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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  The V40 Killer!!!! Ya Baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Wealth Guru - January 16 - 10:00 am

  DISCLAIMER: Last car was Volvo S-80 (3 yrs), Volvo 859 wagon bef that (3 yrs). Nice cars, loved them, but WAY overpriced (Note: Ford owns Volvo). Read Millionaire Next Door, then tested S40 Wagon, felt like a sardeen can at $25,000. Bot the Focus SE wagon, Infra- Red(18,190 list) from J Madden for $ 13,799 (500 under, and 3000 rebate). Roomier than S40, same rear end and plenty of power. Handles great, quiet on the highway, well built, not as many frills, but who cares. Its 1/2 the S40 price. Loving It!!(Wanted a Cooper S, but have private school tuition ahead...:(

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  Ford Focus SE 2013 - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Steve England - January 12 - 11:03 am

  Good performance, good driving reliability, low cost maintenance. 2013 transmission had a slip, needed an overhaul.

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  after a year of ownership... - 2002 Ford Focus
  By SVTADAM - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Very fun daily commuter. Attacks the twisties with willful abandon. For a naturally aspirated motor the power is adequate. Have had numerous issues with warrantee items...dual stage intake, exaust rattles, interior leak, mainly integrity issues, and lots of check engine lights. Meticulous owners may expect to visit dealers more often than they would like. Very aftermarket friendly for performance/apperance upgrades.

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  I love the Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By sugawoman - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I honestly love the car. It rides great and is so much fun!

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  outstanding value! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By davgrlck - January 10 - 10:00 am

  great pickup. I have the 2.3 litre pzev engine with 145 horse power and near zero emissions to polute the air. Huge interior. More room than some midsize cars i tested for thousands less. Biggest trunk space in class and fold completely flat rear seats. Possibly the wisest money spent for any car class.

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  I love it - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Livin in Wahiawa - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Taking advantage of good incentives (including the Costco Program), my wife and I purchased a new 2003 Focus Wagon. She had test driven an Ion, a Civic, and an Echo (and of course, her old Escort), and loved the ride, power, handling, lines, comforts, space and overall style of her new car. Ive driven it a bit, and I confess I like it better than my 98 Saturn SL2.

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  MY ZX3 - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Alex, the ZX3 guy - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Ok, i got a silver ZX3 with 23,000 miles on it and it is an absolute joy to own. makes everyday trips fun with its sharp-as-a-knife handeling and zippy engine (although it could use some more zip) i can fit almost anything into it and yet it is so small on the outeside and easy to park. The seats have good support and i fit easily into the car (im 65"). I would recomed a focus to anyone who wants a good car on a budget.

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  my best new car ever - 2004 Ford Focus
  By glen - January 4 - 2:00 am

  At 6 foot ten and 350 lbs it isnt easy finding a car that i can fit into much less be comfortable in. imagine my surprise when the car turns out to be fun to drive and, is problem free. On a 900 mile trip i even got more MPG than ever. 33 while cruising at 75. WOW !!! This car just continues to be a joy. Color me in for a svt if they add an automatic.

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  fast but not reliable - 2002 Ford Focus
  By svt racer - January 4 - 2:00 am

  my 2002 svt is faster than any honda i have raced so far but i have had my audiophile cd player replaced 3 times since i purchased the car. performance wise, the car has exceded my expectations but quality wise the car is falling apart. i am yet to lose a race but my car spends half its time at the dealership getting fixed.

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  Great Little Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By gohlson - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive really enjoyed my Focus. It not really a fancy car, but its nicely built, solid and dependable. Im a fairly big man and I can get in it comfortably without having to do a lot of contortions to fit in the seat. The headroom is excellent and it is not cramped at all. It has a nice comfortable ride, too. If you have to commute a ways to work, this is the car for you. Id had the car about a week and had to make a trip from Kansas City to Mitchell, SD.(about 400 miles and did so one tank of gas.)Ill definitely buy another one some day.