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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  Money Pit - 2003 Ford Focus
  By u2 - August 1 - 10:01 pm

  Been towed to repair shops about a dozen times over the past 6 years. I would not buy a ford focus again.

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  No More Nissans - 2010 Ford Focus
  By ExNissan Man - August 1 - 8:17 pm

  I had a 2007 Nissan Sentra. After going through 2 sets of rear tires in 27,000 miles & the dealer wouldnt be straight with me about who would pay for a manufacturing defect. It was time to let go of my 5th Nissan. For more than thirty years I thought of Ford as "Found On Road Dead" I never considered a Ford. I Test drove the 2010 Focus SE & Wow, I was new Ford Fan. It rode smoother, quieter and peppier than the Nissan Sentra 2.0. The accessories blew me away and so much bang for the buck. Same price as the Nissan Sentra 2.0 basic. The salesman and the guys at the dealer were great! I ended up buying 2 Focuss. One for me and 1 for the wife that very day!

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  Nice little wagon - 2007 Ford Focus
  By epapp1 - July 27 - 4:13 pm

  Rides nice looks nice and handles nice. Second 2007 Focus still own both however have too sell the sedan because of my wifes passing. It hurts to do so because she loved her red Focus. If you are thinking of buying and are not willing to spend a lot drive one and you will see what I mean.

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  Trading it in. - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Stephanie - July 27 - 3:11 pm

  I bought my car in March of 2008 and had no significant problems until January of this year with 50000 miles on it. First my alternator went out and blew a hole in battery. Most of the car is plastic so my small fender bender consist of replacing large sidings of the vehicle. Over $800 for the bumper. Then while driving my tensioner idle pulley froze up and broke causing my belt to come off my car. After getting that towed and dealing with NO space replace the pulley and belt Ive had enough. The alternator is located underneath the engine in the back. To replace the belt you have to remove the heat sheild, alternator, and reservoir just to realize your have few inches to work with.

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  Terrific - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Clevelander - July 26 - 8:03 pm

  10 years and still going strong. Highly reliable. Love my car as much today as the day I bought it. Doesnt look or feel dated.

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  Terrible car. - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Tman - July 24 - 1:25 am

  We bought this car with around 30,000 miles on it. And ever since its been one problem after another! Weve had to replace all 4 tires nearly every 16 months! The upper engine mount has needed to be replaced twice. The passengers side strut needed to be replaced 3 times. The radio goes off intermittently and you need to push the faceplate back in. the ignition wasnt working right. The car sputters sporadically. It doesnt like to start on rainy days. has bad gas mileage for a 4 cyl. Its poor in the snow. the a/c stopped working and wont stay charged. The list goes on and on. The car was designed by monkeys. Its a piece of junk, we will NEVER buy a ford again

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  This car can be one fun ride! Not hwy - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Joe - July 23 - 6:02 am

  Youll want this car if you steer a lot. If you take most of your time on the highways, not so much. You might yell at it to accelerate a bit faster and without such a big grunt just to go from 45-60. But if you steer: Its like very smooth butter being sliced on bread. Steering = city streets and curved roads. It is reliable. 9 years only 1 repair. Sure, its suffered tire damage. But it spent most of its life in NYC! In a backyard full of nails and who knows what! Thats to be expected! Sure its got just 50k and we treated it well, sort of. Its been in an accident once struck by a large car going 40mph on the side. What happened? The left door creaks. Thats it. Perfect otherwise!

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  Over 60 thousand miles now.... - 2008 Ford Focus
  By sparkman7x7 - July 20 - 3:13 pm

  Still driving my little red beauty. Shes happy and well. 34.9 mpg average running 75 mph on i40 and trips . On my third set of tires got Michelin this time. Second windshield. Oil change every 5000 miles. Doors still tight. No frontal alignment has been done. Tires wear evenly. It just hasnt cost me much to drive it! Love it. Love it. Love it!

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  2008 Ford Focus - 2008 Ford Focus
  By poejenk - July 19 - 8:42 pm

  Ive had this car for almost a year, and I love it. It has about 26,000 miles on it now. Ive driven it mostly short distances, but have also driven long distances as well and it performs great. I even drove it during Snowmaggedon 2009 on the East Coast and the handling was excellent. Ive never had any problems with anything the previous reviewers have mentioned. In fact, mechanics have complemented me on how good everything on the car looks! Absolutely no mechanical problems or issues with tire wear or alignment.

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  Stay away! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By ihateford - July 15 - 10:07 pm

  This car put my through hell! First everything was fine, then back right window broke, it would shake uncontrollably, it would stop for no apparent reason, and overall money it was not worth it!