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:

• 

  A Must Have Car! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By policemustang - February 1 - 11:23 am

  I recently purchase a brand new Ford Focus Titanium. I am very happy and would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a cool-looking ride with great fuel mileage in mind. My car has everything except for a moon roof. Its a little tight on room but you must consider that I am 304 lbs. So, of course its going to be snug. Everything works great and the transmission shifts just fine. Its quiet and smooth and in my honest opinion, the best Focus that Ford has ever produced. Purchased at: Mac Haik Ford-Lincoln in Georgetown , Texas. The Titanium package is the way to go! Or as an alternative, choose the SE model with the 201A option package.

• 

  The best non-turbo hatchback available. - 2012 Ford Focus
  By redcomet - February 1 - 1:57 am

  I purchased a 12 Focus SE Sport hatchback with the manual MTX-75 5-speed transmission and 17-inch option wheels, 203A package in May of 2012, and so far am very satisfied with the car. At the price point ($20k), its an extremely competent little car. The engine has a lot of get up and go (with the TCS off especially), excellent handling, a great gearbox, and a very refined ride. The car regularly returns a combined fuel economy over 30mpg average, and Ive gotten nearly 40mpg on the highway. The stock ContiProCotact Continental 215/50/17 tires are alright, though theyre holding up surprisingly well in a Northeast winter. Overall, a very fun, affordable, chuckable car. Kudos to Ford

• 

  The 2013 Focus - Great Car - 2013 Ford Focus
  By 48hours - January 30 - 12:32 pm

  We have owned the Focus for one month and it has proven to be a great car to this point. We have had none of the transmission problems we read about in other reviews. The vehicle we have was manufactored in December of 2012. The car is very responsive and has very good fuel mileage and is near the advertised MPG. The controls are easy to reach and clearly displayed. Ours does not have the navigation system, but all other functions have had no problems.

• 

  For teenagers, Adults dont bother - 2009 Ford Focus
  By cherrie1 - January 26 - 11:38 pm

  I bought used 2009 for $9500 w/26000 miles in 2011, under TMV, so I thought I had a deal. However, I would not buy this again. The comfort level is very low with hardly any leg room. It does very poorly in certain weather conditions. Caught in a windstorm, I was forced to drive in the fast lane bcuz the slow lane was near deep embankments and the car behaved like it really wanted to flip. It also does poorly going around sharp curves. It now squeaks after that windstorm, and Im told its a bodyshop issue. Also, repairs on this can be $$. I pd $300 for a brake job. The defrost is horrible on this, takes way too long. Ok on gas, but just a teenage recreation car IMO.

• 

  UPDATE! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By fordjunk1 - January 25 - 9:05 am

  This is an up-dat, this car keeps developing new funky problems that Ford just cant seem to find. Now the drivers side window binds and a Ford dealer said, "jus push on it." Can you believe this, just push on it, a brand new car!!! AND the car now has trouble starting in the cold!! Ford Focus = JUNK!!

• 

  First month evaluation - 2013 Ford Focus
  By enabler - January 24 - 10:22 pm

  Everythings working except (1) rear view camera screen losses the electronically superimposed guidelines by itself, occurring nearly every other day, (2) A/C button on climate screen is lit after start but manual control screen says AC is off. Gas mileage ok, but not impressive, only 29 mpg compared to my 03 Muranos 21 mpg for the same driving. Handling and ride are decent, bordering on fun. reasonably quiet with bare minimum acceleration power. Braking is not confidence inspiring.

• 

  Electronics - 2012 Ford Focus
  By rvandry - January 22 - 3:28 pm

  Way too much electronics. Where are the buttons to change the preset radio stations or the "seek" button to find a non-preset station while traveling? I have to take my eyes off the road and look at the display when changing stations, not very safe. Also, what happened to the map reading lights and the 60/40 split rear seat? I had them in my 2009 Focus but there arent any in my 2012. Not very handy. But the worst is that this 2012 Focus with only 3200 Kms wont start in very cold temperatures. My dealer tells me its an electronics problem that, despite 3 visit to the dealership on the back of a tow truck, has yet to be identified. Electronics are a good thing but too much isnt.

• 

  3-month followup - Ford has stepped their game up - 2013 Ford Focus
  By weelman13 - January 17 - 2:09 pm

  I have 2800 miles now after 3 months from Oct-Jan. My driving habits are mostly city (90%+): 27.4 MPG. On a short road trip, i get around 30, and dont know how to get the EPA 36, maybe 80mph doesnt bode well for fuel econ. The ride is good(not too stiff) and the handling is very good, but the 18"pilot sport 3 are bad in snow but are great in rain and dry. The sync is fine, it does change my media upon start-up about 30% of the time. The bluetooth works good (podcasts/pandora/etc) and i am using both an SD card and USB stick. Making phone calls is very easy, the phone features are always on. Going for my first oil change soon and no problem issues that i know of.

• 

  my 2012 FORD FOCUS "SFE EDITION" - 2012 Ford Focus
  By badfocus - January 14 - 3:57 pm

  I purchased my 2012 Ford Focus feburary 27,2012, at 5600 miles I get a RECALL letter on the "programing of the transmission" from then it was down hill for my little car. I took it back around 10,000 miles and i was adv nothing was wrong with the trans that this is the way it is to shift, the car was shifting like someone just learned how to drive a stick shift!!!!!, this went on for a month, i was so upset oneday i almost got hit by another car because of the way the car was shifting out, i put my big boy pants on and demanded they look at the car. well, what do you supose they found???? they found there was a problem!!!! it was the clutches, they replaced them, i drove the car 2 weeks and

• 

  Poor Navigation System - 2013 Ford Focus
  By barridale - January 13 - 7:45 pm

  I purchased a 2013 FORD FOCUS Nov 2012 and took the optional navigation system because I needed it. Since the firsr time I used the system it did not fuction properly. It is inaccurate placing the vehicle location on either a different street or driving through backyards. When the destination is right ahead at 50 yards the system tells to turn left then right at the next street to reach the destination. Needless to say that this could be dangerous as well as getting the driver lost. The vehicle has been to the dealership twice for two hours each time. The whole software was updated as well as the new version SD card installed. The second time the service dept liasoned with FORD but never