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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  Get Yourself a Focus - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Dan - December 11 - 4:13 am

  I bought a 4 door Focus SES automatic 4 months ago and love it! It gets excellent mileage, 40+ mpg hwy, is sporty, comfortable, quiet, and attractive. The dash is laid out well with many features found in luxury cars. My SUV now stays parked save for boat towing and family vacations, the Focus fulfills lengthy business travel and around town errands using much less gas. It has more features for less money than the Accord or Corolla.

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  If I knew then what I know now - 2001 Ford Focus
  By sasha - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a love/hate relationship with this car. Its been at the dealership 15 times for all kinds of repairs. I cant get rid of it, since its resale value is really low. I am stuck with a car I dont want. Ford put a bitter taste in my mouth. I think newer models are much better.

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  If I knew then what I know now - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Sasha - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a love/hate relationship with this car. Its been at the dealership 15 times for all kinds of repairs. I cant get rid of it, since its resale value is really low. I am stuck with a car I dont want. Ford put a bitter taste in my mouth. I think newer models are much better.

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  Quality and engine disappoints - 2001 Ford Focus
  By doorg_reater - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I have driven over 25k miles in my ZTS. Problems so far included: squeaky dash replaced at 5k, squeaky rear brakes replaced at 17k, broken alternator at 17k, seized rear wheel bearing at 23k. Current problem is with too low idle - engine almost died a few times. Persistent problem is weak engine in hot-dry weather.

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  a/c compressor noise - 2005 Ford Focus
  By marks1355 - November 30 - 4:03 am

  When I test drove my ZXW the a/c charge was low so there was no noise. As soon as it was charged and new coolant was put in there was a loud clicking every 30 seconds. Ford say that is normal. That sound is the a/c compressor working. I hate the loud click and would not bought the vehicle if I heard it during my test drive. I love driving my ZXW, but what do I do to shut this car up.

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  Mixed Emotions About This Car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By ryguy - November 22 - 12:56 am

  Reading all the reviews, I feel lucky not to have so many repairs but I have had my share. My rear window power motor broke 2 times in a year and Ford wants $300 to fix again since the warranty expired. It has tape on to keep it up. Was hit in the front and back at low speed and held up great, cant say that about the Corolla that folded like a tent. Cramped front seat since I am 6 foot 2. I have 50,000 miles and the car hasnt had any major repairs but that is because I do routine maintenance and have a good mechanic. Wish car had more power and I wish everyday I upgraded to CD player instead of factory tape player. I thrash this car every day driving to LAX airport so it is my kick around car.

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  Worst car ever built - 2012 Ford Focus
  By blou2 - November 19 - 11:18 am

  Bought this car in nov of 2011 and have nothing but problems since....sync and mytouch only work part of the time...cannot lock car cause alarm always goes off...hood open alarm is always coming on...keep getting sd card fault on the nav screen even though card is in place...and the biggest problem is the transmission about once a month when pulling out into oncoming traffic it will just shudder and shake but wont go...this thing is going to get someone killed.....have had it to the dealer numerous times and they said they cannot duplicate the problems so they cannot fix them since they dont leave any codes...was going to try to lemon law it but instead just going to trade it in.... not ford

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  1 Word: Awesome! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Jenna - November 18 - 6:06 pm

  Some may think I "downgraded" to the Focus from my fully-loaded 2005 Five Hundred Limited, but I love this car like no other. It handles like a sportscar, the mileage is fantastic (I commute 450 mi./week), and its just fun! I took 4 friends shopping this weekend and while it was a bit of a tight fit in the backseat, we were fairly comfortable and the trunk was large enough for all our purchases. My husband cant wait for me to get sick of it so he can drive it more often; that wont happen any time soon! I would recommend the Focus to anyone looking for an economical, sporty little car. For all the features at these prices (not to mention the current incentives), you cant go wrong.

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  Loving It - 2008 Ford Focus
  By boli - November 12 - 10:20 pm

  I purchased the Ford Focus 4 door se sedan. I have to say Wow. I have parked my 2500 Dodge Ram that cost $280 a week to fill. I am getting 41.9 miles to the gal. driving 35 miles each way to work and home. I simply wanted a throw away car with decent mileage. I called the dealership had them fax me a price over and bought it with out test driving or looking at it. when I went to pick it up I was totaly surprised I did not know they had redone the car. I have the vapor siver color and black interior. First thing I did was had the windows tinted all but the front and the car looks awsome. I removed the Focus and dealer sticker off the back. I love this car

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  Great Economy Car - 2006 Ford Focus
  By SAN - November 11 - 4:33 pm

  Just picked up my 06 SES w/auto. The car is just a blast to drive - way more so than the price may indicate. The build quality looks better than average, and the stock radio is just fine. The rebates make this too good of a deal to pass up.