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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  My wife says "Its adorable" - 2012 Ford Focus
  By crazydave55 - December 20 - 8:13 am

  I bought a SE Hatch with Sports Package, and the beautiful Tuscany leather interior. I wanted to park my 07 Shelby Mustang GT (preservation and better mileage) and get something cheaper to wear out commuting to work every day here in Houston. I could not be more pleased, and my wife says its cute and adorable. Its a win-win. I see some new owners with issues and problems posting here. Those should be taken in context, this car is a brand new design (for the US) and coming out of a brand new (reconfigured) plant. Theres always growing pains related to those two things. I highly recommend the 2012 Focus. Read the magazine reviews, almost always picked #1 over the competition.

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  Handling - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Tom Tourigny - December 18 - 11:10 am

  I had a large Town car prior to the Focus. When I test drove this car, I was very surprised on how this car handled. I enjoy a 5 speed and with 16" rims and size 205 low profile tires on a small car car this car handlings is EXCELLENT. Mileage during the summer with the air conditioner on is about 25 mpg. I average about 22,000 a year. My daughter bought a new Focus in 2003. Its a 4 door, 5 speed standard with regular rims and tires. I was surprised her car was even quicker than mine. In general, my next car will be a Focus. You have a great little car here, please continue to move forward with it.

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  Dont overlook the Focus - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Sandy Pearl - December 13 - 4:03 pm

  After having an Escort wagon for 11 years, and 100,000 miles (the clutch is still original) I decided to look for a second car. Test drove the Honda but bought the Focus SES Sedan. Right price, good ownership and reliability experience with Ford, and union made. Honda is the Starbucks of the car world. Big money for average coffee.

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  FOCUSNME - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Eileen - December 13 - 11:22 am

  Great Car!! Only downfall is the color- YELLOW! But other than that this car is fun to drive and equipped with the 2.3l engine it has a great pick up. Seats are confortable and with the premium package the entire experience is excellent. I had a 01 Nissan Sentra before purchasing this Focus and it was definetly an upgrade. I would never trade this in for anything in its class!

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  Good to Go - 2003 Ford Focus
  By schweetheart1 - December 12 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Focus ZTW 4dr wagon is the best buy for the money. It comes standard with side airbags, keyless entry, CD player, power windows and side mirrors all for way under $20,000. We have only had the car for a week but we love the ride, the sleekness and most of all the fuel efficiency and it looks great too.

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  ZX5 2.3 Auto - 2004 Ford Focus
  By paul - December 7 - 1:24 pm

  Bought a used(12000 miles) ZX5 Premium with auto. Wanted a manual, but couldnt find any with the 2.3 engine. Have put on 3000 miles, no problems. Im getting 28 mpg on the highway, I expected to do better.

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  Not that bad, but......... - 2000 Ford Focus
  By johnMC - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Minor and annoying repairs - lights on radio keyboard died in 1st year...doors squeek...needed a complete brake job at 24,500 miles...ashtray must be closed to use the lighter [warning for smokers who are also trying to charge their cell phone.

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  Great Compact Sedan - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Nate - December 6 - 5:00 am

  The interior is quite nice. The cloth seats are comfortable and the dash layout is uncluttered and easy to use. The radio controls have nice tactile feedback. The engine is peppy and unlike some other sedans in this class, the Focus doesnt feel underpowered merging or passing on the freeway. No regrets in first few months after purchase so far.

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  Get Focused Before You Buy - 2000 Ford Focus
  By mg - December 1 - 10:00 am

  My 1st new car was a complete lemon. The dealership didnt help matters involving multiple engine problems even going as far as saying I just did not drive it enough.

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  Excellent Little Car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By sgrabin - December 1 - 10:00 am

  We bought the Kona edition pretty much when the Focus first came out in 2000. Weve been very pleased with the performance and reliability of the Focus. Yes, there have been a lot of recalls, but they were minor items that were done quickly at no cost. The car is very quick and nimble and very fun to drive. Weve averaged about 22 miles per gallon, which is a bit disappointing for 125 horsepower, but its not too bad. The Focus is an excellent value for the money.