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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  My 02 SVT - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Bobby Lasiter - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Since Buying my SVT Focus I have had so much fun getting to know it and Breaking it in. The car performs like a race car. Ford did a great job with this SVT. Keep up the great work

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  2003 ZTS - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Prashant - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Fun ride and affordable too Great handling compared to sticker price. Love the tilt and telescoping steering wheel.

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  2012 Ford Focus Issues - 2012 Ford Focus
  By farz - December 26 - 12:45 pm

  If you think to buy New Ford Focus, think again, Do not do it. My 2012 Ford Focus has lot of issues regards to SYNC system. every day new error masseges for phone conections, one day whole system and screen went black and every thing was off. the car is shaking after long drive if try to take off. there is seat belt safety issues if for any reason unlock the seat belt while driving there will be no worning light or sound also if leave the and come back and start driving there wil be no any sign of worning. over all very poor quality but very nice design. This will be my First and Last Ford Product.

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  Love this car! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By cibao - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this car!! Theres really nothig bad I can say about it. This car handles and brakes better than anything else I have driven and has a ton of room. I was able to fit 5 people no problem. I recommend this vehicle to anyone. If youre worried about the snow and rain as I was, then get the traction control feature and youre all set. The only thing bad I can say is that it needs a bit more low end torque, but wants you reach the 5000 RPM mark, youre flying!

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  ALWAYS DRIVE HARD - 2003 Ford Focus
  By RODNEY GREEN - December 23 - 5:53 pm

  LOVE THE CAR VERY FAST AND RUN EXCELLENT LOVE THE 6TH GEAR

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  2nd Ford Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By bigfoot - December 17 - 7:36 pm

  This is our familys second Focus. We also own a 2000 Focus that my son and daughter fight over. Even with all the recalls the 2000 Focus had, we still love driving that car. The 2005 Focus was purchased fully loaded, and that means it even has remote start. The new motor has even more pep than the 2000. In real life every day driving, its just a whole lot of fun. The steering is very responsive, and the motor gets up and goes!

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  Focus SE Hatch / A Drivers car - 2012 Ford Focus
  By nickinpitt - December 16 - 5:07 am

  Just sold my Nissan Altima (5sp, 2.5L) in for a Ford Focus Hatch. The Focus hatch (manual) is a fantastic little small luxury ride - one that feels like a german sedan w/o the price tag, insurance hike, and worry about part cost. The manual is perfectly paired to the engine, it is quiet @ 80, and option package 203A does a great job for what it is supposed to do (Sirius, bluetooth, MP3 player pairing). If you are in the market for a small to mid-size ride, you owe it to yourself to at least consider this car. I applaud what Hyundai has done - but they are a generation behind when it comes to this small hatch. Good luck in your purchase, Nick

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  My Focus - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Ron Holmes - December 13 - 10:10 am

  I have owned a 2003, 2004 and a 2006 Focus. I have enjoyed driving each one. I also own a Ford 500 and it sIts in the garage most of the time. The Focus is a fun car to drive.

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  Fun Stuff - 2000 Ford Focus
  By T_Williams - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2000 Focus used in 2003 with only 25000 miles on it. It is fun to drive and gets pretty good fuel mileage for the way I drive it.

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  Cal Fun - 2005 Ford Focus
  By calisun - December 12 - 3:40 pm

  Always had a love for hatchbacks for their design and practicality. Owned an 87 VW Scirocco 16V, but VW currently doesnt have the aggressive design I look for. For the price/features ratio, Ford Focus ZX3 is a great buy. $13.5k (+ taxes, registration, etc.) for a top-of-the- line 05 ZX3 says it all.