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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  Focusing on the Focus - 2002 Ford Focus
  By ajl - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I love the Focus. I am not a fan of domestic cars, so this should tell you something. The European flavor of the Focus comes through. The handling is excellent for a cheap, FWD car, the ride is pretty decent. Build quality is surprisingly solid for a Ford and no squeaks or rattles in 10,000 miles . I do mainly highway driving, so I get about 28mpg steady. The seats are comfortable. The car is not bad on the highway, but it is kind of buzzy at times. Not nearly as bad as the Dodge Neon, but not as smooth as a Honda. If you love to drive and your pocketbook doesnt allow a BMW (as mine doesnt) the ZX-3 Focus is your small car.

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  A Special Bond - 2002 Ford Focus
  By loupie - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Lots of leg room in the front seats and very comfortable with the leather seating option. I tested the front seat for leg room, and it can slide back so far I could hardly reach the steering wheel. The passenger side has plenty of room for my large car pool buddy. I had 10 exterior colors to choose from and the Infra-Red was an easy choice for me. I think the engine has plenty of pep, everything considered. This car handles great, its fun to drive. Ive owned Japanese cars in the past and this car has really shocked me, so far.

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  The best choice I never did make - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Rach - January 20 - 1:33 am

  I didnt make the decision to get a Focus -- my husband and the salesman did. I wanted the big SUV. Of course, it was a blessing that I decided on the Focus, especially with the price of gas these days. It is WONDERFUL on fuel! I get about 432 miles to the tank and I get 36 miles to the gallon. It has a 12 gallon tank. Great on the pocket book. Much better than 15 miles to the gallon! It is fun to drive, but because of the fuel economy, the 2.0L engine doesnt have the pep that my former V8 had. However, I much prefer to save the gas and money. Would definitely recommend it as a car for anybody who likes to drive, despite the rising fuel costs.

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  DO NOT BUY THE 2012 FORD FOCUS - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Lisa Cooke - January 19 - 4:50 am

  I bought a used 2012 Ford Focus SEL. While its a sharp looking car, the amount of time it has spent in the shop is ridiculous. The dual clutch is a joke. It went into the shop for shuddering, they replaced the TCM or reprogrammed it (not sure which one).. It lasted a few months but then had to go back into the shop for the same thing. they replaced the clutch. That was 4 mons ago and it is now back in the shop to replace the clutch AGAIN. if I didnt have a warranty, I would be trading it in just to get rid of the headache

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Alma Lasater - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I have a spinal problem and this car is easy to get in & out of,I tried other cars this was the best.I put 5000 miles on the first month,33mpg hwy,Great

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  consumers rating - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Shirley Graumann - January 17 - 10:00 am

  It gets great gas milage and it is fun to drive. It could use a little more power. But who wants a speeding ticket?

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  My New 2.3L 2004 Ford Focus (Automatic) - 2004 Ford Focus
  By grecinos - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I love my car! I had a 2001 Ford Mustang and the lease was due in early June 2004. I decided to turn in my mustang and get a Focus. I was worried about the power of the focus (especially after coming from a 6 cyl mustang). But to my surprise this little 2.3L engine puts out decent power for its size! It acutally feels a little more responsive on the low end than my mustang. The only time I notice the difference between the 2 cars is when I floor it on the highway. And even still the focus does a good job at getting up to speed. Its spacious, Economical, good looking, comfortable, and just feels right!

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  Impressive! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Tim - January 12 - 1:40 am

  My family always bought Fords until the mid 1980s. Then as we noticed quality was falling we migrated to Hondas and we do still like them. That said we did much research on acquiring a new small comfortable fuel efficient car. We looked at Honda, Toyota, Nissan, etc. The Ford Focus stood out and I have to admit I am really happy. I never understood how we Americans could not build a car as good as the Germans or Japanese. The Sync system is fantastic and promotes safety. Fuel economy is great and the car seems well built.

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  Must get the standard transmission. - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Sean - January 9 - 6:21 pm

  Matted to the 5 speed standard gearbox this car is an excellent "drivers car". The transmission is easy to shift and very smooth although not as refined as some European offerings. The car handles well and acceleration is excellent. This car was reading 165 WHP on a dyno- completely stock! Those are very impressive numbers for a car that is getting 30+ miles to the gallon and an excellent start if one was to consider tuning the vehicle. The interior feels like a much more expensive car than it really is. My only gripe is with the Ford My Touch System- it can be very frustrating and difficult to use at times- even three years after owning the car. Also, this car gets a lot of knocks because of the automatic transmission that most came with.. well if you cant row you own gears I dont feel bad for you. If your buying a 4 cylinder vehicle with an automatic transmission Im not really impressed with your decision making skills. A standard is always the better choice with a smaller engine.

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  You get what you bargain for - 2016 Ford Focus
  By Codey - January 3 - 4:56 pm

  5 months in and 3 trips to the shop later. Got a call today saying one of the clutches for the dual clutch automatic transmission needs to be replaced. Such a disappointment for car that is only 5 months old. The transmission jerks like crazy, shifts are hard and loud. Really disappointed because the engine in this baby is full of life and gas mileage is great! Traded in an 01 Nissan Maxima with no problems to be left stranded while my new car gets repaired. Next time do your research before you make a big purchase.