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:

• 

  Most Fun for your Money - 2004 Ford Focus
  By shell2n - January 19 - 9:12 pm

  A real blast of a car yet can be used for everyday driving. In fact, you want to drive more because of the fun of this car

• 

  Ford Focus Wagon SE - 2003 Ford Focus
  By avion - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Nimble handling, excellent controls, steering and brake feel are tremendous. Nice automatic. Lots of room in back.

• 

  Ford Focus ZX-5 - 2003 Ford Focus
  By avion - January 18 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I bought an SE Wagon for her. Liked it so much, I tested a 5- speed ZX-5 & found it the nicest manual Ive driven in 30 years. Ford has finally gotten it right, VERY right. This little number handles as nimbly as any sporty car from Italy or Germany I ever owned. Build quality is A-1, styling fresh & space utilization excellent. Engine revs freely & makes lots of nice noises when pushed hard. Only 2 litres, but dump it into 3rd & let her wind up to 4 thou per & she takes off. Car is the most fun Ive had in 20 years, in fact I traded in my Alfa Romeo sedan for it & have absolutley no regrets.

• 

  Nice utility vehicle - 2003 Ford Focus
  By RWiggler - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Over all a good vehicle and value. I have had no major problems with this vehicle so far.

• 

  Transmission is a problem - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Charles W - January 11 - 9:23 pm

  the car could be a great car, but the transmission makes this car a miserable driving experience. The dealership is waiting on parts from Ford to repair, but after 8 weeks of waiting they cannot give any update. Simply states that we and 70 other Focus owners are waiting on the same part.

• 

  Good Second Car - 2006 Ford Focus
  By STLDriver - January 8 - 11:40 am

  I needed another, second, car for work. I looked at many other makes and types but was surprised by the Focus. It does not have a "cheap" feel to it and seems solid. I am very happy with my purchase.

• 

  Most un-reliable car on 4 wheels - 2012 Ford Focus
  By 2012 Ford Focus - January 6 - 12:34 am

  Ford blew it with this car. Due to my wifes job we buy a car ever other year. This car has left us stranded 4 times with only 70k miles. There stupid dual clutch design transmission in this car has been nothing but problems. Car slips out of gear, sometimes wont even back up, makes chattering shifting noise while sitting in park. Took it to 2 Ford dealerships. AutoNation Ford technician in Katy said the best thing for me to do is run from this car and sell it. (This is after the third transmission reprogram). Finally took to Joe Meyers Ford they ripped me off and said faulty shift solenoid Charged $500 (after I told them I dont believe this is the problem because car runs fine for about a week after re-program), while still in shop then they said "Oh faulty transmission computer". Ford replaced computer under warranty. Now 1 month later car has a roaring noise coming from inside the transmission ( no its no the hub bearings). If Ford would have left the hydraulic style transmission in this car it would be a great car everything else is nice. New transmission is $3,101.02 screw that. THANKS FORD FOR MAKING JUNK!!!!!! YOU MUST BE SO PROUD. Go on Craigslist and look at how many 2012-2014 Ford Focus there are. Save yourself a headache and do not buy. I guess its true Foreign cars are better then Ford cars. RUN! RUN! RUN! RUN!

• 

  Dont Buy A Focus - 2001 Ford Focus
  By No More Fords - January 1 - 9:31 pm

  I bought my Focus new. I am also very good with the maintenance. Nothing but problems from the start. Rotors and brakes were a problem from the manufacturer. Then came sensor troubles. Too many recalls. Next was the 4 times I had to have the stereo replaced due to a battery that was going bad..it took 4 tries to figure that out? Then went the air compressor at 36,000 miles only to follow 2 months later with the evaporator core in the air conditioning. ($1,000.00 each!) Next went the faulty alarm system. Lastly, if you turn the radio up loud enough, you cant hear the horrible vibrations! The worst part is the fact that the car has NO value!! Going shopping for a Honda now!

• 

  Very happy with it - 2001 Ford Focus
  By FOCUSLOVER - December 31 - 3:20 am

  I purchased a 2001 Ford Focus SE with 13,000 miles, which is unbelieveably low for that year,. It has 24,000 miles on it now, and been using it for 3 months. It has a wonderful ride and smooth acceleration. Never had any problems with it, previous owner was a old couple and rarely used the car. Still has the new car smell and everything inside and out looks like brand new. The sound system is wonderful! All of my friends loved it and they are thinking about buying one like mine. Although the one thing that Ford needs to improve is the gas mileage because I only get 270 miles on full gas tank.

• 

  A Big Let Down - 2000 Ford Focus
  By mandi - December 31 - 2:00 am

  When we bought this car, it seemed to have so many great features for an affordable price. However, not two months into it and with a brand new baby riding in it, the mechanical flaws rared their ugly heads. It seemed atleast once a month their was a recall on something mechanically vital or something would just not work, for example the key wouldnt come out of the ignition one day. Turns out the ignition was faulty and recalled. A year later, the key wouldnt go into the ignition. Turns out that ignition had been recalled too. It was fun at first, but after a couple of thousand miles, it just really starts to suck.