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 price on my ZX3 - 2001 Ford Focus
  By c18vw - January 30 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car. Its fun to drive and it has alota pep in it for a small car. I got this car 8/04. The dealer was having a big sale but in their add they missprinted the price of my car! I got it for just under $7,000! Its loaded except it doesnt have a sunroof:( Front Brakes sound and feel weird some times but they work when you need them. I have drive 1000 miles on it just this last month lol. The car came with 57,000 miles on it already. When I got the car the bumper had lots of specaly dots of missing paint. But the dealer hooked me up with a free touch up job. Another cool thing they gave me free was keyless entry.

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  My First New Car - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Scott Findley - January 30 - 2:20 am

  This is my first new car, and was the "weekend special" found in the newspaper. Listed at 11,400 in the paper, which included 1400 in rebates. The 400-dollar college rebate did not apply to me, so I got it at 11,800. I was amazed at how easy the sale was. All the staff there were extremely helpful, and went out of their way to make it as painless as possible.

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  shiftless junk - 2001 Ford Focus
  By focuscrap - January 26 - 2:00 am

  if Ford made only the Focus, they would be out of business in a week. this car has the worst shifting manual transmission ever, even worse than my 1959 Austin that did not have sychro. the throttle sticks in cold weather and the dealer admits that they are all crap. another Pinto, thanks a lot Ford

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  Love, Hate - 2000 Ford Focus
  By MO ZX3 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Damn, I hate to love this car. It has screwed me many times. Im sure everyone is aware of the recalls.This car stranded me 1500 miles from home with a rear wheel that almost fell off (15K miles). Two days to fix and ford wouldnt pay for hotel. I cant imagine what would have happened it the wheel had fallen off at 75 MPH. Key became stuck in the ignition (25K miles). The driver said it was the 3rd focus he had towed that DAY! My drivers seat has broken and now pokes my rear unless I use a towel. Ford said this was not covered under warranty.Why do I still like this car? It was cheap and fun to drive. It looks much nicer than a $14K car.

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  Love my 2001 ZTS - 2003 Ford Focus
  By maj123 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Id consider the SVT model if they do a 2004 model.

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  Unbelievable Value! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Bill Ballinger - January 24 - 4:46 pm

  We have not had this car for but a few days, but it is the neatest and best equipped car you can get for the money. We have a black SE sedan with the auto trans, tilt/telescoping wheel, speed control and the sport group, which includes the T-rated tires and multi-spoke alloy wheels and fog lamps, tach and leather wrapped steering wheel. The anti-theft as standard is a delight. The car has the 50-state emissions 2.0L, but the power is right where you need it on our two-lane hilly roads. It is a really nice handling and power combination for the 55-75 mph range. We stepped up from a Contour, weve had two. It is a step up in every way, and not much smaller of a car.

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  Best deal in towm - 2003 Ford Focus
  By ayccya - January 21 - 2:00 am

  The SVT is a screaming deal, especially if you could get it with the $2500 rebate. This is one very fun car. Superb handling, great accelaration, very comfortable ride for a performance car, decent gas mileage and very spacious interior (lots of headroom). All these make the SVT a great commute car. Ive driven Porsche, Audi, Saab, Mercedes and others and the Ford Focus SVT rank one of the highest in terms of fun to drive. The only complain I have is the over aggresive bad-boy styling. I prefer the European vesion RS or ST170 much better.

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  25K and not a problem yet! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By ZX3me - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Love this car for commuting, so much fun to drive. Havent had a single problem or warranty repair ...yet, very reliable. In a pinch have had to fit my family of 5 in it...no problem, has a lot of room for a small car. Its just a blast to drive and i am consistantly averaging 30 MPG even when revving it off the line. Its been a great car plus I scored a 60mo Ford loan at 0% APR!

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  Ford Focus - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Cathy Bell - January 20 - 8:20 pm

  Our Ford Focus meets our familys need for both cargo space and fuel economy. The easy steering makes it a pleasure to drive on busy city streets while driving our kids to their many activities. The interior would be improved with more drink holders, storage, and rear seat head rests. But overall, we continue to be happy with our purchase.

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  whattagreatcar! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By rdunnell0 - January 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2001 Ford Focus Wagon new in 11/00. After trying a few versions, I selected the 5-speed manual with the Zetec engine (dont believe the reviews that say this is not available!). I also got the "comfort package" which included a number of options tht are nice; I think the cruise control is part of that package. This car holds a full-size concert grand harp and still gets 36 miles per gallon. It is comfortable, fun to drive, and I have had no problems with it. There was one recall for a minor part that had not affected my car at all and it was taken car of easily & promptly. Excellent dealer service. Whattagreatcar!