Ford Focus Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.05/5 Average
3,280 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 421 through 430 of 3,280.00
  • Only one good thing about it - 2006 Ford Focus
    By -

    Car was purchased new in 2006 since then, it has had 4 sets of tires in only 120k, 3 alternators, been back for a messed up fuel tank vent where it would spit fuel back out of the tank at you, and now to top it all off the cooling fan broke and jabbed through the radiator costing me another 800$! Add all this to the crappy ride and worthless uncomfortable ride and this excuse for a car only has one thing going for it and thats gas mileage. I knew the instant I found out it has a "lifetime airfilter" that this was a worthless throwaway vehicle. As soon as I get this radiator back together I am trading it on something worth my while!

  • New, at 500 miles I found the front seat very uncomfortable - 2012 Ford Focus
    By -

    TAKE CARE ... the driver seat can cause leg pain if you are somewhere around a 32 to 36 inch leg . I am 6 ft, 180 lbs, 34 inch inseam (leg) and the drivers seat has a pressure point on the outer upper thigh. I have never experienced anything like this (noticable pain in the left leg) in the Mazda or Toyotas I owned nor did I experience it on any test drive ... if you are interested in the Ford, take it for a 20 minute test drive !!

  • No more Hondas - 2012 Ford Focus
    By -

    This 40-year Honda owner had to rent a car and got an 12 Focus 4-dr. Wow! I went to the dealer and saw a hback. I drove it with the man/auto 6-spd and was sold. Ordered mine (SE with Sport pkg. and 203A) and have 7K on it in 3 months. NEVER before have I felt like a car was custom built for me. Seat is like a glove, its fast with smooth acceleration (the initial minor tranny stumble goes away by 1K) and solid as a rock (sorry Chevy). 31 mpg city and 41 hwy for an average since new of 35.4 mpg! Itll blow the doors off most V-6s and the Sync system, while confusing, offers great sound quality. My wife is ditching her 12 Civic for a red 13 Hback to one-up my black 12.

  • Ford = Fix. Or. Repair. Daily. - 2003 Ford Focus
    By -

    This car is a nightmare. Every other focus owner ive talked to hates this car too. Never buy this vehicle. Even the ford mechanics at the dealerships ive been to tell me this car is nothing but a bag of issues. I have had this car for less than six years and put less than 40,000miles on it and have had so many issues. This car eats tires and rear brakes like candy. So far, new ignition cylinder after six months of ownership, new motor mounts, new fog lights, new throttle cable, more new tires, more new brakes, rear defroster repair, new alternator, driver seat broke (spot welds that hold the seat up right broke), manual window crank broke off, ECU repair, and none of this is covered by Ford.

  • Excellent economical car! - 2011 Ford Focus
    By -

    The Focus is great for families like ours with one child, needing great gas mileage and comfort commuting and traveling. The Focus SE has all the bells and whistles and more, at a very competitive price. I still cant see paying over $20k for a compact car, and this one is well under that. We got a 2011 with 23,000 on it, and because it was certified we got 1.9% financing as well. That, in my opinion, was an excllent value. The car is tight, plenty of headroom, a vacuous truck, comfortable back seat and all the creature comforts we have come to expect. I also got cruise control, Sync, etc. The appearance is very good - This is a good choice for comfort, value, and economy.

  • Piece of JUNK - 2002 Ford Focus
    By -

    We actually have the automatic transmission, it wasnt an option though. We bought this car at 99k, now at 109k we have replaced more than we could ever imagine in this beater (granted, we knew we would need to replace a few things). Replaced both back window motors, replaced the alternator, replaced two separate pieces related to the radiator (both of them exploded while driving, shooting radiator fluid everywhere) not to mention, 3 of these things broke while driving and left us stranded. We fixed a leaky transmission, the valve gasket cover was leaking oil. It dies while idling- it also continues to accelerate even when NOT pushing on the gas pedal, thus eating up our brakes. Dont buy it

  • Mistake in buying this car - 2012 Ford Focus
    By -

    Car handles pretty well, looks good, gets great gas mileage on the highway, ok on city miles. Some good accessories. That annoying transmission does NOT get better, gets worse. Had issues of parts not being installed completely, screws left off, etc., which were fixed mostly by the local dealer. But I have been disappointed and wanted to trade up at dealer where I bought it Sunny King Ford Alabama...4100 miles only on car. They know all the issues I had and acted like they would make it right for me. They offered me almost half what I paid-4 months!! Resale is pathetic! So really think before you buy.

  • As good as the Japanese - 2003 Ford Focus
    By -

    I have a 2003 focus that just passed 160 kilometers and other than regular maintenance like tires, brakes, oil changes I have only had to replace the trunk opening latch ($150). It has the smallest engine (2.0 twin port), manual trans and I put 16 inch wheels and a hogher aspect than stock tires on it to maximize mileage. Even with this high gearing it still has reasonable torque to pass in high gear. Best steering and handing in a North American car and you sit up high not like sitting in a hole like a Honda. Styling is still fresh after all these years, going to keep for at least another 5 years. Hey it long been paid for

  • After almost 30000 miles - 2012 Ford Focus
    By -

    Im 81 years of age and my wife is 76 years of youth, and we have been married for 53+ years. Our 2012 Ford Focus SE Hatchback, which we bought in August of 2011 is almost what we hoped for, except for tire wear and poor radio reception. 40+ mpg on trips of 400+ miles, and overall mpg for 29827 miles is an amazing 37.9 mpg. After owning Mustangs, Torinos and a Pantera, which is still in the family, speed has gotten out of my system. Excellent handling is still required and present in this car, so I now drive for max mpg. A new radio module will be replaced in 2013, which leaves me with one problem, that being cupping of all 4 tires, now being remedied, with a tighter realignment & new tire

  • DO NOT BUY... - 2012 Ford Focus
    By -

    Multiple issues: 1.Presets on MyTouch screen disappear, the Sat Radio stations are still prgrammed just do not show up on screen, i see empty boxes, this has happened five seperate times. 2.While backing out of a parking space the Focus shuddered heavily and then stoped moving (as in vehicle would not continue to move), the vehicle had to be turned off and back on to correct issue, this happened twice. 3. From a standstill like a stoplight or stop sign, the vehicle lightly shudders when accelerating, this happens constantly. 4.Numerous lights inside the vehicle have malfunctioned but have been switched out as per warranty. 5. Vehicle also "stalled" out in traffic nearly causing an accident!

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