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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  Ford Focus Superstar - 2006 Ford Focus
  By jezmanuk - October 1 - 9:37 pm

  I purchased my 06 Focus new. Wanted Grey, hatchback, Stick, shopped around and got a 3 door SES with leather moon roof and winter package for $14000. I have had ZERO problems with it for 26000 miles, service has been excellent from dealer (even replaced a wheel with a good used one for free when I kerbed mine). The car is fun to drive, very reliable (Consumer reports rates it with Civic and Corolla), looks good and I have had a very stress free ownership. The Original Pirelli P6s (unusual size205/50 ZR16) werent great and had lots of road noise. I changed all 4 due to a sidewall puncture @ 24K miles for BF Goodrich G-Force Sport which are much quieter and have much better dry traction

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  Vehicle runs very smooth and comfortable - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Janet - October 1 - 3:26 pm

  So far I am very happy with the new Focus. I am impressed with the comfort of the seating, front and back. The soft leather interior is great. The engine sound is minimal. Handles turns nicely. Cant wait to take this vehicle on a long road trip. Really impressed with road mileage on fuel. Exterior is sound and the colors are marketable. I love the keyless entry and the security that I have with my Focus. Overall so far I am impressed.

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  I love my beater! - 2001 Ford Focus
  By nessa_d - September 30 - 6:37 pm

  I bought my 2001 focus off a small used dealer for a great price with 75000 miles on the car. I didnt know much about it when I purchased it, but once I saw it, I knew it was for me. I travel a lot for my job. I needed a dependable fuel efficient car. What I didnt know is that I found the most reliable car Ive ever owned. I put 100000 miles on the car since then and only replaced the tires. The tires do wear faster then other vehicles but a small price to pay for no major repairs! I love my car.

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  ford focus - 2004 Ford Focus
  By robert faragalli - September 30 - 10:00 am

  reliable and plenty fast enough for the new jersey turnpike where it spends most of its time

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  I love the Focus SVT! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Callie - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car three monthes ago and Ive been running with it ever since. The car handles great, is comfortable for long drives, and it is SO FUN TO DRIVE. I would definitely recommend this car for someone who loves the sporty handling and performance and wants a sensible car(tons of cargo space and pretty good on gas mileage for a performance car.) I LOVE MY SVT!!

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  Great Little Car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Ron - September 29 - 1:32 pm

  Car has 155,000 miles. Up to 100,000 miles no problems. In the last 50,000 things started wearing out. Replaced everthing in the brakes (about time) replaced A/C, power steering pump, alternator, engine mounts, ignition key switch, plugs, plug wires, coil, belt and one power window mech-anism. Thats about it These things dont last forever. Now at 155,000 the engine blew so I am going to install a used engine. This little car has always run great, good mileage and reliable transportation. Its still like new so it deserves a new engine which I plan to install. Like any car there are some lemons out there but mine is not one of them so Im keeping it for another 100,000.

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  CHEWING UP MY TIRES. - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Hawkeye597 - September 28 - 12:17 pm

  I love this car, but it is chewing up the tires. At 30,000 miles I put on a new set of tires. Now 12,000 miles later it appears I need to replace more tires. I have them rotated at every oil change. But I can now see obvious wear and it appears that the car is out of alignment, since it has a wicked shake at around 65 mph. Car is great but it is eating up the tires.

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  Fun Car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By Instidude - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Have enjoyed this car. Fun to drive, with a lot of room to haul 2 kids and their stuff. Would have liked slightly higher gas mileage. This car has been very reliable for me, and the only times it has been in the shop was for the minor recalls.

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  I love my Ford Focus ZX3 - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Ferocus - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I have had little or no problems with my Focus besides the fact that the seat belts dont return after use...

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  A true sports car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By SpunkyJivl - September 26 - 4:53 pm

  Brisk acceleration, razor sharp handling, and crisp brakes that will haul you down like an F-18 landing on a carrier. All these traits embody a true sports car ethos. This car is an absolute BLAST to drive, and BEGS to be driven - even getting groceries is fun. Value is definitely at the top of the list. HID headlights, Traction Control, power moon roof, 6 speed silky-smooth transmission, heated Recaro leather seats... the list goes on and on. You will not find another car on the market with these options for the 15k I stole mine at. If you find one, snatch it up!