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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  Very Satisfied - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Lindon D Greer - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Can not believe the cargo space. We had a full size 1951 Plymouth Station Wagon that did not have anymore room than the Focus. We like everything about it so far except for the gas milage, its nothing close to whats advertised after a complete tuneup,oil change & filter,and air filter its still only in the lower 20s. Otherwise a fantastic auto for the money.

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  Very happy with my Focus on Ford - 2007 Ford Focus
  By moe - July 25 - 11:46 pm

  My 93 Escort GT was on its last legs, due to an accident. It would have made it a couple more years without a doubt. Alas, it was not meant to be. Thus a search for a suitable replacement began. Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Chevy Aveo, etc. Final solution: Focus ZX4 SE with almost every option, except cold weather package, and 16" wheels. X plan and $2500.00 rebate plus a little trade in equaled about $14k. A similarly equipped Honda Civic - well over $20k. No-brainer.

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  new owner - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Denise - July 25 - 1:50 pm

  I just downsized to my new Ford Focus from -- get this -- an Expedition. What a change. The gas mileage is fantastic and the car is very roomy. I have 3 (bigger) kids to tote around town from school to appointments and the little Focus gets the job done for a fraction of the cost. It is peppy and very fun to drive. It fits in so many small spaces. I have owned it for 1 month now and would recommend it to anyone.

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  DO NOT BUY - 2001 Ford Focus
  By eddy - July 24 - 10:00 am

  VERY ugly, slow and American (unreliable). poor design and looks

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  The best sport compact car ever built! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Elliot Grout - July 24 - 10:00 am

  My sonic blue SVT Focus is an amazing machine. The tuned header leading into the throaty exhuast sounds perfect. The 6 speed Getrag transmission is geared for sporty driving, never leaving you in the low rpm dumps. The styling gets looks, but only from people who know what it is. The insurance is cheap, and my payments wont break the bank. Overall a great car for the money, and there isnt another car out there that can hold a candle to its handling prowess. Just read the magazine articles, and youll soon agree.

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  Focus better than my new Toyota Matrix - 2002 Ford Focus
  By markregel - July 24 - 10:00 am

  This is an exceptional car. Its not until we got a new Toyota Matrix (wifes car) that I really appreciate how well if drives and handles. The Matrix is a solid car, but its no match to the ZX3 when it comes to driving dynamics. The steering response and feedback is outstanding. The Matrix feels refined, but you dont get that feeling of being connected to the road like you do in the Focus. Yes, this car has recalls which makes great reason some to trash it. Ford has issued recalls for even the most trivial problem, how can you fault them for that? All I say to the people trashing this car is "your loss".

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  What a great car! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By F. B. - July 22 - 4:00 am

  I have been driving my Focus for about three weeks now and must say that this is a great car. This car is very responsive, comfortable, quiet and fun to drive. I am 18 years old and a car enthusiast. For the money the Focus is a lot of bang for the buck. I test drove a Nissan Sentra 2.0 and a Toyota Corolla CE but wasnt impressed at how exciting the cars were compared to the Focus. Fuel economy is obviously great because this is a small car. I didnt get the sync system because I do not even have an ipod but I hear that its a great feature. I would highly recommend this car to other young drivers who need a fun and affordable small car.

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  A Focus ... Who Would Have Thought - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Becca - July 20 - 4:23 am

  It was between the Corolla-S, and a Focus ... and the Focus won my heart. Who would have ever thought a Focus to be worthy of such praise. It is a fun little car to drive around, and compared to my truck I used to have, the gas mileage is awesome!

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  Focus ZTS - Beware! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Maryland Driver - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This has to be the biggest piece of JUNK ever! After owning it for 2 years (and only 15,000 miles) I will NEVER own a Ford again! And Ford DOES NOT care if you are unhappy with their products! To numerous recalls to mention, they had to replace the auto transmission at 10,000 miles (and after numerous trips to the dealer!). This care is NOT SAFE, the car got T- Boned on the passenger side doors and the side-impact air bags (which I paid extra for) DO NOT DEPLOY! After complaining to Ford Corp, they basically call me a liar and refused to honor a prior agreement of fixing the problem! STAY AWAY FROM ANY FORD PRODUCT!

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  Simply the best - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Shellgal - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Have driven numerous small cars and none compare to this one. Room, ride, handling are outstanding. Have not had any problems at all with this car and would buy another in a second.