Interested in a Ford Focus? Here's Our Review

Interested in a Ford Focus? Here's Our Review

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When looking for a used compact car, there are the usual players from Japanese manufacturers like Toyota, Honda, and Subaru. They've built up a strong reputation for reliability and trustworthiness over the years.

But what if you could get a used compact car made in America that's just as good and has some aspects that are arguably better? With its commendable chassis, handling, cargo space, and a long list of powertrain options, the Ford Focus is an excellent choice when you're looking for a used compact car. 

Ford, well-known for its rivalry with Chevrolet making full-size pickups, goes in a different direction on the Focus, producing a practical, fun, compact car for various drivers. Last built in 2018, the Ford Focus is still a strong contender three years later. While smaller than Ford's Edge SUV, the Focus is a good choice for people on the go who need a handy vehicle. 

Here's our Ford Focus review with all of its specifications. We'll tell you why it's a good pick when looking for a used compact car. 

Ford Focus: Engines and fuel economy

There are several powertrain options on the 2018 Ford Focus. Each has ample power to get around town or head out on the freeway, and you can make your choice based on how much economy or horsepower you need.

The base engine is a 2-liter four-cylinder making 160 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. When paired with the standard five-speed manual transmission, it's good for a respectable EPA-rated 25/34 mpg city/highway. If you opt for the six-speed dual-clutch automatic, those figures rise to a frugal EPA-rated 26/38 mpg city/highway. 

Next in the lineup is an efficient EcoBoost turbocharged 1-liter, three-cylinder engine that produces 123 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. The most economical of the three gasoline engine options, it gets an EPA-rated 30/40 mpg city/highway with the standard six-speed manual transmission. With a six-speed automatic transmission, those numbers decline slightly to an EPA-rated 28/38 mpg city/highway. The 1-liter three-cylinder comes standard on the SE trim level.

If you're after the ultimate in efficiency, the Ford Focus Electric has a 143 horsepower electric motor that's good for an amazing EPA-rated 118/96 MPGe city/highway. It has a range of 115 miles.

For a more performance-oriented driving experience, the 2018 Ford Focus ST comes with an EcoBoost turbocharged 2-liter, four-cylinder engine that churns out 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. All of that power still comes with decent fuel economy, returning an EPA-rated 22/30 mpg city/highway with a six-speed manual transmission.

And for world-class performance, the all-wheel-drive Focus RS uses a highly tuned EcoBoost turbocharged 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes an astounding 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. And even with such stout power output, it still gets a reasonable EPA-rated 19/26 mpg city/highway with its six-speed manual transmission.

Ford Focus: Technology and cargo space

The Ford Focus has a suite of technology features to keep you connected, along with a comfortable interior and ample cargo space. 

The Focus comes standard with Ford's Sync infotainment system, shown on a 4.2-inch center touchscreen. Also standard is a USB port, keyless entry, a 4.2-inch instrument cluster, and a four-speaker audio system. These are solid standard features for a compact car. 

If you want to upgrade, you get Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system, visible on an 8-inch center-mounted touchscreen. Along with that, you get HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, two USB ports, and a Sony audio system with ten speakers. More optional additions include navigation, interior ambient lighting, and dual 4.2-inch instrument clusters in the electric model. 

The Ford Focus is available in two body styles, sedan and hatchback. While the sedan is a practical all-around vehicle, the hatchback offers increased cargo volume for extra utility. 

The Ford Focus sedan has a trunk space of 13.2 cubic feet, while the Ford Focus hatchback has 23.3. Fold the seats down on the hatchback, and you'll have a spacious 43.9 cubic feet of cargo space, plenty of room to stock up at the grocery or pack for a vacation. 

2015 Ford Focus Titanium (from $14,200)

  2015 Ford Focus Titanium (from $14,200)
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  2015 Ford Focus Titanium (from $14,200)
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Ford Focus: Trim levels for any driver

Ford did its homework when designing the Focus and has a wide range of trim levels for any driver. From frugality to on-track performance, there's a trim level for any driver. 

The entry-level Ford Focus S comes in a sedan version only, while other trims also come in a hatchback version. Standard features include power-operated side mirrors, automatic headlights, keyless entry, hill-start assist, power front windows, a 4.2-inch instrument cluster, a 4.2-inch center display screen, a USB port, a six-way adjustable driver's seat, and steel wheels.

Next up is the Ford Focus SE with larger aluminum wheels, power windows front and rear, SiriusXM satellite radio, cruise control, and illuminated entry.

The Ford Focus SEL adds a significant list of additional features like fog lights, black bezel headlights, LED daytime running lights, dual-zone climate control, power moonroof, Sync 3 infotainment system with HD radio, 8-inch touchscreen, Sony audio system with 10 speakers, two USB ports, and 17-inch machine aluminum wheels. 

The Ford Focus Titanium has everything found on the SEL and a long list of extras, including a heating steering wheel, eight-way power heated front seats, leather upholstery, and 17-inch polished aluminum wheels. 

The Ford Focus Electric comes standard with HID headlights, LED taillights, LED charging indicator, a nine-speaker Sony audio system, and Sync 3 with navigation.

The performance-minded Ford Focus ST has sporty features to go along with its 270 horsepower turbocharged engine. It has a special ST grille, rear spoiler, center exhaust, and more. Rounding out the package are Rado Grey 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Ford Focus RS is the choice for world-class performance, with its long list of high-performance add-ons. Unique styling is found throughout, with a special RS-themed grille, steering wheel, and shifter. Other features include Recaro sport seats, all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, a limited-slip differential, and 19-inch performance alloy wheels. 

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Ford Focus: Where to buy

Ford last manufactured the Focus in 2018, so you're sure to find plenty of decent used options available. But how can you know you're getting a used car that's been thoroughly inspected and won't surprise you with mechanical issues?

Enter Shift. You can buy any of Shift's cars directly online from the comfort of your home, know it has no hidden issues from their 150-point inspection, and get a fair, up-front price.

Whichever Ford Focus trim you choose, you're getting a car that has plenty of utility and comfort for the everyday driver. If maximum mileage is what you're after, the Focus Electric is the way to go. If it's race track performance you crave, the Focus RS can perform with the best of them. 

And if you want something in between, there are plenty of trim levels to meet your needs. 

2014 Ford Focus SE (from $10,450)

2014 Ford Focus SE (from $10,450)
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30-Day warranty
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2014 Ford Focus SE (from $10,450)
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Author
Shift Editorial Team