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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  Maybe not - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Average Joe1 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I had a Focus that I just sold. Before 34,000 miles my fuel pump had rusted - car died on the off ramp of a major interstate. Numerous brake issues. I was told by one of the techs that "Focus just have squeeky brakes." Rattling under the car that no one was ever able to isolate. Wheels were way out of aligment and did not find this out till the 24K maintaince.

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  A true pureists sports car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By dk8 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Honestly. Im not an over excited, 20 something year old yelling, "look at the best thing I own". Im older and still enjoy a great sports car. OK just to recieve some validation from you out there Im 40+ and have been a car guy for a while. Ive owned many sports, luxury sport and sporty cars and I must admit this is one of the finer handling sweetest engined vehicles Ive owned.

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  2005 Ford Focus ZX4 - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Bryan - August 17 - 1:16 pm

  The car looks great inside and out. It drives well and has very nice and quick acceleration. So far, country and city, I am not experiencing the fuel mileage on the sticker. Overall, I love my new Focus.

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  best car i had - 2004 Ford Focus
  By edwart26 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  a lot of fun to drive, really really fast, is a great ride

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  A Clean Green Sports Machine - 2004 Ford Focus
  By clintondee - August 12 - 2:00 am

  WoW! The New Partial Zero Emmission 2.3 liter engine from Ford is a real treat. Not only is the engine much more powerful than the z-tec it emits close to no harmful emissions. Emission related components are covered up to 15 years or 150,000 miles! The zx5 interior is exceptionally roomy and its dash is stylish and well laid out. The cd/mp3 player is great. The hatchback design coupled with the four doors makes the Zx5 a real family car. Access to all seats is good and theres actually alot of room behind the rear seats for groceries. Fold down the rear seats and you have a ton of useable space. In all the zx5 is great@!

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  Dadmobile - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Dadmobile - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Focus, First was 4dr se, love the performance handling and have not had any problmes at 49000 miles. I love the space and design, have the telescoping wheel with speed control,

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  WOWOWOW - 2012 Ford Focus
  By ritchie19047 - August 10 - 9:34 pm

  My new Titanium with the handeling package is an amazing value for money! The car is rock-solid in every driving situation, especially so on secondary roads with those choppy sections where heavy trucks tear up the surface on curves. My 10 Focus SES was very jumpy in those spots, and this car just glides through. It is "scary quiet" on the open road. The summer tires are the stickiest things Ive ever driven; but I live in NE Pennsylvania, so I got a set of winter tires for the cold season (Mich Pilot Aspins), and they are just as amazing. The transmission is first rate (I dont understand all the negative chatter Ive read). Pleanty of power; gutsy acceleration. Contd below...

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  Wow - 2012 Ford Focus
  By facelessdrone - August 8 - 2:56 pm

  I have driven my Focus about 4000 miles now, and Ive gotten to love it better than when new. This is a very solidly built car made out of high quality materials. It handles great and I enjoy flinging it around corners with abandon. My other car is a Porsche and around town the Focus is at least its equal in handling. I also use the Focus for my 50 mile r/t commute and on the last 3 tanks it has gotten 33, 35, and now 37 honest-to-goodness mpg. I have noticed that the mileage and smoothness of the transmission improved greatly over the last 1000 miles. The upgrade to MyFordTouch solved virtually all the issues with that, not that I had many to begin with.

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  nice - 2001 Ford Focus
  By like it - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Just bought a focus and so far so good. my friends have the same model and love it. Love how it handels! taking it to the mountains next year, cant wait to see how it does!

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  spitfire vs focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By spitfire65Dolly - August 7 - 10:00 am

  SPITFIRE (triumph) barebones super fun for $1560. Forward 39 yrs. FOCUS se, only way to beat it is w/svt. 100 mph on highway like 60 in anything else. Back country roads are heaven. Handles as good as the spitfire or better and ride is light yrs ahead. Comfort is 94%, could use a little tweeking on leg room an seat size, shape an padding.