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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  Zytec & Automatic - 2003 Ford Focus
  By mj - October 29 - 3:40 pm

  I purchased this car 1 1/2 years ago and I have been very pleased. Ive only gone about 11,000 miles, but have had no problems at all. Very very smooth drive, i.e. good shocks & suspension take the whump out of most smaller bumps. I get between 30-32 mpg on my model with a 50/50 mix of highway and city driving. The passive antitheft is a great feature - without the special radio-enabled key in the ignition, the car wont start. Reduces my worry that the car will be stolen. Very large trunk is nice. Trunk lid does not pop up very high, but a light does appear on the dash so Im ok with that. Also - when trunk closes there are no giant hinges that eat up trunk space. All in all, a great car.

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  The PERFECT first car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Julz - October 26 - 10:00 am

  This has been a wonderful first car! It was actually purchased in 03, and Ive just now had my first glitches. Which were still covered under the warranty and promtly fixed!

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  Looked good.. - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Michael Nevettie - October 19 - 4:48 pm

  Traded in my 2015 Focus SE (sometimes lagging downshift acceleration, poor stereo) for a 2016 Titanium Hatchback. Persistent pull or drift to the left at times exacerbated by braking. Had grey goo on my sunroof, broken piece of plastic found in glove box on unknown origin. Slight squeak upon starting, rattle in in right front, sunroof buttons too small to push, tire (hum) noise, drivers seat is power but the back will not independently recline (no lever), Sony stereo needs more precise mids & highs adjustments.

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  Focus Points - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Bill Brown - October 18 - 4:03 am

  I needed a vehicle for my sales job (I carry chemical samples). The Focus Wagon fit the bill to a "T". Spunky car. It is definitely spartan (interior) but the car more than makes up for it in performance.

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  My first car! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Amanda - October 18 - 12:33 am

  I just got the car a month ago and its great. It was my first car and my dad and I just decided to go test drive a Ford Focus because I had seen them and liked them a lot. We were "just looking" But we found a 2003 ford Focus SE light green type and packed with power everything. We knew this was the car (we had been just looking for a bit, at least for me). And since my dad couldnt find a scratch on it we got it. I have to say if you are looking for a good realiable first car for your teen I recomend this car!

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  Fun & efficient - 2012 Ford Focus
  By bobananda - October 16 - 6:36 am

  6 months, 6000 miles on a 2012 focus sedan SE w/203A, SE sport package, 16 inch machined alloy wheels, & side graffics. The 6 spd auto is real smooth. Got use to placement of electronic shifter & its fast & convenient. Shutter was minor and stopped after 3000 miles. Its glued to the road & brakes are excellent as is the paint job. Driving includes some interstate, some country roads, some mountains, some city but not heavily trafficked. Depending on driving mix and how much I put my foot in it, its getting a low of 38mpg to a high of 44mpg! Overall average at this time is 41.3. Amazing! Most efficient, most power, most fun in Sport mode. Everything working perfectly.

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  Very Satisfied Customer - 2005 Ford Focus
  By dmojdstny - October 14 - 6:20 pm

  Have wanted this car for a few years now and am glad that I waited for the new style. The Focus is roomy, handles wonderfully, and makes me feel safe as a driver, and as a driver of small children. I love all the safety features and find this to be the most family friendly car I have found. The safety seat, and air bag features are all conducive to driving with small children in a safe & legal manner. I love my car and know I made the right choice for my family.

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  What A Car goNNA Buy Another one - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Cindy brace - October 13 - 4:52 pm

  Almost all miles highway moved from michigan to mississippi made alot of trips home

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  I want OUT!!!!! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By JAD2 - October 12 - 10:00 am

  My steering rack blew two weeks into my having the car. Then the transmission started leaking. Then I had to have my rotors and pads replaced at 19,ooo (a VERY common, and expensive, problem for the Focus). Ive heard I have this to look forward to every year. This morning my calipers got stuck and melted my brakes. Too many problems in too short a time.

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  Love my "Cloud 9" Focus! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By CB - October 10 - 10:46 am

  Im a former Ford Owner (94 Escort). At first I was anxious to try a sedan again after driving a pickup for 5 years. From the first test drive of my Focus I fell in love with this roomier than expected interior. Being that I am in a warmer southern climate and running the air often, there still is good fuel economy which greatly surpassed my 2000 Mazda truck. Though the sound system is not Bose quality, it gives ample range with the CD that are comfortable for driving. Also like the hood placement giving a virtually total windshield view without obstruction.