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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  avg bang for avg buck - 2003 Ford Focus
  By midlevelbuyer - December 18 - 4:09 pm

  Whaddya expect... youre buying a used car! Granted I bought it 40km and am now past 130k, but its been a great car for the buck. ( had a Toyota dealer ask 10k for the used price at first though? what the..!!) But reading through these reviews its obvious too many poor quality parts were used given how many similarities in repairs: trunk latch has been replaced 3x now and still doesnt latch all the time. Door handles. Ignition locked up. Battery is being drained by something, replaced once already. Sway bar/bushings. But be realistic. Otherwise its been a great little mid level car.

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  after 15,000 I can review it - 2012 Ford Focus
  By va_car_teacher - December 16 - 7:38 pm

  I have had this car for 7 months it has 15000 miles and I never reset one of the MPG calculators and I have averaged 37.3 MPG over the 15000 miles and many fill up calculations agree. I have not experianced any of the issues some people have. My sync system has worked well not perfect some times it does not understand me but a cancell and try again works every time. I do have the automated manual trans and it took a little time to get used to. But on average I have no problems, just a harsh 1-2 shift once a month or so and every so often a minor shutter on take off or 1-2 shift. Got a rental the other day a Nissan and i do miss my car a lot. mine was built in april so maybee issues fixed.

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  This car has been amazing! I will miss it! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By tara82 - December 11 - 5:20 pm

  I have had this car for 8 years, it has been amazing, I was actually looking to see what the reviews of my car were like to know whether to take other car model/brand reviews with a grain of salt. I figured that many reviews would be from angry consumers whom may not have had the average experience with their vehicles. It seems that way to me so far because I have so little issues with this car that I am actually scared to sell it, but we are running out of space and planning to have a second child, so -we need a bigger vehicle. Our car has 165K and still runs great. I found it had less serious/cheaper repairs than our 1990 toyota tercel.

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  Extremely Poor Value! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By fordjunk1 - December 8 - 11:08 pm

  This is our second 2012 Focus. The dealer had to buy back the first because of: trans problems, front end problems and misaligned body panels. Now the second 2012 Focus has many of the same problems plus some new ones: the car goes into neutral at highway speeds, the mysink system & bluetooth malfunction and the gas mileage has dropped off. Additionally the engine idle is rough and noisy. The 2012 Ford Focus is also a poor value. The best trade in we could get on an immaculate looking car with less than 12,000 miles is $14,000! These cars do not hold any value whatsoever! My suggestion . . .dont but this car! Look at the new Dodge Dart, superior quality and workmanship!

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  Run from the Focus Nightmare - 2012 Ford Focus
  By lataya - December 7 - 9:07 am

  Purchased my 2012 Ford Focus from Mike reinchenbach Ford in Florence SC, 6 ago, with 6 miles. The vehicle has given me so many problems in the past couple months and Ford dealerships and For corporate office also give customers the run around and feel no sympathy. I took my vehicle back to Mike Rein. and indicated that there were a problem, they refused to listen and just said it is normal. The "normal" problem, now is a very big problem. Got my wheel bearing replaced. Problem was found by Raceway Ford of Hartsville SC. It was repaired. However, they also indicated that there were nothing wrong with the transmission. Now Car is in the shop (leaking clutch and transmission). Nighmare.

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  Chug Chug Jerk Choke - 2012 Ford Focus
  By susmak - December 5 - 6:44 pm

  $27K vehicle, my 1st Ford and my retirement car. At 6,500 miles: 1. Major issue - "known" transmission issue. Upon acceleration the vehicle feelsl like it is not getting gas, chugs, and it feels like it will die. Dealer reprogrammed PCM /TCM with no improvement in performance. Was told not to bring the vehicle back because there is nothing more that can be done. Totally unacceptable. 2. Gas mileage is less than 30 MPG on the highway. 3. New rattles everyday. 4. On some music the speakers get crackly and sound like you blew one out. 5. Cheap interior carpet - major wear on the drivers side. 6. Rear seat belts have weird position and functionality.

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  Second choice was best choice - 2012 Ford Focus
  By colo4o - December 5 - 8:59 am

  I have the 2012 Focus SEL. I have just put my 4th tank of gas in the car and am averaging in city driving 33.5 mpg. I am 63" 200 and have lots of room in the car but would not want to be sitting behind me. My first choice was to be a Chevy but when i went to pick it up it was not ready so to kill time i looked at others that led me to the focus and i could not be happier. The car was purchased from GO Courtesy Ford and i worked with Tony Upton and highly recomend contacting him on your purchase.

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  New focus automatic transmission and warranty - 2012 Ford Focus
  By 10snyder - December 3 - 7:55 am

  Have a 2012 Focus with 16,000 miles, the car shutters and jerks extremely bad when shifthing from 1st to 2nd gear. Local Ford mechanic agrees with me that a new car should not shift this violently but Ford will do nothing to correct the problem. Apparently Ford simply needs to say that other cars of this type do the same thing so this is a normal characteristic of the car. Everything else about the car is great but the warranty is not worth the paper its written on.

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  Focus for average people - 2003 Ford Focus
  By connemara - November 29 - 12:47 pm

  Cheap to buy used, good solid reliability, few issues, good mileage, fun to drive, very easy to service

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  Terrific Car - 2012 Ford Focus
  By topcat20 - November 22 - 2:32 am

  After being an early fan of the Leaf, this was clearly a better decision. Better acceleration, better 40-60, and a "gas" to drive. Continue to drive past gas stations and smile. The cost of switching from the old truck to the car, makes the car payments for me. The car is super quiet, fast, and a dream to drive. Take one out for a test drive, you will be so glad that you did. No more tuneups, oil, gas, time, and energy wasters. It is a great car, the only other consideration was the Tesla S. Honestly, quite driving your grandfathers cars, and evolve to an electric. After driving one for 6 months, you look at the gas cars as all antiquated and pat thier time. There is no reason...