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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  Our 2012 Focus Titanium Hatchback Lemon - 2012 Ford Focus
  By rwig44 - September 3 - 12:30 pm

  My wife and I ordered this car loaded....even had mud flaps installed. The car drove well...but at the 10,000 mile service, Duval Ford, found the brake master cylinder was bad, even though my wife had had the car in the shop previously for brakes not working properly and all they did, was add brake fluid to the master cylinder THe Sync system always had problems, automatic windows would become unresponsive, radio would change stations after receiving a phone call. At 20,000 miles the main seals on the engine are leaking, when they tear into it, found both shaft seals on transmission leaking and damaged clutch pack. We No Longer own a Ford.

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  2013 Focus is huge mistake! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By hugemistake1 - August 30 - 4:27 pm

  I bought a Ford Focus 2013 a couple of months ago being told it had an automatic transmission. It jerked and acted weird during the test drive, but the salesman said it would "learn" my driving style in 2 weeks. After 2 months and 450 miles , took it to service dept for low gas mileage (less than 20 city) and jerky transmission. They said it takes 1,000 - 3,000 to break in. Read the other blogs and asked them to take it back. Ford offered us a lousy deal, so we traded it in and bought a new Camry. Real car with a smooth transmission and gets better gas mileage than the Focus. Ford needs to recall the "automatic" Focus. The transmission doesnt work! Buyer beware!!

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  Buy the Manual Trans. - 2012 Ford Focus
  By cwfam - August 29 - 3:25 pm

  First off I opted for the Manual transmission and am not dissapointed one bit with its performance. Most of the complaints on this car are about the about the auto transmissions and the MY Ford Touch system. Eliminate these options on your future Focus and you are in the clear in my opinion. 43,000 miles and have only had to replace the rear deck lid because they used some cheap foam in the cut outs near the rear window. Easy and free fix in the original warranty. 32MPG average in a good mix of city and highway driving. The S and SE have the manuals but why on EARTH they didnt include it in the other models is beyond me. A huge mistake Ford should correct.

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  Absolutely love it! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By focusjp - August 25 - 7:38 pm

  I love this car! Got it in April, now have just 6000 miles on it. Mileage started out a little low, 31 mph, but am now getting right around 37 mpg and I drive various traffic situations. I waited a long time to get a Focus, rode in several other Focuses and knew this is what I wanted although I had to trade in my 2000 Explorer XLS to get it. I do miss the extra cargo space, but the overall ride, flip down rear seat makes up for it. I have the Focus Sedan SE with 6 cyl. automated manual transmission. Did not see a selection for it.

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  Focus Continues to Impress - 2013 Ford Focus
  By staypuftman - August 22 - 10:05 pm

  Ive had this car over a month, put about 2,000 miles on it and have nothing but good things to say. The handling is superb, road noise is low and the gas mileage is incredible for a non-hybrid (about 39-40 MPG @ 70 mph, 34-35 MPG @ 75 mph) - literally 25-30% higher than my similar sized 07 Mazda3. The automatic transmission gets a lot of bad press but its a dual clutch system, which causes adjacent gears to spool up before being engaged. This creates some vibration feedback thats consistent with most manual cars Ive driven. Ill take the efficiency gains this setup provides, plus you can drop the car into S sport mode and the tranny responds with sharper shifts.

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  First Ford bought, Last Ford bought - 2012 Ford Focus
  By gonzales393 - August 14 - 4:59 am

  This car looks good, and thats where I stop praising the 2012 focus, right of the lot I felt a shudder when taking off and car was sluggish didnt think much of it, started to notice hesitation when accelerating from a low speed after coast down, harsh or late 1-2 upshift, harsh shifting. 1st trip to shop was told it was bad gas, next 2 trips it was reprogrammed, problem still here and MPG went from 32 to 29mpg, finally was told that this was just the way the new transmission was, and there was nothing to be done, Also A/C randomly quits blowing cold air, I should of kept my SRT 4.

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  peice of junk - 2013 Ford Focus
  By joesas1 - August 11 - 8:27 pm

  just traded out and lost $$$$ of this 6 mo old 6000 mi junk. it was unsafe at any speed with its fixed 3x steering and jerky transmission. ford knows all about but this crooked co wont do a thing other than say its fine nothing wrong even though it replaced the whole steering system to no avail problem is in the computer. in any case a word to the wise....

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  My ZX3 is a great vehicle - 2001 Ford Focus
  By tjnugent - August 3 - 7:40 pm

  I bought this vehicle new in 2001 (Focus ZX3 hatchback 5-speed manual with no air conditioning or electric windows). This is the best car Ive ever owned. We now have over 225,000 miles on the car with little maintenance. By keeping up on the oil changes/tune-ups, weve had no major issues other than changing out the ignition once while it was still under warranty. Great mpg (30-40 avg overall) I mostly drive freeway. Were considering buying a 2013 as a replacement vehicle for our 2000 Focus SE sedan (bought it used automatic w/electric everything it has too many issues now at 180,000 mi). The ZX3 is a wonderful car. I would recommend the version I purchased. Its a keeper!

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  Worst purchase EVER! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By etch1 - August 3 - 3:59 pm

  Not worth the gamble! Sure some of these cars are fine, but there seems to be a high percentage of true lemons. Despite an extensive test drive to stay clear of the bad DCT and all, a few hundred miles later, I seem to be the lucky winner of one of the worst of the worst. This car started going downhill fast once about 4 or 500 miles was put on it. This car is now as loud as a soft top jeep on the highway, and with the dct transmission is one of the poorest driving cars I have EVER experienced. This car is 110% poorly constructed junk. Frankly I would rather walk then drive this loud bucking surging grinding rattling embarrassing piece of excrement. Worst purchase I have ever made.

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  Great drivetrain - too bad its a rust bucket - 2001 Ford Focus
  By kopandem9305 - July 25 - 8:45 pm

  I bought my SE Wagon in 2008 with 155,000 miles on it from a private sale for $2,500. 5 years later, it now has 230,000 miles on it and is still running great... but unfortunately the New England winters have taken their toll and the car cannot even be safely lifted on a jack anymore. Would cost thousands to get the proper body work done, so going with a newer car. Mechanic even told me 12 months ago "this will probably be your final sticker, you wont want to pay the bill next year." That said, the car got me this far very reliably, with very little cost. I got 30 MPG, the only repairs/maintenance I did was oil changes, brake and tire replacement. I feel I got a great value in the 5 years.