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:

• 

  Red Focus - 2012 Ford Focus
  By zak404 - September 4 - 7:18 am

  Just picked up my Race Red Focus three weeks ago.Love the colour,satellite radio and stereo. I bought the sedan over the hatch as it seemed to have less wind-noise and looked sportier to me. Car has been very good to this point,good pickup,great gas millage and still a head turner unlike Focus of previous years. This is my third Focus from wagon to mid-life crisis! Still has some wind-noise and rattles as is befitting the Ford tradition.

• 

  This is a LEMON - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Steve - September 1 - 11:00 am

  This vehicle performed superbly right up until the 40,000 mile mark. First of all, the Pirelli tires are horrible and will need to be replaced between 35-40k. Secondly, I had to replace the brakes and rotors because they were shot. Third, I had to replace a transmission part that caused my engine to skip (thankfully covered by the extended warranty). Lastly, and most important, the engine stalls in the middle of traffic with no warning. I have taken it to the dealer but they cant figure out what is wrong. I used to think "buy American" but in the case of cars, ITS NOT WORTH MY LIFE or yours either! Do yourself a favor and STAY CLEAR of this one!

• 

  Great vehicle - 2005 Ford Focus
  By csteven - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Consumer reports is correct, ranking ti #1 Ford has come along way. Great value and great vehicle.

• 

  Dont do it! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Jacksonee - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but trouble with the Focus and the various Ford dealerships I have encountered when getting repairs. From the tons of recalls to the cars susceptibility to be knocked out of alignment, this car is a pain. On the up side, it looks good and recently I was rear-ended and the bumper was not all smashed up. Other than that, this car is not worth the money, and I paid 15,000 for it. WELL over what it was ever worth!

• 

  shopping again after only 1 year - 2002 Ford Focus
  By sooosorry - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This car has been an enormous disappointment. Its spent almost 3 weeks at the dealers service facility. Weve had new rear suspension, new tires, new ignition module (twice--the dealer installed the wrong one the first time, which meant no brake lights!). Now the "recirculate" feature on the climate control wont work and the "emission system" light is on. Back to another service appt. tomorrow. Im ready to bag it.

• 

  ZX3 B FUN! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By zx3dynamo - August 30 - 10:00 am

  In a nutshell, this little car has quite a lot going for it. Its a zippy little economy car that falls dangerously close to a low end sport car. It hugs the road and I have yet to lose traction in the rain. It takes a while to get used to the "snapple cap" turn signal but all in all, the car is worth every dollar.

• 

  Impressed! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Cathy - August 23 - 8:53 pm

  I previously owned a 2003 Mercury Sable. Traded it in for the 2009 Focus because the Sable had too many miles and I wanted something that got better gas mileage. I am impressed. It has more get-up-and-go than the Sable, rides every bit as well (actually quieter) and has every bit as much trunk space. Not to mention that it is more fun to drive. The Sync system is nice to have, it is good to have that connectivity in a car. Ford was forward thinking in putting this on their cars. All in all, I do not regret the trade at all. To begin with I was worried that the Focus might seem a lot smaller than the Sable. We didnt loose much.

• 

  Fun for two - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Erikgirl - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Our car is great, no problems, reliable. It even has the latch system fro car seats...alas, put a car seat in the back and your knees are knocking the dash board. But it was great while it was just the two of us!

• 

  Ford Focus is Fun - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Carlos A. - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. Its definetely worth the price. It accelerates with spirit, takes curves with assurance at any speed, and brakes fast and straight. Good visibility all around, nice stereo, interior doesnt look chintzy.

• 

  Couple of bugs but a good car. - 2002 Ford Focus
  By GCM - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Overall I am pleased with this car, but I have had a couple of annoying bugs to work out. It handles well, especially in snow, is fun to drive, and the wagon is especially versatile with lots of space for cargo and people. I did have the problem of water leaking in the passenger side, and the floor mat pulled out of the trim, but Ford took care of it promptly. The doors constantly locking is a bit annoying, and the seats are somewhat uncomfortable on a long drive for my 61" 190lb frame. (The padding digs into the back of my legs.) The design is well considered and stylish, but the build quality is poor. Overall value is still pretty good.