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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  My First Car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By american_ford - February 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my first car ans so far it is cool and fun to drive.

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  Water Leaks - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Kate Robinette - February 21 - 2:00 am

  There was a defect in the design of the car so the callip pannel melted in the sun and pulled away from the windsheild. This allowed the rain to come straight into my car and I have had electrical problems since 2001. There is also mold in the heating sysstem that the dea;er gets rid of every time I bring thecar in, but every few times it rains it comes back and they wont fix it. Now my warranty is up, and I am stuck with it.

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  My First Focus - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Sara - February 15 - 4:13 am

  I just got my car yesterday & I love it! Its very comfortable to drive & I got all the features I wanted at an affordable price. I love my moonroof, heated seats & mirrors along with my ABS & side impact airbags. It really is a fun car to drive. I wish I had more places to go so I could be in it all the time! :)

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  Horrible transmission issues - little support - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Unsatisfied - February 11 - 3:19 pm

  Let me preface this review by saying we have purchased a lot of Ford vehicles in the past 15 years. This, without a doubt, will be our last. The 2014 Ford Focus dual clutch transmission is nothing short of abysmal. We have replaced the clutch 3 times already and the cars is not even 2 years old. This is not due to harsh driving, weather conditions or lack of regular maintenance. We take great care in maintaining all of our vehicles. The clutches last approximately 5000 miles before the horrible vibrating/shuddering starts again. When changing gears at low speed, the car violently jerks and is difficult to control. We have reached out to Ford Customer Care many times and the only solution they offer is to cover all clutch replacements up to 50,000 miles. How about recalling these defective transmissions and stop putting peoples lives at risk? I plan on selling this car long before the 50,000 mile warranty is up and buying a Toyota or Honda instead. Very disappointing Ford, very disappointing indeed.

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  The self-parking feature works. - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Will Elyea - February 7 - 1:29 pm

  First the good news: That auto parallel parking feature actually works reliably. That is where the good news ends. I purchased this car in 2012 and it is already on its third set of clutches and those are already starting to slip. The strange "automated manual" transmission has simply been a lemon from the get-go. Luckily the warranty of the transmission was extended so I am not paying for these repairs, but the downtime is a bother. The transmission is the reason the car has no pep from a dead stop. When I turn right from a driveway or parking lot onto a road, I know I need to have at least a block of clear space because the car is going to hesitate very badly turning from a dead stop. If there is a semi coming I would be creamed before I could coax the car to a normal driving speed. Also, at freeway speeds, if I hit the brakes for any reason (say, someone changes lanes too close in front of me) the car reacts like we are stopping and begins to downshift. If I hit the gas again, the transmission dithers and I have to step the pedal to the floor to motivate the car. If fact, in general, a hard stomp to the floor is the only way to speak to this car when it doesnt want to go from first to second gear. This will be the first car, in my lifetime, that I have ever decided to sell before owning it outright.

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  much fun for the money - 2003 Ford Focus
  By bobdman - February 6 - 6:20 am

  I was not sure at first on the test drive but liked it enough to buy it. I must say im impressed with the ride and handling but felt that the front end seemed to feel a tad heavy in aggressive cornering but still a ball to drive in the twisties.

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  Unhappy 2012 Focus owner - 2012 Ford Focus
  By - February 2 - 3:19 pm

  Major issues with transmission!!!...Recall work done (a computer reset???) last week of June. Driving down Hollywood Fwy. at midnight, 4 days later and car just stalls while driving!( full tank of gas) Pull to side of fwy without getting killed by rushing traffic,key is still in on position so turn a notch and car starts... drive onto side street where the car abruptly stalls again. Managed to get car home to Huntington Beach and then fight with HB Ford dealership over such a poor quality car. No resolve from them so stuck here with an unpredictable brand new car....

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  Ford of Germany Design is Great! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By NewFocusOwner - February 2 - 11:10 am

  Ford finally got its small car design right by letting its German design team build the entire car. Handling is best in class - the Germans know how to design steering and suspensions; much more solid feeling than the Civic or Corolla. Excellent interior space and comfort for 4 adults. Cruises easily on the freeway and still has the horses to accelerate as traffic requires. I imagine that this FOCUS is what BMW would offer if it ever sold an economy compact car.

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  GREAT CAR FUN TO DRIVE - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Jon-Paul - February 1 - 8:10 am

  Very cool unique car, nice design and layout and great standard features. Wish they would make the SVT but no luck. Not a fast car but it makes up for it in reliability and features.

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  Great Little Car For The Money - 2004 Ford Focus
  By MarkieJohn - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I recently traded in my 2000 Ford Escort ZX2 in for a 4-door Focus SE sedan. This car has plenty of room for up to 5 people. I love how you sit high in it with a clear view of the road in front. Love the sunroof and the in-dash 6-disc cd player..they are awesome. The 2.0-liter Zetec engine is peppy with the 5-speed manual, but still lacks the smoothness and precision of some of those import cars, but road noise is very minimal. This car handles great..seats lack back support. The brakes are dissapointing in this car..reminds me of the escort again. Overall, a great car for the money/value.