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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  2007 Focus ST - 2007 Ford Focus
  By grwilson - June 9 - 2:46 pm

  Very good car for the price I got it for. Handles like a slot car and feels more than 151 horses, good mileage too!

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  The best car for under $20,000 - 2002 Ford Focus
  By peoples1234 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  This is the absolute best car car you can actually buy for under $20,000. Great breaks, handling, good acceleration, and overall comfort is great. I give it a ten.

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  Pleased, for the most part - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Detroit Scott - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Focus for about 6 weeks and am disappointed about only one thing: The fuel economy is much worse than I thought it would be. I traded in a 1997 Escort that still got about 375-400 miles out of a tank of gas. Im lucky to get 325 out of the Focus, and thats with a lot of highway driving. On the positive side, the sound system and creature comforts a nice. Its a fun ride.

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  Fun little car for most seasons - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Lyzardo - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, decent gas mileage, and well thought out interior. The traction control is great to have in MN winters. Although I thought the rear seat leg room was supposed to be decent, it really isnt. Dont plan on driving too many adults in the back seat for very long. The only real problems I have had so far are a "check engine" light on for no apparent reason at 18,000 miles, and problems with the tires. The stock tires on the ZTW just arent too good for wet and/or snowy roads. Ill be replacing them as soon as I can. Im thankful I have traction control, or the tires would be next to worthless in the winter.

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  Happy with my Focus - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Nappy - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Focus for 6 weeks, long enough for my 2 big dogs to spread their hair around. The leather seats, make it much easier to clean than with cloth seats. The interior is classy, stylish. The Focus is clean, classy, beautiful. Sound system is wonderful. Easy to figure out! You get a CD to pop in the PC or listen to in the car, that explains everything in detail. Last night, the Focus let me get out of a crowded parking lot- in record time--the maneuverability is great. Getting on the expressway is easy--its a speedy little car, too. And solid--no rattling like the other cars I test drove. This is my first Ford--and I love it!

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  I love this car - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Cliff Burris - May 29 - 6:13 am

  I never have had a "small" car that I really love to drive as much as this one. It is French blue with a spoiler, and it is beautiful. You wouldnt believe how many "I love your car" comments I have received in just 2 weeks.

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  Nice Car with no suspension - 2008 Ford Focus
  By dmustang - May 28 - 10:06 pm

  I have owned this car since 1/1 and had nothing but problems with the front suspension. This car has very weak front springs especially the right side bottoms out with every bump in the road, inclined driveways forget about it. The front underside has taken a beating with such a weak suspension. Has been in the shop numerous times but to no avail(so far). Dealership has replaced front strut, aligned it and reposition a strut also to rid itself of a loud popping noise on the left front side. Will go back in the shop next week. Springs are so weak I can compress them with a single hand Fuel mileage I find above average, great dash and readouts, comfortable seats(do not spill on them).

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  2003 was a bad year for Focus. - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Jerome Barry - May 27 - 5:46 pm

  I bought mine used at 19,000 miles, and have had it for 13 months now. The drivetrain has performed well, except for the 1-2 shift issue appearing at sudden brief stops. I dont typically drive that way, so its not a problem. My problems have included the windshield wiper motor control, which had to be replaced, the cruise control, which had some connector that had to be replaced, the remote control trunk latch, which had to be replaced and even then had to be taken back and adjusted to proper operation, and the ignition cylinder, which caused a short and had to be replaced. All told Ive had the vehicle in the shop 6 times in a year for warranty repair and re-repair.

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  Extremely reliable - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Marion A. - May 26 - 1:27 am

  Ive owned my 2006 Focus for 4 yrs now. Bought it from a friend (he was the first owner) with 77k miles on it. Its now at 130k and still runs like a champ. Only major repairs Ive had to invest in is changing out 2 of the engine mounts early on into me owning it (I blame my friend because he likes to push ANY car to its absolute limits. This is NOT the car for that) and changing the lower control arm on the drivers side (got hit by an out of control tire bouncing all over the highway). Other than that I do regular maintenance on my car and have my mechanic look it over every so often to catch anything that I might not notice. This car is absolutely perfect. I do have an aftermarket Bluetooth/Entertainment system installed so I cant say anything about the original system. And I do find it to be a teenie bit sluggish when going up a steep hill/highway (I have to floor it to stay above 55 mph) but thats not really much of a problem for me since I live in L.A. and we have pretty straight pavement here. Maneuvers well, accelarates/brakes well, great on gas, trunk space is pretty spacious. Overall, this car has been an absolute dream.

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  ZX3 With PZEV engine - 2003 Ford Focus
  By nowlaj - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This has been a very fun car to drive. Acceleration is solid and the 2.3L PZEV engine has more pickup than its predecessor. No defects noted both exterior and interior. A wonderful car to drive