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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  2008 Ford Focus SES (5 Speed) - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Jesse - August 17 - 5:30 pm

  Nissan lover who turned to Ford! I loved my 200SX SER for many years, but needed to buy a Truck. Throughout the years, I longed for a fuel efficent, sporty, compact 2 door coupe like I once had. Out of the blue, I thought Id take a chance on a 2007 Focus SE, and enjoyed owning it. When the 2008 Focus came out, I got excited, and I knew I had to "upgrade." The Focus is fun to drive, and its even better with a manual tranny. I have been very happy with my purchase. Ive read a lot of "Car Critics" review of the Focus, and they bash Ford at every angle minus the Sync system. Critics only like Japanese compact vehicles! For the price, you cant beat all the great features Ford offers.

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  Lacking in a couple areas - 2012 Ford Focus
  By txjetmech - August 17 - 9:24 am

  I bought my 2012 Focus on January 14th. The interior styling is nice. The car is responsive with the sport suspension package. The gas and brake pedals are a little too close together. This car is no speed demon in any sense of the word but it does well. I am not getting the advertized gas mileage even though the eco system says I am a champion. The car des seem to stumble a bit when parking in close areas. Dont plan on carrying passengers in the back seat unless you have short legs and can move the seats up. Average people forget about it.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2012 Ford Focus
  By rs1981 - August 17 - 3:16 am

  We traded in our Camry for a new Focus, because a big sedan isnt practical for living in a city, and we havent regretted the decision one bit. We drive a lot, so the fuel savings are adding up quickly. On top of that, its actually fun to drive. The turning radius is tighter, its easier to parallel-park, the acceleration is much quicker, and you actually feel the road. Plus its adorable. Legroom would be an issue if we werent both short, so tall folks might want to keep that in mind. Also, the automatic transmission is different from what youre probably used to; this is a good thing. Welcome change. Its gonna get you better fuel economy.

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  Great car! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By terrapin24h - August 16 - 2:00 am

  The focus is a great car with awesome handling, great steering feedback and(with the 2.3L engine) good performance even with an auto tranny. Its quite zippy, handles very well(mine has 16" wheels from the factory) and sips gas pretty good when not being abused. Round town I get about 27mpg and on the highway, i can get up to about 32mpg.

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  2.3 ZTS w/ Auto - 2004 Ford Focus
  By allemeuse - August 15 - 2:00 am

  With about 2000 miles on this car I have no quibbles. Quick, nimble, fun to drive. Decent mileage. Plenty of acceleration for city or highway. Fit and finish were very good. Not what I expected from an American made car. I first heard of this car when I drove one in Spain on a vacation. It was a diesel and I hadnt a clue (no telltale engine sounds, very peppy) until I went to fill it with gas and saw the diesel sticker. The handling of the American version is quite similar though. Really like it.

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  My first new car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By iusecad - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I traded a 95 Chevy 1/2 ton 4x4 with a V8, that I owned for 7 1/2 years, for this car. So far Im not the least bit sorry. (Although, I might miss the truck when it snows again, mostly because I dont want to expose my new car to the road salt & sand.) I guess to anyone who might be leary of downsizing like I did, give it a shot. Youd be surprised at how powerful these little cars are.

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  Win/Lose a little - 2000 Ford Focus
  By ShnMobile - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I love the car itself. Nice interior and very comfortable. Handles my crazy driving...so it definitely rides well. The only things I have disliked are the recalls. The fuel pump especially. This was really bad and almost left me stranded a few times, until the recall came to the rescue. Had to have radio fixed a few months after buying, and the radio piece still pops out randomly. Get the extended warranty just in case. Love the design of the car though. Roomy even though its a "small" car.

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  I love my ZX3 - 2004 Ford Focus
  By cornopro - August 6 - 2:00 am

  I recently bought a new 2004 Ford Focus ZX3, with the 2.0 liter Zetec engine and an automatic. After having driven a minivan for several years, it is so much fun to zip around in traffic in this car. The handling is awesome, especially considering the price. I bought it for nearly 4 grand off the sticker!I really like my Focus, although I wish for a little better gas mileage. Great car!

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  experience has been bad - 2003 Ford Focus
  By JennyGieck - August 5 - 2:00 am

  over the last 3 yrs Iv had to replace the tires annualy as least they have had 14+ recalls! My ignition went out and cost $500 to replace the windows roll the wrong way snow dents the door! The exterior window control plastic covers fell off overall my focus has been nothing but trouble oh and my brakes have had to been replaced twice just be cautious

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  Love this liitle hatch! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By eap - August 3 - 2:00 am

  The SVT Focus is an amazing car, especially for the money. It is the best handling car I have ever driven. The inside isnt luxurious but its well done and all the controls are in just the right spot. Its the perfect mix of fun, value and practicality.