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 Happy - 2003 Ford Focus
  By clarkdnr - March 25 - 10:00 am

  The Ford Focus (ZTS)initially seems a great buy, but buyer beware. While the interior is comfortable and well designed the build quality is ridiculous! My car was in the shop for over a month two months ago then a few days ago I had a wreck due to a malfunctioning seat, so back to the shop it goes. These are just two instances in a long line of problems.Ford is not terribly helpful either. Before you buy PLEASE got online and look for customer chats, not reviews. I was astounded to see how many people were having non-stop problems from these cars from the beginning.

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  Miss my 08 Focus!!! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By justford14 - March 21 - 1:01 am

  I have 2012 SE Hatch with 6sp auto with sports package. I traded in my 5spd manual 2008 Focus sedan with 115k milage for this. I have to tell you the style, performance and steering of the new focus is so much better, but from there honestly its all less quality, less mpg and disapppointment. I was getting 36-42 MPG in my 08, I cant beat 34 doing same drive. I have several very loud interior rattles that are pending dealer part orders and the transmission never knows what gear to be in. Worst at times u hit the gas from a stop and you just sit there for seconds before transmission engages. Oh and bluetooth audio quality not as good as 08 focus.

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  Smoked Ya - 2001 Ford Focus
  By JustinSmokedYa - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I just got this car on August 2, 2003. It is my first car, and I am a guy, but it is pretty sporty, the 2Dr ZX3 Hatchback. I wish I could of gotten a Chevy Camero Z28 310 Hp, but I ended up with this pretty darn good car with 59,064 miles on it. I know a good car when I see one.

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  average small car eats gas - 2002 Ford Focus
  By michigan commuter - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Its a very average car. Decent pep. Dependable transportation. Poor gas mileage (27 hwy)

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  zoom-zoom this.... - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Big-G - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable, easy driving, very smooth shifting, great sound system, easy to operate features, specialy on steering controls for the stereo, great handling. fun...fun....fun.....the best handling, fun and economical compact car on the market for the value hands down!!!!very reliable several of family and friends own a focus never had any problems.....

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  Fun and practical - 2003 Ford Focus
  By rbsjrx - March 14 - 8:30 pm

  I bought this so I could send my beloved 96 Contour into semi-retirement. Its been a lot of fun to drive, although driving is more work than the Contour. Overall, Im quite satisfied. It can blow away most unmodified Minis which is good enough for me. Handling is excellent, but surprisingly not that much better than my Contour. It feels better, but thats just because of the better support from the Recaro seats. As noted in my Contour review, the Contour is both lower and wider than the Focus, which shows on twisty roads.

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  AWESOME - 2012 Ford Focus
  By howard45 - March 14 - 6:10 pm

  We traded my wifes Escape, which she dearly loved, for the Focus Titanium. She wanted more fuel mileage and a more sporty vehicle and she definitely got it with the Focus. We took our first trip and got 37.4 MPG driving the speed limits on the Interstates. Ride and handling are superb. This is a winner. Our local Ford dealer was one reason we bought. We had recieved excellent service on the Escape since moving here.

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  Love It - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Judi - March 12 - 11:10 pm

  I love my Focus. I have always purchased Ford products, but this car is awesome. The car handles great and it drives like a little tank in bad weather, better than my Escort! It has excellent fuel economy at 34.8 miles to a gallon city driving and over 35 highway-with the price of gas at $4 a gallon and rising the Focus really helps me out financially. The interior is sweet with visible gauges. Its comfortable too! Everyone who rides in it loves it and say they will make it their next car. Ford has really improved an already good vehicle. I love driving my car, it looks, feels and rides great! Its small but has roomy interior, as well as excellent safety features!

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  Better Than Its Press Reviews - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Family Man - March 12 - 11:06 am

  SE Sedan 5-speed M. with ABS and Speed Control. My wife and I seriously considered the Civic and Mazda3...but then opted for the Focus at $4000 less. We tested vehicles at all levels (S/SE/SES), 2 & 4 doors and both transmissions. We selected the 5-speed SE due to the options plus the 5-speed really performs the best (it gets this light vehicle up to speed, very quickly and smoothly). It is what it is - a simple, $16,000 compact that is loaded with features, quiet, comfortable, that handles and performs well and is very fuel efficient. 32 MPG in city and 48 MPH on the highway (with cruise on) per our on-board computer. The vehicle has tight panel seams and great build quality. And fun!

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  Wise Decision - 2012 Ford Focus
  By flashpic - March 9 - 6:09 am

  I bought my Focus Hatchback SE -5 Speed , w/sport, 201A, and winter packages on 1/3/12 and it has ~2k miles on it now. I love the car and it is an excellent value IMO! Ive had zero problems or complaints with the car so far. I am getting just under 36 MPG with about 50% highway driving (w/snow tires) but I try to be light on the pedal & keep highway speeds below 65 . I am getting tons of complements on the car. The Focus is fun to drive, the manual trans shifts flawlessly, has a great driverÂ’s seat (sport package) , all of the necessities & then some and has a high quality fit/finish/feel on all of the materials/parts. I do recommend separate winter tires for snow & ice driving.