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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  Fantastic Car - 2013 Ford Focus
  By ampwatt - May 23 - 4:18 pm

  I just leased a 2013 Ford Focus Electric and am very pleased with this vehicle. Ford did a lot of homework with this effort and it shows. It is the most solid car I have ever driven, including the best German and Japanese. The doors "thunk like a vault. The ride feels like a much heavier car. The steering is accurate and handling nimble. The cars range varies depending on driving techniques and other electric accessories used such as headlamps and air conditioning. I can count on at least 80 miles before needing to recharge. 120 volt recharging is OK but slow. 240 volt is the way to go - 3 to 4 hours for a full charge.

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  Very Reliable - 2001 Ford Focus
  By tjh9 - May 22 - 11:15 am

  I purchased my 01 Focus Wagon SE from a dealership in 2011 with ~190,000 mi on it for $2850. It has been almost 2 years now and this car has given me almost no grief. The A/C went out once (A/C is a luxury anyways, who cares?), front coil springs had to be replaced, and the muffler hit the ground once while going over a speed bump (temporarily fixed it with shoelaces, haha) All in all, great performance great value!

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  [non-permissible content removed] - 2012 Ford Focus
  By maniac4 - May 15 - 9:51 am

  The automated transmissionn says it all. For those of you who love the car be patient, It wont be long before the tranny goes ka-putt. I really liked this car till it started messing up. Gas mileage is hard to get a number. /you would have to ask the dealer or FOMOCO cause they have it more than me. What a let down.Sad. But thats normal after all. the grinding, normal,the slipping clutches normal. the screwings we got normal. the I dont knows. normal. Screw me once shame on you. screw me twice shame on me.DO NOT PURCHASE THIS CAR.

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  Good Commuter - 2012 Ford Focus
  By ficklest - May 13 - 2:58 pm

  Love the car! Purchased in late December - 12,000 miles on it already! My commute is 102 miles per day. Looks great, very comfortable ride. Combined mileage is 32.5 - some bumper to bumper and some highway speed. Exactly as expected. I am experiencing the same low gear shudder/shaking that everyone is talking about, and Im going to take it to the dealership to have them check it out - just to get it on record. It does not, however, seem to affect the way the car drives, other than being a little finicky when downshifting.

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  Bad and Worse - 2001 Ford Focus
  By pc1967 - May 12 - 6:46 pm

  Basically purchased it used for $3200, 20k miles later, after regular oil changes and sensible driving habits. It dropped the #4 valve seat effectively destroying the head and piston below the valve. This was the 2.0 SPI a.k.a split port engine. Do not buy a 01 Focus if the 8th VIN digit is a letter P without signed documented proof from the dealer that the valve seats have been replaced with the improved design period!! Ford should have seriously recalled this vehicle from the start. The only good thing that came out of this is, that I purchased a Toyota Yaris after this heap blew up. If Ford gave me a shiny new Focus, Id sell it and get another Toyota right there on the lot.

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  2007 Focus SES 2 door Hatch Back - 2013 Ford Focus
  By sleasure - May 11 - 1:50 am

  I bought my Ford Focus SES new and have performed all of the routine maintenance myself. The vehicle has not required any repair. I primarily drive and service with an emphasis on preserving the reliability of the automobile. I have replaced the battery and wiper blades only. The origional tires show 50% wear. I live in Las Vegas, NV, and high summer temperatures kill automobile batteries. I get only 2+ years of battery service in our vehicles. I buy batteries from Ford. They last longer than other batterys, ie: Walmart, K Mart, etc. If I drive conservatively, I achieve the EPA fuel economy ratings. Best handling small car I have ever owned. 37K miles, Always garaged.

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  Very fond of this car. 1,000 miles on it. - 2013 Ford Focus
  By pastuszak - May 7 - 12:15 pm

  About a month ago my 2012 Mazda 3 got totaled. I loved the car, but the ride was too firm and the A/C wasnt the best. So I went with the Focus hatchback titanium. MyFord Touch takes time to get used to. It has a bit of lag delay. However, I prefer MFT. The car has good handling and acceleration while maintaining a smooth ride. Many people have complained about the transmission. It feels different, for sure, but its a very good transmission. In sport mode, it will happily downshift when you accelerate and retain decent MPG. Currently Im getting 32 mpg combined. Im a little disappointed by the 35ish mpg highway Ive gotten. Not getting near that 38 no matter how I drive.

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  Its Still Junk!!! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By fordjunk1 - May 3 - 10:24 pm

  This is a 22,000 mile up-date. The trans shutter, hesitation and noise are even worse. City driving in this car is awful, terrible and irritating. Weve given up dealing with Ford and their dealerships. They cant fix the piece of junk they designed and built. Well just pay it down and get rid of it! AND we will NEVER purchase another Ford product ever! This has been a terrible experience. Stay away from Ford and their dual-clutch junk!!!!!

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  Economy with Style - 2012 Ford Focus
  By rockdog77 - May 3 - 3:29 pm

  We took delivery of our 2012 Ford Focus Titanium 5dr Hatchback in Blaze Yellow in Jan 2012. It now has over 18,000 trouble free miles on it and is our main family car. We have had it in for 2 updates, and I have processed 2 sync updates at home which were lengthy but fairly easy. The daily commute is over 40 miles and we have averaged 32-33 mpg since new. On long highway trips we can usually get 41 mpg. Overall we love the car and feel we made the right decision.

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  Dont buy it! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By sharon63 - April 23 - 12:27 pm

  I bought my Focus in 2012 with 27k miles on it. I sold it 8 months later with 47k. The dealership even let me take it home for 3 days to make sure i really wanted it. Fair enough. But 1 wk after the purchase it started bucking especially when going up a hill and in the 1st and second gear.intermittantly. I traded a Mazda 3 manual and it felt like somebody was driving it that didnt know how to shift, and that wasnt me, because this is an automatic transmission. I took it in 3 times and was told thats how it drives. Then the engine light came on. took it back in and they replaced the clutch and it fixed the problem. also, the vaporizer was bad. Nothing but a headache.