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 so far - 2003 Ford Focus
  By bix - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I just bought the 03 ZX3 and I love it so far. very peppy for such a small car. Feels to have alot more power than the specs indicate. Drives very well in the snow (just had 18").

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  FORDS REVENGE ON AMERICA - 2014 Ford Focus
  By HARRY BERGER - July 16 - 11:39 pm

  After 73 yrs I thought I would treat myself to my first new car ever. Bearing in mind we were a ford family since 1947 and I drove a 2004 mercury marquis for 11 yrs it was reasonable to think buying a new ford from wayne akers ford in lake worth florida was the right thing. I bought a new focus and after 10 days and the trans locking up 4 times in 400 miles I returned to the dealership to uplift this deal. They pleaded with me to take another new 2014 ford focus same model same deal same price after 4-5 hours of fighting with them they convinced me to take another . I went along with their offer ..... But when I was presented with a bill for around 2400.00 I insisted they call me a cab . As I refused either to take mycar back and or accept their offer of "Even exchange" with a diff of 2400. They reduced it to 1200....No thank you then 600 . After 6 hours of fighting I agreed to 400. The next morning I woke up and checked the "Very same car" not to be so they substituted a much cheaper model over a 1000.00 cheaper I drove to the dealership and they refused to acknowledge this.. (oops I am a retired mechanic had my own shop) so off to small claims court their attorney claimed they made a mistake and pleaded with me to accept 1500.00 so they did not want to go in front of the judge. I lost 325.00 on the filing fees. The new focus was better the transmission did not lock up but jerked hesitated late and early changes car jerked violently when I went to the dealer a good few times their standard response "We could not duplicate problem" eventually the loud banging the dealer could not deny they replaced the trans. As for the very very poor gas mileage 16-18 mpg they told me they checked and I was getting 29.5 mpg I decided to make a pictural history everytime I filled up 3/4 tank 1/2 ank 1/4 tank and the comp proved that I was getting barely 17/19 at best I advised the dealer that the violent jerking was affecting my spinal surgery which the neuro surgery determined I was permanently disabled . After 2 yrs of very bad service horrible horrible car . I traded it in for a 2013 ford fusion landed costing me over 21000.00 for a car that should be crushed recalled ford screwed up 2013/4 ford focus and costs americans millions of dollars in fords screw up possibly worse than the ford pinto or the edsel

• 

  darn good so far - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Joe Blow - July 13 - 10:30 pm

  Just bought this car a few days ago and I am impressed with the ride and handling. Great price with rebates. Ford employee pricing $17,600 Canadian. Not getting great mileage yet but will see when engine gets broken in. Love interior space and a lot of bang for the buck. Civic and Corolla cant match price and financing rates are twice as high. Figured with rebates and financing costs the Focus was about $5500 cheaper than Civic or Corolla.

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  good and bad - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Ed Anderson - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the car in 2000 april.I first was impressed by the inside room, me being a big guy. It was also quick and handled nicely. Even through the recalls and minor problems, I was very happy with this car, until I started having rotor and brake trouble. The first failure was at 18000 miles and again (now) at 26000 miles. I have to admit I have been looking for a little bigger auto, But not a ford.

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  Ford Focus - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Chris & Abby - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car. No issues save a couple transparent recalls. Handles very well, fun to drive. The car is very comfportable with and amazing amount of interior for its size. The stock sound system is. So far wer have a little over 60,000 trouble free miles.

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  NOPE!!! - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Paula P - July 10 - 9:04 pm

  You couldnt give me another Ford. Bought this with 2,200 miles on it and had it to the dealership 2x with exactly ZERO help from them or Ford. I guess the only positive would be that it would definitely put a crying baby to sleep with all the jerking, vibration and abnormal noises it makes while driving. It is down right embarrassing to even have passengers in this vehicle and drive down the road. I dont understand even with a car over two years old they still dont have a solution to this unacceptable reaction to just pushing the acceleration pedal. This could get 50mpg and I will still say NOPE!

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  bellissima macchina! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By vaccamucca - July 5 - 10:00 am

  i bought the zx5 in late july and have just over 600 mi. i love it! i had a honda accord and a nissan sentra but this is the best by far. it seems so sporty and refined

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  Fun and practical - 2006 Ford Focus
  By JamieB - July 5 - 2:56 am

  This is the third Focus Ive driven and again, I am impressed with its bang for the buck. The Focus handles well and has a nice peppy engine, particularly with the standard transmission. I "downgraded" from a very nice VW Jetta to a new Focus and must say that the Focus is more fun to drive and handles just as well as my $27K Jetta! And is so much cheaper to maintain. My only complaint is with the sound system, which is a little muffled sounding compared to what you might find in a more luxury-style car. If you just want a practical, reliable ride to work and around town thats fun, this is it!

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  Fun but annoying - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Bryan - July 3 - 7:56 am

  I bought this car because it was all I could get financed for. It is fun to drive, and not too hard on the eyes. The advertised gas mileage is complete horse puckey, but I still average about 24 mpg. On long road trips I get about 31. The rear shocks squeak loudly, and the "upgraded stereo" sounds horrible. But all in all, it handles like a little race car and the get up and go is nice.

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  So far so good - 2012 Ford Focus
  By weilo - July 1 - 7:59 am

  So far I am really enjoying the 2012 Focus SE I got with the 6 speed automatic transmission. I did a good bit of looking around and finally settled on this car. I hear some of the other comments and agree that the transmission thing takes a bit of getting use to. They told me to bring it in at 3000 miles to get the first oil change done on them. I have not had any problems. I make an 85 mile round trip every day to work plus some running around town dropping kids off and such. I am getting between 34-36 miles per gallon. I took a 212 mile trip and got 41.6 per gallon.