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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  WONT DIE - 2000 Ford Focus
  By FOCUS KILLER - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE IT I HAVE OWNED EVERTHING FROM TRANSAMS,CAMARO Z28, CHEVY TRUCKS, CROWN VICS, THIS CAR HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BEST I HAVE DRIVIEN IT IS FUN, CHEAP AND RELIABLE. I DRIVE ALL MY CARS HARD. I HAVE REPLACED FOUR SETS OF TIRES AND THREE SETS OF TIRES. ALSO ONE CLUTCH BUT HEY NO COMPLAINTS HERE. MOST OF THE OTHER FOR AN EXCEPTION OF THE CROWN VIC WOULD HAVE FALLEN APART BY NOW. THIS ONE JUST KEEPS GOING LIKE TH ENERGIZER BUNNY

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  Ford Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Doris Courtney - June 6 - 12:50 am

  This is a cute, economical car with all the amenities of a very expensive vehicle. Highly recommend it. Has a 6 CD player, climate control, anti-theft device, back seats fold down for extra room, dual airbags, heated side mirrors, loads of storage space, several cupholders, an outlet to charge a cellphone, floor mats, and keyless door entry. It has a separate button to blow the horn so you can find your car in a parking lot, cruise control, Pirelli tires. The price is reasonable with tax and tags, $15,000.

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  Sporty and fun to drive.... - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Stephen Stutsman - June 4 - 3:46 pm

  This is a wonderful car....especially for someone who wants to drive something thats sporty, but practical. Forget the backseat....it simply doesnt exist. But it has a lot of storage space for hauling things. I play in band I am able to get my amp, keyboard stand, and two keyboards, plus all of my other extra stuff in it with no hassle. I bought the Hatchback for this very purpose. It has a very nice stereo system....good bluetooth. Navigation system is pretty good....but not great. Good pickup and if you drive it right you will get good mileage. In flat terrain it will get easily in the mid to high 30s MPG. Im in the mountains and still manage in the high 20s. The Titanium model I have has every imaginable bell and whistle you could ask for on a car. Indeed, its hard to imagine a car in this price range and size having as much as it does.

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  Focus ZX3 For Me! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Debbie - June 3 - 7:16 pm

  I love this car! Its the most reliable US made car I have ever owned. Its fun to drive, handles well and is great even in snow. My next car will also be a Focus. Cant beat the gas mileage with the gas prices today. And it is practically maintenance free.

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  Genes new car opinion - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Eugene Dawson - May 29 - 7:26 pm

  I have the SE model with automatic antilock brakes traction control and upgraded 6cd sound system. Color is silver vapor metallic with charcoal interior. This car is built like a bank vault no squeaks or rattles and is according to the computer getting 35.4 miles per gallon on the first tank of fuel. This new model is much quieter and rides better than the previous year, overall a much improved vehicle. I did a lot of research before buying my new car and I would like to suggest if you are in the market for fuel efficient car that you give one a test drive. I think you will surprised by the new Focus.

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  Its A Good One - 2000 Ford Focus
  By paradoxdsf - May 27 - 12:33 pm

  Ive had good luck with my 2000 Focus ZX3, aside from 4 or 5 recall notices. Recalls are annoying, but none of the problems actually occurred with my car. Other than recalls, I havent had to take the car back to the dealership.

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  transmission troubles - 2012 Ford Focus
  By reedleo - May 25 - 11:10 pm

  I have >9,000 miles on my 2012 Focus with the dual-clutch automatic. I am not bothered by the backward roll on hill starts or the pulsing from dead stop, but it does have some real issues. 4 times now, driving in the S mode, when rolling through a low speed right turn then hitting the gas, all I get are revs and no power. I have to drive in S mode at low speed, because the shift points of the D mode are too low rpm (for max fuel economy no doubt) and the car shudders before it downshifts when given the gas. Also the tranny makes a lot of clatter noise in the 1-2 and 3-4 transitions, while being smooth as silk in all others.

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  Focus #1 - 2004 Ford Focus
  By shannonann - May 25 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Focus is like no other. I have had nothing but fun with my car and never have come into any problems with this car and am looking to get a 2004 Focus, all I have to do is decide on the color. Once the Focus came out, similar makes of car had the same body style, everyone wants a focus!

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  look out japan - 2003 Ford Focus
  By bill scwarz - May 25 - 2:00 am

  im a toyota man.bought this focus because i got such a great price.Im glad i did. There all over europe and now i know why.The unibody construction vehicle is quick and handles like a car that costs 10 grand more

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  Never thought I would buy a FORD - 2005 Ford Focus
  By chevyfangoneford - May 19 - 11:36 pm

  I was shopping for a car to replace my 2003 Chevy Cavalier. I wanted something sporty yet with good fuel economy. I was waiting for the new Chevy Cobalt to come out, wow what a disappointment. It was too small. The Ford Focus is so much bigger plus it had more to offer - power, fun to drive, better styling, and better performance all around. I like everything about my Focus ST; been happy with the car since I bought it. I recommend this car to anyone who wants performance, styling, and fuel economy all in one car.