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:

• 

  FUN CAR TO DRIVE AND GOOD DEAL TOO! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By zippadeedudah - August 6 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR HAS MORE ROOM INSIDE THAN WOULD EVER BE EXPECTED. IT IS EXCELLENTLY DESIGNED AND IS AS COMFORTABLE AS POSSIBLE. THE GAS MILEAGE IS FANTASTIC AND IT IS AN ABSOLUTE JOY TO DRIVE. I THOUGHT THE PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE OUT FOR A LONG TIME BEFORE MAKING THE JUMP AND I CERTAINLY DO LIKE THIS CAR.

• 

  Good car for the money - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Tony P. - August 6 - 5:13 am

  I find this car to be a good value; lots of room, good performance, great gas mileage. It sort of reminds me of a mini-SUV. The seats are overstuffed and very comfortable. It has the road manners of a more expensive car. This car has surprising power for a 4 cylinder vehicle. Fully featured with power windows, locks, tilt steering, and an excellent audio system. I would recommend this car to anyone.

• 

  Terrible Brakes - 2003 Ford Focus
  By T. Egan - August 6 - 12:03 am

  I bought this car from dealership with 17,000 miles (a previous rental) and had to bring back to dealership several times. Back brakes continuously squealing. After 4th time, still noisy as ever. Finally told, well thats just how the brakes are on the Focus. The doors are very hard to open. Ive had this car more in the shop than any other vehicle Ive ever owned. Very hard to squeeze your hand down on side of seats to get to levers and I have very small hands.

• 

  Pleasurable Driving - 2004 Ford Focus
  By grybrd73 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has proved to be very easy to handle. It corners easily, and this is very important to me. I have been very impressed with its response in a tight situation. Braking is smooth and secure. I just enjoy the vehicle.

• 

  A Ford able - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Mano-man - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Need to replace a 1996 Dodge caravan (money pit). A friend of my wife had just bought a Focus wagon and she loved it. So we went and had a look. Nice style, comfortable seats, good visibility, plenty of power, and nice extras. Test drove it in town and out on the highway and was amazed at the fine handling in the mountains. As for power Im happy as this is my wifes car, but the power is there. On driving it home I was shocked that I was well over the speed limit when I looked at the speedo for the first time. Decided to use cruise control until I got the feel for it s speed. So if your looking for a nice wagon look no futher.

• 

  FOCUS ZTS! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Ryanbrogz - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I got my car in September and i have done nothing but fall in love with it, we got so many discounts on the car, the post sept 11 0% financing...the X plan, which gets the price a little under invoice, then a 400$ college grad coupon...we got the car that had a sticker of about 18 grand down to 15....i love the car, its quick, its nimble, its everything you would want for under 20 grand...i got a Wings West Thruster style spoiler on the back and it looks beautiful

• 

  Best Car ever - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Hennessy - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I love my ford focus. It has almost 95000 miles on her and is still purring like a kitten. Will definately buy another focus!

• 

  Focus on your lemon - 2000 Ford Focus
  By casie - July 26 - 2:00 am

  8 recalls speak for themselves. Plus new tires every 38,000 miles. Car only gets 20 miles per gallon. With its size thats terrible. I am expecting 2 more recalls.

• 

  Just a few problems - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Orlando - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I owned this vehicle for just under four years and 85,000 miles. The recalls were annoying and I stopped getting them corrected, which actually led to one problem. The tires wear out quickly, as do the brakes. Ford did replace all the brakes free of charge after one year. I had the rear left wheel bearing break at about 70K miles. I think this was a recall issue. I had several problems with a bad battery cable causing the car not to start (or die in traffic). I think the car juiced batteries. I went through 3 in four years. Other than tires/brakes/wheel bearing, the only other problem was a broken air hose (about $125 repair).

• 

  Crappy Car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Jane P. Doe - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had several recalls on this car, It continues to fall apart on me so I am trading it in for a VW. When im using the AC it leaks on the inside of the car! I had that fixed 8 times and it is still not fixed! I have also had key problems!