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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  Horrible Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By laurenglamtm - November 21 - 11:19 pm

  I bought this care used at 85,00 miles for $5000 and I guess you get what you paid for. Within the first few months I had to get the transmission replaced and from there it has been down hill. I havent even had the car for 4 years and I have had to get a new alternator, spark plugs, coolant resivor, vacuum pump, two thermostats, a plastic piece that connects my coolant resivor to my radiator, and two window pullys that broke. Id say by now I could have gotten a brand new car....Thats how expensive all the repairs cost. Now it makes a weird rattle noise when I idle and the ford dealership cant figure out what it is....and let me tell you it is a really LOUD rattle. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!

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  NOT LOVING IT! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By bren77 - November 15 - 6:57 pm

  I bought my 2013 Focus SE a month ago. I cried for two days over the crazy transmission. I now have 500 miles and it is driving better. The drivers seat is uncomfortable and lots of road noise. Not enough cup holders or storage space.If I could do it again, I would not buy this car! I am not trying to be negative, just stating what I feel about the car. I talked to the dealership about the road noise and the seat and they acted as though they have never heard any complaints, but I have read several. I do like some of the features and like the way it doesnt feel like a small car. Anyway, I am trying to love it because I have to pay for it for six years :(

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  Love My Ford Focus - 2000 Ford Focus
  By edcetera - November 13 - 8:59 pm

  My 2000 Ford Focus is the only vehicle that Ive bought brand new ... on an angry whim when another Ford I owned broke down one too many times. Turns out, it was a great move. Ive had it now for 12 years and it has 335,00 miles on it. Im shooting for 400,000! More importantly, other than routine maintainance, the car has only had mechanical problems 3 times in all those years and miles (a broken fan belt, and two failed alternators). Thats it! There are some minor things that have eventually failed, such as a CD player which, for some weird reason, only allows me to change CDs the first thing in the morning. I still drive it daily for work. I still drive it daily with no fears.

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  Sporty and Fun with Confusing Sync - 2013 Ford Focus
  By yooperdatadude - November 11 - 11:49 am

  IÂ’ve a 2013 Ford Focus SE Sedan with five-speed manual transmission. I shopped it against a 2012 Chevy Cruze LS with six-speed manual. Both are excellent. I chose the Focus for its sportier suspension and steering. The EPA predicts 36 mpg highway the Focus delivered 35.2 mpg on my most recent trip. I am exceedingly happy with fuel economy. IÂ’m enjoying the five-speed manual transmission. IÂ’d prefer a sixth gear for freeway driving. (The car would probably get even better mileage with one higher gear). ThatÂ’s a small nit though. The 2013 Focus SE with five-speed manual is a sporty, fun-to-drive car with good fuel economy. Be sure you can live with Ford Sync and the strange dashboard layout.

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  Fuel efficient, attractive, great driving car - 2012 Ford Focus
  By sobhall - November 10 - 3:34 am

  Have had my 2012 Ford Focus S w/automatic for 6 months and just under 9000 miles. Great driving car. Relatively quiet and smooth riding for a compact. Terrific handling. Interior is well laid out. Nice seats that are fairly comfortable. Inside and out, the car is a looker. So far, averaging 42.8 mpg. Cant wait to see what kind of mileage I get on the freeway. So far, quite satisfied. Very nice car.

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  OMG! If i could trade in! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By dreamaker9729 - November 9 - 6:33 am

  I currently drive a 08 civic hybrid and it went into the shop for repairs and this is the rental car that they gave me. This car takes off faster then my civic, better exterior design then my civic, but a smaller inside. I would trade my civic in for this car if they cabin was more spacey. But i love my civic so she is a keeper.... Great gas mileage...easy to drive...get one!

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  Nice car! - 2006 Ford Focus
  By mndriver4 - November 4 - 9:40 pm

  I really enjoy driving this car, Its nimble and quick, visibility is the best, nicest economy car Iv ever driven. I get 32 to 34 MPG for my average with about 75% hwy. I like the way you sit high, Its been vary reliable 110K miles on it now. Its not a refined luxury car but I find it more fun to drive.

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  2012 focus 5 door hatchback - 2012 Ford Focus
  By freelanceshots - October 29 - 9:24 pm

  I am really liking my car. I find excuses to drive it now even though gas is still expensive. Very quiet inside, drives nice, good looking and gets pretty high gas mileage. With a little over 1,000 miles on the motor Im pulling 32 to 35 in town and 41 to 47 highway trips. These numbers are better then the publicized stats for the 45K to 60K hybrids. Leg room in the back for adults is missing but for me I can over look this detail for now.

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  Note to all the poor souls who own the 2.0 SPI variant. - 2001 Ford Focus
  By pc1967 - October 28 - 6:26 pm

  As the title states if you own the 2.0 SPI SOHC aka (2.0 split port) variant. Sell this car immediately its a literal time bomb. Possibly the worst engine design by Ford ever. No matter how you baby that engine expect the valve seats to fly directly into the cylinder head anytime after 70K miles. The minimum cost to fix is actually almost as much as the cars valuation. Even if you catch it prior to damage its a very costly fix and one that could have been avoided by Ford if the had made a slight design variation to the 2.0 SPI. Symptoms of failing valve seats include. Engine chatter Running rough or stalling in idle A #2 or #4 cylinder misfire code Avoid the Focus VIN P at all costs

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  Should have kept the Honda - 2012 Ford Focus
  By jeaniem1 - October 26 - 2:01 pm

  Bought the car in June 2012. Have questioned that decision every other day. Started out with sluggish low speed performance with hopping and rough/delayed shifting in the transmission. Was told I had to let the car "break itself in" and the shifting would improve. Im at 10,800 miles and now Ive graduated from hopping to shuddering in the first few gears. Especially bad on hills. Like the car just doesnt respond until it has shudder a few times getting into gear. Finally, the Sync system is the absolute worst. Buttons on the screen go missing, GPS gets lost, stays on after the car is off, random loud thumping sound through speakers when car is off. Many updates, still not fixed. Annoying.