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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  A Joy to put the Pedal to the Metal.... - 2010 Ford Focus
  By dzweifel - December 26 - 4:23 pm

  Our lease was up on the 2006 Honda Odyssey so we decided upon this great little car i.e., the engine is a copy of the Mazda 2-liter 16 valve engine. With a K&N performance air filter she gets up on her hind legs and moves quite spritely. We drive 18,000 miles/year so youve got to have something fun to drive and with the euro-suspension package shes a real treat to put her through the paces. Weve just added pure nitrogen to the tires at the dealer and this has enabled her to be even more fun to drive as the sidewalls dont flex as much. We drive with the sunroof open here in Orange County year-round and love it. Do plan on supercharging her in the near future though....

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  Do use as a Drivers Training Vechicle - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Tracey Barrett - December 24 - 11:29 am

  First off I love the look of my 2014 Focus SE Hatchback. Its a beautiful car, comfortable to ride in, fun to drive, that is until the transmission started acting up at a couple thousand miles. I took the car to my dealer and he explained to me that the car has a manual as well as automatic transmission. He said when you drive a manual transmission the car will roll back and hop until you finish shifting. I told him that I know how to properly drive a manual transmission and I dont hop around when shifting. I have to keep apologizing to my students that its not them thats the problem, its the car. We teach the kids how to do maneuverability for their driving test and after about 10 minutes of driving forward and backward through the cones, the car will no longer go in reverse and the transmission overheats. This if my 4th Ford and my 3rd Focus and also my last if something is not done about this issue. I have had it in and it has been "reprogrammed: 4 times in 2 years and I finally have an appointment this month to finally fix the clutch. I loved my 2010 Focus. It was one of the best cars I have ever owned. Ford really got me this time. As soon as I am able I am trading it in even though I will probably take a loss on it.

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  Alot of driving - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Jeannie P - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I own a hi milege focus wagon (126K) and continue to rack up the miles. Overall I enjoy the sporty look of the focus and like to drive it. But there is always room for improvement. My automatic has a fluttering during regular driving. But no major trips to the dealer.

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  Beautiful, but bad quality - 2004 Ford Focus
  By isbllvaz - December 24 - 10:00 am

  First week I have purchased it, the fuel bump went bad and had to be replaced (about $230, the car dealership has replaced it). Two more months and the alternator went bad ($120), so both the alternator and the battery ($60) had to be replaced. On top of it all, the wheel got stuck one day and the whole key set ($200) had to be replaced. My car has been towed three times in the first 5 months that I had it. Also, the a/c, when is turned on, does take away the performance of the engine... the car does not go as fast as if the a/c was turned off.

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  2 Year Update - 2002 Ford Focus
  By urlacher_fan54 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought my zts about 2 years ago and am still pretty happy with it. If you are looking for a cheap car, this is a great option. Overall it is still a nice car. One of my rim caps fell off ($20). My dealership didnt send me my extended warranty papers and when I went to my dealership I got the run around. My front passenger speaker is blown and my stereo sometimes (rarely, only 3 times in the 2 years Ive had it) shuts off when pushing the buttons in the middle where it disconnects. The center console was not made well and doesnt latch well anymore. Im thinking about taking my car in to fix some of these problems but not looking forward to it.

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  Love it! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Kennon - December 23 - 3:07 pm

  I drove Mazda 6s from 1988 till now. I drive a lot of miles every year chasing my hobbies, kids, and getting to work. For me a car must fit my body with arm rests and foot rests properly placed. I spend a minimum of two and a half hours driving every day. My cars mus not be hard to handle in windy or wet conditions. Great mileage with enough power to run cruise control on long hills are a must. This little Ford is a pleasure to drive and ride in. Mileage 37 Summer 33 Winter 87 Octane. Less on E10 by 2mpg Mixed driving. Best 41mpg on I-80 in August, Worst 29 last week at -6F

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  Surprisingly Good - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Harry7 - December 23 - 6:30 am

  What can I say? Ive never really liked many of the Fords Ive owned, but this one is an exception. Solid, quiet as a crypt, comfortable, excellent road manners, great MPG, Sync, Sirius, huge trunk.

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  Fords got a hit! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Timbo - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Whew! Great car! Weve only had it for a few months, but there have been absolutly no problems. We did have a couple of warantee issues, but they were very minor gripes. One of concern was a tire shimmy/balance issue. Suprisingly the dealer replaced the tire (Firestone) for no charge and the problem was improved.

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  Fords got a hit! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By timbo - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Whew! Great car! Weve only had it for a few months, but there have been absolutly no problems. We did have a couple of warantee issues, but they were very minor gripes. One of concern was a tire shimmy/balance issue. Suprisingly the dealer replaced the tire (Firestone) for no charge and the problem was improved.

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  WOW! - 2002 Ford Focus
  By jmtrainfan - December 22 - 10:00 am

  What a neat little car! I went down to look for a Taurus, and came home with a ZX5. I am impressed with the ride and drive for such a small car. Really a lot of fun to drive. I think its the most comfortable small car Ive tried. I really like the exterior styling.