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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  Fun drive at a fair price - 2012 Ford Focus
  By joejh - March 6 - 8:26 pm

  I love its look, handling, and lux interior. The My Ford Touch, when it works, is very good. The upcoming software update should make it great. I will admit that it lacks horsepower. Im still getting used to losing 90hp from my previous car, but the Focus accelerates okay - just not heart pounding. It makes up for it by having great handling. This car came loaded with oodles of options and features and still came in at the low 20s. Could easily spend several thousands more.

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  Lauries Review - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Laurie Hannah - March 3 - 8:06 pm

  I previously had owned two Escorts before my Focus. When Ford quit making the Escort I was very upset because I always knew what car Id be purchasing next - an Escort. However, I decided to give the Focus a chance, since it replaced the Escort, and Ive really been happy with its performance and quality. The only maintenance Ive had to perform so far is changing the oil and tires. I did have a problem with the truck when I first got it, but it was under warranty and Ford fixed it right away. Its been a great car and I will be purchasing another one really soon!

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  Good For the Money - 2008 Ford Focus
  By focus - March 3 - 5:26 pm

  This car looks good. Its a five speed which is fun to drive. Ive always driven an automatic. The cruise works great. Handling is good. Ive only got about 300 miles on the car and I get about 23-25mpg city and in town mixed w/air on. Mileage probably get better when it gets broken in better.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By danyel84 - March 1 - 5:10 pm

  I have had this car for 2 weeks, and had a 2000 Focus before that. I love this car! It handles better than a VW, & has great acceleration. I drive a lot on highways, & this car has no problem driving 80 mph in the passing lane, zipping through traffic! Gas mileage is about 29-32 mpg, but I drive really aggressively. This is fantastic for me, I was only getting 18 mpg with my old car. I would buy this car again, over and over.

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  Worst Car I have Driven - 2015 Ford Focus
  By Cole123448 - February 28 - 11:18 pm

  I have had two Hondas and one Smart Fortwo in my life. This focus is awful compared to the rest. The smart car seemed like a real downgrade from my Hondas but it shines like a gem compared to this piece of garbage. The main thing that I cannot get over is the transmission. Ford, what in gods name possessed you to release a vehicle that drives like this? Every single time you press the accelerator from a red light or stop sign the transmission kicks, jerks, and vibrates through most of first gear. It feels like the transmission is going to slip right out of gear each time and it scares me. I never know when the transmission might go. For being a "dual clutch" its awful. The Germans have been using these transmissions for a long while now and they run beautifully. Why Ford still cannot get it right baffles me. Next is the driving position. I am 63" so my seat is all the way back. I cant look out the window without half of my view being obstructed by the B pillar. And no the back of my seat is not tilted way back. A great looking car with great potential killed by sloppy American engineering.

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  ZX3 NIRVANA - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Quentin - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 5 speed Focus for a little over a year and I love to drive this car to work. Im 6 2" and I fit well in the drivers seat. The engine, transmission, steering, suspension and brakes are incredibly capable and satisfying. My Ford dealer has been great. The only defect was a faint rattle in the rear which was a vibrating shock absorber, quickly diagnosed and replaced.

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  Ford Unfocused - Another Defect - 2000 Ford Focus
  By ghg102 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  On April 4, 2002, I parked my Focus in the Hospital parking structure. When I returned after work to leave, my ignition key would only go in half way. Locksmith repleace ignition lock / key. When I went to Enterprise Car Rental Agency, I was told that this has been an on going problem with their Ford Focus rental car fleet. When the locksmith commented that this is a common problem with the Focus and he has done 100’s of them. When I contacted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration I was told Ford has issued technical service bulletins regarding this problem.

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  Focus on Pain - 2002 Ford Focus
  By mafitz1 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  This is an agency car that I drive on trips of at least an hour each way. I have never driven a car with a more uncomfortable driving position. I am by no means unusually tall or short (59"), yet there is no way to position the seat where I can comfortably reach the steering wheel without having my knees at my throat. The car has excellent handling and a great stereo, but every time I get out of the car I feel like I need to see a massage therapist. Unless you are prepared to sit in the engine, I would strongly discourage purchasing this car. And thats not even taking into account being the second-ugliest vehicle on the road today!

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  What a steal! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By runnerboy - February 28 - 10:00 am

  The Focus is a great car. This car has the best 4 cylinder ever put in an American production car. It has good power and the gearing pretty well matches the power curves. For what the car lacks in low end power, it makes up for in the upper RPMs. Ford also did their homework in the handling department. This car is also has a well laid out, comfortable cabin.

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  Beware of brakes! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By megan teut - February 27 - 7:53 pm

  BE WARNED! This is a great car, but what the dealer wont tell you about is the "brake" factor. Ford uses a softer rotor that is designed to wear with the brake. So, every time you get your brakes done you also need new rotors. Even worse is that the brakes only last between 17,000 and 20,000 miles. So, if are going to purchase a Focus, be prepared to spend an additional $500-$1000 almost every year for new brakes.