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:
Showing 2711 through 2720 of 3,280.00-
Great body- crappy engine - 2002 Ford Focus
By rented a focus - March 21 - 8:13 pmOn a recent trip to California I was actually kind of excited when the guy at Hertz said I was getting a ford focus. I really like how the focus looks and as shallow as it may sound, they have a great ad campaign. However, my opinion instantly changed when I got the thing on the road. I wasnt expecting sports car performance, but this car is so underpowered I found it dangerous on the California freeway. The engine also whined like an annoying comedian whenever I attempted to accelerate. It was significantly worse than four cylinder fords Ive owned in the past. It might be a little better with a stick shift.
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Lotsafun - 2004 Ford Focus
By eruppe - March 19 - 2:00 amBest out of all small cars I have test driven. Does not feel like a small car and it has all the power and handles like a sports car. It is just a pleasure to drive.
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Great Car - 2004 Ford Focus
By focuspro - March 19 - 2:00 am18 months with vehicle and very happy (ZTS wMach Audio package). Great price and performance, handles great, good fuel economy. Looks good too. Comfortable interior. Hands 2 adults and 3 kids in back just fine. Used for commuting, but 300 mile trip got 38mpg ans was very comfortable. 6-disk changer had to be replaced. Paint wore off on shifter knob top.
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excellent fun in small package - 2004 Ford Focus
By Poinzy - March 19 - 2:00 amThis is an excellent car for a small family or someone who likes to have fun while driving.
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MY ZX3 - 2004 Ford Focus
By ZX3yvr - March 19 - 2:00 amA blast to drive, but build quality a bit suspect in places, totally reliable. Fuel economy is atrocious, I average about 16mpg per US gallon around town and about 25mpg on the highway. My friend drives a Saab 900 turbo with 45 more bhp and manages about 22mpg around town, what gives Ford???!!!
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This car was built for me! - 2012 Ford Focus
By dumpbuster - March 17 - 6:34 pmI spent 40 years in the auto business beginning as a salesman, used car manager, import factory rep to factory exec and then ended up a CPDJ dealer. Ive driven them all and when it was time to retire and buy what I really wanted, I bought the Focus SE with the 203A, sport package and auto/manual. I look for reasons to drive it so what I save in gas (32 around town/38 on the highway) I burn up having fun. Yeah, the MySync or whatever its called is tedious for an old non-geek but Im used to it. The performance is kickin and the handling awesome. You can keep your Japanese cachet cars. Ill drive the wheels off this jewel and love every minute of it!
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WOW whatta car! - 2005 Ford Focus
By Ash - March 16 - 2:43 pmOK, I have a cat named Chevy if that tells you anything. I swore I would never ever buy a Ford, but after test driving a Focus ZX3 SES I must say, I was floored. I ended up getting the SE model but love it just the same! It gets great mileage, runs great, is pretty zippy, and is all around a great deal. I must say, I will probably trade this in in a few years for another FORD! :)
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Great value in a small car, - 2007 Ford Focus
By Ryan - March 16 - 7:16 amWhen gas prices looked like they wouldnt be headed below $3 per gallon last summer, I started looking for a more fuel-efficient car to replace my Saturn VUE. In the past year, Ive had opportunities to drive several small cars (Focus, Civic, Mazda3) and midsizers (Fusion, Mazda6, Accord, G6, Maxima). In my book, the Focus and Mazda3 were at the top of the list where driving dynamics are concerned. Since Im 63" tall, head and leg room are big considerations in a small car - - and the Focus fit me better than any other in the class. Add to that the incentives on the Focus and the fact that I live in a state (MI) thats rather dependent on Fords business success, and the choice is made.
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Fun , but be ready to spend money repair - 2004 Ford Focus
By Nip - March 14 - 10:00 amI loved my Focus the first year, great handling. After that, I started having problems with the engine. They told me I was using the wrong gas (premium is bad, regular is good), and need to clean it up, my fault so no warranty and they charge me around $550...4 months later, problems with the brakes, pay $500. 1 year later, I problems with brakes again and some with engine injection. The injection, I suspect was the same old problem, but now it was a re-call (It has like 7 recalls since I bought it) the brakes cost me another $650 bucks. Know I am selling it, and believe me I not getting another Ford, much less a Focus.
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focused - 2000 Ford Focus
By taylort5 - March 14 - 10:00 amFord focus was an excellent car it was the perfect size for me and my family and very reliable. my car had 86,000 and the engine waw extremely quite as if the car was not turned on. I would definitly purchase another focus.
