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 Yellow Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By djroeder - October 6 - 4:13 pm

  The Ford Focus is a looker! I have a bright yellow Focus and I have people of all ages looking at it. I love to drive it as it is a fun car to drive. It stays on the road well and handles curves well. I drive on the highway most of the time and it holds its own there also. If I was going to complain about something it would be the paint job. I dont think it holds up well; it scratches easily. Also, I have had to have 3 lug nut covers replaced as they fall off after having the tires rotated. I would also like just an inch or two more room in the back seat leg area.

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  Great Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By ADM - October 6 - 10:00 am

  The best way to catagorize this car is its motorcycle with windows. It handles great and is great fun to drive. Wish it had a little more power, but thats always the case.

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  Great Mileage - 2008 Ford Focus
  By fred - October 6 - 7:00 am

  I was driving a Ford 250 4X4 diesel and when fuel got to 5.25/gallon bought a Ford Focus SE loaded for beater car and love it. Tried Toyota, Altima, and prefered the Focus. Great car for price.

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  Dont buy it - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Ryan - October 2 - 5:00 pm

  Lets see. At 15,000 miles i had to get new brakes and throttle body. At 45,000 miles I already replaced the oxygen sensor twice. I had to replace the shocks twice. The air conditioner broke, the heat sometimes worked, the wipers sometimes worked. At 73,000 I had to replace the transmission. At 74,000 my brakes failed. (They wouldnt work at all).

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  Worse transmission - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Joe - October 2 - 11:39 am

  Transmission on it is so poor if you rely on a car as much as I do you would probably stay away from this one . I was lucky I was not far from home . I was driving down the road and the transmission started slipping . I got home and had no reverse gear at all . That car left me completely stranded . Who ever`s idea of the Power Shift 6- speed transmission was , was not much of a contributor to strategic Air Power like General Curtis E. Lemay . As soon as the space weather confirms its okay launch , call in an SLBM strike from a Ballistic Missile Submarine on a Ford Focus Power Shift 6 speed transmission facility from SSBN734 . I would never want to drink the same water as [non-permissible content removed] over at the Ford Motor Company drinks . When I got my 2014 Ford Focus back , I noticed a splash guard missing from under the front of the car .

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  Love my ZX5 - 2002 Ford Focus
  By John_mc70 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive been very happy with my ZX5 so far. I bought it because of the the great ride and handling. It is a lot of fun to drive. Im very happy with the exterior looks and I think the quality of the interior materials are top rate. The 2002 interior is a big improvement over the 2001. My only complaints are that it is a little loud on the highway and I dont think the ZX5 drivers seat is that comfortable.

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  How can Ford make money selling this car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By mcolej - September 29 - 10:00 am

  If you are in the market for a "Hot Hatch" look no further. 170 hp of usable power in a four cylinder until now did not exist. Fords SVT team has done it. My previous car was a ZTS that I had turned into a good looking and performing economy car with a few simple modifications, but it cant compare to the SVT. The ZTS is a very nice car dont get me wrong, but for $3500 more you can get an elite vehicle that is unmatched in its segment. The only trick is getting one, they are only supplying 7500 to the american market. Good Luck!

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  Fun car, but unreliable - 2014 Ford Focus
  By D. Martin - September 28 - 3:35 pm

  I love the size, handling, styling and interior. At 35,000 miles it needs a new clutch pack and strut bearing. The dealership has been nice about it, but this is ridiculous.

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  Great Car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By JMahler1980 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I think the Focus is a great car for the money. Looking at some of the other reviews made me realize that people get, what they pay for. I have only had one problem with my Focus, and luckily my Brother is a Ford technican, and advised me the fuel pump was being recalled. In a little over a year I have about 50,000 miles on my Focus and am still loving it!!! Ford did a great Job!

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  Great for parents - 2006 Ford Focus
  By shovan A - September 24 - 12:33 am

  I am a single mom and I was looking for a car that had room plus good mileage. This is a good car because it has fold in seats in the back to put longer stuff in your trunk. The trunk is large too. The seats have anchors for car seats and you can still fold one side or both sides down if you have a rather large item. I love my car.