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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  Feels like an import! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By nguyen - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car a week ago and overall very impressed with the car. It drives very smooth and feels very solid. The Zetec engine is very quiet and smooth with lots of torque. Acceleration is very smooth and doesnt feel as powerfull due to how quiet the engine sounds and feel. If there is anything negative about the car would be the quality of the finishing due to the fitting of the plastic trim and possibly the quality control as I just had a wheel alignment at 300 Miles.

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  Well Deisigned, Poorly Built - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Focus ZTS Owner - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive, looks good, and has great interior room for a compact. Gas mileage is OK but not great (about 25 - 26 mpg on mixed hilly curvy roads and in-town driving). The quality of the workmanship leaves much to be desired. There have been numerous recalls. In addition, Ive had a variety of things repaired under the warranty (door panel trim, headlights, gas gauge, squeaks, accelerator cable mounting, brakes, and loose trim).

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  My 2nd Focus in 10 years - WOW! - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Evan Selby - May 26 - 12:33 pm

  I had a 2007 Focus SE Hatchback and just purchased a 2016 Focus SE Hatchback two weeks ago. I really liked the first one, but this one is an entirely different animal. Ford kept the best of the previous models and managed to add a whole collection of improvements. I opted for the Stick Shift with the SE Luxury Package- -Rear Disc Brakes, Leather, Fog Lamps, LED Running Lights, 17" alloys and upgraded stereo system. Handling for the Focus has always been a hallmark of the model, but Ford managed to improve it. After driving it nearly 1200 miles, all I can say is WOW! What a difference 9 years made in the level of refinement. Quieter, more powerful, awesome handling and shifting, and lots of nifty features like Traction Control, Hill Assist and a Back up Camera. Its like Ford actually got in my head when I was driving the last car and got the wish list of items I had for that vehicle and added them for my next purchase. I will say that Stick Shift Models are somewhat hard to find - My dealership rep took 3 weeks to get one in with the specs that I provided him with. Cons: Tight back seat, Tall gearing in Final drive.

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  Smokin !!! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By USN - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I just took delivery of Black/Black w/Blue inserts. Didnt think I could get this much performance from what started as a compact. I have no complaints: outstanding acceleration, particularly in lower rpm range. The cornering and braking are go-kart like! I really like the interior materials and layout; very comfortable and supportive seats, even in the rear. Great visability too. The optional CD sound system is the best I have ever heard. I originally thought about purchasing a Vibe/Matrix. They are very good also; but if you are out for a performance ride, the SVT is better in almost every area.

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  I can care less what you say - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Me - May 23 - 4:16 am

  Since birth Ive been a Ford enthusiast and that wont change. Ive driven my share or cars (This meaning Civic and Focus) and I love the Focus much more. I currently have a ZX-3 do to the fact I like the style better than the sedan. I also love the list of performance parts Im entitled to from Steeda, Roush, and Saleen. Although my Focus is stock with a five speed, it drives fast, handles perfect, comfortable, and gets great gas mileage. I plan to eventually add minor performance from Steeda and maybe in the future buy a 2005 Saleen Focus. 150 horsepower 150 lb ft tq with an all aluminum I-4. I test drove a regular S-121 and loved it right away.

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  Not recommended - 2000 Ford Focus
  By nomoreford - May 19 - 10:00 am

  Wife loved the look and the comfort compared to other smaller sedans. Good sound system. However, it has been recalled 7 or 8 times now and we have found the gas mileage to be subpar. We had a problem with car vibration above 70 mph - turned out dealership put on an unbalanced tire during recall service. Had it replaced at local tire shop. Still is loud on highway.

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  happy with my focus - 2003 Ford Focus
  By dreamin - May 19 - 10:00 am

  Im very happy with my vehicle. It is fun to drive & I get alot of looks when driving down the street.

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  A great affordable small car! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By F B - May 18 - 8:26 am

  I bought this car about three weeks ago and so far I am very impressed. The Focus is a very responsive, quiet, comfortable and fun to drive car. I test drove a Nissan Sentra 2.0 and a Toyota Corolla Ce and neither were as good as the Focus. It is a small car so obviously fuel economy is great. I am an 18 year old car enthusiast and can tell you that this car is a lot of bang for the buck. I have also noticed that the quality of the interior compared to my buddys old Focus is much improved. I highly recommend this car to any young buyer who is looking for a fun and affordable small car

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  Ford Screwus - 2015 Ford Focus
  By jssr - May 17 - 10:45 am

  Do yourself a huge favor and do not buy this car with the "automatic" transmission. It is the worst car I have EVER owned ( and I have owned more than I would care to admit) in terms of the transmission and reliability. Ford is well aware of the defective transmission and its electronic controls and still is somehow able to foist this piece of trash on the American public! The dealer is now replacing the clutch on this POS and Ford has told them that they can expect the part in 12 weeks. Nice! The transmission issues started around the 11000 mile mark and havent been fixed yet. The car now has 14000 miles on it.

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  Great Little Car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By SigmaMason - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Nice car with a strong engine, suede/leather heated seats are really comfortable, 2.3L engine is really nice, good gas milage. Even though I am 38, I dont feel like this is a real cheap econo car, very liveable, quick acceleration, low maintenance, handling is pretty good, so far...so good...