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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  Wouldnt Trade it for The World - 2000 Ford Focus
  By LoveMyFocus - June 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is great! I got it as a graduation gift and drive it every where. It is almost four years old and I am about to roll over to 100,000 miles! I intend to drive this car until it falls apart, and with the way it is going it will be a while before that happens! I cannot say enough about the great size and handling of this car. It is so fun to drive and I get compliments on it all the time. I definitely will stay in the focus family when I decide to get something new!

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  Enough is Enough - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Scammed - June 28 - 10:00 am

  For the first time in my life I am never going to buy another Ford product. The dealership at one point had my car for 2 straight weeks. They even broke the windshield!! The most recent problem was the fuel pump was replaced. The rear bearings/moldings/seat latch/front stabalizer bushings twice...Now from researching the Internet it seems as if the brakes are an issue. After typing this I am going out to take the wheels off! I am told in secret by a dealership source that the Focus is a major problem. If there were limited problems with the car I would think that it was the greatest thing since sliced bread. Only I think its closer to burnt toast.

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  Nice Surprise! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By ValWat1 - June 26 - 10:00 am

  At first when my salesman brought the car over for me to look at honestly I thought "I dont like it" because I really wanted a 4 door model. But when I sat in it I noticed how comfortable the seats were, how great the stereo was, the neat armrest compartment between the seats the (get this) Cruise Control & on & on...Also how surprisingly LARGE the trunk space is I fell in LOVE with it.

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  SUV replacement - 2007 Ford Focus
  By SUVreplacement - June 25 - 1:33 am

  With the ST 2.3 liter getting 26 m.p.g. city/some hwy. Very good performance. I think interior is very good. Has lots of extras for comfort. Compared to my stolen Jeep Liberty, it drives like a sports car. Stick shift is easy, saves gas,weight, and mechanical complexity.

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  Will Never Buy Ford Again! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Helen - June 20 - 1:23 pm

  Sad, but the Focus really soured me on all Fords. What hasnt gone wrong on this car? Despite the recalls just since Ive had it, the $2400 transmission put in at 70K, the extra $1000 it will take for MORE O2 sensors, fuel gauge sensor, etc. and the additional $1,000 Ive put in since Ive had it (if you add it all up, its about what the trade in is worth), Ive had it with this car. Once one thing goes, everything goes.

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  1 of the best 10 cars - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Yas305 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Its a realy fun car to drive its reliable, has a beautiful style.

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  love/hate relationship - 2001 Ford Focus
  By silentzero - June 17 - 2:00 am

  ive had my zx3 for 2 year this month. its the hottest little car for what i paid for it. im a big guy (6-2) and i have plenty of room in this car. fuel economy is OK, considering i drive about 400 miles a week. its rather quite (with new tires), but roomy!...the only gripes is that my focus was in the shop after 5k and 6 times after that, now its got 28k

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  Two good Foci - 2005 Ford Focus
  By gregstr - June 16 - 9:50 pm

  Great car for the money so far. Fully loaded car like this is a bargain. Also, my 2001 Focus has been a very good car so far (70,000 miles).

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  Much better cars that are higher priced - 2008 Ford Focus
  By mrtoastee - June 13 - 4:26 am

  First let me say, this car looks good, inside and out. The engine is very zippy, the shifting is very smooth (I have the automatic), interior is quiet, seats comfy, steering is responsive, steering wheel is great, and dash layout is clean. Interior is not bland in my version.I love that there are no cubby holes in the dash and everything is smooth and metallic looking. This translates to no dust or dirt getting stuck in corners, on buttons, or dark spaces which is a plus I believe. Radio gets bad reception? Not mine, I have satellite radio that came with it, and yes.. the same small radio antennae. Maybe you should check wattage on radio stations you choose, mine picks up radio from France.

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  fun spirited small American car - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Jeff - June 12 - 8:20 pm

  The automatic transmission has perfect shift points and quick response from throttle input. The steering feels nimble with good road feel. The ride is firm, but not harsh. No squeaks, rattles or wind noise heard so far. Fit and finish are above average. The seats could use a little more support for lower thighs.The SES model seems to be well worth the extra cost over base models.