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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  DONT MAKE A MISTAKE - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Focus2001 - August 23 - 2:00 am

  YOU HAVE TO BE READY TO $PEND MONEY ON MAINTAINANCE BECAUSE IT STARTS TO BREAKDOWN ONLY AT 20K MILES!!! SO OVER ALL....ITS NOT A GOOD CAR TO HAVE IF YOURE ON LIMITED BUDGET NOR BUSY LIFESTYLE BECUASE YOU WILL SPEND MORE TIME IN THE SERVICE DEPT RATHER THAN GOING ABOUT WITH YOUR LIFE!

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  Excellent car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Johnny23 - August 23 - 1:06 am

  Driving my ZTS auto for over a month now. What a great car. Not a single problem to report. Handles great, plenty of room and fuel economy above average. What other car could you get for $14200 ($100 over invoice, with $1500 rebate)with abs, cd, full power, tilt/teles wheel, cruise, fog lights, 16" alloys spoiler!!

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  I will never buy a Ford again. - 2015 Ford Focus
  By Tanner - August 18 - 5:18 pm

  I have had this car for a little over 14 months and it has been a nightmare. In the beginning of the year, I began having intermittent transmission issues. The car shutters, hesitates and will not accelerate from a stop. I have taken this to two different Ford dealerships and "there is a normal amount of shutter for these vehicles". The dealerships keep telling me to bring it back if the problem persists. The problem is now happening everyday. I refuse to drive my car more than 10 miles away from my home. This car is very uncomfortable to drive, considering you and your passengers shake every time you accelerate; regardless if you have a heavy foot or not. This is a 2015, I should not be dealing with these types of frustrations this early into leasing this vehicle. Had I read previous reviews on this vehicle before, I would not have put a single dime into this vehicle. Within 14 months of my lease with 22 months to go, I am turning this in early and buying a NON-FORD product. I am very disappointed with this vehicle.

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  My Favorite Car Ever!!! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By jenny andrews - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I sold my SUV because I was going back to school. I bought my Focus and have never looked back. I LOVE it. I drive it appx. 170 miles per day, and it gets 35 mpg.

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  Fun to drive & great safety features - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Mark - August 17 - 8:43 am

  I bought the SES because of the standard fun stuff, plus the availability of ABS and side curtain airbags. The Pirelli tires on 16 inch rims are an added bonus.

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  Oil leaks onto the clutch. - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Tim - August 14 - 8:07 am

  Im on my third clutch pack in 50k miles do to oil leaking past a shaft seal.

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  ready to run - 2006 Ford Focus
  By kmt - August 12 - 8:10 am

  Traded in a 2003 Focus SE sedan for an 06 Focus (infra-red) ST sedan. Loved the 03 but the ST trim level takes the car in a whole new direction. Very sporty and powerful off the line. Handles like a champ with responsive steering. Feels solid and safe. Engine is louder than the 03, has a buzzy sound.

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  MY FOCUS - 2006 Ford Focus
  By char - August 8 - 10:03 pm

  I love my 2006 Focus ZX SES. Its a lot snapper than my 06 PT CRUISER that I had. I love how comfortable you are when driving long distances. Good price with all the features I got.

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  Value for $ - 2001 Ford Focus
  By jcTX - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I had a Sedan in Europe so I thought I knew what I was getting. I wanted more room, so bought the Wagon here in US. I have the same engine as I had in UK, but milage is much worse [current: 22 town/26 road] and power is less. Ford mechanics cant give me any reason - I assume it has to do with emission control tuning of the engine. Road noise is there, but for this price it is low [lot less than my Ranger Truck!]. Fun to drive, but here in TX I expect to be crushed by a Hummer2 any day now.

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  SVT Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By mkm - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Willing engine, superb suspension, excellent braking, loads of interior space, very well equipped (heated seats and mirrors even). Yeah, it could use more hp but it certainly is quick enough. High initial quality for a small car.