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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  Think twice before buying - 2012 Ford Focus
  By TH - March 11 - 4:48 am

  I purchased my Focus used but with only 6k miles. Think twice before purchasing one used. The car has several great attributes. Even 5 years later, the styling is still great. For a small car it looks fantastic and accelerates, brakes, and handles much better than most economy cars are supposed to. Plus, the fuel economy is excellent. Around town, i routinely average 28-32 mpg and have seen as good as 38 on the freeway. All of these great traits are ruined however by very shoddy reliability. Its mainly highlighted by a horrible transmission that shudders, slips, and bangs at all speeds but mostly at initial acceleration. The dealership will do nothing for you except a reflash of the computer and tell you its within Ford technical specs. My car had a major radiator failure at 26k miles and had to have it completely replaced. I also had to have all the weatherstripping replaced before 20k miles. With 38k miles currently, the car has huge amounts of rattles and squeaks and the front suspension feels like a school bus over bumps.

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  svt focus european edition(comp. orange) - 2004 Ford Focus
  By stingerjk - March 7 - 2:00 am

  My svt focus is a treat to drive.It fares well in the handling/cornering department.Brakes seem to have little fade during normal use.Power could be better with more torque,but it is plenty powerful for the street.Interior amenities are good with nice side bolstering on seats for hard cornering.Radio/cd player are decent in sound quality as are the speakers and sub.The wheel and tire package sports a great look with performance to match.All in all, this is a cool ride to run around in.

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  15 miles to the gallon? - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Marty Richie - March 7 - 2:00 am

  I am a dealer and bought my Focus the year they came out so I have no one to blame but me for buying it. First off it is very noisy and the belt squeaks every time i start it. The doors lock while the motor is running(Not good with kids in the car seats) and last but not least 200 miles to the tank! That is horrible considering it is rated in the 30s on highway. I am a sales manager at Honda now and everytime I look at it i just want to set it on fire and call my agent. buyer be ware.

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  Ford Focus ZX3 - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Chris - March 5 - 12:23 pm

  This car is very fun to drive. With the 5 speed manual transmission it makes it very fun, and it also can hold its own for speed. I am very happy with the car. The build is more lower scale trim, but, you get what you pay for. And for the money, its a very good car with all the options.

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  IT IS GREAT - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Brettisthegreatest - March 5 - 10:00 am

  We bought ours and love it

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  Will always own a focus - 2006 Ford Focus
  By candibee - March 3 - 10:53 am

  I traded in my 2000 Ford Focus ZX3 for the 06 Focus ZX4, and couldnt be happier with it. Performance, reliability and gas mileage is great. Corners like its on rails! I am a huge Focus fan, and I plan on always owning one.

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  Love the car, hate the chintzy interior - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Carole Child - February 27 - 8:56 pm

  I really like my Ford Focus Wagon; its good looking, zippy, reliable (so far) pretty good on gas around town, excellent on the road. I am not happy with the inferior interior ... when the drivers seat is back as far as it will go there are wires exposed, seat runners and handles exposed and clothing keeps getting caught on the handles. I am a very large person and I find the drivers space very comfortable, unfortunately the back seats are cramped. No space for women to put their purses. Some feature in the trunk for grocery bags, hooks, cut-outs whatever, so groceries arent rolling all over car. Would I buy it again ... you bet!

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  An all around good car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Shmoo - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I think that this car is very nice. It looks nice and does drive very nice. They sound system included is premium for the cars price, especially for a Ford. The only problem I have had is that it sometimes stalls(in an automatic!!) I have taken it to the dealership multiple times, but they find no problem. Overall, besides the recalls, it is fun to drive and an all around good car.

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  Focus ZX3 - 2003 Ford Focus
  By jbarber - February 26 - 2:00 am

  great car, fun to drive

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  I Love My Focus! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Gann284 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! I bought it used. Ive had it a little over a year now. I previously owned a 88 Mustang LX, so as you can imagine, Ive been in heaven! It handles great, its roomy and the factory stereo is better than some store boughts ive heard. Just hit 33,000 and still going strong. I was just told the brakes may need changing already- a bit early with the mileage. It has great gas mileage, especially for a college student like myself who commutes everyday. I also like the sporty look with the alloy wheels.