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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  The Brakes STINK - 2002 Ford Focus
  By cyn_flo - October 8 - 2:00 am

  the only downfall of this vehicle are the noisy brakes. I had the car for only 6 months before the brakes started squeaking like I had a 15 year old car that needed the drums rotated and new brake pads put on. very embarassing to drive this vehicle that way. i had the brake pads replaced after going to the dealer Many times and the car brakes still squeak at times but not as bad

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  Falling apart - 2007 Ford Focus
  By GGL225 - October 7 - 1:47 pm

  Lots of things broken or falling apart on this car after only tw and half years. Today we had to replace the ignition switch as it locked down on the key and wouldnt release it. To the tune of $almost $400 bucks at the dealer. Their comment was , "This is a common problem on the Focus and Fusion. Yeah, Ford=Fix Or Repair Daily.

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  Solid Little Runner - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Gary in WI - October 7 - 12:07 pm

  I purchased a new SEL with two options (ABS/ESC and Auto Tranny). I now have 3000 miles on the odometer and the car has performed flawlessly. Gas mileage has been good - 35 mph and getting better. I bought this car as a daily commuter, putting on 75 miles per day and in this regard, it has been ideal. I looked at Madza 3 and the Mini Cooper, but the price-point and simplicity of the Focus appealed to me. Also, having rented many small cars, I have had better-than-average experiences with the Focus. Overall, Im happy with my purchase and would do it again.

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  2012 Focus SEL Sedan - 2012 Ford Focus
  By ronnyt - October 4 - 7:50 pm

  We ordered our Focus so we could get it exactly like we wanted it. We have had the car for one week now and LOVE it. We moved down from an 08 Taurus Limited for the gas mileage. I was a little concerned about the size but although the Focus is quite a bit smaller it is very comfortable and I love the handling. We took the Focus on a 200 mile trip the second day we had it and averaged 37/mpg. Filled it up yesterday and even driving back and forth to work and in city traffic averaged almost 30. We have had a lot of positive comments about about the looks of the car, especially the Red Candy Clearcoat Metallic paint. I only buy Fords and they have definitely got it right with the new Focus.

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  Best of 2 Worlds - 2004 Ford Focus
  By TiredOfGMCommercials - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Was going down the Honda Accord path but wanted to be different, save $$$ and answer the need for More Power Captain. Family and friends that have high mileage cars have had better luck with Fords vs. GM cars for Major Buck type repairs (IE A/C, transmission, engine mgmt), so I bought the Ford. Great car with more room than expected. If you appreciate Upgraded Engineering on everything that matters in a car built for performance, buy an SVT, otherwise by a car with a turbo and a spoiler bolted on. Rock On Ford!!!

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  Awesome Car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Josh - October 4 - 1:48 am

  I love my Focus. I have had no issues with it yet. It has almost 24000 miles. Ive taken it every 3000 to get the oil changed and got routine service done to it. I got up to 49 MPG hwy. From Louisville, KY to Morehead, KY I averaged 41 MPG. Its just like any other car- you have to take care of it. If you drive it aggressively, just with any car, there is more of a chance with something going wrong with it. I have had no problems and no complaints. I put maybe $20 in per week. I worked for a honda dealership and I would much rather drive a focus than a civic. Bottom line: good purchase. I am going to drive mine until it falls apart! I am very happy with ford. Buy American!

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  Never buy one this - 2001 Ford Focus
  By gracie - October 3 - 1:42 pm

  You are better of setting a few thousand dollars on fire and then buying a used Honda or Toyota. I have spent 3K on this in the past 6 weeks, three trips to the dealership and it only has 65k on it. I truly would love to see the US produce a car that did not break down every season, but to date every experence that I have had over the past 12 years with US cars are the same. My wifes Honda has 100k and has never, I repeat never had a single problem.

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  12K mile report: 2009 Focus SES Coupe - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Bo - October 3 - 10:11 am

  Very satisfying driving experience! 36 tank fills of 50/50 mixed driving and Im averaging 31 MPG actual (on-board computer says 32.1). Amazingly no rattles. Fit & finish very good, but door & cup holder plastic scratches easily. Dark blue metallic paint gets frequent compliments. Only maintenance: oil change/tire rotation! I added a 3- piece Curt Hitch (used for bikes, not towing) which is a perfect fit & well hidden behind bumper. The German built 5-speed manual is precise. The care appears tall for its width, but the looks will grow on you...mostly because the coupe is distinctive. Stereo should satisfy most listeners. A perfect commuting car. Only wish it was a hatch and seats folded flat

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  My car is a loser - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Scott - October 2 - 4:43 pm

  We bought the car with 65,000 miles and within 5 months had to put in a transmission and a motor mount. Ford helped with the costs but we were still out $2,000 dollars. Then the trunk latch failed. Then we started with the electrical problems. We went though a couple of batteries and then had to disable the alarm which kept going off for no reason. We finally had it working Ok for a couple of weeks and put new tires and another battery in. I guess I should have waited, because then the #3 piston blew, time for a new motor. When we tried to trade it in we were told $100.00. If this car was not such a piece of crap I would turn it into a planter but I would hate to waste good dirt

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  Not bad at all - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Santiago - October 2 - 10:00 am

  First of all this is an impressive car at an impressive price. While there are some build quality issues, the powertrain and engine are solid, and the engine (not a Zetec) does a decent job. My other car is a camry, and I must say that I would rather be in the Focus than the camry. Just wish I had waited a year for the ZX5