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 Reliable Vehicle, Never a Problem - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Dennis Tinberg - March 1 - 5:42 pm

  Proven reliability, Never a problem. Easy to drive, set ups high for a smaller vehicle. Good Road car with minimal road noise. Secret is good tires and good struts, improve good handling to excellent handling for smaller than mid size car. Plenty of room for four and or five with youths in the rear seat. Trunk space is generous. Ford perfected the body and engine after years of redesign.

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  Read this - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Frank - February 25 - 2:36 am

  One word sums up my Focus, surprised! I was set on not buying a Ford. Reading the reviews my heart was on a Corolla, Civic or Mazda 3. However after all my research and actually test-driving I can honestly say Im very impressed w/ my Focus. Quiet, great handling, good mileage and solid. Power isnt impressive, but more then adequate (if youre looking for power get out of this car class). Lots of car for the money!

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  dont, if you dont have to - 2000 Ford Focus
  By former focus owner - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I just traded my focus in and Im glad about it. If you dont have to buy a focus get something else. Its cute and all but it feels exactly like your driving a little go-cart. I think it was made for high school kids who were purchasing their first car. This is not a car for adults!

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  What an oustanding vehicle - 2003 Ford Focus
  By ajpuckett - February 23 - 2:00 am

  After 5 months and 6000 miles I am very happy with this car. The best thing about it by far is its exceptional handling. It is so much fun to drive that I often drive it unnecessarily. The acceleration is nothing to write home about but about as good as all the other cars in this class. The sound system rocks even without the six-speaker/subwoofer/6-disc changer upgrade. I can only imagine how great the other system sounds. It gets great fuel economy, I average about 33 mpg on the highway and 25 in the city. I test drove almost 10 different cars in this class before choosing a Focus, and only Mazda Protege came close to being this much fun to drive.

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  focus - 2000 Ford Focus
  By hl - February 21 - 10:00 am

  ford focus is a good reliable car. Only suggestions is that make leather interior and option & better pick up. I like to look of the car.

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  Good car for price - 2004 Ford Focus
  By dacomfort - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Overall I am very happy with the car. The pick-up is pretty good, especially for a 4 cylinder. Its very spacious for the price. The gas mileage is what I expected (based upon Consumer Reports rating) at about 24 mpg overall. The one thing that I dislike is when only the rear window (especially right window) is down 2-4 inches and travelling at 45-50 mph there are strong cavitations pounding the ear drums. This can be alleviated by opening other windows though. ZTW offers a lot more car for little price increase over SE wagon.

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  Awesome Car! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Jeff Krug - February 18 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. It has good looks with comfor and and most of all great features such as hid headlamps and a indash six cd changer with subwoofer. I previously had a 20th anniversary gti but actually like the svt focus more in regards of the options it comes with. It even has a nicer closer shift than any other stick I have driven which includes a hist of great cars. Great price for a awesome car!

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  Cant believe 55 MPG - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Cant believe MPG - February 18 - 2:53 am

  Bought the 2008 Focus for the price and gas mileage. I am still on first tank and the mpg keeps climing. Can I believe this? Sometimes for long stretches it says I am at 55MPG. Usually goes to 43 or so. Only when I am going slow or accelerating fast does it drop. Could this be true? I have driven it 3 days now and my gas gauge as barely budged! Other than that the car is OK nothing exciting. Black window trim came loose before I got it home. I had to snap it back in myself!

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  SVT Plays No Games - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Guy McFadden - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I work in a body shop and there we had an SVT Ford Focus ZX3 and it in the shop for repairs. Looking at the car on the lift, I was amazed at the transformation of the suspension of the vehicle MAN! I was impressed. To expand my curiosity I opened the hood and as soon as I saw the prim and propper set up of the engine and the sound I said im diffinitly going to buy this car and I did.

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  Not bad so far - 2003 Ford Focus
  By BadAndy - February 17 - 2:00 am

  The Good: Spacious Front/Trunk. Premium Sound with mp3/cd player. Thoughtful moveable driver hand rest/item bin. Power everything AND Cruise control. 6 speed int. wiper. 24/27 mpg w AC, 30/33 mpg w/o AC. Low/Mid highway road noise. The Bad: Gear change hangs/jerks from zero to low-very annoying, thoughtful hand rest not so thoughtful for bigger people (gets in way of seatbelt buckle when down). Trunk lid doesnÂ’t pop all the way up, gets very uncomfortable after long period of driving. The Ugly: The gear change ratio makes an otherwise very peppy, sprightly car feel grossly underpowered.