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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  SVT EUROPEAN PACKAGE - 2003 Ford Focus
  By CKW - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Spend the extra $ on the Euro package, worth it for the Recaro leather seats, Argent Mutispoke Alloys, Xenon lights. Although pricy $3500 it only comes in 2 colors Competition Orange or Screaming Yellow. I bought the Yellow and let me tell you this car gets as much attention as Ferrari for 2 reasons 1 if you buy the euro package its rare enough you probably wont see more than 1 or 2 in your area, people are not sure what it is, I ordered a large roof spoiler (world rally car type) from europe just too ad to peoples confusion. Very quick car and amazing braking handles like a gokart, I paid $22k a little pricy maybe but the fun factor and perf. worth it

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  not so impressive - 2001 Ford Focus
  By susan p - September 12 - 10:00 am

  So far, the power steering went out, the turn signal broke two times, the remote trunk release inside the car is hit or miss and something electrical causes a back light/turn signal bulb to burn out every month or so lately.

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  happy buyer - 2004 Ford Focus
  By constantinosam - September 12 - 10:00 am

  great car, great gas consuption, cost under $11000.00, no d.p. good looking, very comfortable. 5 speed with air.

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  Good Deal over 2 years into it - 2002 Ford Focus
  By pastorgadget - September 12 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car as a second car then our larger oldsmobile died. It is now our primary car for our family of four. We put alot of miles on it and do alot of city driving. It has run well, only problem was with the battery cable. It handles well, as fun as it did when we first bought it. We have driven many long trips with the car and have no problems. We purchased a car top carrier from Sears and a rack to hold it from thule. That has worked great. For the money this is a great car. Would I buy another one, yep without a doubt. I love the economy of it.

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  A fun to drive hunk of GARBAGE?!?! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By David in Oregon - September 10 - 10:00 am

  At 24 months and 12000 miles the transmission came apart inside, Ford kept it 3 weeks. Four months later, same thing, dealer kept it for 3 weeks. Interior trim has come loose, one seat belt would no longer latch, another seat belt could no longer be pulled out. Dealer repairs are iffy at best, replaced ALL the seatbelts with the WRONG COLOR (black belts, grey interior? BARF!) The recalls did not bother me, its a new design, but the multitude of other problems anger us both. With only 7 months left on the factory warantee, we are thinking of getting rid of this car.

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  Fun to Drive - 2012 Ford Focus
  By skimike4 - September 8 - 2:12 am

  Ive been driving the Focus long enough now where I can give an objective review. Overall, the car has a premium feel to it. I have the base model hatchback and its still got a really upscale feel to it. This is not anything like the super cheap Focus Ford was making not so many years ago. Two big cons that I see: 1) The automatic transmission needs help. Personally, I dont shift my car into the next gear when its below 2000 rpm, but my Focus thinks thats a good idea. You know that sound a car makes when you shift up too soon? My car makes that sound everytime I accelerate gently. Im hoping Ford fixes this for 2013. 2) The inside door handles are super cheap feeling.

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  Unfulfilling - 2000 Ford Focus
  By snabdangler - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Bought brand new, now at 118K, at the time there wasnt many options for a small wagon. Reliability has been AWFUL. O2 sensor is always malfunctioning ..check engine light can only be off for a week or so, learned to live with. Many expensive parts; ABS sensor, calipers, wiring, wheel bearings, front suspension. Now tranny starting to act weird, also many recalls have been tiresome (lost track, at least 10 of them). Perhaps Ford has worked out the problems, they now offer longer warantee, (we had 3 yr, 36k mile), but I dont appreciate paying to be a tester. Interior is cheap, stereo is cheap. Cup holders, WHO CARES? (they are bad though). Seats are like boards.

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  Im amazed - 2000 Ford Focus
  By gazings - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car expecting it to be full of problems - I got it cheap, so I could budget for repairs. Well, to my surprise, the car has been flawless. Ive put nearly 10K miles on it (total nearly 40K). I have all the previous records, and its only repair was a fuel pump (common issue I hear). Thats it! I cannot find any probems. It handles well, and has a very smooth quiet ride. The engine is powerful enough to make it fun to drive. I love having ABS and side airbags - it was hard finding a 5-spd ZX3 with those options, as well as all the power equipment.

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  1st RED Car - 2007 Ford Focus
  By MIKE - September 1 - 4:26 pm

  Very nice car. My wife wanted red and got it. Loves the sporty look and interior design, and location of accessories. We have a daughter that had one and liked it so we also purchased one. At this time nothing has gone wrong with it and I hope nothing will. I would purchase a second new one if I didnt need my truck for hauling.

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  Love it! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Cathy - August 29 - 6:46 am

  This was the first car I test drove in my search for a low mileage car. Liked it from the start. Tried almost all other cars in its class, almost bought a couple of different ones then decided to go back and test the Focus to see where it stood. Loved it. Best car for the price. As long as it stays this way I will be extremely happy. Everyone loves the look of it.