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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  Buyer Beware - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Bill Smith - June 11 - 4:26 am

  Bought car new and have had nothing but troubles with transmission. This car should be on recall as it is a safety issue when driving at highway speeds and car decides to buck and jump. Just traded it on a new Camry will never buy another Ford car. Real disappointment and the dealer could only make excuses. This car could get you killed when driving at highway speeds. Read the internet it is full of horror stories regarding the transmission. Purchased this car with the hopes it would be a dependable vehicle and then had to trade it in to get something dependable. Ford is terrible to deal with, dont buy this car if it is your primary driver as it will let you down and Ford will only make excuses for an inferior product. The Focus rates there with the flaming Pinto.

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  Love my Focus! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By kristafied - June 5 - 2:00 am

  This car has been great! Fun to drive, lots of goodies, plenty of pep, especially with the manual transmission and Zetec engine. I recommend it to anyone!

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  Focus Mileage Better than Forecast - 2008 Ford Focus
  By craig lawrence - June 4 - 11:36 pm

  Decided to do the green thing and shopped all cars in this class. The Focus seemed best. I have to admit the sync system was intriguing. My mileage has been great. With wind, 55 mph: 44.5 mpg. Against wind, 70 mph: 35.6 mpg. No wind, 80 mph: 29.8 mpg. No wind, 60 mph: 37.1. Look, its not a glamorous car but I got the leather seats and are they worth it. I went from a Suburban to the Focus. Wow. I love a 10 gallon fill. Hats off to Ford for building a great little car.

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  2009 SE - 2009 Ford Focus
  By keepinon - June 1 - 6:20 am

  Ive had the car for about two weeks and so far I am very impressed. I Sold a Toyota Matrix to buy this car because I wanted something made in Michigan, my home state. The car is quieter and smoother riding than the Toyota. It has a nicer interior. Although I miss the hatchback utility of the Matrix, I knew that going in. My first tank of mixed city/highway driving in winter weather yielded about 27.8 mpg with the four speed automatic. I got a good deal on the car from the dealer in my town and there were plenty on the lot so I didnt have to order one. Seriously, if you are in the market for a comfortable affordable compact car, take a test drive. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

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  ZX4 Focus 2005 Automatic - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Ken - May 29 - 7:26 pm

  No complaints, except placing a K & N Air Filter is an odyssey. Very difficult due to location.

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  2005 Ford Focus ZX5 SES - 2005 Ford Focus
  By ALJOKY - May 26 - 10:00 am

  It is very powerful, light, balance and the most comfortable seat to drive long distance.

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  never again - 2000 Ford Focus
  By geoboy - May 17 - 2:00 am

  very poor reliability, poor mileage

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  Focus on style - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Thomeyboy - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Awesome ride, was very critical, and was impressed. the smooth handling,a nd comfortable interior sold me on the vehicle. Not to mention the great economy!

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  2000 Ford Focus ZTS - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Hanuman - May 8 - 1:03 am

  Well, my Focus ZTS is a very good car performance wise; it has great power and acceleration. Also on the ZTS model, the seats and steering wheel are adjustable so I can customize to my liking. My complaints with it are several: 1. All those darn recalls. 2. The cheapo organic brake pads installed with the front disk brakes. 3. My transmission leaked a little 4. Squeaky OEM windshield wipers

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  Impressive Safety - 2003 Ford Focus
  By geo50000 - May 7 - 1:23 am

  My ex wife totaled our 2003 Focus at 55 mph on a mountain road; Every corner of the car was demolished - but she walked away with only a small bump on her head. The cabin was completely intact. I recently bought another one just like it. A good, solid car for the money.