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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  Hunk of Junk - 2002 Ford Focus
  By milleragain - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Focus for nearly three years. I have replaced the tires twice. I have had two brake jobs. The wheel bearings have been replaced on every wheel. CD player was replaced, steering rack and steering pump replaced. Now it sounds as though the frame is falling apart. I am so fed up with this car, I am going to trade it in. Oh yeah, resale value stinks!

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  Focus ZX3 - 2005 Ford Focus
  By scionandfocus - November 11 - 3:43 pm

  Took delivery of the second-least expensive version of the Focus available less than a month ago, a ZX3 S manual with air conditioning. With incentives, it had a no-haggle price of $11,062 (plus taxes, tags, and dealer charges). Toss in the cars roomy interior and great ride and handling, and the car seems like a winner. However, since we took delivery of the car, a problem with the manual transmission has appeared no fewer than five times, requiring three trips to the dealer that have yet to solve the problem. Hopefully this and any other problems with the car arent widespread. Shoppers: its worth counting on that to get what is probably the best small-car buy out there.

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  Great Vehicle - 2001 Ford Focus
  By MHadden - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Although Ive only had my Focus ZX3 for a couple of weeks now, I can still say this is one of the best built economy cars on the market. The frame is solid, engine is perky especially when you get above 4k rpms. It is nice going down the road and barely here the engine or road! I would recommend this car to almost anyone!

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  Better than I had expected - 2008 Ford Focus
  By RW - November 6 - 9:23 pm

  Going into my new car search I was almost certain I was going to get a Chevy Cobalt. I decided to test drive the Focus just so that I could get a quote and use that to lower the price of a Cobalt when I visited the Chevy dealer. But as soon as I began to test out the SYNC system I fell in love. That thing works so well I am blown away by it. Not much room in the back for passengers, but thats to be expected. All in all, assuming it stays reliable, Id say this is an incredible car with a great price

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  Focus 5-door Hatchback - 2002 Ford Focus
  By gklemmer - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Delivers to expectations. Performance is good, fuel economy a bit less than expected. Good on the expressway, more comfortable seating than expected.

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  Mach Edition - 2003 Ford Focus
  By kt928 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Last summer I purchased a mach edition ZTS and I have never regretted it! I havent had a single problem with my car and every person whos been in it has been astounded about the roominess of the interior. It can turn on a dime and corner like no car Ive ever driven. If youre looking for a small car that is a lot of fun to drive, look no further.

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  More than meets the eye - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Ryan - November 3 - 1:40 am

  This is a 35mpg (wring out a few more, if you pay attention to the MPG meter) economy car that doesnt make you feel like you are driving an economy car. The motor has plenty of pep for accelerating into freeway traffic, although, it doesnt have much left after 65mph. The car handles very well right off the lot and the ride is surprisingly quiet and comfortable. If you can sacrifice a bit of that quiet and comfort for a greater improvement in handling and style, I would suggest going with the 17" wheel option with the 215/45 tires. I purchased mine after I took delivery of the car and paid almost double. The car overall feels well-built and reliable. I am very satisfied.

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  Great Kid Car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Grant - October 29 - 12:46 am

  Bought this car for our 17 year old. Chose a new low cost car vs used few year old car. Really is fun to drive, great on gas and yes, very reliable for those "Ill be home when the mall closes" evenings. Found we all use the car for that quick trip down to the store.

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  Owned a lot of cars - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Ace - October 26 - 7:50 am

  Ive own a lot of cars, built here, in Europe, and Japan. You cant beat this car for the money. I drive a combination of stop and go city and highway miles every day and get 27 - 28mpg. Very reliable. I also got rid of the Firestone Firehawk tires and put on 4 new BF Goodrich Traction T/As. Better handling and superior rain and snow handling. This car handles better than most cars costing over $35K. Nice trasmission, smooth engine needs more power. 150hp would be just right.

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  My first new car, wont be my last Focus - 2000 Ford Focus
  By italianguy - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Love this car! Its been a reliable hauler (love the folding split seats) and has plenty of giddy-up for a small car. Outside of the recalls, Ive had no major problems with it. I get about 34 highway/27 city mileage wise. I cant complain with that. Havent had a need to transport many passengers, thankfully, the rear seat is a pain to get into.