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:
Showing 2471 through 2480 of 3,280.00-
Still not sure - 2014 Ford Focus
By Roslyn Levit - June 21 - 5:53 pmI just purchased by 2014 Ford Focus in February and after driving it for awhile I was not happy. The jerkiness made me crazy, especially in stop and go traffic. I then received the recall notice about the software update for the transmission. The first two days after I received it, it was worse, but after a couple of weeks it pretty much stopped which is what the dealership told me would happen. The software update made a big difference and I also felt more comfortable putting my foot on the gas. I had become hesitatant because I was afraid of the jerking. I have since received the notice about the transmission extended warranty for 10 years or 150,000 miles. I am still not 100% comfortable but felt better than I did in the beginning. Other than the transmission issues, I have enjoyed driving the car. I like the phone Sync, being able to get Sirius.
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Home run caught at the warning track!!! - 2015 Ford Focus
By vmaro44@gmail.com - June 18 - 3:14 pmThis car is a huge disappointment. I have owned 9 different NEW Ford vehicles and I am 43 years old. I have had problems with only 1 until now. the previous one Ford stepped up to the plate and fixed. This one they will not. The transmission issues on my wifes 2015 Ford Focus is an abomination. Even my kids who are preoccupied with their phones in the car notice how bad it is! It will shudder, vibrate and shake the whole car when accelerating from a stop and from first to second gear. It feels like it is going to fall out of the car. I have had it in for service 3 times and the first time they reprogrammed the PCM (powertrain control module). It actually got worse. The second time they said it was normal because it was a manual transmission that is shifted automatically. What? I am fairly certain that when we purchased the vehicle it was marketed as a 6-speed AUTOMATIC!!! False advertising! Ford also states that the transmission technology is to better fuel efficiency. I also do not remember signing any papers stating that ride quality and safety will be compromised for fuel efficiency. I will be pursuing the lemon law if it is not remedied soon.
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Well worth the money. - 2002 Ford Focus
By New Jersey - June 18 - 2:00 amI am very satisfied with my Focus. The car has been very reliable and a pleasure to drive. It feels safe and confident and is tight and feels larger than it is.
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love it - 2003 Ford Focus
By dave gilmore - June 18 - 2:00 amI bought one of the first SVT Focus cars produced (number 455) and I am completely satisfied with my purchase. Zero problems and major grins everytime I twist the key. No one makes a car offering this kind of quality and performance for under $25,000. I love the subdued styling and Euro flair. Car performs as well on the track as it does on the street. Sweet exhaust note that really wails at 7,000 rpm. Dont order the traction control since it will slow the cars 0-60 acceleration by about a half second. Without it the SVT will clip 60 in 6.9 to 7 seconds.
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I hate this car - 2000 Ford Focus
By dunndee - June 16 - 11:23 pmI am in the process of looking for a different car. I have had nothing but problems from this car from day one, and I bought it brand new. Tires, ignition, fuel pump, fuel lines, stereo, brakes, paint chipping, gas door, you name it, I have had it. Like other reviewers said, Ford does not care. I know it was the first year for this car, but they should fix what they have done wrong. It also has no power when air is on.
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good value for the money - 2006 Ford Focus
By lbjailer - June 7 - 11:40 amFor the price this car is a good choice. This car is established since this model has been around a while. The ST can keep up with the flow of traffic on the fast and furious freeways of southern California, and when you are the only one on the road it will cruise all day long.
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I like this car - 2002 Ford Focus
By triangle - June 1 - 2:00 amAfter 22,000 miles I finally admit to myself: I am in love with this car. At first I was I was a little disappointed with the gas mileage. 25 miles / gallon on highway is not that much. But this is getting better as the car gets more experienced. In average over 22,000 miles the car is at 27,5 miles / gallon now tendency rising. The reliability was not an issue. All I had to do was to change the oil every 5000 miles. But the best about this car is the ride. Smooth. The best car I ever had. Excellent cornering speed, quiet ride, and macho acceleration if needed. It is a small car, but for me: long commute, usually alone, this is the car.
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Tranny Shakes, bad cusomer service - 2012 Ford Focus
By icantfocus - June 1 - 1:48 amAfter buying the new focus 6 speed automatic hatchback with the extended warentee, I noticed that there is a tranny shudder at low speeds. I took it to the dealer and was told it was a "automatic clutch break in " problem, bring it back at 1000 miles. Brought it back, and was told let wait for 3000 miles. I called customer service and was told I will have to pay for a "transmission evaluation" and there was noting they could do about this. Shame on Ford for allowing this to happen. I thought buying an American made car was the only way to go, But... Im re thinking this, also the salesman insisted the car had cruise, and it did not. ( i feel stupid) Shame on me for not inspecting the car.
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traction control - 2001 Ford Focus
By jayj - May 30 - 10:00 amtraction control was worth the price of admission...worked well in bad weather with oem tires...very effective in snow/slush/even ice
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Not Happy - 2002 Ford Focus
By clarkdnr - May 30 - 10:00 amInitially it seems as though you get a lot for the money with the Ford Focus. Once you really spend time with the car, however you learn that you have been ripped off. Mine is in the shop for the 4th time in one year. Currently it is having a trunk latch repaired, theres been a recall on bearings and they have to completely rebuild my transmission. Everytime service has been a nightmare (rude, unknowledgeable, difficault to get a rental). Watch paint job on delivery. The interior, though well designed is made of low grade materials. Im going back to Toyota!