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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  39 Thousand miles today 1.5 years - 2008 Ford Focus
  By sparkman7x7 - September 24 - 4:13 pm

  Little red jewel leather seating love it 32 to 39 MPG never below 32 Im 6 ft 300lbs it rides great been on 5 1000 mile trips 2500 miles a week to work and back lots of room for me the wife and our poodle second set of tires no problems at all better than Honda or Toyotas we have had drive one before decide on a small car did I mention it has more leg room than any other small car we looked at, and that is pretty much all of them...

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  Love my focus!!!! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By lucyjo - September 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd focus, went from a Ferrari (divorce), to a Tracker, damaged by a "Hummer"... to my "FOCUS"...leased the 1st one, bought the 2nd one loved it so much!! GREAT CAR!!! 5** "GET ONE"!!! :)

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  Very Good Small Wagon - 2001 Ford Focus
  By DJM - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car in Oct. 2001. So far am very satisfied with it. Huge amount of room for a car this size. Good engine performance, good handling. First time in the small wagon market. Bad dealership experience with Ford. They should learn how to treat the customer.

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  Focus, Ford!! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By unit-i - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I put about 40k miles per year on my cars, and this one has not held up. It has gone through brakes every 30k miles, the suspension eats through tires, the windows have stopped working on 2 occasions, the fuel gage has never been accurate despite 3 repairs, several interior panels are loose, the drivers side mirror is loose... I have already spent twice as much in repairs on this car than I have on my 96 civic hatchback, which has almost 200k miles now and has again become my daily driver due to the poor build quality of this car.

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  2002 Ford Focus SVT - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Neil Johnson - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful short throw shifter makes for exciting crusing around town in start/stop situations. Winter package matches need for block heater with the need for heated seats (now my equivalant of air conditioning in summer). Great performance on highway, quiet and smooth even well above speed limit, as expected on a car with this background. I added tinting to the rear windows, which sharpens the stock appearance. This car has the versitility of a hatchback, and includes a storage cover for secure storage behind the rear seats. The rear seat bases fold forward, allowing the rear seat to fold flat if additional capacity is required.

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  Selling because of key - 2000 Ford Focus
  By chr2000 - September 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new and ignition cylinder has had to be replaced 4 times. I put key in ignition and wont turn. As Im sure it will happen again, I sell. Tired of getting stuck and towed to a dealer who tells me I dont know how to use a key! Also, brake problems and rear hatch lock goes twice. This car only has 41,000 miles. After owning a number of Ford products, wont buy one again. This car has been a terrible disappointment.

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  Great replacement for my Honda - 2006 Ford Focus
  By G Clark - September 18 - 2:07 am

  Believe it or not. Bought this car after my Honda wagon got smashed. I know its now 10 years old but has been a great car for the last 40K miles. Only major repair was alternator at 90K. It is NOT a cheap fix. I fit well into it, and I am 64". Much noisier than my Honda, but most of that is road noise and wagons are just noisier than sedans. My only major complaint is that mileage is below expectations. 26 mpg for city driving with lots of freeway. I can tow a 450 lb. trailer and still have 500 lbs of cargo capacity. I like the looks. I love the utility. The paint has held up well. I have used the integrated roof rack several times. Glad I had one. The center arm rest/storage bin is a cheap piece of junk and mine, like so many, is broken, too. But the engine and drive train have held up well. Shocks are not very robust and need replacement at 92K . I plan to drive mine for many more miles. I really like this car and have same affection for it that I had for 2 Volvo wagons and one Honda wagon.

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  Great American car! - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Very good choice! - September 17 - 10:56 am

  Bought my 05 Focus in 06. I have put almost 100,000 miles on it with no major problems.I did have to replace the rack and pinion and wheels after hitting a very bad pot hole (Michigan...)Ford did have to replace the CD player twice, but no problems since it was out of warranty. Drives and handles very nicely. Comfortable and roomy interior for a compact. Great mileage. I average 30 in the city. This is an outstanding vehicle for its class and price. Good design well worth every penny which is more than can be said for most cars.

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  So-so car - 2000 Ford Focus
  By MacBopb - September 16 - 7:59 pm

  Less than 90k miles and have replaced radiator, plastic thermostat housing twice, both cooling fan motors, relay switches, now ac compressor quit. Not half as good a car as my Toyota Corolla. Power of motor is adequate.

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  You are missing out! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Steve3402 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the ZX5 in November, 2001. This has been, by far, the most fun, reliable small car I have EVER driven! So many people have been concerned about recalls, ect. In a year and a half and 10,000 miles, I have had not one single problem with this car. Beat that Honda Civic! Its amazing how many people dont think Ford can compete with Toyota and Honda... perhaps they should dare to compare. FYI... I recently drove the new Corrolla and wasnt nearly as impressed. The Focus is a MUCH better car to drive.