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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  Worst transmission ever built - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Mike - May 17 - 4:00 pm

  Dont buy this car. Ford experimented with a dual-clutch transmission and it was a complete failure. Had a 2012 and 2013 Ford Focus that I bought for my kids and both were in the shop constantly due to the transmission. The 2013 had the clutch assembly replaced twice. Ford would never admit that the transmission was a flop even though the extended the warranty on it for 7 years. I contacted the regional customer service rep and they just gave me the standard line that "Ford will continue to repair the problem." What good is the car if it is always in the shop being repaired. This was my first experience with buying a Ford and it will be my last. Traded in both cars for a Chevy Cruze and a Toyota Corolla. Since Ford wont admit their mistakes and take care of their customers, I will never be a customer of theirs again. I guess the old Ford motto still holds true - Found On Road Dead.

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  So much fun - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Sarah - May 16 - 4:26 pm

  The first car I owned was the 2002 Focus. it was a great car but I traded it in for my 05. An even better car. It has a smooth quiet ride. Wonderful pick up and no matter where I am driving I always seem to get looked at and comments about my cars charcter and style. I wouldnt trade it in for the world.

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  2005 Focus wagon - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Rainer McGee - May 15 - 2:10 pm

  Overall handling and performance with the manual transmission is awesome. Great sound system with the 6 CD radio. For a compact, the handling and performance is more than I expected. The fuel economy is second to none in the non-hybrid class. And that is one of the reasons I purchased the Focus wagon. Its nice and roomy too. When "they" said its fun to drive, "they" were not kidding. By the way, Im 65 yrs old and having fun driving it. (and I can afford to drive anything I want and I chose the Focus).

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  excellent car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Nancy Macias - May 14 - 10:00 am

  i love my ford focus, we liked it so much we bought another one, theyre some of the best cars fords come out with..

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  This car is a P.O.S. - 2000 Ford Focus
  By AshleyAsh - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Fuel pump has gone out more times than I can count. Electrical everything goes out more times than Heinz has ketchup...good luck to anyone who buys one of these damn things! Get a good warranty.

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  SVT Power - 2003 Ford Focus
  By gvran7171 - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Lots of bang for the buck. real xenon lights, not those fake aftermarket lights. Need to keep revs up to enjoy engine. Unreal handeling. kept up with bmw 330 series no problem. very stable at high speeds (110 plus).

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  Would be the most ultimate compact on earth if... - 2014 Ford Focus
  By tatepc@gmail.com - May 11 - 12:36 am

  Had 180 HP and a regular transmission like the 2010 focus. Great car, except for the trans that skips in between 1st and 2nd driving in city. Awesome on the highway though. In all fairness some have found a transmission fix has resolved the issue.

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  Please do not buy save your money - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Marg - May 8 - 10:35 pm

  Bought the car with 30,000 miles. Only good thing about it is gas. It has major transmission problems has been to dealership 5-6 for this issue only in 2yrs that I have owned it. Car stereo wouldnt go off no matter what I did, problems with the car horn and steering wheel locked up twice, once this last year took In to ford and again this year. The car has gear problems and they want $1600. Its not a safe car and expensive repair costs plus it doesnt drive good. Please dont fall for the looks, its totally not worthy it!!

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  Careful if you buy a manual 2005 ZX3 - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Jennifer Reidy - May 8 - 9:16 pm

  I bought this car, took it on vacation and on the way home, the brand new clutch burned out on a Saturday. On Monday I was told the part was on a national backorder. It would be weeks before it would be ready. I was 800 miles from home. My dealership was awesome. They got Ford to pull the part off the assembly line. The reimbursed me up to a $1000, but not for my missed time at work which cost me another $500. I love the car, but I will not buy another manual after this.

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  Near-Perfect except for Tire/Road noise - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Larry - May 5 - 6:30 am

  After 2500 miles,this car is in the top 5 of cars I have owned. I have owned dozens. Surprisingly quick and agile. Factory specs say 0-60 in 8 seconds. That is not bad acceleration for getting about town and into traffic. The car will exceed the posted speed limits anywhere I have driven on mountain highways in Colorado. Drivers seat and driving position is very comfortable (I am 62"), although my 55" female passenger seat occupant thinks the center of the back of that seat is uncomfortable. I didnt get the bluetooth/synch option but the auxiliary input jack is very handy for portable audio and XM users