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:

• 

  You get what you pay for - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Ashley B - October 31 - 6:09 pm

  This was my first "new" car purchase bought it with 14 miles! At first it drives like a dream, but I quickly realized something wasnt right with the transmission. I was told by the dealership twice that theres no recall but there have been many complaints. They reset the computer in the car and sent me on my way each time, stating a new clutch would be needed eventually. The car jerks in stop and go traffic and its awful! The other day while driving 40-45mph the RPMs shot up to 7000 for no reason, the car didnt actually go faster but you could feel something wasnt right while the car was shifting. It always makes awful grinding noises that you can clearly hear even when youre listening to music. On a positive note the steering and brakes work great, no issues there. Tight handling and stops instantly. The interior is clean and the monitors are nice. I do have issues with my SYNC thats built into the car sometimes. I love the design of the exterior. Great MPG I avg about ~32mpg. Bottom line is Im in the market to trade in my Focus. It is a nice little starter car, but I cant get past these issues. I wish I wouldve done more in depth research before my purchase.

• 

  Fantastic ford focus - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Lucas - October 31 - 12:49 am

  This car is great. I got it used (only 20k miles) from carmax about 6 months ago. Before it I had a hyundai which was a complete lemon. This car has given me no trouble, except for a few small issues. First, one time I unlocked the car and this loud thudding noise came out of the speakers. Started the car and it went away. Second. Sometimes sync freezes for a few seconds. Third. There is a small vibration when you back up and sometimes the car is sluggish when on a hill. If you can deal with some minor bugs, this car is great. I like the way it drives and looks. Its fantastic quality. I average probably around 30 mpg with a mix of highway and suburb driving. Its great for the price!

• 

  From Taurus to Focus same issues - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Mark OKeefe - October 28 - 2:27 pm

  Several years back I had a Taurus wagon and transmission needed to be replace 3 times. Twice by ford and after going to transmission professional I was shown the cheap part Ford had put back into my transmission and was shown the upgraded parts need to make my transmission work. Transmission professional told me the same transmission was in the Ford Escort and to sell the car as fast as I could.

• 

  Good and Bad - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Brian in Florida - October 28 - 1:38 pm

  This car is well built and very nice looking. Easy to clean. Logical controls are easy to use. Surprisingly roomy. Surprisingly nice handling, and adequate power. A fun car to drive. By using the cruise control as much as possible I could get well over 40 mpg. However the drivers seat is a deal breaker. The seat is NOT height adjustable. The back part of the seat surface does adjust up and down but the front part - which touches the backs of your knees - does not adjust. This is a problem for anyone shorter than 56". And the seat back is narrow and curved which pushes your shoulders forward. There is no lumbar support at all. The headrest, even when pushed all the way back, leans forward too much and prevents you from holding your head so that your eyes look straight ahead at the road. This poorly designed seat will cause you to need frequent chiropractic care. After 19 months of trying different adjustments and different types/sizes of seat cushions I could not take sitting in that seat anymore and I traded the car for a Taurus. A few other dislikes - the glove box has no lock and no interior light. The headlights cannot be turned on unless the engine is running. No cup holders for the rear seats. No heated mirrors, which affects visibility in the rain or cold weather. The switch for the dome light is illogical: the button closest to the back turns on only the front light, whereas the button closest to the front turns on the back and front dome lights. This means that a rear passenger can turn on the front dome light but not the rear one, unless he loosens his seat belt and leans forward and reaches the front switch that is close to the front passengers. The driver and front passenger can easily turn on the rear dome light, but in order to turn on both lights hed have to reach back to the rear switch. Trade in value is not good because these cars are so common, "a dime a dozen" so to speak. Used car dealerships are flooded with these. The are so many great things about this car, but the few not-so-great things outweigh them. I was glad to get rid of this car even though I still had 43 payments left.

• 

  HATED THE CAR!! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Mark Clemson - October 28 - 1:03 pm

  I bought my 2012 Ford Focus in October 2014. I should have done the research, but I didnt. I test drove the car and noticed a little shutter and how it went backwards on the hill, but didnt think anything of it. I should have!!! Within two weeks of having the car, my breaks started squeaking. I thought I needed to changed my brake pads. They said they were fine and couldnt duplicate the problem. Then two weeks later, it start stuttering to the point the car would shake every time I hit the gas to get the car moving. Took the car back and thankfully the warranty covered that. The brakes continued to squeak and I just had my mechanic change the brake pads anyway and the squeaking stopped. The car worked fine for a while then all of a sudden the stuttering came back and also when I would drive in the city and hit a even a small bump it felt like the back of my car would fall apart. I took the car in and was told I needed new shocks in the back. $450 dollars later I had new shocks and a realignment and that noise was still there!!! The stuttering would happen EVERYTIME I hit the brake and then the gas. Finally after dealing with this for over 6 months, the car violently shook on a hill while trying to accelerate. I couldnt take it anymore and traded it in the next day. I didnt get very much for the car and had to take money out of my Savings account to get my new Nissan Altima. Didnt want to, shouldnt have had to, but it was a great decision. I had my 2012 Ford Focus for a year and dumped almost $1000 of my own money on repairs and only put on 13,000 miles on the car. This was a complete POS and the biggest waste of money ever!! DONT BUY THIS CAR, YOU WILL REGRET IT!

• 

  Fantastic small vehicle - 2015 Ford Focus
  By tomkat - October 28 - 11:25 am

  I have owned a 2015 Focus Titanium sedan for about 2 months now and have about 5000 miles on it. I bought it new and it has been great. I average 38 mpg with mostly highway and country driving. This car is quiet and comfortable for a small car. The transmission works like it should with precise shifts and smooth operation. Every control and feature of the car has been engineered and thought through on a high level. I only wish there was the home link feature on the visor to program a garage door opener. I am a happy camper with this car.

• 

  So far so good - 2012 Ford Focus
  By Sharina - October 26 - 3:32 pm

  Ive had this car a little over a year and its been great. Ive had 2 recalls since getting it and I just brought my car in and it was fixed and I was done. I dont mind the recalls. As long as its fixed for free. My car has never stalled, but it did do that weird thing where youre speeding up and it hesitates a little, but it doesnt happen too often. I got my car with a lot of miles...like 64000 when I bought it for 15 thousand. They could have given me better price because I still owe 10 thousand and the car is worthe like 6 thousand now... Ive had no issues. My car works wonderfully! I mean sometimes it takes a second for the air to turn on, but I love my car and I know Ill have it for a while. Ill probably end up getting a Ford again after this...

• 

  Complete junk!! - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Bri - October 25 - 1:00 pm

  So in 2011 I bought a new ford fiesta and after having it for one year the transmission went out. I figured that car was just a lemon and traded it for a new 2013 focus se...big mistake!! After having it for a couple months it started jerking and shuttering very badly. Took it to the dealership and they said it was not supposed to do it all the time just every once in a while. For two years after that I complained about the car and took it into the dealership and all they would do was reprogram it or say there is nothing wrong. Finally in July of 2015 the dealership replaced the clutch and it stopped shuttering almost entirely. Its been 3 months and I have only felt it shutter twice, huge improvement, but of course something else went wrong. Then one day my car did not want to go into reverse and the engine light came on as well. Then it would not drive after putting it in gear. I had to have it towed to the dealership and the transmission control module had to be replaced. This was before ford sent out the letter about the problems with the tcm. Now I am having another problem! Yesterday when I turned my a/c on it made a loud whining noise,the entire dashboard started vibrating, and no air came out. I turned it on and off and the same thing happened. The third time the a/c came on and no more noise. This car is a pile of crap that needs to be recalled but we all know Ford doesnt want to take responsibility for it. Do not buy this car PLEASE!!! Everyone Ive known with one has had problems. It is a waste of money and unreliable.

• 

  Same ol, same ol - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Tisaac - October 24 - 9:57 pm

  I have a 2014 Focus Titanium...colossal mistake. With less than 15k miles I learned through my own investigation after having problems with the lower gears that there was a recall on the transmission! Took it in for repair to find that they also needed to order a new clutch assembly...8-12 week back order. Apparently this is a major problem! I have only had the car for one year and am already looking for a replacement.

• 

  Lemon - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Sharon Lee - October 21 - 12:03 pm

  I have a 2013 Ford Focus I bought it new. I have had it in to the Ford Garage to fix the shaking and shuttering twice now and here I am a year later having the same issue. I just called the Dealership that I bought it from and they tried to tell me this is "normal"!! Its definitely NOT normal!! Do not buy this car... run as fast as you can away from it!!!