease! Enjoyable and fun drive.More fun than the Subaru Impreza and the Toyota Corolla, plus I love having a hatchback.