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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  Good Starter Car! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Focus4eva - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This was my first new car purchase and it has been AWESOME! Very comfortable and roomy for a person of my size (61" 200lbs). Base motor has GREAT PICK UP! It may weed out a little at higher RPMs but can cruise at 85MPH! Handles mountains with ease. Made 3 major road trips and have not had any problems. Gets FANTASTIC gas mileage. Over 20k miles in less than a year and still running strong!

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  One COOL commuter - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Charles D - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought a second vehicle to save on gas, and keep the miles down on my F- 150. I havent driven the truck to work once since! The Focus is a kick in the pants to drive. I have really enjoyed all the custom parts and accessories availalbe for it as well. And the best part is that even while driving it with a VERY heavy foot on the accelerator, I am averaging 30.9 mpg with a 50/50 mixture of city and freeway driving.

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  Fun to drive - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Enthusiast - March 6 - 1:56 pm

  More fun to drive than any other car Ive owned. Would buy a new car if I could find one more fun to drive.

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  2005 Ford Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Sandra - March 5 - 5:40 am

  The Focus is a wonderful car with a lot of room and great on gas. Its compact enough to get into any parking spot without any trouble.

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  2004 ZX-3 (2.3L) Automatic - 2004 Ford Focus
  By atl_focus - March 3 - 5:47 pm

  My model is the "premium" ZX3 with the 2.3L engine. It is fully loaded and I picked it up for $11,500 with only 11k miles on it. If you dont have this engine, you are missing out...it really makes the car. I was looking for a hatchback to replace my truck and had one of these as a rental. I liked it over the Honda Civic Si, Golf/GTI, Protege5, Mazda3 hatchback, etc. Great handling and performance (145 hp), and decent mileage (24/30). Decent build quality for the money couple of minor problems so far.

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  Squeaky brakes - 2001 Ford Focus
  By cyn_flo - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car after driving a rental focus when I totalled my escort. Since the day I got the focus the brakes were an embarrassement. They squeaked so loud, it sounded like I needed a full and complete brake rehaul. Very embarrassing to drive when the car was only a year old. If I parked for 5-10 minutes, the brakes squeaked just as loud. Did not matter what the weather conditions were. They finally had to replace the brake lining, which improved the noise, but it was still there. Have had the car in for a few recalls in 2003. Did not have good luck with the ford escort either. Dont know if I want to go with a windstar or not?

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  Last Ford car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By WLBJR - March 2 - 10:00 am

  This is the worst car Ive ever owned from a quality standpoint. 8 recalls. Had the a/c compressor replaced, three weeks later the evaporator coil had to be replaced. The transmission leaked and had to take it back 3 times to get it fixed by the worlds sorriest excuse for a service department. Realized several months after the a/c evaporator was replaced the heat didnt blow out of the floor vents anymore- dealer didnt hook back up correctly and then didnt want to take responsibility. Front drive hubs replaced at 38,000 mi.

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  ZX5-Comfort - 2003 Ford Focus
  By RipRiley - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I have been very pleased with this vehicle. I got it for the fuel economy and the 100K drive train warranty. But I was surprised how fun the car is to drive. It is the best handling car Ive owned. Ok, here is the MPG scoop. For the first 2000 miles I got a city/highway combined 31 MPG. Since then it has steadily gone up. Now at 8000+ miles I get 35 MPG. That is about 60% highway 40% city. Average highway speed 75 MPH.

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  Great deal ... inexpensive and economical - 2006 Ford Focus
  By C. Jones - March 1 - 4:46 am

  What a surprise to drive the replacement for the Escort, and find it to be such a fun car. Nothing like the Escort. I bought the 5 speed, and it has every imaginable option ... some which I havent figured out what to do with as yet. Incredible gas mileage, plenty of looks, an unbelievable warranty, shifts as smooth as anything I have every driven, and for its size, very quiet. No, I am not a Ford salesman, I am a cop who rides the big Crown Vic, and was absolutely astonished at how nice this car is. The Japanese have nothing close to this car, when you factor price, gas mileage, comfort and basic warranty. Enjoy this neat car!

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  Ford Hit A Home Run - 2012 Ford Focus
  By cbnchba - February 24 - 12:54 pm

  I purchased my 2012 Focus HB SE, 6speed Auto, on 4/22/11. I absolutely love this car. The fun factor is outrageous and addicting. Everything about this car is amazing. The car build is solid, no vibrations or squeeks. the doors close solid and the front and rear seats are very supportive and hold you in. My main reason too purchase this vehicle was for its good fuel mileage, so far im getting 39 mpg, in mixed driving