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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  Saved My Life - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Mia - February 14 - 4:31 pm

  I was in my first car accident, not just a fender bender, I have a few contusions, 2nd degree burn, and two strains one in my back and the other in my neck. I could have came out a lot worse, the EMS on site told me the air bags and everything worked the way it should have. Im still scared but thank goodness that this was all that I came out with. Its normal to get a burn from the air bag the ambulance said. Im planning on buying another ford focus for my new car. They are fairly reliable.

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  Good, economical car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Dan - February 14 - 9:48 am

  I love this car. I had a 2002 Focus and gave it to my daughter. It has over 105000 miles and hasnt needed anything. Mine has 72000 miles and hasnt needed anything other than tires.

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  I loved my ford focus - 2007 Ford Focus
  By FordGirlNY - February 10 - 6:43 pm

  I purchased a 2007 Ford Focus se in the summer of 2008 as my first car, and up until February 4th of 2010 it was the best car I had ever driven. Never gave me a problem, always started right up, and never left me stranded. I also drove it from Alabama to New York and back 3 times, and was planning on driving it back to NY again until it was totaled. I did have to replace my front rotors after the first trip to NY. I plan to buy another Focus with the insurance money. I paid 10 grand for it when I purchased it.

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  My Ford Focus - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Europop2500 - February 10 - 12:42 pm

  Bought it w/ about 87k on it. 1st thing to replace it was the radio, couldnt read very well w/ the lines through it. Trunk latch doesnt work properly. To close the trunk I have to pull the safety lever in the trunk. It had fairly new tires on it when I bought it, they are already bald 7k miles later. A dome light towards the rear seats would be Nice, @night I cant see a thing back there. I get about 22 mpg all town. It would be Nice to put the rear seats down from the car, not just the trunk. The ignition cyl. Went out, Ford charged $270! Rip off. Only the drivers door has a keyhole and when its colder than 32 degrees the keyhole freezes and u cant get the key in, or turn it. Ive tried many options

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  Great Little Car - 2006 Ford Focus
  By jpeters - February 7 - 3:32 pm

  Purchased brand new in March 06. Coming up on 4 years and 108,000 miles and not a single issue. Have done regular oil changes every 5,000 miles and am on my third set of tires, have replaced one rear light at about 80,000 miles. Thats it for maintanence. Fun to drive, great gas mileage, practically maintenance free. Good acceleration and handling, passing is a breeze. Only complaints are engine noise at about 62 mph but only at that particular speed, not higher or lower. Not comfortable on long drives, say over about 3 or 4 hours, definite booty pain. Has been a fun and faithful little car. Love it!

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  Love my Focus! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By llb2010 - February 5 - 3:33 pm

  I bought my 2005 Ford Focus ZX4 a few months ago, and I must admit, I LOVE it! It runs great, gets awesome gas mileage (almost 35 to the gallon highway, about 28 city), and is very cute! Im seventeen and wanted to buy a car (yes- I paid for it myself!) that would last throughout college and I think Ive found the one! It has plenty of legroom for me (6 feet tall). It gets great pickup and I find it very easy to drive- even in the snow and ice. I havent had any problems with the car (knock on wood) and would recommend it to anyone. My parents may be Toyota and Honda owners, but Im a Ford girl for life!

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  Incredible Mileage and Fun to Drive - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Matthew - February 5 - 12:27 pm

  Can not say enough good things about this car. Very comfortable (but I did get leather seats) and much better mileage than edmunds lists, not sure where edmunds is getting their numbers from but believe me, I have never had such a fuel efficient vehicle. I get 40mpg on highway and 30mpg in city. Super peppy, wheel control feels like a Volkswagen, ride feels like a honda, electronics are impressive, stereo sounds amazing, much more room inside than one would think. Only complaint would be the trunk, it doesnt close correctly if you just casually close it. But that is sooo minor. I never thought Ford would ever make a vehicle this well, and it has changed my impression of Ford forever!!!

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  focus on the road ahead - 2010 Ford Focus
  By ben - February 4 - 11:40 pm

  The Focus. I traded in my 07 mustang for it. Although it doesnt have all the horses the mustang had, I agree with the people saying it is fast. Acceleration is not bad at all for a 4 cyl car. Some people doesnt like the exterior design at all but I beg to differ. Smooth ride and handles very well. Love the interior and features too, and above everything safety and gas mileage. I too have no regrets.

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  Great Car! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Nicki - February 4 - 11:50 am

  My husband and I needed a new car that got good gas mileage. We bought our Ford Focus in March 2008 and love it!! The gas mileage is awesome! While on road trips we can get 38 mpg!! Now thats not too common. We usually get around 34 average MPG and with bad weather in the winter, obviously the MPG drops because of using the heater. But its still good, about 31 MPG in winter!! :-)

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  great car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By mj - February 1 - 6:08 am

  Bought my Focus with 11 miles on it in may of 08 it now is approaching 60,000 miles all commuter driving. Have had very little problems heater motor replaced under warranty the dealer has been great SYNC is great it is not the best handling car but the price and fuel mileage make up for that. I am trading her in when the new Focus comes out