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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  Look Elsewere - 2001 Ford Focus
  By THIS CAR SUCKS - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Ford Focus for a year, with nothing but problems. First my driver side door lock breaks. I take it in, get it fixed, all is well until........my passenger rear door has the same problem. UM excuse me, this shouldnt happen once, but twice. The car is nice looking, and it has some zip, but I would recommend a KIA over this car, if you want a quality car, dont buy Ford, I will never buy a Ford again.

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  Dissatisfied - 2002 Ford Focus
  By unhappy - June 30 - 5:43 pm

  Transmission started slipping at 20,000 miles. Tires worn out by 30K. Transmission now leaking fluid. Low gas mileage.

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  Great Ugly Car - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Suto - June 29 - 2:00 pm

  A surprising car. The 2.0 is significantly faster than my beloved 2003 Protege ES. The ride is nice and soft, yet the car handles really well. There is a lot of body roll during spirited driving, but this isnt a performance model. Big truck easily fits a lawn mower. Soft seats, decent dead pedal placement, high seating position. If you dont care about looks, this is the best American car. Better than Neon and Cobalt Now the bad: This is an ugly little car. It looks like something poor people would drive in the former Soviet Union. Also, the interior is cheap and ugly, and after a while the plastic starts to smell. The engine sounds really weak, and the transmission shifts oddly at times

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  SAVE YOURSELF!!!! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Depressed - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a used Focus in early November 2002. By Thanksgiving, it was in the shop for a belt, plugs and wires. By Christmas it needed a new steering rack. (Can I just say no car with less than 150K miles needs a new STEERING RACK???) I fear what will happen next with this car. Also, the car has ABSOLUTELY NO VALUE once you drive it off the lot -- three long, long months of ownership has devalued the car by nearly $4000. Now I cant even trade the thing away. Gas mileage is nothing special - I expected more from a car this small. Overall, I should have kept my 95 Nissan Pick- up. They have about the same gas mileage, and I would still have 4WD.

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  MUST test drive this car to believe it! - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Ron - June 27 - 4:53 pm

  I was looking for a personal car to zip around in that was cheap on gas. I settled for a 2006 Toyota Corolla with sunroof, but due to a shortage, car was not to be delivered for 3 weeks! For the fun of it, I visited a Ford dealer and checked out the Focus. For less money, I got a boat load of options not planned for the Corolla. After a test drive, there was no turning back. Seats are much more comfortable and overall the car is much more fun to drive. I never thought I would buy a Ford, but so far I love the car + highly recommend you test drive one!

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  THE 2.3 ENGINE IS AMAZING!! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By josh_ph2003 - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my focus this week and the fun of my life begins.The 2.3 liter engine is so powerful, considering the price! ( i got mine for $12T+) thanks with the help of tyrone and regie! I LOVE THIS CARE! IT WILL LAST FOR ME!

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  okay - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Focus queen - June 18 - 10:00 am

  The cars is great. Can be fast of the line, you go 50 without paying attention.and the ac is chilly. Overall i like the Focus.

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  Dont believe the reviews! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Johnny P - June 16 - 6:46 pm

  I have had the car for 3 months now, and I have to say; dont believe all these bad reviews. I am 62" and I fit into this car perfectly. I love the European styling and the ergonomical interior; everything is in its right place. Fit and finish is top notch. The car handles exceedingly well for its price class, which is what won it car of the year. Only issue I have had to deal with was a fussy ignition. Other than that, it starts on freezing cold mornings, gets me to and from work, feels very safe and sure footed in all weather conditions. If you get a 5 speed, it will make a tractor sound in low RPMs... this is normal and called gear rollover. Did I mention its a blast to DRIVE.

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  WOW!!! THIS IS IT!!!!! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By j.becker - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Since owning this vehicle, I cant stay out of it! I look for excuses to go places. I am 44 years of age, this is my second Focus, my first a 2001 zx3 was also a great, and trouble free vehicle. I love the look of envy I get from all the neighborhood teen age kids when I pull up and they are messing with thier hondas ! Eat my dust!!!!

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  ZX4 ST a cool car - 2006 Ford Focus
  By joe scaramuzzo - June 11 - 10:46 am

  It was easy to buy, fun to drive.