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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  Focus 2005 - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Liz Glascom - May 6 - 10:40 am

  I purchased my Ford Focus after getting into a horrible car accident, in another Ford Focus. I would have been seriously injured if I was not in a Focus. My 2005 Ford Focus ZX4 has helped me continue to feel safe. My only problem with the vehicle was my transmission. About 11,000 miles later, my transmission blew. With my warranty I was able to get a brand new one. I am pleased with my Focus.

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  Great Multipurpose Vehicle - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Driver8 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I have driven 60k miles in the past 3 years and have experienced no problems with my focus other than having the brake pads replaced at 50k miles. I have driven a great deal on every terrain imaginable from ice and snow to sand, mud, gravel and pavement in my quest for adventure, and the focus has been a real trooper. Actually, my last car was a Trooper, and had nothing over the focus except a penchant for gas and oil. The wagon bed is big enough for sleeping, too. My only complaint is that fuel economy is surprisingly low for such a small vehicle (avg. 26 mpg in the past 3 years, 50/50 hwy and city)

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  The car is good but the dealer is BAD - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Nanjihu - May 6 - 10:00 am

  The most impressive if fuel economy: I drived 200 miles and only used 5-6 gallon gas with 5 people in the car.

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  Inexpensive High Quality Car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Focused - May 2 - 10:13 pm

  For the price and the discounts you get, this is the best buy in 2008 period. The cabin is super quiet, even when shifting gears(can barely hear the engine) and the shifting is smooth as butter. It handles awesome, the ride is very soft, has plenty of power, the seats are very comfortable, the Microsoft SYNC is just perfect. I have the Audiophile system and music sounds awesome with the built in Subwoofer. Ambient lighting is great as well. Do yourself a favor. If you want to get a high quality inexpensive car, this is the one! Plus, the gas mileage is great. I am very happy with this car. Cant believe how quiet and smooth it is....Awesomeness!

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  Most dependable car Ive owned - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Robert - April 30 - 8:43 am

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  Better then the Civic could ever be - 2008 Ford Focus
  By GMann27 - April 30 - 12:40 am

  From the smooth quite ride, to the surprisingly athletic styling, to the exceptional power the Ford Focus does everything right. I was concerned with downgrading the size and power of my engine, so much so that I initially never thought of looking at the Focus. But the test drive up one of the steepest hills in my area proved that the power and acceleration I would need was present. Ford is years ahead of Honda with this car. SYNC is absolutely amazing and will be a major "deal breaker" in all future car purchase.

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  A great Car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By cleggsan - April 22 - 10:00 am

  First rate small car.

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  A Good Car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By gxs - April 22 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for about a year now and I have no complaints. I bought it with about 39000 miles with the zetec engine. The only problem Ive had is a couple of brake cleanings and regular maintenace. (Oil changes, Tune up) The engine is quite once warmed up. Exterior is nothing to brag about, but there are some aftermarket parts than can be purchased to make it look better. Also interior seems a little cheap. And the Zetec engine is not gas friendly But I cant complain.

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  Fun to drive - 2002 Ford Focus
  By brianwheelies - April 22 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for a month and a half and put 9,000 miles on already. Installed a k&n cold air intake and a cat back exhaust, sounds great and has more top end rip. Drag raced my brothers miata and smoked him. The driver side mirror and rear view mirror vibrate and the driver side door is beginning to rattle, the only things I dislike about the car.

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  Ford Focus, A Good Choice - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Paul - April 22 - 9:43 am

  The engine has lots more power than I expected. The seats are more comfortable than those in my 2005 Explorer. The gas mileage is really nice. I drive daily in the stop and go traffic on Dallas, TX freeways and I am getting close to 30mpg.