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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  Best car for the money - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Marcus Ainsworth - October 11 - 5:43 pm

  Pros: I bought a highly loaded ST (6-track CD, leather, heated seats, air bags) less than Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic. Mazda 3 was comparable but more expensive and dash board was chintzy and rode harder. Adding any options to Corolla was expensive. The Focus ZX4 ST handles great, rides nice, and is comfortable to sit in. Shifter is quick and maximum torque is found at a good RPM. Trunk is very adequate for this class of car. Good HVAC. Cons: No light for the back seat compartment. Lack of automatic could be annoying to some but SE offers a solution.

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  Great Car! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Owensry - October 1 - 3:13 am

  This is a great car, rides nice, love the color, Sangria Red on the SES model with the standard spoiler and the SYNC system! Great handling

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  Focus - 2000 Ford Focus
  By liv - September 30 - 7:36 am

  I bought my Focus the year it came out in 2000. I had about one good year until many recalls came out. I was stranded out of state when the fuel pump broke, and it wasnt until year later that I recieved a notice for recall for the fuel pump. I had the replace the head gasket and the water pump. Many valves leak and it has steadily lost fuel efficiency. I would not reccommed buying the Focus.

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  So far so good - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Sgomez - September 28 - 2:00 am

  The car is very well equipped for the money. Lots of space and nice features everywhere. Power is modest but still the car is fun to drive due to great dynamics. Fuel economy is improving with time. Now its at 23 mpg. So far the only problems experienced is a squicky noise in the rear that I hope the dealership will take care of in the 5K service. The front wheels are always dirty due to fast fading brake pads, but so far the braking power has been adequate and enough. There is storage space everywhere in the cabin. The car feels much larger than it is. Focus is a very good car that Ford consciously failed to make a great car. Only they know why.

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  Upset about bad keys - 2012 Ford Focus
  By bvivian - September 26 - 8:45 am

  Bought my new 2012 Focus "S" 2 days ago. I pick it up from the repair at the dealer tomarrow. The computer kept saying "No key detected" and wouldnt start after putting only 77 miles on it. The dealer called me today while i was at work and said they found a new key and it works. Still im pissed. IT BETTER WORK ! Ill pick up my NEW car tomarrow ; AGAIN!

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  Life with a Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Jersey Dave - September 26 - 8:30 am

  My Focus wagon with automatic transmission has a lot of good qualities. Its spunky, offers great driving visibility and has lots of storage room. Little things like the theater lighting are also nice. But, Im not very pleased with around- town gas mileage in the very low 20s. A 2005 car with a 2.0 liter engine, even with an auto transmission, should do a lot better than that. (My 94 Geo Prizm still gets 25-26 around town). And, I really dont like the European suspension. In New Jersey, we have way too many streets and highways that are in pretty poor condition. I really have fears that my Focus with get beaten or shaken to death way before its time.

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  I love this car - 2012 Ford Focus
  By praveen75 - September 25 - 4:08 pm

  Took delivery 2 weeks ago and this car (SEL version) has got everything I needed. Technology apart, I am completely sold on the handling and performance of this vehicle. I already see a 30 MPG on my dash with 900 miles on the odometer - mostly city driving. Havent gone on a long drive yet and I am sure the vehicle can deliver on the 35 MPG promise on highways. I went with 10 speaker Sony Audio system and it is a mind blowing stereo experience. My Ford Touch is a little buggy but works with all my USBs and voice commands - cool. The vehicle strikes a perfect balance on the performance, afforadability, technology, fuel-efficiency and handling. The interior has a very clean finish. We love it!

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  Very Satisfied! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Azariah - September 17 - 2:03 am

  I love my Ford Focus! One of the best features is the SecureLock Anti-Theft system- without a programmed key, no key will work in the ignition switch! I love the look, feel, and the way that the car drives. My gas mileage for right now is a bit sluggish. Im averaging between 290 and 330 miles per tank, which isnt very much with my automatic. But I have less than 5000 miles on it so I believe it will improve. This car is certainly worth the money, and for me being a college student, this was the perfect fit for my first new car. This was the perfect upgrade from my 1993 Toyota Camry that was dying out on me. Certainly worth the buy!

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  Revised Focus - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Ian - September 17 - 12:23 am

  After a trying three years of ownership with an 02 Focus, I decided to give it another go with an 07. Ive had the car for a day so far. Performance is good, comfort is good, a very good value for the money. Long range reliability isnt promising, so get an extended warranty that covers more than powertrain - you wont regret it. My 02 was great until it 50k - it was all downhill for the last 22k miles of ownership with that car. With the 07s, the SE and SES are the best values if you want A/C.

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  Little Did I Know - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Jack - September 6 - 6:21 pm

  I bought a Ford because I had driven a Ford rental and found it an extremely comfortable drive. I make frequent trips of over 100 miles and my previous car just wore me out- it was so uncomfortable. The Focus front seats are very comfortable, as is the steering wheel. Then I discovered the shuddering joys of the dual-clutch tranny. I couldnt believe a car manufacturer would knowingly produce thousands of cars with such clearly defective and dated technology. Especially as they were trying to make a comeback in the car market. Anyway, I got used (believe it or not) to the shudder I experienced when starting up and just appreciated the comfortable ride, the bluetooth technology, and being able to listen to my ipod while driving. The car gets decent gas mileage (approx. 31 highway/26 city) and has been very reliable. Ive mostly just taken it in for regular maintenance. The interior storage is the worst Ive ever experienced resulting in there being hardly any. The glove box is most poorly designed glove box Ive ever seen (no sides), to the point where its almost useless. I ended up putting a squarish bag in there just so all my stuff wouldnt fall out. I hate to think what Ill get for my Focus in trade or resale.