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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  Great car for the money - 2010 Ford Focus
  By paulashort - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Love the Sync System. No other maker has anything to compete, until you hit the luxury lines. I would rather have a Ford anyways, they have proven to be more reliable.

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  A lot of car for a little $ - 2011 Ford Focus
  By Polyak - September 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2010 Focus S, 5 speed manual trans. The car is comfortable, it handles securely, fuel mpg so far is averaging 29.1 mpg in a mix of driving, about 50/50 city highway, it keeps going up the more I drive it. It shifts smoothly and the engine has a nice sound when revved. For $12,894 there was nothing even close to it. Honda fit looks like a small clown car for $18- 21k, no thanks. My car seats 4 very comfortably, 5 in a pinch. The trunk is huge. Standard PL,AC,CD,traction control and stability control and keyless entry even on the base S model, all STANDARD. And best of all its American and Ford didnt take the govt extortion $. Looks great in Sangria red. Im pleased for what I paid

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  Love my Focus, But 9/28/10 - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Love my Focus, But - September 28 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Focus used with almost 45,000 in Aug. 2009 it now has 71,000. I love the design, very sporty with the chrome. The mpg is great at average 32. We have had no engine problems but we are starting to see others. Such as the front makes a rattling noise heard at low speeds and the motor mount has been tightened. The alignment has been fine. Just this week we noticed that the heat and ac isnt blowing out of the dash vents like it should. I absolutely love my car but I am really hoping that it isnt going to start nickel and diming me.

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  Garbage - 2001 Ford Focus
  By bg - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Had 13k miles on it and was 5 y/o when purchased. Thought the proverbial little old lady must have owned it. How mistaken I was. A/c out 6 months later. Cooling system problems, electrical problems, bearing problems, fuel pump, door panels rattle (this will drive you slowly insane), brake problems, motor mounts all replaced, transmission mounts. Need I say more?

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  If bought a rebuilt in an Emergency. - 2001 Ford Focus
  By TheNIGHTCRAWLER - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I needed a car on the spot. A mechanic rebuilt this wrecked car for his wife. I bought it from him as he was moving into the soccer mom SUB stage of life. He replaced the ignition and suspension and life is good. I would have bought this car whether or not anybody signed off on it. They did. Bare bones and gets me where I have to go dependably. This works for me. Note: Its an automatic. the green button under the shifter turns off the overdrive. The child safety locks on the rear doors still confuse me. No children. Anti-theft key is nice. I like to date. Basic car is a keeper.

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  I really like my new 2011 Focus - 2011 Ford Focus
  By zoom - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 2011 Ford Focus S A/T. I am very pleased with everything. The paint is perfect. It drives well and has great performance. At 100 MPH it holds the road well. The Chinese tires have road noise and the hubcaps are cheap looking and rattle so they will be replaced. I really like the interior, four speaker c/d- mp3- radio, A/C and the overdrive lockout. I would recommend cruise control as the car is responsive and hard to hold an exact speed on trips. I have averaged 38 MPG for the first 1000 miles of mixed driving. I would recommend this car to anyone. I bought it now as the 2012 Focus will be a turbo which will reduce its long term durability. GOOD JOB FORD!

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  7 yr review: a reliable car overall - 2003 Ford Focus
  By randy - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Just reaching the 140,000 mile mark, car has been very dependable and easy to maintain, and much MUCH cheaper to maintain than the 99 Civic i had before. My Focus has been used as a commuter car, sees a mix of highway and city miles and all four seasons (cold brutal winters) Had a few minor problems along the way, but it never left me stranded or cost a fortune to fix. I would recommend this car, it would be a great vehicle for a student because its reliable and economical.

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  2004 SVT Focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By jkevallen - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Driving over the Santa Cruz mountains to work every day this car is a ton of fun to drive. Great bang for the buck. I purchased it Used in 2009 and have loved every minute. In mostly highway (commute) driving I consistently get 30 mpg. Only mechanical issue Ive had is needing to replace the clutch master cylinder for $270. If left out in the sun in high heat the gauges sometimes dont read correctly after start up. Other than that I love the car. Looking forward to the new Focus ST to be released in 2012.

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  Saving gas (and the planet?) - 2010 Ford Focus
  By ridgerider - September 15 - 2:00 am

  After spending several weekends in rental Foci, I decided to "downsize" to a 2010 Focus. Nine months and 9,000 trouble free miles later, Im happy I did. The Focus is much quieter and smoother riding in its third generation, much like a mid-size car, only more nimble and easier on gas. Fuel economy was a major consideration in my purchase. Driven sensibly, the Focus gets about 20% better gas mileage than the EPA sticker. Ive been lucky in all my other vehicles to even match the EPA figures, let alone routinely beat them, so I am quite pleased. The trunk isnt massive but it is big enough, and the folding seat backs create a space big enough for my road bike.

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  Our Ford focus at 184k miles - 2002 Ford Focus
  By azasadny - September 10 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car for our son a couple of years ago and we now have 184,000 miles on it. We have had to replace the coil pack, plugs, wires, shocks, front struts, alternator and several small parts, but overall we are 100% satisfied. This car is 8 years old with this many miles on it and still runs great, no oil leaks, no oil burning, etc. This is an economy car that is still economical to own and fun to drive. With this many miles, parts are obviously going to wear, but parts are cheap, the car is easy and inexpensive to repair and its safe for our son. He was in a serious accident last year and the car held together and protected our son and daughter. We had a body shop get the car back.