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:
Showing 3251 through 3260 of 3,280.00-
Getting Better / Like it more. - 2003 Ford Focus
By "L" - February 16 - 2:00 amIam back !!! Mileage has improved somewhat. City mpg from a low of 20 (wife driving it)to 24 and 25-30 in the highway. I got a cool 30mpg this past weekend. I did the same trip as when it was new back in Nov 1st. I got 24.9 then. Did not use the AC this time (It was cold) 70-75 mph. Noise level on newly paved roads is more tolerable. Can carry a ton of stuff in the back with seats down. Love that RDS on my radio.I Hear 2004 has 19 more ponies? and better mileage ? Test drove the Toyota Prius, great car but I can put alot of gas in my Focus with the $8k+ difference in price.
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My Focus is a lemmon - 2002 Ford Focus
By Wayne Hill - February 14 - 10:00 amOnly 7000 miles on it and its been in for repairs three weeks and counting. The engine shutdown and would not start. Towed in. Two weeks in shop. Three days later. Same thing. Towed in. Ford stopped paying for my car rental. Now I have no car to drive. Last Ford I will buy.
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Great little car! - 2007 Ford Focus
By Kari - February 13 - 11:46 pmIve owned my little car only 2 weeks but it is a blast to drive so far. I traded in my 2000 Ford Ranger pickup truck for something smaller with better gas mileage. I researched every car in the hatchback category and narrowed my choice to the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, and the Ford Focus. For the money, the Focus was the best value for me. Yes, the trade-in value will be lower than the others, but for the years I will be driving it, I have more features, a great design, and a reliable history. Plus, Ford gave $2k in rebates that made the price perfect.
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one of the best! - 2005 Ford Focus
By v foster - February 11 - 6:20 pmOne of the best autos I have ever owned for all around economy, fun to drive, fewer problems, looks, ease of handling, and dependability.
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Love my new Focus - 2009 Ford Focus
By amber gold - February 9 - 8:20 amAfter three weeks of researching and test driving cars, my husband and I finally picked the 09 Ford Focus SE. It has plenty of trunk space, gets great gas mileage, and is fun to drive so far. The other small cars in this class could not match the price nor quality that the Focus has. Ill send another update in a few months after we get her good and broke in. Love this car!
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seans review - 2004 Ford Focus
By sean55697 - February 9 - 2:00 amI like this car. There have been only 253 yellow SVT focus made. The handeling of this car is better than any other. It is very fun to drive.
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:( Poor Gas Mileage - 2004 Ford Focus
By drocksme - February 4 - 10:00 amI love the sporty look of this car. Fun to drive, easy to park - I live in the city.
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Rebadged - 2005 Ford Focus
By Brian123 - February 4 - 10:00 amI like the car but there it is little different from my old focus. There are no curtain airbags and no rear head restraints. I dont feel safe driving adults in the back.
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Love this car - 2003 Ford Focus
By Smerich - February 2 - 10:00 amThe Focus is the perfect car for my family. Even with the moonroof there is more than enough headroom for everyone in the front or rear seats. I fit well in the passenger seat even with a car seat in the rear. Zetec engine is wonderful, and the ride is exceptional for a small car.
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Focus ZTX - 2000 Ford Focus
By KP - January 30 - 10:00 pmA blast to drive.
