While no longer sold in the U.S. market, the Ford Focus enjoyed 18 years as the Blue Oval’s go-to gas-sipper. From the first generation to the last, we review the best model years along the way.
The Ford Focus first appeared at American dealerships for the 2000 model year, replacing the hugely popular Ford Escort as the smart and affordable compact vehicle in the Blue Oval’s passenger car lineup. You probably recognize its small yet smart looks featuring the oval grille surrounding the familiar Ford logo.
Over its 18-year production run, over 3.8 million vehicles were sold making it one of the more popular compact cars on the market. At first, it was available as a sedan, three-door hatchback, or a wagon. The five-door hatchback took its bow the following year.
The first generation was built and designed as an economical ride targeted at young adults looking for their first car or families wishing to stick to a budget. The final production years provided a wealth of premium upgrades from tech toys to a ride ready to compete at your local track.
Ford retired the Focus badge for the 2018 model year in the American market, but you can still find a new Focus on the lot in European dealerships.
With 18 production years to choose from, which Ford Focus should you select as your daily driver?
Which Generation Ford Focus is the Best?
If you are on the hunt for the best Ford Focus for your particular needs, you should first narrow down which generation will work for you. The first generation ran from its 2000 debut year to model year 2007.
Available as front-wheel drive, it featured a 2.0L dual-overhead-cam engine with a five-speed manual transmission. Its 136 horsepower was underwhelming, but it got the job done.
For some added spark behind the wheel, the 2007 Ford Focus ST featured a 2.3L Duratec engine and 151 horsepower. Split-folding rear seats, roll-down windows, and a CD player/radio are all part of the standard package. Premium upgrades included leather upholstery and heated front seats.
The second-generation Ford Focus ran from 2008 to 2011 and basically gave the original model an interior refresh. The hatch and wagon were discontinued, and they introduced a coupe. The ST was also discontinued, leaving you with the option of the 2.0L Duratec or a comparable 2.0L PZEV motor.
Should you desire modern conveniences like automatic climate control, a USB port, or active parking assist, the third-generation Ford Focus built from 2012 to 2018 will be right up your alley. This is a completely updated vehicle and featured a new chassis, engine, and transmission that finally delivered a more spirited ride even in the entry-level S trim.
The new 2.0L GDI engine in the 2013 model turned out 160 horsepower and the available high-output 2.0L EcoBoost delivered an impressive 252 horsepower.
However, the 2012 to 2016 Ford Focus was built with a dual-clutch PowerShift automatic transmission that disappointed many owners. A class-action lawsuit resulted in a buy-back program. If you want to avoid the drama associated with the lawsuit, you might want to stick with the five-speed stick or the available SelectShift transmission offered on the Titanium trim level.
Best of all, the third generation is recommended by mechanics like popular YouTuber The Car Wizard for drivers looking to get into a small Ford while getting more bang for their buck.
Should you want to improve your fuel economy, a 1.0L EcoBoost three-cylinder engine was introduced in the 2016 model year that can earn an EPA-estimated 42 mpg highway with its 123 horsepower and six-speed manual transmission.
Breaking Down the Best Years for the Ford Focus
When sorting through the online listings or strolling through your local used car dealer lot, is there a year of the Ford Focus that you should avoid?
The model ranked in the Top 11 or better for compact cars at U.S. News & World Report from 2015 to 2018. The editors loved its upmarket interiors and athletic handling.
At the same time, the 2015 and 2016 were built with the faulty six-speed automatic transmission that caused problems for many people. For this reason, you might want to look for the 2017 and 2018 model years unless you find one with a manual or SelectShift transmission.
The 2011 to 2014 years all struggle to earn higher marks due to the confusing early versions of the Ford Sync infotainment center. The touchscreen menus are not very intuitive, and they draw your attention away from the road while sorting out what to hit next. Also, remember to avoid the bad transmission also found in 2012, 2013, and 2014 models.
If you are looking at any car that is older than 10 years, you will want to take it to your trusted mechanic for a thorough inspection before you buy. At that age, you may be looking at significant repairs such as replacing the radiator, brake lines, or transmission service. However, if you find one that has been cared for meticulously, it can be a real bargain.
Ford Focus RS: Going Rally Racing?
Did you spy a Ford Focus RS sitting on the corner that looks like it might be ready to do some laps at your local track? Ford released a street version of the competition Focus RS World Rally Car for model years 2016 to 2018.
The Ford Focus RS packed in some serious performance upgrades, turning the polite commuter car into something special. It is the most powerful Ford Focus available with its 350-hp twin-scroll 2.3L EcoBoost engine able to reach 60 mph in just under five seconds.
A sport suspension, Recaro sport seats, high-mounted liftgate spoiler, and chin splitter all add to its bad-boy personality. It even comes with a Drift Mode that is ready to churn up the dust on your favorite circuit.
Which Ford Focus Trim is Right for You?
The 2011 Ford Focus offered four trims. The S is the entry-level trim, with steel wheels, manual windows, a five-speed transmission, and cloth seats. The SE adds alloy wheels, remote entry, power windows, and satellite radio. The SEL dressed things up with chrome trim, a sport suspension, the Sync infotainment group, and leather-trimmed heated front seats. The SES embraces the shadows with dark chrome, a decklid spoiler, fog lamps, and an upgraded instrument cluster.
The 2013 year replaced the SEL and SES trims with Titanium and ST monikers. The Titanium includes smart-key entry, remote start, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and piano-black accents. The ST gives you some sporting upgrades, such as the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, a sport suspension, power-assisted steering, dual-exhaust tips, and a high-mounted spoiler.
You may find a third-generation SE Focus that features impressive upgrades like a power moonroof and a Sony navigation system; or a cold-weather package with heated seats, steering wheel, and side mirrors.
What Year Ford Focus has Transmission Problems?
Bad PowerShift Automatic Transmission
The most notorious mechanical problem found on the Ford Focus is the PowerShift six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DPS6) found on the 2012 to 2016 Ford Focus. It is not a safety issue for the vehicle, but it can be a maintenance problem. The transmission produces rough shifts during initial acceleration which can cause extreme wear and tear on the dry clutch. Drivers experienced multiple mechanical failures.
In early 2020, a class-action lawsuit was settled where Ford agreed to buy back some vehicles, reimburse owners for repair costs, extend its warranty, and offer discount certificates toward a new vehicle. Ultimately, if you purchase a Focus with the PowerShift transmission, you may have higher and repeated repair costs while experiencing a clunky drive.
Faulty Canister Purge Valve
In model years 2012 to 2018 with the 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine, the canister purge valve may get stuck. This causes too much vacuum in the fuel vapor management system resulting in a sudden loss of power.
A recall was issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in October 2018. The Power Control Module should be reprogrammed by the dealer service center, and the valve should be inspected and replaced if it is damaged.
Poor Wiring Harness in the Ford Focus ST
Some owners of the 2013 and 2014 Ford Focus ST reported engine stalls and unexplained engine lights. Poor splices in the wiring harnesses may have caused the wrong information to be sent to the powertrain control module. Recall 15V813000was issued and the faulty crimped splicing was to be replaced by the dealer.
Is the Ford Focus a Reliable Car?
If you find a used Ford Focus that has kept up with its suggested routine maintenance, avoided any wrecks, and does not have that PowerShift transmission, it is seen as a compact car with average reliability. Repair Pal gives it a four out of five-star rating for an Above Average reliability rating and suggests that you will pay about $569 a year in repairs and maintenance.
Owners that shared their experience with the Focus on Vehicle History gave the 2018 model a 4.4 overall rating while the Experts are a little less enthusiastic and awarded it a 4.1 out of five.
Elliot Haney, a producer at Car Gurus, loves the Ford Focus so much that he has owned three different generations! Why did he do it? He shares his thoughts and experiences–including living with the PowerShift transmission in this video.
Earning Some Serious Safety Ratings
How will the Ford Focus do in an accident? Every year from 2013 through 2018 earned a five-star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA. The 2012 to 2015 Sedan rated a “Top Safety Pick” for the Small Car segment from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
You won’t find the latest driver-assist technologies on board, but the passenger compartment performs well at protecting you and your family in the case of an accident.
Is there a Ford Focus Hybrid or Plug-in Electric?
If you do some searching for a hybrid Ford Focus, you will get some results that look promising. But the hybrid Focus was only released to the European market for model year 2021. If you are determined to find an eco-friendly compact Ford, look for a Ford Fusion or Ford Escape.
Which is the Best Ford Focus?
If you are hunting for a commuter car with good fuel economy and one that won’t break the budget, look at the 2017 or 2018 Ford Focus SE. They are highlighted by a reasonably spirited power plant, the Sync infotainment system is easy to use, and you can expect it to be a fairly reliable vehicle. If you are in search of some serious rally fun on the weekend, check out the 2017 Ford Focus RS and its 351 horsepower, stanchion spoiler, and smart styling.
Photos: Ford
