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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  Ford Fan - 2015 Ford Focus
  By David Watson - September 4 - 7:49 pm

  Great car, fun to drive, very good gas mileage, no complaints.

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  What a Headache! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By tfroggin - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Repairs:#1 trunk latch replaced at 15,000mi, #2 rust on trunk 20,000mi, #3 breaks replaced at 28,000mi, #4 left rear door latch replaced 31,000mi, #5 front wheel bearings, sway bars, and tires(because of the wear) replaced 40,000mi, #6 pretty sure it was the rear wheel bearings this time(possibly the front again)about 43,000mi, #7 left rear door latch replaced 54,000mi, #8 and #9 towed twice to dearlership would not start, no cause found, #10 fuel pump replaced 58,000mi, #11 plastic wood grain molding on door broke off just recently. Keep in mind I took the car in for the $200 check up ever 15,000mi.

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  2012 Ford Focus SE 200A Package Review - 2012 Ford Focus
  By mdallen22 - September 1 - 12:27 am

  My review after two months of being an owner and an aggressive driver: Overall I think you get a great car for the price. It drives great, gets the advertised gas mileage, great sound system, I assume its as safe as the reviews say, although i havent been able to test that (knock on wood) and it looks sharp. There are a few suggestions/improvements id like to see Ford make to send this car to the top of its class, but overall I would recommend this car to a potential buyer.

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  Ford should get out of selling cars - 2012 Ford Focus
  By M. Israel - August 30 - 8:13 am

  Nightmare! Transmission/clutch is out. The car is sitting collecting dust. Took the car in while still under warranty for transmission and clutch problems. Expecting them to replace the clutch but instead they cleaned the clutch checked it on the computer and said it was fixed. 3k miles later I took it back in for the same problem. They said the clutch is out and it is no longer under warranty and they were not going to fix it. It will cost me $2000 to fix with no guarantee that the clutch will not go out again. Prior to this happening I had a car accident because the car shut off while I was driving. I though I did something wrong but to find out it was the transmission. Besides that the dealer said there is a 3 month wait on the clutch. The law firm that is representing the class action lawsuit said they go to court in 2017. In the meantime, i have a lemon and I cant make lemonade. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER AMERICAN CAR! [non-permissible content removed]. How can the Japanese make such great cars and America puts out such crap?

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  ZX3 Rocks - 2001 Ford Focus
  By akbossman - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Great from the get go. I have found it to be as much fun as a Mustang! Many companies already make items for you to make your custom wild or mild. Dont bother buying the power windows etc you can reach them with no problem. I spend 2 1/2 hours a day in this fun little car and I m 63"

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  bad tranny - 2012 Ford Focus
  By john - August 19 - 7:28 pm

  Jumps and grinding noise dont buy dont buy.

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  Depends on when you ask me - 2001 Ford Focus
  By soylentboy - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I have often been asked about how I like my car. It looks good and Im in a Ford town. Well, it depends on when you ask me. I find the performance and the handling very good. I had a Miata and i dare say it is somewhat similar. However, I have been plagued with ticky tack problems. Seats, seatbelts, rear defogger, turn signals.....Very disappointed from that standpoint.

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  2002 Focus SE - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Octoborn - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems with this vehicle and am pleased with its performance. It has an excellent sound system, and an appealing interior design.

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  zx3 - 2002 Ford Focus
  By kenny s - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car alot. Its fun to drive and handles really well since I had it only 6 weeks. I would definetly recommend this car for somebody who wants to spend between 14 and 15 thousands for a compact car.

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  STAY AWAY - 2015 Ford Focus
  By annoyed focus owner - August 17 - 11:19 pm

  I have had this car for almost a year and I have hated every single day with it. The car looks nice and has some nice features such as heated seats, heated steering wheel, back up camera and parking sensors, but the way it drives is absolutely terrible. This car does not drive like a normal car should. It is very very hesitant when you need to get up and go. Starting off it shutters like its about to stall. At first it was ok but it gets very annoying after a while and at this point I am looking at every option to get rid of this car. It also has a cheap build quality. I have had to had my rear passenger door adjusted because it was falling of the hinges. My drivers seat always comes loose and moves around while I am driving. Mind you this car is not even a year old. I have had to replace bulbs multiple times as well. I would HIGHLY recommend staying away from buying/leasing this car. There are so many other options and better cars for the money than this terrible car.