Ford Focus
In 2000, Ford replaced its aging Escort model with the all-new Focus. The stylish compact, built on an innovative new global platform, quickly became a popular choice thanks to its spirited performance, agile handling, and modern design. Owners often commend the Focus for its comfortable ride and fuel-efficient engine options. On the downside, some note that top rivals offer more spacious rear seats and better long-term reliability. Nevertheless, the Focus, which was discontinued in 2018, continues to be a solid bet on the used car market, differentiating itself with both sedan and hatchback versions as well as sporty variants such as the Focus ST and the rally-inspired Focus RS.
In 2000, Ford replaced its aging Escort model with the all-new Focus. The stylish compact, built on an innovative new global platform, quickly became a popular choice thanks to its spirited performance, agile handling, and modern design. Owners often commend the Focus for its comfortable ride and fuel-efficient engine options. On the downside, some note that top rivals offer more spacious rear seats and better long-term reliability. Nevertheless, the Focus, which was discontinued in 2018, continues to be a solid bet on the used car market, differentiating itself with both sedan and hatchback versions as well as sporty variants such as the Focus ST and the rally-inspired Focus RS.
Ford Focus Model Lineup
Produced from 2000 through 2018, the Ford Focus is a compact car available in both sedan and hatchback body styles. The five-seater slots between the subcompact Fiesta and the midsize Fusion in the manufacturer's passenger car lineup. Ford also offered a battery-powered version called the Focus Electric, which is reviewed separately. The Focus’ final (third) generation underwent a mid-cycle refresh for the 2015 model year, offering updated exterior styling, a redesigned interior, and an improved infotainment system.
The Focus comes in a range of trims, including the S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. The entry-level S offers mostly essential features, while the SE adds some conveniences such as power windows and cruise control. The mid-range SEL is relatively well equipped with features, including dual-zone climate control and an upgraded infotainment system. The Titanium is the top-of-the-line trim, offering leather seats, keyless entry and ignition, and additional tech and safety features. The Focus also comes in two performance-oriented variants. The ST (added in 2013) gets a more powerful engine, a sports suspension, and unique styling elements, while the high-output RS (added in 2016) is the most athletic, boasting all-wheel drive (AWD), a high-output engine, and track-focused suspension tuning.
Under the hood, the Focus offers a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 160 horsepower. In 2015, Ford introduced an optional 123-hp three-cylinder EcoBoost engine to the lineup (on the SE trim); it boasts up to 35 mpg in mixed driving. The sporty Focus ST gets a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with 252 hp, while the even more powerful RS utilizes a 2.3-liter version with 350 hp. Both the ST and the RS come exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. All other versions employ either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. With the exception of the AWD-equipped RS, the Focus is front-wheel drive.
Most Focus models employ a fairly basic infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity and an available 8-inch touchscreen. However, in 2016, Ford began offering its more modern SYNC 3 system on the SE and higher trims. The following year, it added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Ford also offered a few advanced safety features on the Focus, including blind-spot monitoring (since 2012), lane-keeping assist (since 2015), and adaptive cruise control (since 2015). However, they are optional and limited to the top-level Titanium trim.
Popular Trims
Ford Focus Owner Reviews
Average Rating for 2014
4.2
95 verified owner reviews
Top 2014 Reviews
Bridget C. from NJ
Verified Owner · Nov, 2015
2014 Ford Focus 4 dr Hatchback
I have keyless entry and find it completely inconvenient to climb back into my car to lock the doors from the center of the dashboard. It is definitely more convenient to have the controls on the door. Very disappointing.
William E. from TX
Verified Owner · Jul, 2015
2014 Ford Focus 4 dr Hatchback
Front Seat bottoms are VERY hard. This is ok on short trips but very uncomfortable on longer ones. Very hard to fold seats down to carry a useful load. The headrest must come off to do it
Brandon M. from FL
Verified Owner · Jun, 2015
2014 Ford Focus 4 dr Hatchback
The seats need adjustable lumbar, shifter needs shorter throw, steering wheel Alcantara option, limited slip diff standard, lower seating position. Clutch and steering are great, suspension is perfect.
Carl N. from FL
Verified Owner · May, 2015
2014 Ford Focus 4 dr Hatchback
The Eco-fuel (I think that's what it's called) feature is not perfected and very annoying. Also, it seems like the engineers who designed the functionality of the vehicle's use never tried them out before sending them to production. For example, the center console storage is totally useless, putting the back seats down for storage is overly complicated, and there was no thought put into using a bungee cord to hold the hatch door down when transporting items too large to fit into the storage compartment. I could go on.
Andrew P. from WI
Verified Owner · May, 2015
2014 Ford Focus Sedan
With regard to the Focus SE I purchased, I am overall very happy with the car. It gets great mileage and the heated cloth seats and heated mirrors were a lifesaver this winter! However, I am not all that crazy about the gearing of the manual transmission. The transmission feels to me like it is more of a close ratio setup and the lower gears tend to rev out quickly. I prefer being able to achieve a bit higher speed before having to shift up to the next gear. I understand that having a closer ratio transmission would force the driver to get into the higher cruising gears for better mileage earlier but it would be nice if the lower gears were a little taller. As for the dash, when the temperature outside is cold there tends to be some vibration from the bezels around the gauges. It's mildly annoying because it is a brand new vehicle and I would have expected such vibrations to present themselves at a later time when the car is much older. Besides those two items mentioned above, I think the engineers at Ford have truly knocked it out of the park with the new Focus and am glad that Ford has had such awesome success with the car.
John T. from CA
Verified Owner · May, 2015
2014 Ford Focus 4 dr Hatchback
Four months and still love it and know 6 months of shopping were well spent. I should make a commission for all the good things I say about the car and have helped sell one and maybe a second
Anthony A. from NY
Verified Owner · Apr, 2015
2014 Ford Focus 4 dr Hatchback
Love the car
Douglas N. from PA
Verified Owner · Apr, 2015
2014 Ford Focus Sedan
I am very pleased, I really have nothing more to add.
William L. from OK
Verified Owner · Apr, 2015
2014 Ford Focus 4 dr Hatchback
I wish it had automatic dimming on the rear view mirrow
David E. from TX
Verified Owner · Apr, 2015
2014 Ford Focus 4 dr Hatchback
My only real complaint about the car is the transmission gearing. The gear ratio spacing could be a bit wider, especially 6th gear. It needs to be higher for highway cursing 70~75mph. Engine rpms are too high at highway speeds for good fuel economy.