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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  A great car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By ford owner - May 4 - 2:00 am

  i have driven mine 45,000 miles and replaced only the brakes. people who complain about recalls evidentally are idiots who didnt know what to expect when purchasing a car the first year it was made. the car is more dependable than i could have imagined.

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  Second Focus Wagon even better than first. - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Desert Dog - April 21 - 12:06 pm

  Just traded an 02 Focus wagon that I logged 54,000 miles in three years with no repair problems. Liked it so well I bought another, this time an SES. The 05 is quieter, steers better, has plenty of pep climbing hills and mountains, and gets great gas mileage. I like the new dash layout. Would recommend to anyone who wants the most for their money.

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  Bought Brand New no problems except for recall - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Rob - April 15 - 11:40 pm

  I bought this car in 2012 brand new. SE Sports & Winter Package. Great, reliable car. Only problem has been the transmission recall that my local dealership took care of (even though it took 3 visits). Has never stalled on me and starts great every time.

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  Fun to Drive - 2009 Ford Focus
  By DAVE - April 13 - 9:30 am

  Purchased this car for the economy. The 5 speed and on the open road I am very happy with 38 mpg and its not even broken in yet. About 30 mpg around town. Handles like a charm, the ride is great but a little choppy because of the shorter wheelbase, one of the problems with cars with a short wheelbase. Love this car!

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  i rented a brand new one - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Cherylg - April 11 - 2:00 am

  i took the car it had very few miles and i was going from brooklyn new york to lancaster PA the ride was very uncomfortable and the steering wheel shook when the car went over 65miles i would never ever buy any kind of ford cause i had a 1986 sable and thats similar to ford tauras which i think wereboth very unproductive vechiles so think before you purchase one.

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  Be not mislead! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By An owner - April 11 - 2:00 am

  My 2002 Ford Focus SVT is beyond a doubt one of the most fun to drive vehicles I have ever owned -- When I can drive it... I have had over ten repair issues in less than 10,000 miles and the car is currently in a sad state of disrepair. To ad insult to this injury my Ford service experience has been the absolute worst I have ever experienced.

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  Mixed feelings - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Bummed too - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new. In the 3 years (27,500 mls) Ive had it, its been more trouble than my 10 yr old Honda (+200,000 mls). Things that should work for a certain amount of time dont. The latest is the rear power window. The mechanism failed and now needs to be replace. This is just 3 weeks AFTER the wrnty expired. Ive also had to bring it back for recalls - wipers and backseat latch. The stereo was replace too. On the other hand it is fun to drive. I love all the cargo room with the back seat down. Its easy to manuever, and it has some zip to it. Its cute and good back seat leg room. Wont buy another, but remember you get what you pay for.

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  Love my new Focus SE Sedan - 2012 Ford Focus
  By ldw6559 - April 7 - 5:37 am

  I just picked up my New Focus Sedan in Sterling Metallis Grey with a 5 speed manual tranny and the 203A package. Including 2500 in rebates final price 15,775.00. I cant imagine another car with all these features , ( look up 203A package) for a better price and it handles and drives better than my wifes 28,000.00 Camry. This car is comfortable, stylish, well made and an absolute blast to drive. The interior is well laid out and very comfortable. The ride is excellent and very quiet. Try one before you purchase a simular size car and Im betting youll choose the Focus. Looks alone inside and out have that European feel and remember most of this car was designed in Germany and built in Mich.

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  Zippy, Fun But Extremely Frustrating - 2000 Ford Focus
  By KCM - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Loved car when bought. Still like it, but tired of quirky surprises! Had a cracked AC line 6 months after purchase. It was at dlrshp 3 mths waiting for for the part to come in. Many recalls. Most recent on fuel pump. Car cant be started to move just couple of feet in driveway or critical valve sticks and car wont restart. Dlr says drive around block to avoid problem. Prblm with wires in steering column caused exterior light failure on 2 diff. occasions. Brakes(rotors too) had to be replaced. Crz cntrl would not remain engaged; had to be repaired. Ignition swtch went bad, key would not go into the ignition. Many rpr bills while still making car pymts!

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  Fix Or Repair Daily Focus - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Zal - April 5 - 10:21 am

  This car has been nothing but problems since new. It eats tires fast no cam camber adjustment on the rear wheels. The A/C quit working at 50k. The alternator has been replaced twice. The transmission had to be replaced. Need to remove bumper cover to replace headlamps. The cable for the hvac blend door had to be replaced. The A/C compressor had to be replaced. The center arm rest is caving in. The trunk wont close properly. Rear main seal leak. This car is horrible for winter driving even with blizzack snow tires. This will be my first and last ford.