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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  Ergonomic Yes, Reliable No - 2000 Ford Focus
  By BT - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought new in September 2000 from award winning dealer. Brilliant design, exceptional ergonomics, fun to drive, versatile and large cargo capacity, but many recalls, brake problems, and air conditioner failed at only 29,000 miles and 6 months out of warranty ($1,500 to replace and only a 1-year warranty, so I wont do it). In Oct 2000 Consumer Reports rated the Focus second best of six wagons tested, and in April 2001 Consumer Reports rated the Focus the No. 1 small sedan. In both cases reliabity was not yet established.

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  great small car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By focusdriver - April 1 - 2:13 pm

  The biggest downer is its interior. A little bland. The build quality, inside and out, is good. The car drives great. The steering is tight and precise, and the engine has far more power than my old Civic. The ride is a little rough and the car a bit noisy when its really windy, but overall for a car its price, Im extremely satisfied. I test drove the Corolla, Civic, Jetta and Sentra before choosing the Focus.

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  2005 ZX3 SES - 2005 Ford Focus
  By pwhopkins - March 30 - 4:40 pm

  Only 1500 miles on the ZX3. So far it is great. Fuel economy is not what I was hoping for, but after reading other threads on this, I guess averaging 29 is better than some. Car has plenty of power. Very fun to drive and handles great. A little heavy on the road noise, but better then Honda.

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  Nice Car For the Money - 2005 Ford Focus
  By BLFLOTX - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Just picked mine up after test driving a few cars. Its nice for the money as all of the desirable options are built into it. Nice engine and good handling - but its still a small economical car that has been tweaked to be something that it may not be. I do like the looks and throaty sound of the engine. Interior is very nice looking. Stereo with steering wheel controls are nice. AC cools quickly. Still has some of the cheap "Fordisms", but with all the options, a better deal than a Jetta...So I got it.

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  Yay me! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By tasha d texas:) - March 22 - 10:06 pm

  I always drove Chevys I traded out a Chevy Equinox 07 which was worth 12,000 and I owed 19,500. I was real skeptical about a Ford car, and I was truly suprised and amazed at the power that this little car has. I spent my 1st 2 hrs of owning this car in a bad traffic jam and had fun playing with the knobs and my gas gauge barely moved even with the air on.

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  Awesome 1st Ford - 2003 Ford Focus
  By RaiderRick - March 9 - 1:26 pm

  My fully loaded ZTW has been a dream. Ran like a top up in North Dakota over a brutal winter -- great on ice and snow with the Pirelli P600s (which wore out after about 15k -- put Falkens on, much nicer tire and are better in the wet and handle just as good). Knock on wood, car is a dream.

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  Go Focus - 2002 Ford Focus
  By sebastian - March 8 - 8:53 am

  Perfect car for those who understands the saying: Its not how fast you go but how well/fun it goes fast. Despite the body movement during turns Foci handles very very well.

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  Room for the entire family +dog - 2004 Ford Focus
  By regalbjudy - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is a wagon a "short person" can drive comfortably.

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  good luck getting in - 2000 Ford Focus
  By jon1sit - March 8 - 2:00 am

  overall the car is fun to drive but has tons of flaws

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  focus lx - 2000 Ford Focus
  By senko5 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  i miss my car.i ask my self if it is may car or not.beside fuel pump and other recalls latest problem is any time i press my brakes hard its shot down.whoever sad that is good car i will gladly sell to them.