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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  Beware !!!! lemon big time - 2015 Ford Focus
  By why did i buy this!!!! - September 29 - 12:46 pm

  I dont know how they rate this car a b but what ever this car has been in the shop 10 times and has 5k on it transmission is garbage and ford thinks to reprogram tcm if the fix car kicks and grinds and i see why there is a law suit for this car complete rip off and ford customer service center and case workers trying to sweep it under the rug and basically says sue us we are not buying car back even when the car will cause you to jump forward in an intersection and cause acciden. guess people have to get hurt or die for them to maybe say we need to fix this. ford is a fail in my book. and dealship says this is an issue that they dont know how to fix .

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  Cheap! thinking of lemon law - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Jacob - September 29 - 9:31 am

  I have had my car since February 2015, been in the shop three times. Have had a defective tire, and a/c vent fall apart, and they claimed they had to "reprogram" my transmission. Well i Had a road trip from Florida to Kansas and back. Well going through the mountains in Chattanooga TN, the car started shaking and got stuck in a gear. At most I was only able to go 55 and when I hit my brakes to see if itll get unstuck, it got stuck going 40. I had to literally floor the vehicle to get it to accelerate. This car is a piece of junk. I am so close to filing a lemon law. The company says its the type of transmission. Im sorry but if I get stuck in a gear and cant accelerate, that is an issue that better be fixed. Great gas milage though!

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  HOCUS FOCUS WHAT A RELIABLE CAR - 2005 Ford Focus
  By HOCUS FOCUS - September 29 - 12:20 am

  It is very reliable. I bought my 2005 used from a car rental and I have had it for 10 years now. I have 134,000 miles on it and I dont see myself giving it up for a long time to come! I am short and the seat rises up to where your head basically touches the roof! My parents bought one a few years ago because they liked driving in mine and getting in and out was easy for them. I get 35 miles to the gallon even at 10 yrs. old! They arent the most quiet cars but they are a good ride and dependable.

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  lemon...agreed! - 2014 Ford Focus
  By IT_m1n10n - September 26 - 4:37 pm

  totally wish I hadnt bought this and will never buy another car not at least three years old. all these reviews are true. the transmission shakes and jolts horribly and is crazy embarrassing when driving around friends or a date. Ive also had three tires blow on mine in the last year and the tire pressure warning will keep coming on. I take it to Ford and they feed me the same crap, "oh not sure why this keeps happening but Ill look it up and for now I reset the warning light and yes, your tires are full so it shouldnt have done this". I mean really? There is no such thing as service or standing behind your product any longer. I am filing a suit as this car is a lemon and I hope a class action comes from it.

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  Ford Focus - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Nicholas Eckelberry - September 26 - 4:19 am

  The Transmission shakes at low speed. The trim and seats are already showing signs of deep wear after a year. This is a cheaply made car. Do not recommend at all.

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  Ford focus 2014 - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Damron Walton - September 25 - 9:46 pm

  Ford focus see 2014 great everything but one special auto transmission DCT junk horrible so I result test find out when traffic slow acc shake and vibration 1 and 2 gear horrible 3,4,5,6 fine smooth but stop and go 1,2 shake vibration try again when stop I try bit more gas fast no shake or vibration smooth1,2,3,4,5,6 look like bad eclectic control dual clutch????? Why ford do not redesign or update because made Mexico trans shot maybe not right lab test???

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  The little engine that cant. - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Chris Landis - September 25 - 7:12 am

  This vehicle was my first new vehicle purchase before this, i had mostly clapped out rusty trucks. To say this car dissapoints in the power department is an understatement. Its dangerously slow and underpowered. To climb any kind of moderate grade, it needs to be in a low gear and engine screaming to maintain speed. Forget about trying to gain speed if you need to. Mine has a 5spd manual, and its dopey and clunky to shift sometimes, and others its like working a fine bolt action rifle. Depends on the day. The clutch feel is non-existent. The seats legitimately cause pain after being in them for more than 30 minutes at a time. Making long trips miserable. On the up side, its a decent looking car. Gets good fuel economy for how much you have to tramp on it to go anywhere. I dig the Ford SYNC radio set up. Even though the AUX jack is junk. Its got fair storage and the rear seats fold down. Overall though, i wish i had kept the rusty old Dodge D100 i had traded on the Focus and kept putting monies into it. At least it had power...

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  great 2014 ford focus - 2014 Ford Focus
  By matt donham - September 25 - 12:04 am

  2014 Ford Focus SE I currently own a 2014 Focus Focus SE. I bought the car new in the fall of 2014. The color of my car is ruby red. The car is a hatchback, with the black appearance package. This package allows the car to have a black Focus ST spoiler, glossy black grill and mirror, along with black inserts in the headlights. The car has black leather interior, with ambient lighting. This is my daily driver, wouldn’t change it. I drive it anywhere, whether it’s to and from school, or drive 45 minutes to go see my family. I do plan on changing a few things to add my own touch. Looking to add a body kit next summer, also change out the stock headlight bulbs to give it a better appearance at night. Want it to look more like a rally car if ever possible. I do wish the paint was better because I have a chip that is noticeable when you are up close. I do get a lot of complements on how people like my car and wish they could get one. I do like to park in the back of a parking lot because I don’t want to take any chances of someone hitting it with their door or backing into me. I recommend buying this car if you are looking for great mpg, or something small to get around in a city. You are able to get this car in many colors and styles depending if you want the base model or on the higher end. Pros • Sport option for speed or auto for the fuel economy • Smooth to start up • Good acceleration • Great for the snowy streets, even going up hill • Inexpensive to fill the tank • Plenty of storage, even greater with the rear seats down. • A lot of head room and space, even for myself (6 feet tall) • Great ambient lighting colors to choose from with a twist of the dial • Back seats are comfortable • Very easy to customize to add your own touch • Being able to park anywhere Cons • Transmission does get stuck in low gear if you slow down quickly • Not a lot of leg room in the back seats • Have payments unless you pay cash • Taller people have trouble with little room

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  fun to drive - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Shane Paradis - September 24 - 9:54 pm

  fun to drive, just be sure to buy the one with the ztec engine. the spi is slow and unreliable

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  Do not buy this car - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Mr. C - September 23 - 4:36 pm

  ITS A LEMON!!!!