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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  Problems at only 2100 miles! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Matsukes - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I like the gas mileage, ride,and handling but at 1100 miles I noticed that when I filled the gas tank the gas guage only went to 3 quarters full! Now at 2100 miles I have a check engine light and the code states that the fuel level sensor in the gas tank is no longer working! Its a disappointment to already be having problems at such a low mileage and I wonder if this is the start of things to come!

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  I enjoy my car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Hamster - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car. I spend a lot of time comparing it to it competitors, and found that it is the best car for the money. I find it very fun to drive, and a very comfortable car.

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  I love my car! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By MizLiz - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my second Focus, and I probably will never consider another make of car. Just getting in and out of it is effortless; no small thing for an old lady. Its just the right height, rather like sitting in a regular chair....instead of sitting way down close to the ground. I commute 80 miles per day on the freeway, so this car is perfect...it has great response time, and can accelerate very quickly if needed. It is also extremely maneuverable and easy to park.

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  Bad Gas and Service - 2004 Ford Focus
  By jeoddo - November 5 - 2:00 am

  The car seems to be a good car, but the Gas Mileage is terrible. 19-20 mostly on the highway. Car the dealer and since computer doesnt tell them the problem they cant fix it. No help past that and customer assistance only logs calls. Trying to get further, maybe sometime someone may help. Would not buy another Ford with this service so far.

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  I Still Like It!!! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By JKC-2004 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I got this car in September as my very first car. I freaked out after reading the reviews on it - they are very discouraging. But...its been 6 months and it hasnt given me any problems whatsoever. I have driven Neons, Cavaliers, and Accents. All three can not compare to the Focus.

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  Fun comes in small packages - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Deepwoods30 - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for my teenage son to drive. I fight with him over who gets to drive it. For the money, a great deal!

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  RIPPOFF - 2014 Ford Focus
  By chipmunk26 - November 2 - 11:33 pm

  well the car looks good but be careful . the first problem you will get is going to be the transmission, the shifting is rough and it will need to figure whether it needs to shift or not..... de careful in traffic it will give you a backache. the update you will get from the dealership is not very good since they are not equipped with the issue and the warranty is extended to some parts but all the parts that need to be fixed that is if you over 5/60k warranty part for powertrain. When it comes it to resale thats a hole another story. the car drops in price massive when it comes to trade it or sell at least 4k-6k. the Bluetooth setup is okay but you will need to reconnect it overtime since it will not do that and also understand what your saying. I do not recommend any to buy this car not worth it. I also went through 3 transmission over the time I had the car an average of 10k miles . I had a total of 16 repair on the car which made it an average of 1.85 which comes out to every 2months in the shop (owning it for 28months).

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  Yellow Focus Looks Like, No, IS a Lemon! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By NoFocus - November 1 - 8:13 pm

  My 2001 ZX3 was the latest of 8 Fords Ive had. At 500 miles the engine was acting like it wasnt getting enough fuel. It ran rough between 2300-3000 RPMs. I felt this most in 3rd gear. I went to the dealer and they didnt find a problem. I returned to the dealer at 750 miles and they said this was a known problem with the onboard computer and as soon as a new program was available they would "Flash" the new program to the computer. 9 months later, still no fix. I just filed with the State of Texas for assistance under the Lemon Law. I like this car, but if Ford wants me to keep me as a customer they need to replace this lemon. If not, Ill be on the waiting list for the new Mini Cooper S.

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  They fixed the transmission perfectly on these. - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Bruce Cummings - November 1 - 10:29 am

  No more off-line hesitancy or stuttering from the automatic transmissions of these new Focuses. Ford FINALLY fixed that multi-year problem for good. The new one here is silky-smooth. Of course the rest of the car was already competitive, and a great value during rebate time. Watch for aggressive small-car promotions from Ford to maintain their corporate average fuel economy in light of their booming truck and SUV sales. Theyre GIVING away Focuses and Fiestas.

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  our little wonder - 2004 Ford Focus
  By pengins - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This little wonder, is small enough to feel like your are driving a sports car, but big enough to seat a family of 4...Comftorable, great suspension (tight), quick ,pick up, great steering and handeling, (I have a tendeancy to go to fast in it...because it handles so fine)lots of trunk space,interior space, and very rummy, good gas miliage,aerodinamic, so pleased it is americian, (small cars used to be better made as a foreign car, (but we would never buy one of those)We are truley surprised and elated, htat we found this wonderful car...