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:

• 

  Never let me down - 2000 Ford Focus
  By jblakeney - July 30 - 10:00 am

  After being forced into buying a car on rather short notice by a wreck, I decided that what I wanted was a vehicle which was able to haul me and all of my crap, be economical, and still be fun to drive. The Focus Zx3 has lived up to all of that, with the exceptions of interior quality and fuel economy. The fuel economy is partially my fault, as it has been so much fun to drive (fast), and in the summertime with the AC on, it can suck up a lot of fuel, even on the highway. I have experienced few mechanical problems (my ignition key stopped working once), and I have driven this car about as hard as I know how.

• 

  my first new car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By dreami1969 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I think that the only thing that i have a problem with is that the trunk has rusted inside, so when it rains the water runs into the trunk, mildew smell comes out of the A.C. unit when we turn it on and the passanger side door panel is coming off, other than that we love the car.

• 

  Focus SE - 2008 Ford Focus
  By MAdams40 - July 26 - 9:33 pm

  I have had my new Focus Se for 16 days now and I can truly say that I am impressed. I am driving 108 miles per day and I drive about 70% highway and 30% city. I am getting 32.7 MPG average. The car is very smooth and peppy while being comortable as well. I had a Mitsubishi Galant LS V6 and would definitely not go back. I have to say that Ford has really done a great job with this car. I would highly recommend that anyone looking to get a very nice car with lots of bells and whistles should seriously consider this. It beats out its competition without breaking a sweat by giving the buyer more features for less money. Gas mileage is great and the ride beats the Civic and Corolla.

• 

  Good little car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Bryan - July 26 - 1:23 am

  This little car is more than what I expected for the cost. I would have to say it moves nicely and does not have any issues getting around for a little 2.0 liter. I am happy to lower my payments as this is a great car for the money, I would choose it over a Honda civic any day of the week. Our other car is a 06’ Honda Accord and the Focus is quieter than my fully loaded V6 Accord. The interior is clean and well thought out as the controls with the satellite radio and sync take a little getting used to. I will have to say that “The Sync is far superior to the i-control of the BMW 5 series and the Honda Accord that I own.” This is a gas saver and a great commuter car and garage others

• 

  not a fan - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Erin Lynn - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This car was too light, so it was bad in rain and snow.

• 

  I love this car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Mrs Greene - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is wonderful, well built, havent giving me any problem. I love his car.

• 

  mine - 2003 Ford Focus
  By JDJ - July 24 - 2:00 am

  this is the second focus i have had...my previous was a 02 ford focus (just a few minor problems with the 02 that i had over 2 years) this has been a great car so far no complaints

• 

  Sporty - 2001 Ford Focus
  By JC64 - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I found this vehicle to be so exciting to drive, that if Im in a bad mood when I enter the cock pit module, I autmatically cheer up. its really fun to drive and handles very well. I have raced cars and motorcycles and theprformance of this car for the price in untouchable. Highly reccomend it.

• 

  Focus -- GREAT! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By JAC - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Very good driving dynamics. The brakes and steering are world class -- the benchmark for the rest of the competition!

• 

  A very good buy - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Joe - July 20 - 8:23 pm

  Im sorry to hear that one person had such a bad engine, but mine has 32,000 reliable miles. Ive tested the bumpers twice without a ding at 5-10mph bumps. Very comfortable, even after 7 straight hours behind the wheel. (WOW, no neck aches.) Its got enough pep to get me on the highway. I also like my MP3 CD player that comes standard. Mileage has been disappointing. I had a Contour before with a similar engine and it got 35mpg whereas the Focus gets about 30 mpg. I am pressed to say anything bad about the car.