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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  Ford Focus ZX3 Review - 2000 Ford Focus
  By almdtb - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for what is almost 3 months now. I havent had any problems with it at all. Ive recently gotten the windows tinted and added a spoiler, it is a very hot little car. I am very happy to own it.

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  Awesome bang for the buck sportscar - 2002 Ford Focus
  By M Rose - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I was set on buying the wagon version of the Focus. On a whim, I test drive the car I bought, a ZTS sedan, and was instantly smitten with this car. The ride quality and handling was noticably better than the normal Focus sedans, and much better than the wagon. I drove away with it two hours later and it has been the perfect car. So far, there are 10,550ish miles on the clock, and theres not been one, single problem. Its still as fun to drive as the day it was bought--highly recommended.

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  Costly Mistake - 2001 Ford Focus
  By MeganRC - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Mom & I bought "foci" & regret it. I’ve replaced my ignition @30K mi; my moms was replaced twice @ the same mileage. My check engine light is on & dealership didn’t fix the trouble; they reset the light. A week later the warranty ran out & the light came back. I won’t take it to Ford due to disappointing experiences @ 2 shops in 2 parts of FL. My mechanic said this trouble could cost 150-500 depending on if it’s a leaking hose or a defective valve. My moms is having this problem (still under warranty)& the dealership said it didn’t cover this & it would cost her 300+ to fix. The fabric on the seat has worn all the way through in places-I‘m 120lbs

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  Love My Car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Urdolly - August 30 - 2:00 am

  If you want a fun, stylish car that is not going to make you broke, buy a Ford Focus. This car is so comfortable to drive and the ride is so smooth. The trunk is large enough, even for the biggest shopaholic.

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  real performer - 2003 Ford Focus
  By inahurry - August 30 - 2:00 am

  The SVT Focus is a true performance car (see stats in Consumer Reports, which say, among other things, that the SVT is about equal to a Porche 911 with respect to its handling). Ford makes available lots of great extras that others dont, at least for the price (HID headlamps, audiophile sound, heated seats, etc.). I still think, like the other reviews, that more low end power is ironically missing. Still, the car is very, very well balanced and responsive. The 6-speed transmission is nice.

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  Fun car with a lot of problems! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By kayakgirl - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Focus for 2 years now, only 18000 miles, and it handles great, its spacious, and looks good BUT-besides 3 recalls, Ive taken it in to have the power steering pump replaced there was also the plastic guard below the windshield wipers falling off, trim along the passenger side roof peeling, the vinyl cover on the emergency brake with several cracks in it, and I also have this horrible rattle on the rear passenger side that has been fixed several times but keeps coming back! Despite the fact these have all been fixed under warranty-what is going to happen in another 2 years?

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  Nickle and Dimed to Death - 2002 Ford Focus
  By YellowBananaZX3 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I enjoyed my Ford Focus ZX3, but... It has been in the shop every month, for unscheduled repairs, for the last 4 months (three additional times during the year prior). It has left me stranded twice (once in a bad part of detroit). It has proven too unreliable in the long run. I was hoping for 160k like I got in my 91 Ford Escort GT, but it looks like I wont make it past 65k in the focus. This is my last ford purchase, ever. It has just proven too unreliable, and Ford customer service is simply awful.

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  Was Never A Focus Fan...Til Now :) - 2012 Ford Focus
  By jihavoh - August 27 - 5:08 am

  I was looking for a high mpg car to replace my Sonata because I drive so many miles annually, it makes a significant difference. I went to a Ford dealership to test drive a Fiesta which was underpowered and too cramped. The salesman suggested the Focus and I was sold in seconds. It was still a little more cramped than the Sonata (obviously), but it made up for it in in every other aspect.

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  Better than expected - 2003 Ford Focus
  By 2focused - August 24 - 12:46 am

  Lots of fun to drive, good mileage and great handling with the SVT suspension I Installed for $325 and 6 hours labor.

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  Focus Wagon - 2001 Ford Focus
  By GaryL88 - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Bought a used Focus Wagon with 11K miles on it. Previous owner had put on 4 new Goodyear Eagle Aquatred3 tires on it at 7K miles. Now I have 29K on it and have chewed this set of tires - uneven wear. Anyone else have this problem? Yes, I had the alignment checked and rotations done.