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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  One Look and Fell in Love - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Ryan Mikulovsky - February 15 - 1:33 am

  The vehicle handles wonderfully well. It took to the Pacific Coast Highway with agility I would not have expected for a car at its price level. It also impressed me when driving through Flaming Gorge on the way to Las Vegas. I did not experience any loss of power while running the AC. In city traffic it is very responsive. The standard transmission could feel a little more solid -- there is a tiny bit of detectable "give." I havent had any problems with it except that my first oil change had to be postponed due to the new oil filter not having saturated the market yet. A chrome Harley filter could have worked.. but... :-) The filter is amazingly accessible.

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  Best of the Small Econs - 2008 Ford Focus
  By buhwana - February 10 - 11:10 am

  I compared the Civic, Corolla and the Focus. Drove all three and the Ford was quieter, more comfortable and offered more standard features for less price. it was the only car that offered traction control, and ABS brakes. The new body style, though not as sleek as the Civic nor refined as the Corolla was a great improvement over the 07 model and that it was the deciding factor. I would have paid 3K more of the Honda or Toyota. The sync is neat (I dont own an ipod yet) but the bluetooth is a true safety feature. I trade the cheap compressor and bottle of green slime for a spacesaver spare since my last three blowouts were on the sidewall and no slime will fix that!

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  The Best American Car Ever! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By sobemen - February 8 - 2:19 pm

  I recently purchased this Ford Focus Titanium Edition. I cant stop driving this car. It is the best American car I have ever owned. Having owned BMWs. Land Rovers, Porsches, Toyotas, Honda and Nissan, I feel quite confident in providing Ford with the highest accolades around this product. I bought the extended Service warranty which is a great value. Ford has come a long way and their customer service and the entire purchase experience puts them well ahead of other car manufacturers All my friends and family just love to look at the fine engineering and body style of this vehicle. I also enjoy the fuel economy and German ride of this vehicle. Congrats Ford on an excellent job!

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  my car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By jenkinswhirly - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had the car for about two months but I know it is better than the previous Focus. It is bigger in the trunk and the overall car is just a little bigger and roomier.

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  Good for a Mule - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Cyan - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Good for a mule- we use it to load up the commuter miles. Otheriwse- I hate it. The fuel tank only holds enough for about 300 miles. Weve taken it to the dealership to get stupid stuff fixed already and it breaks again. Also- we can hear the transmission slipping every once in a while... and we arent harsh drivers. Wonder how long it will last-- good for cheap transportation thats fairly reliable for its class. Very uncomfortable if you are planning long trips.

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  Handles great - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Heres How - February 2 - 5:56 pm

  Ive now had the car long enough to fairly evaluate it and theres really nothing to gripe about. I sold an F150, wanting better mileage, and had driven the 2.0 engine and decided to buy this because of the 2.3 that became available. This car feels like a sports car, it handles great, is very quick for its class. The 2.3 engine has 145 hp and responds right when you want it. The five speed is very precise. I dont like automatics and manuals like this one are the reason why. Im an older guy who is an enthusiast and recommend this car to anyone who enjoys driving responsive cars and still needs a back seat. I have the sport package with standard brakes but recommend the anti lock upgrade.

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  A Best Buy - 2005 Ford Focus
  By chirider - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with my recent purchase of the Focus. Its exterior appearance is a quantum leap improvement over its predecessors. It handles well, provides a smooth and relatively solid ride. The Mazda3 was a strong temptation for me and likely exceeds the Focus in many respects, but you get much more bang for the buck in the Focus.

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  Great commute car...I love it :-) - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Chidam - January 26 - 10:20 am

  Fun car to drive. Handles very well. Pickup is good for a small car. Good mileage, around 30 in hwy. The interior could be improved - looks like cheap plastic parts. The cruise control has some logistical problems. When you switch it ON, there is no indicator to tell you its on! Should improve the quality of the audio system. The default one is really bad, cheap electronics.

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  Focus on this - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Puddin - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I just purchase this car ( my second ). I have heard some horror stories about the focus. I love my car. I bought it brand new off showroom floor. The brakes squealed for awhile, but it stopped after two days. It turn heads due to the new color of Light Tundra. It looks grey at night, but its light green( teal looking ). ^he Cd/Mp3 is great to be factory installed.

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  Ford person - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Kenneth Argenta - January 20 - 8:04 pm

  Check the docking fee, which is a joke for consumers,thatt a mark-up for dealers. Also the taxes and everything else before buying.