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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  love it - 2001 Ford Focus
  By katie loves tyler - March 19 - 9:30 pm

  I just bought a 2001 Ford focus Se Wagon. I love this car. Only has 117,000 miles on it! My boyfriend is always very excited to drive it. His car is a year newer but is a Pontiac and he would Rather drive mine instead! I absolutely love this car.

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  Tire Problems - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Ricky - March 18 - 10:01 am

  I am having the same problem as the other guy. Around 16,000 miles my car started to shake really bad when i drove it so i brought it to the dealership to find out what was wrong.They said that two of my tires are bald and defective so they replaced them for free. So at about 27,000 miles i start having the same problem the bumping while i am driving so i bring it to the dealership again and they say they cant find anything wrong. I told them to do an alignment because there was something wrong. I got the report and the alignment was off and said it wasnt under warranty so i had to pay. Ok so now i am at 34,000 miles with the same problem and they balanced my wheels this time what should i do

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  Door latch - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Tall - March 17 - 9:41 pm

  I got this car for the fuel mileage and looks. Its a fun car to drive and gets around good. I do a lot of driving and now have 160000 miles on it. Im 6 foot 4 inches tall and still have leg room. The first thing that went wrong was the drivers side door latch. The car was locked and there is only one door with a key. So now Im locked out of my car. Now the other door latch dont work so until i get it fixed, i pop the truck open and get into my car. If Im in the car and pass out, heart attack, or stroke you will not be able to open the doors because the door latch wont work from the out side.

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  2002 Ford Focus - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Christine - March 17 - 4:37 pm

  I have had nothing but great reliability with my 2002 Focus ZTS. I still have the factory battery in it, ac works great, great on gas, I can always depend on this car to get me where I need to go. Oil always gets changed on a regular basis, regular check ups and it has been going. Im no mechanic but the money that I have put into this car is just maintenance that you do for your car to keep running. The only thing that has not worked since I purchased it was the drivers side windshield wiper.

• 

  So far so good... - 2008 Ford Focus
  By JHorn - March 16 - 2:18 pm

  I bought this car used in Jan. 08 with about 15k miles. I had to have the back left window motor replaced and just had front right axle and bearing replaced. It was all under warranty so no cost. Everything else has been great. The audio system is awesome with SYNC, though the high end is a little tinny and the phone calls are hard for the other person to hear when using bluetooth. The acceleration is great for the engine size. It does not handle as well as my 2000 VW Golf did, but it isnt bad. As everyone says, the mpg is terrific. It isnt that exciting but it drives well and seems to be reliable since I got those things done.

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  Just give it a test drive - 2009 Ford Focus
  By jon - March 14 - 3:21 pm

  Bought my SES 2 doors coupe used form a dealer. Only had it for a week so I cant comment on reliability. I owned a Focus 2000 ZX3 before this one. It really feels like a evolution of my previous car, more refine, etc. Handling is top notch, very quick. Engine is smooth and quiet. Car comes fully equipped. It really feels solid. I dont understand why reviews are not as good for this car. Its worth a test drive, believe me.

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  Best car for the money - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Mark - March 13 - 9:37 am

  We consistently get better gas mileage than the rating. We have put 11,000 miles on it in 8 months. No visits to the shop other than an oil change. We absolutely love this vehicle. It is by far the best value you can find in this class. We have SYNC, sunroof, roll stability control, and anti-lock brakes. Rebates given on the Focus give you a lot more for your money than Toyota or Honda. Focus has the same reliability and longevity as Honda and Toyota, is more fun to drive, and costs far less.

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  Best Ford of the last decade - 2001 Ford Focus
  By dewey - March 12 - 5:14 pm

  As I approach 200,000 miles on this car I have no regrets, except it replaced a beloved 20 year old Fiesta.Aside from regular service it is only now having more issues, but I am only thinking of replacing it with one of the last years the hatchback was available. My car was rare and special, I ordered it with stability control, 4 wheel disc and ABS and traction control. With snows it performed superb in winter driving. Even 10 years old, the styling is undated. The car had a solid build, compared to many Fords in its day, and even with all the miles the car looks new. Excellent fuel economy, dependable, I would recommend to anyone.

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  Ford Focus 2005 Automatic transmission - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Veva - March 12 - 7:08 am

  Nothing but problems with the automatic transmission, I have put approx. $3000.00 in transmission, today the car will not go in drive over 10 mph. I can drive the car in 2nd gear not over 30 mph. I am today trying to find a garage to have my car towed to. This car is not paid off and I am constantly putting money into. And making a monthly payment, I have had this Ford for 4 years and it has made me a nervous wreck to drive. The throttle cable catches all the time, the worst part with the transmission is you are traveling at 50 mph and the transmission will go into low gear, or neutral when someone behind you is going 50 mph. Not safe on the interstate

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  Perspective of a big/tall guy! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By rdperk - March 8 - 11:46 am

  So far, so good. I am 6,4" tall and about 240 lbs. I fit fine - but no way anyone can sit behind me! Fuel economy has ranged from 27-31 mpg. A bit lower than I had hoped with 80-90% highway. I typically drive 70-75 mph on uncongested highway. Handling is fine except in snow. Could be oem tires, but I usually cant even make it up my slight incline driveway if there is snow covering the cement. Thank goodness for traction control. Many "fishy" rides on snow covered highway - I think tc is the only thing keeping me on the road with these p. O. S. Tires!