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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  Great Car - especially for the $ - 2003 Ford Focus
  By 03ZX5SVT - July 25 - 10:00 am

  When I first bought this car I knew it was oriented to the performance side of the market, but I didnt realize how well sorted out the car was. It is a pleasure to drive on the highway on my daily communte and Ive taken 1st place on the autoX on the weekends. The power is excellent for its class and price and the 6 speed transmission makes it fun to run throught the gears. Handling is simply unbelievable - Ive out paced miatas, porches and other expensive and more powerful cars on the track. My car has been mechanically sound too. No real problems to report. I Highly recommend this car - especially as a used one can be had for very little $$$

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  Transmission Issues - 2012 Ford Focus
  By mpainton - July 23 - 4:10 pm

  I purchased my Focus Titanium after careful research. I had major transmission issues within the 1st 3 days. It will take 6 to 8 weeks to get the necessary parts, which will be made outside of the US. The transmission hesitated so badly that I was stuck entering into traffic and almost caused an accident. Very scary . . . I was told by the Ford mechanic that he clutch, bearings and other parts were faulty and designed badly.

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  17 months later - 2007 Ford Focus
  By John Brophy - July 21 - 1:43 pm

  I leased this car because I was tired of using my Toyota Solara as a truck and I needed a vehicle for my many trips to Home Depot and did not feel the need for an SUV. I wanted something smaller that would serve my purposes. This Focus Hatchback has exceeded my expectations. It is fun to drive and the 4 cylinder Mazda engine is extremely quiet and it will haul you away from a stop that will leave other drivers wondering whats under the hood. Ive carried a 6000 watt generator, 13x13 rolled rug, ladders, power tools and more shrubs, fertilizer and potting soil than I can count. The cargo area just swallows cargo.

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  My Focus Nightmare - 2001 Ford Focus
  By ARF - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a piece of junk since day 1. Transmission problems, shifter problems, power window problems. An on going problem with the trunk not staying closed. Been back to the incompetant liars at Bill Marine Ford about 15 times in 1 and a half years. Cant wait to get a Honda!

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  JP - 2000 Ford Focus
  By J.P.P - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Motor runs good but not even. The onboard computer makes the purformance go up and down.

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  , - 2002 Ford Focus
  By ewwerweqr - July 21 - 2:00 am

  My car has been in the shop over 12 times in the past 6 months for the ignition switch problem, leaky trunk and squeaky breaks. Ford cant fix the ignition problem. Ive now contacted the Attorney General.

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  Think Twice Before You Buy! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By mffswebmaster - July 19 - 10:00 am

  As the webmaster for the MyFordFocusSucks website, my feelings on this car should be quite clear. Although initially fun to drive, the repair nightmares and shoddy build quality have changed my mind forever about Ford. As the owner of five other Ford/Mercury products in the last four years alone, they have lost a significant amount of future business!

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  My Awesome Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By kpinho - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I am so happy I bought this car. It handles so well and feels like youre riding on air. Whie I was skeptical about having leather seats, I was plesantly surprised to find they are so soft and comfortable. I wish someone would pay me to just drive my Focus all day, then Id be even happier! Everyone should get this amazing automobile!!!

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  Its a Fun Car w/ tons of extra Gear! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Clay Brooks - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed my new Focus. At first when my friends ask me, " Man what did you get." I replyed sheepishly FOCUS. But once they drove it or even caught a glimpse of all the gear it came with like the power sun roof and 6 mp3 in dash player, Everyone has agreed this was a smart purchase.

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  First Car, Now Last Ford!! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By KatieR - July 17 - 2:00 am

  This was my first car and what a deal I got.:( Consistent recalls, having to replace rotors every year which run me $300+, starter blew after only 6months old, cheap rubber lining around outside door frame kept falling off (3xs), makes a lot of noise, hard to sell back for descent price. I wanted to stay and buy American but Im going foriegn next. All other car dealerships can thank the makers of the Ford Focus for the increase in business.