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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  Pocket Rocket - 2002 Ford Focus
  By YellowMenace - January 4 - 2:00 am

  When the Focus first came out, all I could say was yuck! I got to drive one of the first one but was not impressed. But somehow since the release of the SVT it struck me. It just needed a facelift and more power. When I saw the SVT I fell in love. It was a hot little car. I have found out that others think the same. Even though it has a 170hp engine, It is still a long ways from its bigger brothers the Lightning and Cobra. Dont get me wrong, it is one of the most fun cars I have ever driven, but with a super or turbo charger this car would fly! Next year we are going to put in a Supercharger. WRX and Mustangs watch out!

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  good car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By mpstick - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle for the intention of my commuter car but i find myself driving it more often than my other vehicle because its roomy,fun to drive and comfortable.Stereo sounds really well,features are easy to use.trunk is large enough and it just looks good!

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  TALON 51 - 2005 Ford Focus
  By rigger52 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I PURCHASED THE FOCUS 2005 WAGON. THIS YEAR THE CAR COMES EQUIPED WITH 16 VALVES. THE CAR HAS INCREDIBLE PICK-UP FOR A FOUR CYLINDER ENGINE! PLENTY OF PAY-LOAD FOR THIS SIZE WAGON - DRILL WEEKEND I HAD NO PROBLEM DOWNLOADING ALL MY EQUIPMENT WITH THE BACK SEAT DOWN. PLENTY OF HEAD ROOM. GREAT SOUND SYSTEM. OVERALL, VERY PLEASED WITH THE THIS VEHICLE!

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  Wonderful car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By mattjs - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I had totaled my 2000 Elantra, and wanted something different. This car has it all. 3 door hatch is very cool looking. It drives like a dream. 5 speed is easy to use every day. great, supportive seats, quiet. and dont even get my started on the 500 watt Sony sound system. Personally, i think its the best stock stereo i have heard. blazing copper metallic paint (orange) and 3 door hatch looks like nothing on the road.

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  great car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By ericrad - December 28 - 3:40 pm

  Great car. Extremely fun, very solid, excellent value

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  Needs More Power - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Chris1983 - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Hello I Thought I Would Post A Comment I Had One Of These Cars For A Rental The Other Day It Had 8,500 Miles On It And Was Pretty Much Basic Beside The Auto Trans Anyways The Car Was Decent It Had Some Issues Like The Trans Would Make A Popping Noise (Who Knows) And The Car Wouldnt Even Move Out Of Its Own Way Ive Been In An Escort Before And I Know For A Fact That This Was Slower Than The Escort And Also The Gas Mileage Sucks I Drive A 1993 Lumina Minivan And It Has A 3.8 V6 And It Gets Way Better Gas Mileage Than This Car Anyways Thanks For Your Time

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  Lemon!!!!! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By rrtodd95 - December 25 - 10:00 am

  I found the 2002 Focus to be almost as dissapointing as the 2000. The one big difference being recalls. On my 2000 I was inundated with recall notices almost monthly the 2002 electrical problems en masse.

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  It Works for Me! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By marj - December 22 - 7:40 pm

  I really love this car - its fun to drive and very reliable. The only weird thing was that I had to have the (automatic) transmission replaced after only 25K (I bought it with 17K). Nobody - dealer or Ford - seems to know why this happened, but its been running fine ever since.

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  Good Transportation!! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Truckguy37 - December 20 - 5:06 am

  Fun little car!! short turning radious....goes good and wanted to get to 300,000 miles which it still could! Currently at 232,000 and unfortunately because of old car/high mileage issues I decided to purchase a 2008 Focus!! Great heater....best I ever experienced!!!

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  Focus Fun to Drive - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Don Arthur - December 19 - 8:13 am

  So far have a bit over 1,000 on the odometer, but so far its been just great. Mine has the 4-speed automatic and the acceleration is fantastic for a 2 liter 4 cylinder with only 136hp. Took one trip and got 31 mpg driving at Interstate speeds of 60-75 mph most of the way. Realize EPA ratings are most unrealistic anyway. Rides good and handles like a dream. Just the right size for my needs. Only complaint: PDLs are NOISY. They "clunk" when activated. Mine does not have tilt wheel, and wish I had that option because wheel is not in ideal position for me on long drives.