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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  I own this model - 2004 Ford Focus
  By joel m. hayward - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I own this type automobile, and the overall interior leg room for the driver on long trips leaves alot to be desired. As a result im going to have some new rails put on the drivers side so that i can have better leg room for long trips. Thank you fopr your survey.

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  My experience with my SVT - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Kelly Majors - August 7 - 10:00 am

  At first I really enjoyed the car. It is great fun to drive. The 6 speed provides good pull at every shift. I have experienced some problems with the car however. It has been back to the dealership 4 times with clutch problems. One of those times I had to be towed in. Finally all the clutch assembly, slave cylinder etc. had to be replaced. Needless to say with less then 20,000 miles on it, I have lost some of my confidence in the car. Gas mileage is good but the car requires gasoline rated over 91 (super premium). With prices over $2.00, it can cost well over $20.00 to fill the tank. I will not buy another Focus SVT again.

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  No reliability problems here! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By ZX3dude - August 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my ZX3 for 2 years now and have had no problems at all. I just replaced the Good Year tires at 25,000 miles with a set of Michelin GXTs and it drives better than it did new. The only noises I had were with the Good Year tires. Even tho this car doesnt have as much hp as the new Civic SI, it blows the Civic away with quality, style and a lot more comfortable!!

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  love it - 2002 Ford Focus
  By had 6 months - August 5 - 10:00 am

  had 6 months without any problems at all. decent engine, excellent handling, great hatchback design, great stereo, good mileage. everything seems to work well and intelligently together. cant say enough good things about this car.

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  Id buy it AGAIN in a HEARTBEAT! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Carolyn - August 3 - 6:38 pm

  Ive owned "Sammy" for 8 years and now he has 207,000. I never dreamed Id own another Ford after my last one, but after reading over 600 reviews, Im so glad I bought it. Over the years Ive had no problems outside of the normal-- tires, battery, brakes. Repair visits were much cheaper and far more infrequent than my Nissan Altima. Problems right now are mounting, however, as the car ages. The back passenger door hasnt locked for the last few years and now the front door has to be locked manually. Turning the vent/defrost dial is becoming more difficult. The CD player went out a while ago, so I just listen to the radio. Theres squeaking in the back passenger side that goes away when its cold. However, when its cold, I have to wait a long time for the gas pedal to unfreeze and the reason Im giving up the car this weekend is that its cutting out now in traffic in cold weather.

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  Great car! Very practical and fun to drive. - 2002 Ford Focus
  By John McIlnay - July 31 - 8:38 am

  Early Ford Focus wagons (2002-2004) are hidden gems. There are well-made, fun to drive, get good gas mileage, and have a huge caring capacity, especially when the backseats are folded down. Ive owned mine for seven years and over 100,000 miles. I record every fill up and over that time Ive averaged 27 miles per gallon. That includes mostly city driving and also Illinois winter conditions. On road trips Ive gotten 30 MPG. Ive had almost 20 cars and the Focus wagon, all things considered, has been the best.

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  ZX5 SES - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Dawn - July 31 - 1:30 am

  The ZX5 is fun to drive, great gas mileage. Great for merging into traffic, it has get up and go....better than the Mustang I test drove!!

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  Corolla Killer - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Will - July 27 - 5:10 am

  I wasnt in the market for a new car until I was helping my sister buy her first new car and saw what a great deal the Focus was. I was able to get it for $13,200 out the door and loved everything about it. I had an 06 Corolla CE in manual and hated it. The quality of the Focus engine is well known (probably better than the Corolla) and so far the fuel economy is better. The Focus looks, runs, and drives better. I have to say I love this great American car.

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  Good for the price paid - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Scott - July 27 - 1:33 am

  I have only had the Focus for 1 month and 1000 miles, so my experience is still limited. I cant speak to its long term durability. However, I can say that the car drives and handles very securely. The 2.0 engine and 5 speed transmission make for relatively fun driving. Acceleration is more than adequate, braking is excellent with good feel, and it is quiet for this class. I bought the car because of the low price and hatchback. It replaced a Honda coupe that was not nearly as practical. Overall, I am more and more pleased with the car as time passes. It seems Ford made some decent upgrades for the 2005-plus models. This car has been around so long it seems to rely on low price to sell.

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  Pay Now or Pay Later - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Steve - July 25 - 9:06 pm

  Just after 20000 miles, the Rotors and Pads ($325.00) needs to be done. Brake pads are very thin. It is true, you get what you pay for. Focus is lower in cost, but also lower in quality. It is has been told to us that replacing rotors and pads would need to be done yearly on top of the 30000 mile service which tops at 360.00! Give me a brake Ford! Im searching for Foreign made cars -- better quality!