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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  2000 FOCUS - 2000 Ford Focus
  By JACKWARE - July 23 - 10:00 am

  MANY MANY RECALLS. SMALL ANNOYANCES SUCH AS WINDOW OFF TRACK, EXHAUST MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURE, TRANS FAILURE AT 32,OOO MILES, TRIM PIECES FALL OFF. THEN TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY, MY FORD DEALER OFFERS 4250.00 AS TRADE VALUE ON NEW MUSTANG. THAT IS 278.00 PER MONTH DEPRECIATION. GOING TO HONDA OR TOYOTA. I HAVE NEVER OWNED A NON U.S. BUILT CAR.

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  As Comfortable As Airline Seats - 2002 Ford Focus
  By jcscratch - July 23 - 10:00 am

  We had a 2002 Focus Sedan. There are some nice things about it: lots of power, handles nice, great stereo. But, this car was not meant to be driven by anyone over 510". Im 63" and hated it! The seat is the most uncomfortable thing Ive ever sat in. And when you pushed it back to get leg room, the steering wheel was at a full arms length away! Also: our power steering pump and "rack" were shot after 36,000 miles. Makes me wonder what else is wrong with these cars.

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  Cant Believe its a ford - 2009 Ford Focus
  By smokedis - July 21 - 3:27 pm

  I have owned BMW to Toyota and back again but stayed away from ford until this focus. The IIHS just rated the coupe #1 for safety. I am very happy with the car over all. I have no regrets. The SE is not bad for under 15K out the door. No big frills just what ya need. not to mention 25.0 MPG city and I speed everywhere.

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  Great car - 2009 Ford Focus
  By bob - July 21 - 1:01 pm

  I thought that my 2004 was a good car but it was surpassed by my 2009 Focus. Great handling, good acceleration.

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  It is almost a garbage. - 2005 Ford Focus
  By dianbo - July 21 - 12:53 pm

  Bought a 2005 ford focus. The plastic material is so cheap that many small parts are broken in 3 years. Comparing to my wifes corolla, it is much higher gas consuming. Now the back door remote contral failed to lock, and need spend $300 dollars to fix it. I really regret I bought it.

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  Do this again, Ford - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Mel - July 20 - 11:03 pm

  This car is adequately powered for almost any situation. It has needed only 1 repair in 60000 miles. The power window lifter failed on the passenger side and the dealer was able to make it work better than when it was new. The mileage is excellent, I am averaging 29 miles to the gallon under all conditions.

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  Used Focus - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Joanne Johnson - July 19 - 5:53 pm

  Bought car used with 22,000 miles 03/28/05. Have driven 12,000 miles, no problems. Great on gas. Heat comes off engine without heater on when turned to heat. Fast and efficient car with style.

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  Great vehicle - 2008 Ford Focus
  By d.b. - July 19 - 2:16 am

  For the price this is a great vehicle. My family needed a second vehicle that was good on gas because of ever rising fuel prices. This vehicle is good on fuel and runs wonderful. It even has sync for hands free tasks. Also see for yourself how big the trunk is.

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  Good Value - 2009 Ford Focus
  By Dave K - July 18 - 10:26 pm

  A car you can drive for twelve hours and not be tired. 34 MPG running at 70 MPH even with an automatic. Handles well - suspension and steering are tight. Fit and finish are very good.

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  A Terrific Bargain - 2007 Ford Focus
  By RWC - July 16 - 9:36 pm

  My brother inherited a basic 2007 Focus sedan in 2007. He took me for a drive and was I ever impressed. I then purchased a 2007 Focus SES sedan to drive to work and have been very satisfied ever since. I am 6 2" and still I have more than enough room. The storage and interior are very well planned. Fold-down 60/40 rear seats permit the storage of some large cargo. My wife usually dislikes small cars but she loves the Focus. I purchased the premium seats and they are quite comfortable on long trips. I have driven 40k miles without any problems. The dealer has maintained the car according to the recommended schedule. Replacement parts such as filters are very inexpensive.