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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  New Focus - 2007 Ford Focus
  By REO - September 23 - 10:26 pm

  The car has performed better than I expected. It is a gold SES sedan. I took it on vacation and averaged over 30 mpg. It is a fun to drive car.

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  Ford is Focused - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Ford is Focused - September 21 - 1:03 am

  If this the car that Ford is betting on for the future of its company, its off to a great start. In my 30 years of driving, Ive never owned a Ford. it was the best choice I could have made for my first Ford purchase. The handling, the style, the comfort, have made it a complete package worthy of calling it a Ford. Old Henry Ford would be proud of it. Ive had nothing but praises by peple that have rode in it and those that look at it. Im proud of what our American car companies can do when they set thier minds to it. Ford is really focused on building a quality product. Keep up the good work. I love my car.

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  5 - spd. ZTS 2.3L PZEV w/145 HP - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Tire Sniffer - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive only owned the ZTS for 2 weeks. So, far it has exceeded my expectations. The 2.3L PZEV engine has more torque than the Focus SVT engine. I test drove a Suzuki Aerio and Dodge Neon for comparison. Both are noisy and unrefined compared to the Focus. I hope that Ford has all the past reliability issues solved. With the $3K rebate, it is a good deal for less than $16K out the door.

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  its a blast - 2004 Ford Focus
  By zzoom1 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  this car is too much fun, its 0-60 times are ok, but its the total package of handling, horsepower and interior ergonomics--try to find a better all round package for 20k!!

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  drove a rented Focus in Germany - 2001 Ford Focus
  By hiaxi - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I was in Germany on business and rented an Audi A3. My trip got extended and Hertz needed the Audi back so they swapped me for a Ford Focus SE Wagon. I ended up driving it for two weeks, and I commuted from the hotel to the office on an "unlimited speed" portion of the Autobahn. This car is fantastic! I had no problems in town with acceleration, and I was able to maintain 120 mph on the way to and from work! I like the shape of the key: less wear. The interior space is gigantic, even by medium size wagon standards. The ride is Euro-firm, but softened a tad for the US model. I treated it like the rental car that it was, and nothing disappointed me, that says a lot! I now plan to buy one!

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  Fun with Focus - 2006 Ford Focus
  By SueC - September 7 - 9:23 am

  Car runs smooth and is very comfortable to sit in. So quiet we keep thinking the engine is off. More pick-up in power than expected. Great gas mileage!

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  Ford has a winner! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By jonkit99 - September 6 - 6:30 am

  Took delivery 3 days ago and so far I am completely satisfied with this vehicle. Previous auto was 2008 Escape and while this model is one of Fords best sellers it was not my bag. While I have need of some cargo space the Focus Hatch has plenty and I did not need an auto as large as the Escape. This Focus has style, it is one sharp looking vehicle. The new manual transmission that you cannot shift manually (yeah I was confused too) is as smooth as silk w/six speed to boot. My old Focus Hatch was no slouch at the green light and this new guy is even better. I left aToyota Matrix in the dust. Not something I normally do but I couldnt resist just once. Smooth & quiet ride. Its a winner!

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  Great Car - 2012 Ford Focus
  By gris1969 - September 6 - 2:15 am

  I went from a Fusion to the Focus to save money and I dont feel like I down sized. Im a tall guy and I always get crap about driving small cars but I put my money into my son and not into the tank or payments. I got the 5-speed manual with regular sync system and I just love it. Not much room behind me but I dont have to ride back there so I dont worry about it. I have lots of room up front.

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  Very nice and fun car to drive - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Brian Blum - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I really like this car better than the Civic and Corolla. The car is quiet and smooth. The 2.3 litre engine pulls nicely and is very quiet. The handling is very satisfing. The draw backs are the design for rear seat entry is confusing resulting in messing up the seat back angle adjustment. I also think the engine deserves a smoother gearbox which does not compare to my old Accords or the new Hondas gearboxes. I wish the hatchback had 6 inches more available for loading. It fits my bicycles but the length is tight.

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  Focus- Funt to own and fun to drive - 2003 Ford Focus
  By doctorism04 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 ford focus zx3 is a blast to drive. it is quick the steering is responsive and interior design is great