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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  Awesome! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By BlackSVT_4Ever - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I was really not a fan of the Focus when it first came out but, since the release of the SVT, I have done a 180. I absolutely love this car. It is not just a focus with Ground Effects and 17s. It is totally re-engineered vehicle. Pretty much new everything but the body.

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  Awesome - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Nathan - May 25 - 9:36 am

  I love this car! I have only had it for one week and I am always looking for excuses to drive it. I got the SE with a 5 speed. The transmission is geared perfect and makes the car an absolute blast to drive. It handles great. It is comfortable and roomy even for me (I am 61"). The gas mileage has been great too! I average 37 or more on the highway and around 32 in town. Doesnt get much better than that! The car also has plenty of power. I can squeal the tires in 1st 2nd and 3rd gears. It is fast when you want it to be and gets great gas mileage when you take it easy.

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  Awesome, versatile car - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Samantha - May 16 - 12:30 pm

  I am very happy with my 2016 Ford Focus and have been since the day I bought it. As someone who commutes to school, work, and various other places in a given day, this car is perfect for someone who is looking for a great car for them to commute in; easy to get in and out of parking spots, a breeze to parallel park in, decent gas mileage, and all that jazz. My only complaint is that the button on the emergency break gets "weird" and gets stuck on the occasion, but that is it. The radio and bluetooth have cooperated with me and have not caused me any issues, and out of the 5 months I have had it, it has never needed to be taken into the shop (I drive a considerable amount every day). Also, I recommend this car to someone running on the shorter side- I am only about 53", so this car is easy to get in and out of from the drivers seat, but other taller family members of mine have required a bit more effort getting swiftly in and out of it despite adjusting the seat.

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  A good car for the price - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Lawrence - May 9 - 11:06 am

  Although the design is now several years old (2005 "freshening" was insignificant), its functional and offers a fun driving experience. Great for tall folks (Im 62") and super in the Ottawa winter, thanks to traction control and heated seats.

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  $160 for a new KEY - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Qix - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this car in 9/2003 as a lease return. Its been a good car thus far, save the flat tire, or the bad seat belts, the arm rest coming apart, and last but not least the $160 new key.

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  Never again - 2007 Ford Focus
  By SC - May 6 - 2:24 pm

  On the good side, this car is still running at 190,000 mi., but not without a ton of repairs. Parts are expensive. Most costly repairs so far was a bad steering column and air bag. Also noticed some design issues that make me wonder if the engineers intentionally made it difficult to work on. I used to be a believer in Ford, but not any more.

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  Very surprised - 2003 Ford Focus
  By moog - May 6 - 4:30 am

  I have seen a lot of these around and figured they were lackluster. I was wrong. From the first few miles of my test drive I knew I was hooked. While it is not an exceptionally dynamic sport sedan, the 03 ZTS is a fine compromise between daily driving, luxury, and performance. With leather, 2.3l Duratech, and 27 mpg, I am fully satisfied for my $10k. It drives a lot like Jettas little sister, not quite as powerful but still sassy! I am sure this vehicle will last longer than I care to keep it.

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  2008 Vermillion Ford Focus SE Automatic - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Lloyd - May 6 - 2:13 am

  Love the new style, solidness, room, ease for my elderly parents to enter and exit. I traded a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am Se 4 door with almost 128,000 on it. Things were starting to go so I thought I would follow my younger sisters footsteps and get a Focus. I am very pleased with it and look forward to driving it. I average between 30 and 34 mpg combined driving. This is the first Ford I have ever had. At least go check one out.

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  Reliable and Fun - 2001 Ford Focus
  By cavan22 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  After over 9000 miles my car hasnt had 1 problem. Its very smooth, comfy, and a pleasure to drive. Acceleration is sufficient and handling tight. Biggest problem is rear visibility; just make sure you look over your shoulder!

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  04 ZTW wagon - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Erinsmuma - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I really like this car. It is comfortable for me to drive. The one thing that I thought was pretty chintzy is the lack of cross bars on the roof luggage carrier. This makes it a totally useless piece of plastic on the roof.