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 are for crap 2014 - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Juan Santana Jr. - December 29 - 10:32 am

  My Ford Focus is a 2014 and having problems since the day I bought it with a recall on the Transmission and yes they Fixed it because its covered under our warranty, been having oil changes there at the dealership where I purchased this car and the recent oil change that I had done now has a oil leak and now the transmission is acting up again. I will be complain to Ford company and getting all the info I need and getting to see if I can get the Refund on the Lemon Law.. Very sad that we have to spend so much on these cars and they are crap and not to mention that the mileages on these are for crap as well.

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  Not like my old Ford Escort - 2011 Ford Focus
  By Tania S - December 7 - 7:39 pm

  I am still making payments on my 2011 Ford Focus. Bought used in 2012 only 36,000miles. Now 114,000 and I will need new rims alloy rims arent worth anything when you have lousy high profile tires! Miss my old steel rims with descent rubber. Also had to replace wheel bearings already, never had to with old 1995 Ford Escort and that car lasted me 11years and 354,000miles. I dont think focus will last that long!

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  Consider other makes or another Ford product - 2014 Ford Focus
  By eric ericksen - November 29 - 1:29 am

  While I bought my 2014 in March 2015 it has continued to have issues with transmission and lurching forward or rolling backward. Cant have car that rolls backwards in San Francisco with its hills. Then if its on a steep hill and you accelerate it wont go... Same with merging from stop not freeway traffic or bridge. Not a safe vehicle and especially on freeway. Horrible resale value and because these are used as rental cars the market is flooded with them.. I paid 23000 for a fully loaded one with leather, heated seats, navigation... I traded it in with 9000 miles at Ford dealer on an Escape and was given 12000 for trade. If you buy one buy it used as no matter the mileage a less than 1 year Focus will cost 11-14k.. It did get very good mileage in its defense the interior quality was excellent ..

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  Some good, some bad - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Dan - November 3 - 4:17 pm

  The bad: the transmission is terrible, the dual clutch system is terrible, everyone agrees this should never have existed and this alone might be a reason to stay away from the car. Additionally, the Ford Sync technology is faulty at best. It reads my phone about 1/2-2/3 of the time and has trouble switching between bluetooth, USB, or auxiliary. The good: great AC and heater, comfortable front seats. Good storage with the hatchback. Handles great, good gas mileage (on the highway, modest in the city), good price tag. Bottom line: with a different transmission I would definitely get this car. With the current one Im definitely thinking of selling.

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  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.

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  Transmission problems headed your way - 2014 Ford Focus
  By 1jadedtroll@comcast.net - October 17 - 6:40 pm

  I bought the car brand new and after 7400 miles I am having transmissions issues. It shudders bad and has issues trying to climb hills. Fuel economy is around 30 miles.

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  To be honest.... - 2014 Ford Focus
  By Damion - October 16 - 8:27 pm

  Okay what youve read about everyone elses experience with this car is basically accurate. Ive had my focus for about 4 months and Im beginning to experience all these transmission problems. Hesitation, spuddering, slow acceleration. Fortunate for however is that I had manufacturers warranty, but that doesnt make me happy knowing that this isnt going to be the first in going to have transmission failure... So to sum it all up id recommend waiting for a newer model that will be more effiecnt than the 2014 sedan.

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  The little engine that cant. - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Chris Landis - September 25 - 7:12 am

  This vehicle was my first new vehicle purchase before this, i had mostly clapped out rusty trucks. To say this car dissapoints in the power department is an understatement. Its dangerously slow and underpowered. To climb any kind of moderate grade, it needs to be in a low gear and engine screaming to maintain speed. Forget about trying to gain speed if you need to. Mine has a 5spd manual, and its dopey and clunky to shift sometimes, and others its like working a fine bolt action rifle. Depends on the day. The clutch feel is non-existent. The seats legitimately cause pain after being in them for more than 30 minutes at a time. Making long trips miserable. On the up side, its a decent looking car. Gets good fuel economy for how much you have to tramp on it to go anywhere. I dig the Ford SYNC radio set up. Even though the AUX jack is junk. Its got fair storage and the rear seats fold down. Overall though, i wish i had kept the rusty old Dodge D100 i had traded on the Focus and kept putting monies into it. At least it had power...

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  Terrible Experience for a first car purchase - 2013 Ford Focus
  By Eboni Cumberlander - September 23 - 3:00 pm

  Well I purchased this vehicle in 2012 with excitement for my first new car! What a disappointment I have nothing but problems with this cars transmission, air conditioner, clutch, electrical fuses and now the transmission mount. The transmission mount broke and cause the engine to fall/shift while driving. I was scared to death with my 1 year old son in the car and the engine falls in mid motion. This car is a joke. FORD THIS UNACCEPTABLE!!! RECALL PLEASE

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  This car had run its course - 2007 Ford Focus
  By Marie - August 28 - 4:45 pm

  Im driving my dads old Focus now and hate it. Its not well-made inside and even with a Bluetooth, connectivity is iffy. There is nothing comfortable about it. Now looking for a Mazda or other, newer Ford.