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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  Worst car I ever bought. - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Teri Raia - May 6 - 2:52 pm

  Do not buy this car. The transmission shudders, radio stopped working and the blind spots are horrible. This is the only car that I have owned that I am terrified to drive. Such an unpleasant experience driving this car. The only saving grace was the bluetooth and radio and now they are not working. Forget about the dealer fixing these problems. The warranty is for 35,000 miles and the problems start quickly after you have reached that mark.

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  Electrical system sucks - 2005 Ford Focus
  By Terry - January 8 - 3:21 pm

  I bought the car used. The battery light came on intermittently. The dome lights and signals would go on for no reason in the middle of the night. I went through 3 batteries in less than 5 years. The electrical issues became worse as time progressed. It was determined that the "cluster" was bad. There was an unidentifiable drain on the battery that got to the point that a brand new battery was burnt out in a matter of months. When a new battery was installed, the car was dead the next morning. Getting rid of the ghost in the electrical system would be a costly repair -- more than the car is worth. My mechanic found that these cars are notorious for electrical/cluster problems.

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  transmission issues that they will not fix - 2014 Ford Focus
  By eileen - January 4 - 3:40 pm

  The 2014 Ford Focus has major transmission issues-"shudders to the point of stalling. No one will fix it.

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  One Huge Problem - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Gilbert G. - December 31 - 7:01 am

  I just have one complaint about this vehicle, but that one complaint makes this vehicle extremely unreliable. The vehicles transmission has flaws that cannot be fixed by Ford. I have taken my vehicle into the dealership for transmission problems a total of 4 times. Every time it has been at the dealership ive been without a car for a week or more at a time. The vehicle makes grinding noises, shutters, slips gears, and transmission overheats. Everything else could be ignored except for the transmission overheating. Its gotten so bad, that when stuck in traffic the vehicle instructs you, through the small screen in between the gauges to pull over. When the transmission starts to overheat, you can really feel the vehicle shake and pull hard. Its gotten so bad to the point that I was almost stranded on the freeway at almost midnight, in some of the worse traffic I have ever been in. I had to pull over 3 times and after the second time I had to call into work because I did not think I was going to make it out of the freeway without being towed by AAA. I know this vehicle cannot be fixed no matter how many times its taken into the dealership, and even though my warranty was extended to 100,000 miles I know problems will continue.

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  omg me too - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Paula C Bowden - December 30 - 12:15 pm

  so like everyone else Im having transmission problems and I wish Id read this before buying. I went from a Honda to a ford. sigh. its dangerous. been repaired 3 times. I want to know how reasonable and safety are defined by the California lemon law.

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  Bad transmissions - Ford will not fix the problem - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Leslie - December 22 - 1:12 pm

  Please take time to Google the transmission problems Ford has caused with the Focuses and Fiestas. I have a 2014 Focus, and had to have my transmission repaired after owning the car for just a few months. The car lurches forward on its own, stalls when youre trying to accelerate, and is generally dangerous to drive. Ford switched to "automatic dual clutch" transmissions in these cars, saying they help with fuel economy. They are dangerous. Ive been calling my dealership for four months since the problems came back, and every time I call they say that Ford wont send them the parts to repair these transmissions. Ford is choosing not to fix this. Buyer beware.

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  Poor reliability and performance - 2012 Ford Focus
  By samc - December 22 - 8:16 am

  2012 Focus spent $22K new, has 37,000 miles and the transmission needs to be rebuilt, Ford is covering the repair. Passenger window motor is gone and needs to be replaced. the Passenger front seat adjustment mechanism is broke. I would not by a Ford their reliability is terrible . Big mistake on my part.

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  Looks great and stylish, but build quality is poor - 2012 Ford Focus
  By John - November 24 - 1:46 pm

  This vehicle is all about looks and style with the only exception the great gas mileage. The suspension is sub par with problems keeping the wheels in alignment. The interior build quality is poor - the headliner is poorly constructed and is noisy. There are dash board rattles at all moderate speeds. The sound system is poor at best. You get what you pay for - as the old adage goes.

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  Big disappointment! - 2012 Ford Focus
  By T - November 23 - 8:02 pm

  I was completely in love with this car when I first bought it back in aug. 2014. I was upgrading from a falling apart suzuki forenza. Honestly, even though my forenza was falling apart, it drove smoother and was a lot more quiet. My focus shutters, hesitates, sticks in gear, has loss of power, sometimes I can barely get it to move which is scary when I am turning at a traffic light....It is also very loud! The entire interior rattles like a tin can, the dash, the door panels and the headliner and its super loud. The engine does this really annoying ticking sound that nobody at the dealership seems to care about. I have brought this car in over 5 times now and to 2 different dealerships and I keep getting the "its normal" for that transmission to drive wacky. But seriously, I pay good money to have a car that drives rough and sounds like a rattling tin can and you cant fix it or even attempt to because it wont give the "proper" readings for them to be allowed to order the parts? This is my first and last Ford and I gotta say it sucks. I am bummed out because I really do love the car but I hate the things that are wrong with it even more.

• 

  STAY AWAY - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Shane House - November 10 - 7:46 am

  I have had this car for a little over a year and it has been the worst purchase I have ever made. I have about 45k on the odometer and will be trading it in as soon as the extended warranty runs out. First problem problem at about 10k the abs and traction control lights came on. Took it to Ray Varner Ford and They had to order a speed sensor and wiring harness and was told to bring car back the next day. Took a second day off from work to take car in once again but after I made the hour drive to the stealership they told me that the part had not came in and to call back to check tomorrow. Kept calling back but the parts never came in so after I gave up on that dealer I took it to Lance Cunningham Ford. I had started to notice a faint roar and informed them of the roar also. They diagnosed it with the same problem for the ABS and had to order parts. They couldnt find the roar and basically told me I was hearing things. Took the car back a couple of days later and they repaired the ABS light issue. At about 25k the same problem with the appeared. Took it back told them the roaring noise was louder. Once again I needed to come back for parts for the ABS. They found that the roaring sound was from the tires in the rear was cupped due to an alignment issue and that was not covered under warranty. They wanted about $400 to repair the alignment and put on two new tires. I declined and took it elsewhere for half the price. Took it back and had the ABS issue taken care of once again. At around 35k the ABS came on once again but by the time I could get it to a stealership I had already turned over 36k and the warranty was out. I took it to a different dealer and they diagnosed it with a bad ABS module this time and it was going to be a $2500 repair. They even told me that the ABS module should have been replaced the first time and it had caused the wiring harness and speed sensors to go out the first couple of times. They called corporate and Ford refused to pay for the repair. I had purchased a third party extended warranty when I bought the car and they paid for most of the repair and it only cost me around $100 and two more days of missed work. I totaled it all up and these repairs although under warranty ended up costing me around $2200 in missed work. My last car was an Accord and it had one problem with the radio while under warranty and they brought out a loaner car and picked my car up. I made it 340k without any repairs other than routine maintenance. I will trade this in for another Honda as soon as the extended warranty is over.