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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  great car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By SaRaH - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car before starting college. Its been a great car. It did have a fuel pump recall, but other than that I havent had any more problems. It is a very dependable car and I would recommend it.

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  good bang for the buck - 2003 Ford Focus
  By smacks - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for 4 months and I love it. My dollars went a long way in QUALITY, which is more than I can say for the competitors in its price range.

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  Used SVT - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Blaise Mikau - March 6 - 1:40 pm

  i was looking for a sports compact. However the focus SVT was nowhere near the top when i was deciding. the Eclipse, Tiburon, and Mazda Protege 5 were my top choices. However due to a mix up at car max the car i wanted was no longer there. So i looked around. I had heard good things about the SVT to i took a chance. as soon as he open the door i was in love. The leather trim seats were eye catching. Once he started it, the purr of the engine was beautiful. i test drove and was sold. the SVT suspension is surpieror to and other STOCK compact car. This along with the Kit and Exhaust tip, saved me alot of money on visual upgrades. I put a AEM shortram and my cruise speed went from 80 to 90.

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  Dont even bother - 2002 Ford Focus
  By jbb3y - March 3 - 10:00 am

  This is the only car I know of that has probles that even the dealer has never heard occur. The car has a radio faceplate attach with electrical tape at the factory (still not replaced), horrible electical gremlins (like inoperable headlights), alignment issues, will roll downhill while in gear with the parking brake on and 1 or R engaged, trunk come open while moving, seats make even 150mi drives end in a bachache, strange buzzes abound, and the power door lock have failed to work on numerous occasions. Nothing has been fixed in the nearly 3 years Ive had the car, and it has been to seven dealers. Last Dec it required 6 services to fix what the dealer had broken while fixing the alignment.

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  Second Focus - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Max H - March 3 - 9:30 am

  I own a 2006 Focus, and previously owned a 2001. I drive two 2005 Corollas as fleet cars at work, and must say that I consider the Focuses better in absolutely every respect: fit and finish, handling, interior design -- in every way. I do not know where automotive writers get their biases from.

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  Great Car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Jeffro123 - February 28 - 2:00 am

  There has been some bad stuff in the press about this car, but dont let that fool you. (Just ask Car and Driver, which the focus has been in the 10 best 4 years in a row) I am amazed at the quality and driving fun this car is for the money. 140k and going strong.

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  I love my new car!! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By jwagg7483 - February 26 - 9:05 pm

  Coming from a GM family, I was a little nervous about driving a Ford. I love it! Its gorgeous, affordable, and fun to drive. I have noticed that it stalls when I first take off, but I am coming from a 6 cylinder and I probably try to push it too far at take-off. The car is small, so my 63", 300 lb step-son cannot ride comfortably, but my other kids (theyre normal size) love it. Overall, its a great car. I am happy with my decision and my father did not disown me. LOL!

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  Just a nice car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By 50 Someting old guy - February 21 - 7:36 pm

  All things considered just a nice little car. Its easy on the eyes and on fuel, double what I got in my 1999 F-150.Thats not a big surprise, but the handling is. Its much better then most of the imports in its price range and better equipped. I have not driven a car on a regular basis for more than 15 years, it reminds me of my 6 cylinder Mustang (1965) but with pick- up and way better handling. 30 mpg so far in mix of highway and city driving and no trouble keeping up with traffic or passing at 70 mph. Ya-hoo, fun and furgle. Lets see if its as bullet proof as all my Ford trucks.

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  Not What I Expected - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Logan - February 21 - 6:03 am

  I was looking for a few months for a new car and had been to every dealership I could find and had found a few cars in the 25,000 to 30,000 dollar range. When I found the Focus it had everything I wanted and I only paid 21,000. Ive put 18,000 km on and drive it like I stole it. The only thing I would change is a little more pop on the bottom end of the automatic and rear disc brakes

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  Love It - 2001 Ford Focus
  By JAR - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I love my focus. I bought it used with 9000 miles and it is now at 36000 have had no major problems and only minor things that where covered ie: spark plug wires and a belt. Take care of this care and it will take care of you. I do all my oil changes and follow the maintance schedule to a T. The best car Ive owned.