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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  I traded my pickup for this - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Texas Boy - August 1 - 1:00 pm

  After looking at cars for over 2 years, I chose the Focus over the Mustang GT, Jaguar, Volvo, BMW Z4, and BMW 3 series. The Focus is not as fast, nor does it handle quite as well as a BMW, but it is as comfortable, it gets better mileage, it handles fine, has to be more dependable than the imports, and is $20k less expensive. I am not thrilled with the front wheel drive, it not being as driveable on ice (dangerous in my opinion). Road and engine noise is higher than Ranger pickups, and too much plastic is used in the interior. Brakes are ok but not as good as I think they should be. I was in need of a good little car that is good on gas, and the 2005 Focus fit the bill.

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  Do NOT buy a Ford Focus! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Chill - July 31 - 5:40 pm

  Despite regular maintenance and only 52,000 highway miles, the engine completely blew up. $4K to repair! Lots of rattles and very loud going highway speeds. Rear power window mechanism broke for no apparent reason. Radio would turn itself off on a daily basis. Fuel efficiency was about 30 mpg and it handled okay, but who cares when the engine goes at 52K miles?! Whatever you do, stay away from this car. Just because its popular doesnt mean its a good choice! Ford does NOT stand behind this car. Better get the extended warranty because youll certainly need it. There are better ways to spend your money -- the Focus isnt the answer.

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  Comfortable small call - 2004 Ford Focus
  By jenzsdad - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the car about a month now. So far so good. It is an automatic with the sports package. I would have liked some other options ABS,& Moonroof. I also would have prefered a 5 speed, but thats what happens when you buy a leftover. You have to take what the dealer has. I did get a good deal though $12,500 + tax & tags. Not bad! Its comfortable & quiet for a small car. The handling is good for a 4 door of its size, but not as good as my Nissan 200SX SER (Auto), or as fast. I must say though that the Focus rides like a bigger car. It must be the 103 wheel base.

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  Great Car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Medic - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I just love this car! I have had 3 Mustangs and 2 Chevy Trucks and this is the best car I have had to date. The fun to drive factor is very high. I love the handling that this car has. Since this car has a 4 banger, the the power is in the mid to upper ranges of the power curve. I have the European Appearence Package(sunroof, Heated Recaro leather Seats, Audiophile 6 disk indash changer, engine block heater, HIDs, and 16 spoke argent wheels). I need a sporty car that I could commute to work in (90+ miles a day) I have found it. You cant go wrong with this car!

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  what a suprise - 2004 Ford Focus
  By spoz - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought car for daughter, also have a Honda Accord. Suprised how quiet and peppy this car is. Much more power than a Civic that I was considering, and a lot less price!

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  review - 2001 Ford Focus
  By puil - July 26 - 10:00 am

  I have been quite happy with the vehicle. It is fun to drive, very comfortable on long stretches, and not too noticible when I happen to speed a bit. Stealthy. No problems keeping with traffic at any speed, but would always love more power. For the money, I cannot complain. I have had no issues and I hope that continues. I plan on driving it another 200,000 miles.

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  Fun and reliable - 2003 Ford Focus
  By TTR9000 - July 26 - 10:00 am

  Fun and reliable is this car in two words. It is a fun car with a lot of pep. A lot of room and is very reliable dont let other peoples reviews deter you in getting this car because they say that it is unrealible. They are only saying this because that when the first focus came out their was a lot of recalls, but that was only like the first year and all of that is over with. I am glad their was recalls atleast they tell you about and fix the problem.

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  Great Expectations - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Davie L - July 26 - 2:00 am

  are met by this little SVT Focus. I havent had it long, but cant resist reviewing it with a rave. I have been looking at it and others for months. I was going to wait for the new mustang, but just had to have this little silver 3-door svt. The last one in my area and a good deal did the trick. The SVT embodies just the type car I have always loved: small, high revving, great handling little rockets [vw scirocco, fiat 124 spyder, 131 brava, 128 4 dr., new beetle - well the last 2 werent rockets]. It has not disappointed. Its fun to drive. The styling is just fine. Car and Driver magazine is right about the 10 best this one sure belongs.

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  terrible transmission - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Jeff Traylor - July 25 - 4:27 am

  Do not fall for Fords claim about an extended warranty. This thing shudders all over the road but unless it meets certain transmission slippage rates (set of course by ford ) the warranty does not cover it. This car makes a drive to the corner grocery store a beating and takes any joy out of driving. Youve been warned- dont buy any Ford, but especially not this one.

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  Good car for low price - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Mikeyman - July 23 - 2:00 am

  I like the car and would recommend it to anyone who wants a decent car for a good price.