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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  Noticed no recent reviews- thought id add mine! - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Justin - October 22 - 8:50 pm

  Ive owned this vehicle for a year now and bought it used on craigslist and got a great deal on it. The previous owners had all records and maintained it really well with the exception of wearing out the leather in the backseat with their childrens car seats a little. Ive put around 10k miles on it and am currently at 135k. Ive driven it from Atlanta to Key West and all over the mountains of north Georgia and Ive loved every second of it. Ive always been into the appearance of this model and in shopping around noted the recurring problems of interior plastic parts breaking (something mine doesnt suffer from) and electrical/wiring issues. One thing I wish I had been aware of beFORE purchasing this wagon was the issues with the wiring harness in the rear trunk hatch. Its a shame that Ford has not recalled effected models since it seems to be a widespread issue. I managed to rewire mine and all seems well, but what a nightmare it was to do. Advise to anyone thinking about buying one, check and see under the rubber boot that houses the harness to see if the wires have already been replaced... its likely it will need to happen at some point, so be aware of that fact. On long rides Ive been happy with the comfort and level in which you can adjust the drivers seating position. Some complain they find the car uncomfortable, but as the driver I dont. I have had my significant other tell me that on long rides it wasnt super great with comfort for the passenger. For every amenity you get with the price range these sell for, for model anyway, its made me feel a little spoiled. Heated seats, leather (that has held up incredibly well for a now 10 year old car), heated and electric mirrors, etc... all great features. I have also seen in many of these that the coating and labeling on the interior knobs wears off. Mine doesnt suffer from this issue either, and every time Ive cleaned it Ive done taking care to make sure it stays that way. The cargo space is ample, and got even more so once I realized that the backseats fold all the way down after lifting up the bottom of the seat first. My only issue with this the one time Ive needed it was that after remaining in that position for a few days it left some pretty gnarly marks in the leather from where the backs of the seats rested while pulled down - in the end however, it came out and all was well. Also it should be noted that partly why the previous owners opted to sell the car was due to the fact that the back seats dont have headrests. Not having children and rarely carrying more than two adults, this hasnt been an issue for me. Odd that a wagon would not have this included. Gas mileage has been better than advertised despite most of my day to day driving being inner city driving. Very pleased with that. This reminds me however that when I purchased the car the caveat was a new thermostat needed. I took it to my mechanic who then informed and showed me the lengths that Ford went to to save space (and weight) to achieve the fuel economy it does. Some repairs are a bit more complicated (and time consuming) than they might otherwise be with other models. In my case, several other parts had to be removed to get to the thermostat adding to the labor costs. Overall, Im very happy with this car and hope I continue to be as it ages. I intend to keep it around for a while... definitely happy.

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  LOTS OF FUN - 2004 Ford Focus
  By dick7622 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  the 04 focus is,without a dought, the most enjoyable ford compact Iv ever driven [& Iv had a lot of them]! I rented one out west and found it to handle super on flat desert as well as through the high country. I literly fell in love with the car. I was very pleased with the price and the rebaits. Iv grown even fonder of my focus since Iv been driving it on a regeular baseis.

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  Good price for performance and features. - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Hofmann - October 20 - 10:00 am

  My only two complains are the tires (too small), and that the car is sometimes lazy when accelerating.

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  Fun to Drive - 2001 Ford Focus
  By JLB5 - October 20 - 2:00 am

  This car was bought for my wife and daughter. They are short and still could see the corners of the car and reach the pedles with ease. The surprise was when I drove it, I had head room and leg room. (Im 6) I love to drive it on our back roads in the area. They are hilly and windy giving you all the opportunity to drive. This car is FUN FUN to drive. We have not had any maintenance problems.

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  SHOP AROUND BEFORE YOU BUY - 2015 Ford Focus
  By Very Disappointed - October 19 - 6:09 am

  Sadly, I didnt read the reviews before I bought this car. The transmission is horrible and Im told thats the way it is. First and last Ford product I will buy. Its been in the shop twice already and Ive only owned it for 8 months. Air condition module had to be replaced and a fuse was blown in addition to all the transmission issues. Stay away from this car!

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  04 Focus Wagon - 2004 Ford Focus
  By arp - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Nice driving feel suspension control. High praise, considering that I drive a Porsche on sunny days/weekends. Not the cushiest, most refined car in the world, but a LOT of bang for the buck. Wagon has more usable cargo space than any small SUV. My car is fully optioned out (as cheap VW Jetta with better performance). Regrettably, the wagon can no longer be purchased in better than SE trim. Worse, Ford no longer sells the 2.3L PZEV engine in the wagon. The 2.3 is way quieter than the 2.0 it drives MUCH better than its #s would suggest (and its #s are a lot better than the 2.0s). If you need a wagon but like the 05 ZTS performance, seek out an 04 ZTW, rather than an 05 SE.

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  Great Wagon/great car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By AndreW - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven other SW and none compare to the Ford Focus. Its really built to last. Confort is outstanding, as well as road handling and overall quality.

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  Horrible - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Kylie - October 16 - 6:25 am

  DO NOT BUY. The transmission is absolutely horrible and ford will do NOTHING to fix it. I have broken down 2 times, my car will not accelerate and the RPMS just go crazy. I have had it in the shop 3 times within the past 2 months and they refuse to do anything for it.

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  Love my new Focus! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Bryan Janak - October 13 - 6:00 pm

  I would have never thought to look at a Focus, but I spotted this one on a lot while looking at Mustangs. I decided to take it for a drive, and was very impressed with the power this little car has. Needless to say, I started the paperwork on it immediately. I got it for around $14,400 with the family plan, it was too good of a deal to pass up. I am used to driving a truck, but became very accustomed to this car quickly. It handles well, has lots of power, and gets tons of looks, especially in black. The sound system could be better, but thats a cheap fix for me. I have no real complaints on this car. My sister has an 03, and she has had zero problems unlike the 00-02s.

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  A hidden jewel in segment - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Gman1Wine - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I come from a large family where Ive had ample opportunities to own various vehicles, which have mostly been imports. I took a risk with the Focus, and I am suprisingly happy. I am an extremely demanding owner, and I couldnt find even one flaw the first 60 days. One exception was the inaccurate fuel gauge tha left me stranded for 1/2hr. Otherwise, much larger than it appears and very fun to toss into curves/corners. Granted, its no BMW like my other car, but much more rewarding than a toyota or even honda. Hope theres more of this from Ford.