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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  Best daily driver Ive owned - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Weldy McWeldski - May 2 - 1:45 pm

  **MANUAL 5 Speed Transmission** I purchased my focus in January of 15 for a little over $16,500. Ford was offering some massive model year end rebates and I couldnt have asked for a better price. I have put 45,000mi on the car since I purchased it and have had absolutely zero problems or complaints. (Still on original tires, brakes, etc.) Overall the focus offers decent fit and finish for its segment; my cloth seats are comfortable and supported, the gauge cluster is well laid out, etc. Im 61" and can enter/exit or cruise long distances very comfortably. As with any car Ive owned, I wish it had an extra 100hp,; but the 2.0l is plenty quick for what it is. The clutch engagement and pedal feedback are above average, the gearshift has a little slop but engages with confidence at every gate and provides a relatively short throw. Braking effort is mild, the focus stops quickly in an emergency but in everyday usage the rear drum brakes cause for a little more frontal braking dip than Id prefer. Handling is excellent for the price: very responsive steering with little wheel effort and a firm but grippy stance. Suspension is on the firm side; though aside from lightly feeling every bump, it by no mean invokes discomfort. Honestly, I beat the living crap out of this car. 6500rpm in 2nd gear while merging onto the freeway every day, double gear downshifts for passing, E-brake slides every time it snows, etc. I work in a steel mill with no paved roads, and this car handles potholes and ruts Id never expect of something with such a low stance. Ive nailed potholes that would swallow a motorcycle and kept on cruising without a hitch. I can truthfully say that I am astonished at the reliability and resilliance of the Focus, especially considering the torture I expose mine to regularly. I cant really speak for clutch life; but at 45,000mi, mine behaves like it did when it was new even after teaching my fiancée how to drive stick. So here comes the bad stuff/things that irritate me, and really its all very petty. The cup holder placement makes shifting a little awkward when youve got a thermos stuffed into either one. One instance in January with an external temperature of -15°f, the center screen that displays radio station information failed to power on until I restarted the car. Never had the issue again after that, but its worth noting that I have never experienced any issues starting the engine in cold weather. The radio/speakers are a typical stock system, so dont get your hopes up if you buy the SE version like I did. Sound quality is pretty good, but aside from that Its exactly what youd expect from a commuter car. The glove box interior space is a little weird... Very deep but not very tall. If you keep a gun in there, youre going to have a hard time reaching into the abyss to find it with your seatbelt still on (Id suggest a shoulder holster, because the center console isnt much better.) Save the glovebox for storing baseball bats, crossbows, or fishing poles. The brake/gas pedal spacing and pad size make heel/toe shifting nearly impossible, but thats probably just a carryover from the cars automatic transmission configuration. Its not a race car, so I guess I cant complain too loudly. Traction control has to be manually deactivated through the menu displayed between the speedometer and tachometer every single time you start the car. Its be okay if it was just a TC on/off button on the dash, but this set-up requires navigating several menu screens and a 5sec wait time. If you drive in the snow often and intend to paddle through rough spots with high speed wheel rotation, its a pain to go through all that trouble every time you plan to drive. Annoying, but livable. My car came equipped with a sunroof I neither ordered or asked for, but it wasnt listed as a charge on the option sheet so I guess I just got an extra. I dont use it much; but once when I clicked the switch to shut it, the pane of glass bounced back open after closing like It had encountered an unexpected blockage. Second time it closed and stayed that way, Ive not experienced the issue since. Lastly, theres this weird little pocket sewn into the left front corner of the front passenger seat that doesnt exist on the drivers seat. Its a pocket, whats the big deal? Well its a worthless pocket with no justifiable purpose or shape. The best use Ive found for it is stashing a spare lighter or small amounts of stuff best kept concealed from plain view... Money, drugs, whatever youre into; that pocket is your business. It still irritates me for its obscurity, but you can be the judge. Side note: The headlights are far reaching and well focused, the brights are exceptionally brilliant so if you have a grudge against oncoming traffic - This car is for you. The steering wheel and gauge cluster are exceptionally designed as well. Buy a (manual) Focus, beat the crap out of it and love it forever. Zero regrets.

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  Focus 2008 SES - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Mike - April 28 - 6:40 pm

  Drives wonderfully. Handling is a bit touchy. Interior is great - love the leather and adjustable height on the drivers seat. Back seat offers little leg room, but that is typical of a compact. I like this better than my old Civic.

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  Dangerous Transmission Stay Away - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Lee - April 15 - 9:23 pm

  Ford should not allowed to sell cars with this auto-manual transmission. It is dangerous. Ive almost had 4 accidents from it. Twice it jumped in front of cars when i did not want to go and twice when I was turning in front of someone it did not go when I needed it to. Then it is jerky the rest of the time at low speeds like stop and go traffic. Ive had it in to the dealer 4 times so far. They have replaced and reset the control modules but it has not helped. Ford has extended the transmission warranty but if theyre not going to fix it what good is an extension. If I had known the problems I never would have purchased it.

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  Lemon - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Kaitlyn Marie - April 13 - 3:27 am

  I paid $3500 for my 2001 Ford Focus with 60K on it. 2 years later, Ive put $2900 into repaires alone @ 93K. My car might have very well just been a lemon, but I wouldnt ever buy a used ford again. Get a Honda or a Toyota. Do NOT waste your money! I love the look of my car. If I didnt have to constantly repair this car it would be great.

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  I like it - 2003 Ford Focus
  By JD11 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  The car has been great for the first 700 miles and I only had the car a week. It seems like Im always at the gas station. I havent figured out the gas milage yet so I dont know if its because Im getting bad gas milage or because its the small gas tank. The car handles really well. With all of the incentives I got it dropped the price considerably. I have also enjoyed the 6-disc changer even though I really didnt think I needed it.

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  P.O.S NEVER AGAIN!!! - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Jen - April 9 - 3:23 pm

  Dealership sold me this new car back in 2014. From the start the transmission was jumpy. Taking off from a stop that car shakes back and forth like it doesnt want to go. This type of acceleration is dangerous if you need to get out of the way. Dealership was no help and I was told there is not fix except computer updates which dont work. I have had 3 computer updates since having the car. I will never buy from Ford again. Value of the car went down quick. Now that I have had it long enough and paid of enough it will be traded in for a better car NOT with Ford. I will be surprised if someone doesnt get help with this issue. I was told sales reps do not have to tell you about the problem. No integrity!!

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  My 05 ZX3 Review - 2005 Ford Focus
  By mwp1 - April 8 - 9:33 pm

  My car is the basic S model with air and 5- speed; I bought it as a daily commuter as I drive 120 miles a day for work. Runs well but has had transmission problems beginning at 50 miles, the shifter cable keeps falling off at the transmission, three times now, the dealer keeps "adjusting" the cables but I know that there is a design flaw with the plastic connector. Also the drivers seat frame broke requiring a new seat back to be installed.

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  Two thumbs down for ford! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By David - April 1 - 12:29 pm

  Been sent in for transmission issues 4 times since first purchased new in 2012. Everything from grinding slipping and rolling backwards no repairs every worked just told thats how it works , now at 56k miles the transmission quit completely! Radio repairs multiple times now it just flashes " indexing " car should have been recalled. Nobody in their right mind would own or purchase this unit.

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  Bad Ford - you should know better - 2000 Ford Focus
  By badcar - March 30 - 2:00 am

  There have been several recalls on this car including the rear wheel bearings. I wish I could get rid of this thing but the value has been dropping much faster than I can pay the car off. They have had to replace the complete breaking system after only about 25,000 miles and the wheel bearing went bad coming home on Christmas day with the kids in the car. Im about ready to tell Ford Credit they can have their car back.

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  Its a great car! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By bgkast - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I love it. The only problem I have had, (a faulty moon roof switch) was fixed by the dealer with no problem. Corners great and is a blast to drive! Two thumbs up!