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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  Love the car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Charlie - April 22 - 6:43 am

  The Ford Focus is a wonderful car. For the money it has better features than the Corolla. I like the Focus interior. The exterior is something I love. Im very enamored with this car.

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  gr8 car luv it holla - 2002 Ford Focus
  By bucdawg89 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  this car is great it has great performance from 0-60 is bout 9 sec great for that lil car, but it also is great on gas. i have saved a fortune on gas! hip-hip-horray.

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  Flawless after a year and 14,000 miles - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Spunk - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Not one recall. Car is excellent. Drive hard or cruise along. Steering, Braking is on par with $25,000 and up cars. Seat are comfortable. Lots of room for a car this small. The stock stereo is awesome. Many aftermarket parts if you want to get more out of the motor.

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  Love my Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By just me! - April 16 - 5:06 am

  This is the second Focus I have gotten; the first was a 2000 and gave me some problems. Mostly it was the dealership I was taking it too. The Focus is a great car. I have back and hip problems and dont have any trouble with comfort. Get the Focus you will love it. Its good for any age too.

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  new 2007 Ford Focus - 2007 Ford Focus
  By bltkate - April 13 - 11:00 am

  Just got this car in the past few days as a replacement for another vehicle. I have found that this cars basic features are better than the same type cars in its class and I have no problems with this car so far. I did a great deal of research on this car and liked the MPG and the way it handles on the road. I have the added features of cruise control and side air bags that my last 2007 vehicle did not have plus that same gas savings even with the added horse power. Not as costly as a Toyota in the same class and is a better car than the 2007 Yaris that I had to replace. I would highly recommend this car for anyone looking for a fun way to get from here to there with good dependability.

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  Good, but not trouble free - 2008 Ford Focus
  By cdj - April 11 - 5:26 pm

  3 months and 2000 miles and were happy car, especially with the mileage. Very surprised by the quite ride with one exception. A noise from an unknown source developed at about 1200 miles. Dealer replaced the fuel pump, but the noise remains. Apparently Ford engineers are aware of and investigating the problem so Im not the only one having it. No solution yet according to the dealer. IÂ’m a little leery as we discovered a suspension problem in the first Focus we took for a test drive. ItÂ’s a nice car, but my 3 Hondas and 4 Nissans have never had problems with so few miles. If not for this unknown problem Id be very happy with the amount of car we got for the money.

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  high rev - 2003 Ford Focus
  By uopdad - April 9 - 10:00 am

  enjoy the ability to put transmission in 3rd gear and not need to worry about shifting when getting on the freeway. 2.3l engine pulls great from 3000 to over 6000 rpm. does reqire some finess when using full throttle at low speeds and turning more than a couple degrees. seats a little too hard or stiff for my taste when taking a several hour drive.

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  Fun to drive little car. - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Jason ONeal - April 4 - 9:40 am

  Went from a 03 ZTS to an 05 ZX5 SES And I love it! This car feels so much more powerful than the 03. Very roomy with a number of options (like a moon roof, heated leather seats, a 500 watt Sony stereo ext.) The ride is very smooth and it drives like a dream. Im still getting used to the new styling inside and out, but I love this car. Just wish the the 2.3s were a option on all models, not just the STs A very good small car.

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  Ford Focus S w/automatic - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Bill - April 3 - 3:33 pm

  Just bought the Focus Saturday and am impressed with it. The pick up for a small four cylinder is decent. The feel of the car is solid, the ride a little like a buckboard, but all small cars are like that. The car responded great when merging on the highway. Was surprised at the quality feel and no noise, no rattling from an engine that I thought would be straining.

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  Ignition Cylinder Locks - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Focus ZX3 - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car in for the same problem 4 times. The ignition cylinder locks up and leaves me stranded, and the only option is to having it towed. 6months later back in the dealer same problem, old part number again. 3months later same problem but new part number.(as if a new part # really helps) They say the key is the problem and thats what causing it to lock up. Itll cost $150 to cut new keys. This of course isnt under warranty..If they had any custumer service this wouldnt be an issue and would of all been handle at the inital repair process.