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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  Me and my Focus are inseparable! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Kate in OKC - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I dont make a lot of money, and so price is the first thing I look at. Gas milage is second. I wanted to get rid of my clunker and find a reliable new car that I could feel safe and comfortable in and yet looked ultra- cool. Enter the Ford Focus. The roomy interior easly accomidates me and three friends plus luggage. The steering is ultra senstive and its got plenty of power and speed to aid in any driving emergency. I get between 25 and 35 mpg. I havent found a car thats easier to drive or more fun! Its excellent ride on short and long trips is definately a plus. Its no secret, the next car I buy will be another Ford Focus.

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  If it wasnt for the horrible windshield.. - 2015 Ford Focus
  By Jeff Crouch - October 20 - 10:36 am

  I just finished mediation with BBB about a ghosting issue and Ford basically said it isnt their problem since the windshield isnt under warranty. And a defect isnt their problem. Check out my post in FocusFanatics. Under the MK3 thread. You will also read up on many issues that enthusiasts like myself have been shoveled. The only thing Ford does is has a tech go on and say that theyll escalate the issue. Which is a joke. Ford has just lost me as a new car customer. My wife had better luck with her 2014 Fiat 500L built in Bosnia. If it wasnt fr the windshield issue and the horrible exerience with Ford, Id love this car. Oh and beware. Ford will close your case in customer service without notifying you. I had to call to find this out. Im looking into filing a lawsuit and hoping to find more with the same issue.

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  The Reason I went to Ford and they went Bankrupt - 2007 Ford Focus
  By T. E. Garrison - October 13 - 1:53 pm

  If you have the opportunity to buy a 2007 Ford Focus 5 Door Hatchback, do it. Now to expand on this a little, and explain the title, there are literally a million Ford Focuses from the Generation I of the Focus running around the United States, and almost every last one of them looks prettier and is nicer than the hideous monstrosity that followed it in the United States, you see Ford decided that the Europeans deserved a different Focus, they also apparently deserved to keep the Hatchback, thanks to this policy, the 08-11 Focus was essentially costing Ford extra money, something that cost them far more than their buyers when the recession hit. Now about my car, Ford went out with Gen I by making a superb model year, it even in my mind compares favorably in some aspects with the 2012 Focus, for example, the seats are more comfortable, theyre easier to slide out of and into, the cushioning is more substantial or at least better distributed and the cars lines in certain areas are ever so slightly smoother. The car on its own merits has the traditional hatchback arguments going for it, the hatch is decently sized, the interior is roomy for a small car, and despite it having a hatch, the rear window to me seems superior to even large sedans due to it being essentially vertical and giving you a clear rear view. Other pluses for this car come from it being in the small car category, good MPG for its age, though the EPA folks do like to revise that, the tires arent huge but not so small a bump in the road would ruin them. On Electronics, this is one area where the Focus showed its age, on my model for example, the car does not even have a rev counter, only a speedometer, many normal gauges on cars from the period, such as battery voltage are not on this model, but it does come with cruise control on several models which for that year is actually still a plus for the segment and for Ford. The stereo system is ancient and the fact that most of their original owners decided the original stereo was terrible and replaced it, mine for example has a Pioneer Stereo which allows me a USB port or Aux Cable should inform you about a stock stereo. The only serious issue I can have with this car are things well beyond my control, the transmission is a miserable 4 speed automatic transmission, overwhelmed under any reasonable acceleration by an engine with some 30 less horsepower than its modern descendant from the 2012 Generation of Focuses, the first and third gears are so long you could fit two more in them, which is exactly what Ford did in 2012. The engine is only about 138 horses, or less, it has changed three times since I bought the car, that was in 2014, not terrible, but considering what they could have gotten out of her with only a little trickery with the engine, at least 160 horses, believe it or not that would make a difference. The steering makes me feel like I am in a Formula 1 Car, not a hatchback and is worthy of cars more agile and more powerful, a definite plus for me. Thats the car itself, the only other issue is resale value, if you buy this car, keep it, it wont be worth the effort to negotiate giving it to a dealership and if you are a young driver, its good to have a car around when you buy a new car to keep the miles down on that car. If well kept and not abused, the car will last well into the 150k or 200k mile range. Its more than paid for itself by this point as well.

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  Cant beat it - 2005 Ford Focus
  By oopy493 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  If you want high gas mileage, lots of space, decent quality and a reasonable price, theres nothing like a focus wagon. Fully decked out its selling for under $19K TMV. Materials are really nice and it rides well. The four cylinder has pep, gets a bit noisy if you push it. Everything inside feels comfy and theres tons of space.

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  This is a Focus!? - 2012 Ford Focus
  By richrocks - October 10 - 1:13 pm

  Ford has really upped their game this new vehicle. The new focus provides a perfect balance between being a “fun to drive” sporty car and a practical fuel-efficient vehicle. The focus is not as fun to drive as a Mazda 3, but gets much better gas mileage. In turn, it does not get as good gas mileage as a Prius, but is much more fun to drive. The focus finds the happy medium. The handling of the car was much better than I anticipated. It holds corners well and the steering is very responsive. fuel mileage. City – 30; Highway – 37-38; Combined 34. Coming from a Jeep Liberty which got 17, I am a happy camper!

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  Mini-SUV for half the cost - 2001 Ford Focus
  By bjustus - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Roomy and comfortable, excellent handling, peppy. Have driven mine 20000 miles with zero problems. Fit and finish is excellent.

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  Have you driven a Focus lately - 2008 Ford Focus
  By mike kulich - October 5 - 10:06 pm

  Just retired and needed something good on gas. The Focus is as good as anything out there. The new Focus will really surprise you! Gas mileage about 31 mpg total driving. After owning trucks all my life this is like winning the lottery.

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  one of the best little cars - 2003 Ford Focus
  By jim ledger - October 5 - 10:00 am

  i got the focus 4mo ago to drive back and forth to work for the gas milage. since then i have gone to fla. in the focus and got 35mpg. i average about 33mpg going to work, I really enjoy driving this car, my wife has a crown vic, and would rather drive the focus, because it is easer to get in and out of tight spots and has a lot of power for a 4cyl.

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  Got me! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By ocsurfrr - October 3 - 6:23 pm

  After months of deliberation I finally bought a Focus. I needed an economic vehicle since my lifted Chevy is sucking up gas. So for the right price I bought the 4dr auto se sedan for 12,900 after hours of battling the dealer. Car is amazing, great interrior design. I am 6,4 and fit in it fine. Can also fit 4 buddies inside comfortably as well. Gas mileage is great. I never thought I would ever own a Ford and now they got me! I have nothing but great things to say about this vehicle. Seriously how can you complain about a nice, attractive, and sporty vehicle for under 13k?

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  Absolute Underachiever - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Nick - October 3 - 5:15 pm

  The 2012 Ford Focus is the Detroit Lions of cars. Unreliable, ugly, underachieving, and sad. Funnily enough, theyre both from Detroit and the two most stressful and irritating parts of my life. Most of the Ford Focus issues stem from the problematic Automatic-Manual Dual-Clutch transmission. The purpose of this transmission was to increase MPG, which it does, but at a ver large cost. The transmission causes the car to constantly jerk, shudder, and roll backwards on hills. Personally, this isnt even close t the worst part about my Focus. My Focus decides when to start. Yep, you heard that right, it decides. Sometimes it takes me 10-12 turns of the key to start the damn thing. This is caused by the TCM (Transmission Control Module) which is the little computer inside the car that controls the gears. This little computer will often not register that my car is in park, and wont let me turn it on. Not only is this very problematic, but will probably end up with shelling out handfuls of cash to the dealership. Another cool driving "feature" is that the car will occasionally get stuck at 4000-6000 rpm and wont let you accelerate past 25 mph. this is incredibly terrifying when it happens, but I guess is part of the 2012 Ford Focus experience (tm). The Focus also has the most poorly designed interior that I have seen in my entire life. The cloth that the seats are made out of stains when touched by water. You know, just that substance that covers over 70% of the Earth and falls from the gosh darn sky. Another issue is that the auxiliary port makes its home in the glovebox. This leaves you with two options. Drive around with the glovebox open like a goober, or subject your aux cord to heavy strain and eventual breakage. While we are on the topic of phone related things, there is nowhere to put your phone in the car. This car was made in 2012, everyone and their mothers own phones. Overall, the interior feels incredibly cheap and uncomfortable. Honestly, all you really need is a car that takes you from point A to point B, and this thing cant even do that. At least being a Lions fan doesnt cost 8,000+ dollars.