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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  Ford ZX-5 - 2004 Ford Focus
  By LAK - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Focus ZX-5 (5-speed manual) since April 2002 and have been happy with my decision to purchase this vehicle. I put a lot of miles on the car initially so I have about 20,000 miles on the car, and reliability has been very good, with no trips to the dealer other than for routine maintenance. The car handles well, and has a good amount of power for a 4 cylinder (16 valve vetec). The front seat position is higher than most cars, making for easy entry/exit and providing good visibility. Fit and finish are very good. Mileage is about 26 city, 32 highway. At this price point this car is hard to beat.

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  Ford Rules - 2002 Ford Focus
  By DC02 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  The Ford Focus is not your everday Ford. People always try to say that Fords are bad cars and make up lies because Ford has a lot of recalls, but every other car maker has them also. You just never hear about them, and people dont make a big deal about them. But anyway, the Focus is awesome. The hadeling is great, the ride is smooth, and the style is totally diffrent than any other car out there, and that is what appeals to me. You wont be dissapointed if you buy one, just go take one for a spin!

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  Fix Or Repair Daily / Found On Road Dead - 2000 Ford Focus
  By First And Last Ford - January 15 - 5:13 am

  I purchased the 2000 Focus SE Wagon used Jan, 2002 with 4525 miles and had it 2 months. The car was in the shop more than I can enjoy it. Besides the recalls I had the headlamps replaced, Rear license plate bulb and gasket,Fuel gague didnt work: replaced the fuel pump and sending unit to get the gague to work, Power steering pump leaked, serptine belt made noise, transmission leaked, windshield washer fluid leaked out the top when driving around: (check Yours),the dealer replaced the reserviour and the cap. The dealer told me that it was overfilled. DUH! This will be my first and last Ford. Found On Road Dead, Fix Or Repair Daily, Driver Returns On Foot (Ford Reversed)

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  Great car for the money - 2004 Ford Focus
  By toy-boy - January 13 - 10:00 am

  great car good gas mileage nice ride great stereo

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  Very Good - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Trev Connelly - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I like the Focus! It looks great, especially in white. Super price.Good gas milage-38 highway 31 city. It has a great feel to it. Just drive something else after driving it and you really will notice....even a WRX. Massive trunk! Comfy seats...they go up and down..it helps when you are 6ft 3ins.Finally a good european car sold by ford in the US.

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  Great value. - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Joseph Bergevin - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I just bought the 2005 ZX3, having previously bought a 99 ZX2, and Im impressed with the refinement. I really liked my ZX2 (still do, actually), so I was surprised how much more advanced the Focus felt when I got behind the wheel. It rides smoothly, quietly, and relatively sprightly. You sit much higher. The steering wheel feels and looks nice and the stick feels much more "short throw" and precise. The clutch is effortless. Its easily the nicest car Ive owned, out of 4 used and 2 new cars. Its roomy. Its solid. Above all, its very reasonably priced. Ford is finally meeting the Japanese in quality, and (slightly) beating them in price. Kudos!

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  Sharpest handling small car available - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Mike Freed - January 7 - 7:36 am

  The ST is a terrific choice if youre looking for a performance sedan at a low price. It has razor-sharp steering response and great feel, strong brakes, and a suspension that strikes a nice balance between sport and comfort. The 2.3 engine has a lot of torque, but seems to run out of steam over 5000 rpm. The ST is also a solid highway cruiser, and tracks straight as a laser. Best of all, this is an easy car to upgrade with aftermarket parts. I drove all the small sport sedans, and if cost is no object, the Mazda 3s is a marginally better car overall than the Focus (the Toyota Corolla XS and Kia Spectra 5 are also pretty nice), but with all the discounts, is it REALLY $6,000 better?

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  Great Car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By tr - January 6 - 11:16 am

  Great handling, fuel economy and value for money.

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  Ford got this one right (mostly) - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Joseph - January 6 - 7:23 am

  This review refers only to the base coupe S model. I bought a 2 door with a 5 speed manual transmission, so bear that in mind as you read further. Also keep in mind this is an economy car. If you want high performance look elswhere. Ford quality is way up these last many years. My base model with manual transmission has plenty of power and a nice tight suspension for a gas sipper. 2008 models have totally new exterior styling from the earlier Foci, and in my opinion are much better looking. Interior controls are simple, without silly frills. Dashboard gauge design is boring. The trunk space is huge, and the rear seats can be folded down. Incredibly quiet and solid.

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  horrible car 2 be your first - 2001 Ford Focus
  By jenet - January 4 - 2:00 am

  i thaught it was nice but really it has been nothing but problems.Like: engine shaking and dropping,a whole in transmission,air conditioner stop working,engine light come on,made entire front shake,trunk pop open going over railraod tracks,key control entry stoped working,leaks in car so carpet got mildewd,brake light would come on for no reason,the gaslite would go on when i had just filled it,cd player act silly.the problems go on and they still wont replace it.