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 Review - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Jess45342 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Cheap, dependable, spacious interior... need I say more

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  Throw away car - 2001 Ford Focus
  By sherman - August 15 - 3:49 pm

  Bad motor problems, Too mini plastic parts on motor. Pullies, stat. housing. radiator. Electrical problems, burned up factory installed wiring harness, alt. went out and you cannot replace it in the drive way, it needs a lift to remove from the bottom. Plastick core support? power window motor went bad. Rear view mirrors will brake off if bumped in any direction. Transponder key broke in half. Upper timing belt cover cracked and making noise. I have spent nearly 2000.00 fixing a car I bought for 3000.00. KEEP away from this car.. Looks good, very bad quality. It will suck you dry 100 bucks at a time.

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  So far Im impressed !! - 2009 Ford Focus
  By gqlefty - August 13 - 10:26 am

  Thanks to web-sites like this one, my selection process was easier to make. We downsized from driving an Expedition for the last 10 years. Havent had it long but so far this SEL has made the change an easy one and my wife loves it. Especially the GAS bill !! My son drives a 99 V6 Stang and it has been bullet- proof. So I lean towards driving another Ford product. Ford has done their home work on this one and has a winner for a small car. Ford must be reading these reviews because my SEL has 3 headrests in the back seat(2 would be enough) and an inside trunk release which earlier models lacked. Will report back in about 20K miles to update my review. All for under $19K, Im very impressed

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  The best American compact out there. - 2009 Ford Focus
  By srcej6 - August 12 - 6:09 pm

  Ive been extremely pleased with my 09 Focus SE coupe. I chose the 5spd because I personally cant stand to drive a car that doesnt have a lot of torque paired with an automatic. With that said the clutch uptake is very smooth and the pedals are well spaced for heel toe downshifting. The shifter itself could be shorter but the detents for the gears are positive. The car rides like a midsize sedan, very quiet and smooth. Its leagues above my friends 08 Cobalt in ride quality and noise control. While its no drag racer it definitely is entertaining in the twisties, with the 4wheel independent suspension. Not only does it soak up bumps mid corner with ease but it is also very forgiving.

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  Love My Ford Focus - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Kelly - August 12 - 3:57 pm

  Have always loved Ford products. I dont buy anything else. Have to say I went from a Explorer to a Focus. The transition has been great. My view is wonderful and hardly any blind spots to be had, LOVE MY SYNC! The LED LIGHTS are great and very fun! The ride is smooth and very quiet. Rides and drives like a bigger car! Boggs down a little on the hill. The MPG is wonderful and actually getting for miles to the gallon than promised on the sticker.

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  Zippy, fuel efficient, and spacious. - 2009 Ford Focus
  By PJ - August 10 - 3:23 pm

  I bought a fully loaded Focus SEL with manual transmission. This car is simply designed beautifully. I am 64" and easily have plenty of headroom and can get 2 adults in the back without moving the seat. The stick shift is very smooth and ergonomically placed. This car zips nicely and gets me over 31 mpg so far. The sync system is really cool but the one complaint I have is the speaker placement. If you drive with the windows down like I do the wind noise really drowns out you stereo. They need to raise the speakers higher so they are closer to your head. Also,I got the SEL which makes the interior really nice. I noticed base models seem to have really cheap interiors.

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  Affordable Ford Fun - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Darrell NUssbaum - August 10 - 2:40 pm

  My SES is nicely equipped; it has just about all the options you can order. It handles like a jungle cat on a chase. Im very inpressed with the quality and comfort this auto presents. The fit and finish is excellent. Whether you are driving or just admiring the ZX3 you feel the tingle of ownership. It is a fine Detroit piece of workmanship with a look of things to come down the road. It is fun driving that is affordable with many creature comforts.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Madison - August 10 - 12:54 pm

  Just purchased this weekend as a commuter car (130 miles/day round trip). I really like what Ford did with the re-design. The old version was pretty ugly, but this one looks good for an econobox. After only 250 miles, getting almost 40 on the highway and 33 overall in a fair mix. Im 63" and the two door allows easy entry and exit - plenty of legroom. Performance is about what you would expect from a N/A 4-banger - not spectacular, but sufficient. Sirius is cool. First Ford Ive ever owned, so well see how it goes. Impressed by the fact they didnt need a bailout and they actually had inventory to choose from. So far, so good.

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  Would trade it in if I could! - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Jay Ward - August 10 - 12:39 am

  Bought this car used for my wife for daily commute to work. It had around 22000 miles. Within four months of owning the Ford, the tires were bald and the alternator had to be replaced three times because it kept shorting out. The front rotors were alos bad we were told. On top of this my insurance company charges more to insure this model of car.

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  Okay, but not the best small car choice - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Jeff B - August 6 - 6:18 pm

  After a week driving a new Focus all over Washington State, I found the gas mileage to be very good (about 31 mpg overall), but the seats very uncomfortable, the handling poor, and the ride bouncy. It is amazing that in 2009 a company the size of Ford can still design such bad (ergonomically poor) seats. No lower back support. No lateral support. The suspension is soft, but when you hit a big bump it quickly bottoms out, and shakes the whole car. Anybody who MUST have an American car may be happy with it, but if you also drive a Mazda3, HOnda Civic, Sentra, etc. youd never buy this car. Very disappointing.