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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  Fabulous and Fun Car - Wow! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Kim C - March 19 - 6:43 pm

  Nice styling, great ride, comfortable for 4 adults, great built in features, better mileage than advertised we get with the 4 Speed Automatic, 47MPG on Highway!!... Handles very well and quiet even in noisy conditions. Features like Sirius Satellite Radio and Sync really complete this as a great car to drive on any length trip.

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  EXCELLENT ROAD CAR WOOD GRAIN FULL LEATH - 2003 Ford Focus
  By jason - March 17 - 2:00 am

  ITS A AWESOME CAR TO HAVE

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  EXCELLENT ROAD CAR WOOD GRAIN FULL LEATH - 2003 Ford Focus
  By JASON - March 17 - 2:00 am

  ITS A AWESOME CAR TO HAVE

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  Dont buy this car! - 2015 Ford Focus
  By Archer - March 12 - 3:50 pm

  I have a 2015 Ford Focus. After 3,000 miles the transmission issue started, I thought it needed an oil change, but after another 3,000 miles I took the car in to be looked at and was told there was no fix! All they can do is change the clutch assembly and I would probably be back every 3,000 miles to fix the issue again! After the warranty runs out I have to pay for the issue. I looked it up and the 2011-2015 Ford Focus and fiesta all have this same problem.

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  2012 Focus SEL - 2012 Ford Focus
  By adamb1 - March 11 - 1:44 pm

  I have almost 3,000 miles on my 12 Focus SEL purchased 03/31/12. Two areas that concerned me at time of purchase have been addressed by FoMoCo. I have upgraded MyFordTouch and the system is faster, has not crashed, and integrates well with my IPhone 4s. Ive also had the transmission recalibrated under the recent service program. The drive is now smoother, lugs less at low speeds, does not lurch at low speeds, and downshifts quicker. I have no complaints about the recalibrated transmission only that this is how it should have been from the beginning. I am not getting the advertised MPGs but mileage has been improving with break in. Overall, its a great small car.

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  Economy and Performance, good price! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By sifocus - March 8 - 11:20 am

  Before I purchased this vehicle, I read many articles, reviews and test drove it for a week at a Hertz rental agent so that I could really feel what it is like to own one. Now I have bought this car the fun never seems to stop. The car performs very well and can be economical depending on your driving habits. You can have all of its 140 hp at your disposal or drive and take it easy to get that 30+ MPG your pocket craves for. What surprises me is that no matter how I drive this car, I can get a good range of 20-30 MPGs anyway. The brakes are quiet and predictable. The suspension is excellent for its class. Sporty coupe nice interior! Sirius and Sync rocks!

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  Family Car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By salene75 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I like this car. However, I have been disappointed by several things lately. It just came out of warranty, so of course, parts have begun to fail. I already had to replace the entire brakes, including rotors. Some parts of the interior have begun falling apart and the car is vibrating very badly when it is driven over 50 mph. Also, it is not what you would call a quiet ride. It is VERY loud inside during highway driving. I dont neccesarily regret that I bought this car, however I wouldnt purchase it again. Next time I will go for something that has a better reliabiltiy record like a Honda or Toyota.

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  Best car on the road today! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Smcyr - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Focus Wagon I have owned. After a major front end collision in my 2001 Focus Wagon and all 5 passengers walking away from a car with 10" of the front of the car pushed into the engine, not a bit of the interior passenger compartment was moved. The entire compartment remained intact and except for bruising and a few scrapes, we escaped unharmed. This proved safety to me and was the reason I went right for another Focus wagon when I replaced the original one! This car is build well and constructed for those of us in the Baby Boomer generation, a good thing! I love my car!

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  Quite Impressive - 2003 Ford Focus
  By jason_vat - March 7 - 10:00 am

  We purchased an 03 ZTS w/auto transmission about 2 months ago and Im very impressed with the car. Very comfortable and the MP3/CD stereo is GREAT! Everything seems to be laid out in a manner that is useful and comfortable for the driver. Best car in the price range for sure, it handles better than most cars that cost 10k more. We did have to have some warranty work on a small spot on the bumper where the clearcoat seemed to be missing, but the dealer fixed it quickly and professionally.

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  my new car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By celebrytie - March 2 - 7:23 am

  I am very happy with my purchase, Ive only had this one for a couple of days but I did rent one for a week in Atlanta last year and loved it. It has plenty of room for the kids and dogs at a very affordable price, very comfortable. So far everything seems to be just fine in it, Im sure time will tell but I did purchase a hefty warranty as always......