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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  No transmission issues for me. - 2012 Ford Focus
  By bigbaby - December 31 - 3:24 pm

  After 3 months and 2000 miles driving mine, I think they fixed the transmission issues on the Auto,Manual with some kind of recall/patch. Mine is smooth, quiet, only issue is very slight delays backing out and starting from stop, but not so bad to be annoying. Have yet to have a problem with the car. Started off getting about 34 MPG but now closer to 30. Think its my mix of driving, summer gas, and non-stop a/c on now.

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  zx3 - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Deejinator - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car overall, handles well and gets great gas mileage. mine has a little over 80,000 miles on it and still runs like new

• 

  FANTASTIC DRIVE - 2002 Ford Focus
  By DEL323 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  This car is 2nd only to my BMW 3 series for less than half the price. The handling is great, steering feedback is excellent and power is adequate. Its been very reliable so far.

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  used to like Ford - 2001 Ford Focus
  By hateafocus - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Bought factory certified at 13500. 1 wk later safety recall on engine cable. At 30000 the front brakes and rotors wore thru. My previous car went 150000 on rotors and brakes. I know how to drive and take care of a car. Had them replaced with heavy duty rotors. Even new brakes squeal like a pig. Part of the appeal, huh? During ice and snow the steering wheel will whip out of your hands when turning a curve. The next safety recall, the fuel pump. Causes surges, lags and hey, no power while going 50 mph. They fixed for free. The CD player has now died. After a fuel injection cleaning and tune up I do get 42 on highway, 28 in city, less with A/C.

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  Focus SE 2003 4 door model - 2003 Ford Focus
  By gerd knaak - December 24 - 3:20 pm

  Reliable car, fun to drive with the Pirelli tires. Good handling, sluggish automatic transmission. Mileage in town not that great for a small car. Excellent 5 disk CD stereo. Should have more power for a 2 L engine.

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  Ford Focus rating - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Gwyn - December 21 - 8:26 am

  The Ford Focus Is a very quiet and smooth ride, and Is very economical on gas.

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  Focused on Focus - 2007 Ford Focus
  By dodge6095 - December 17 - 8:03 pm

  Just purchased a 2007 Focus SE four door 1000 miles ago. The Focus is a very agile and comfortable and fun vehicle to drive. Very stable on the highway and on turns and curves. We are averaging 27-28 mpg city driving and 35-37 mpg on the highway. Seats are very comfortable for these two senior citizens. Lots of trunk and cargo area. The styling on these focuses are superior to any I have test drove or looked at. The 4 cyl engine has plenty of get and go and you will be driving at 75 mph and not even realize it. Very good acceleration. Very good braking action and stopping distances. Interior is laid very well placed.

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  The older she gets, the better she looks - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Workingguy - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I have around 117,000 on my 2000 LX. I have been getting lately about 31 around town and 38 on the highway for tanks averaging around 35. It doesnt use any oil and the front end is still solid as granite. I havent had any problems with the car except for replacing the fuel pump and the alternator. The AM radio gets a bit of noise from the ignition system, which Ford never could fix. I will eventually put a filter in the link to see if that works. Otherwise, the Focus seems to have been a good investment. Based on the experience I have had so far, I expect the Focus to last well over 200,000 miles.

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  Worst Mistake I ever made - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Jamie - December 10 - 7:20 am

  I bought my focus brand 2014 new and have had nothing but problems with it, 4 times in the shop over the shutter issue the last time I was waiting over 3 months for the clutch to be replaced due to back order part. I was scared driving this car the way it jerked when trying to take off. I finally got FMC on the phone and told them i do not feel safe at all driving this car. With in 2 weeks my part was sent to the dealer and the new clutch was installed. I am not holding my breath that it will not happen again from what I have been seeing from other owners.

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  Good reliable car - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Jack Driscoll - December 6 - 4:37 pm

  Overall a good car for past 4 years. Disappointed in the resale value.