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:
Showing 821 through 830 of 3,280.00-
Focus Review - 2008 Ford Focus
By Terry - November 20 - 4:00 amI never thought I would get out of my F150. I bought this to save gas and it really does. I get around 35 on the hiway. Its a really fun car to drive so my truck sits in the drive most of the time now. Thanks Ford. Buy American!
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A beautiful shift - 2010 Ford Focus
By c - November 18 - 7:49 amMaybe a bit early to write a review, but after having driven a Mazda Miata, manual, for years, it was difficult to find a standard shift that would come close. Coming home to Ford is definitely a pleasure, as the shift is just perfect..what a fun car to drive. Everything fits right - like it was made for me. Thanks for a winner of a car.
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Dirve it hard - 2008 Ford Focus
By Mike S. - November 17 - 10:41 amI love my Focus. I keep it serviced and have had no isssues with tires or alignment. I drive it pretty hard and it responds great with great handling in curves ( really holds tight ). Have driven it long distances with no issues and great gas mileage. I drive 60 miles a day round trip to work and average 33 mpg even with the way I like to drive.
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2007 Fod Focus SE - 2007 Ford Focus
By travisgt3 - November 16 - 3:48 pmThis car has been a great get around car however the gas milage is sitting around 26 which is not bad but said it would get higher. I love the size of the car because its small but could use some better styling.
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Sassy Scarlet is her name - 2016 Ford Focus
By Jo Ann Moschetto - November 16 - 7:18 amI love the car in general. The race red is awesome. The only thing I dont like is the tight back seat. Not enough room for passengers over 5 feet.
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Fun Focus - 2001 Ford Focus
By troywe - November 16 - 2:00 amI love this car. For such a small car, the interior is exceptionally spacious. The car feels like it has great quality.
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jujus review - 2004 Ford Focus
By juju9 - November 16 - 2:00 amIve named my little beauty Snow White and I just love her. However Id really like the extended warranties that are now available.
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MY ZX3 BABY! - 2000 Ford Focus
By pixiestixslova - November 16 - 2:00 amI have had my car for almost 2 years now.It is my angel. It has definatly saved me from a lot of accidents. Its nice and roomy. My friends dont complain about haveing to sit on top of each other. So far, I havent needed any work done on my car.Its great and affordable.
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Sport Compact to the - 2002 Ford Focus
By rockin svt focus - November 16 - 2:00 amhandles on rails. low torque number, but it doesnt feel taht way. great car, relaible enough for such a car, and so much fun to drive
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Love My Frogmobile. - 2004 Ford Focus
By Tim the tool man - November 11 - 10:00 amMy Focus ZTW is the best car I have owned in several years. The Focus is not a problematic car like it was when it was first introduced. the car is fun to drive, economical, and quite frankly handy as a pocket on a shirt when it comes to hauling your stuff.Alos this car is comfortable to ride in I love it.
