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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  I am happy - 2008 Ford Focus
  By wilsons - December 21 - 10:20 am

  This car is great! I drive 100 miles a day mostly highway and have been getting 35+ mpg. Very fun to drive, with a well thought out interior. Handles very well.

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  Good Car, Poor Tires - 2007 Ford Focus
  By JC - December 19 - 11:42 pm

  I have had the car for over two years, and my only complaint has been my tires. Running on 26k miles, and all 4 tires are already bald. It is too early for tires to go bald. Original set of tires really stink. Gas consumption is good, especially highway. Recently replaced battery. Great room, but needs better seats. Seats are cheap, and would be nice if they were not so simple. Needs for appeal and firmer texture.

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  Fun to drive - 2008 Ford Focus
  By rossflow - December 18 - 10:23 pm

  Havent had the SES to long but I am impressed with the quality and ride. The leather seats are very coomfortable and ride nicely. Transmission shifts at the right speeds and times, suspension is tight but not too tight and sterring is responsive.

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  2010 Ford Focus SE 4dr - 2010 Ford Focus
  By Dave - December 17 - 11:38 pm

  I have no idea what people are talking about when they say that this car has no power. I am 6ft 300 pounds and this car fits me better than the ford fusion. Ok this car is not a speed demon but this little car is what I would have to say is zippy. I am at 40mph in no time. The car is fun to drive and so far I am having a blast with it. Go and test one out and you may see what I have stated. The gas mileage is perfect 35MPG on split city and highway driving cant ask more than that.

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  Great Value & better than advertised MPG - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Politburo - December 17 - 5:33 am

  I spent about 80 man hours researching and test drving compact sedans before having to make a decision between the top two candidates: the Focus and the Elantra. I selected the Focus due to better overall value as for 1200 more the Focus provided Sync and leather seating (plus it looked better than the Elantra). After 6,000 miles I am quite confident I made a right decision as I have had no issues with it and the car does not get 24/33 MPG as auto tranny is listed. Rather since the engine has been broken in, it is getting something more like 28/37 as i got 35.9 on a recent 250 mile trip. The primary downside is the sluggish acceleration performance by the transmission.

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  Got it new just gets better - 2008 Ford Focus
  By sparkman7x7 - December 12 - 6:40 pm

  I bought a 08 Focus SES all bells and whistles new, Red love it I drive 2000 miles a week to work and home since July 08 I have near 49000 miles on it no complaints second set of tires ran over a 18 wheeler tire carcus on I30 last fall thought it would destroy the front but no you can hardly see were it went under no damage resulted 5/1100 mile trips to Texas to visit our children with our two small dogs no problems plenty of room me 320lbs 61" better half 411" maybe 110lbs wet. Great car....

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2006 Ford Focus
  By Jeff - December 12 - 3:10 am

  First of all I rated this car with respects to class, and my review is a comparison. My buddy just pick up a fully loaded Mazda 3s for $23+ and I got my Focus SES auto for like $14gs and is there a difference? The car drives the same and my opinion is that it beats his car hands down just because of the price. Yeah, the gauges and some other interior features are better looking and the car offers more options but he can keep it for a $10k difference.

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  Focus owner - 2003 Ford Focus
  By dreed - December 12 - 1:47 am

  I bought this affordable car brand new and put 86k miles on it. It really is a great, efficient vehicle but I started encountering problems around 60k. miles. Great car but not extremely reliable after 80k miles.

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  Problems - 2006 Ford Focus
  By April - December 10 - 1:11 pm

  I bought this car used a year and a half ago, because I was going through a divorce and need something that wasnt a gas guzzler and compact. Since the purchase it has needed a new transmission, a new fly wheel and I just replaced the starter. When I bought it the back passenger side strut was already squeaking (and still does). Luckily the transmission and fly wheel were covered by the warranty. However, it cost me $460 to replace the starter. I know there is up keep in buying a car but geez...

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  MY FORD FOCUS - 2005 Ford Focus
  By ROBERT J BAUM - December 9 - 5:26 pm

  This is my second Focus. Thats how much I like this car. My first was a 2001 manual transmission. Now I have an automatic transmission with so many extras I feel like I own a Ford Town Car. I weigh in at around 278 pounds at 5 foot eight inches tall and I never have felt crowded in it. The pick up when entering traffic is swift. The comfort when driving is as if IÂ’m in my home recliner. Parking is almost as easy as my 1991 Ford Festiva was. When I fill up my gas tank at todayÂ’s prices IÂ’m sure glad I own my Focus and I can go mile after mile not worrying about my next fill up. The ease of handling in traffic and winter driving is worry free. Im a Ford retiree and I will buy another Focus!