Introduction
The Ford Focus has been a popular choice for small car fans for a long time. It is known for having a stylish look, getting good gas mileage, and being fun to drive. But not all model years are the same, and picking the right year can make a big difference in terms of reliability, performance, and overall satisfaction. In this blog post, we’ll talk about the 19 best and worst years of the Ford Focus. We’ll give you detailed facts, numbers, and insights to help you make a smart choice when buying a used Ford Focus.
Here’s The Short Answer To What The Worst And Best Years For The Ford Focus Are:
The best Ford Focus model years based on ratings and online reviews are 2018, 2017, 2011, 2010 and from 2004 to 2009. The worst years of the Ford Focus based on the number of problems reported are the 2012 – 2016 models and the models years from 2000 to 2003.
Brief History of Ford Focus
When it came out in 1998, the Ford Focus quickly became a popular choice among sedan cars. It was made to replace the Ford Escort, and it was made to look stylish and modern. The Focus has been updated several times, and each time the design, technology, and speed have gotten better. Over the years, the Focus has been hailed for its quick handling, good gas mileage, and comfortable interior. But there were problems with the reliability of some model years, especially with the transmission. If buyers know the past of the Ford Focus, they can choose between the best and worst model years with confidence.
Importance of Choosing the Right Ford Focus Year
It’s important to pick the right model year of Ford Focus to make sure you get a car that fits your needs and wants. Some years are better than others in terms of reliability, safety, gas economy, and features. If you choose the right year, it will save you time and also save you money in the long run by keeping you from having to do expensive repairs and upkeep.
What Are The Best Years For The Ford Focus?
2018 Ford Focus
The 2018 Ford Focus stands out because it has a lot of great new features and changes. It has strong engine choices, a comfortable ride, and high-tech safety features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The normal 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has enough power, and you can get a turbocharged EcoBoost engine that gives you even more power. The 2018 Focus is a good choice for people who like small cars because it looks good, has a big interior, and has an easy-to-use infotainment system.
2018 Ford Focus
2017 Ford Focus
Building on what made its models good, the 2017 Ford Focus has smooth handling, quick steering, and great gas mileage. The tuning of the Focus’s suspension strikes a mix between comfort and sportiness, making for a smooth, stable ride. The turbocharged engines that are offered, such as the 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost and the 2.3-liter EcoBoost in the Focus RS, have a lot of power and speed. Inside, the 2017 Focus has an easy-to-use navigation system that can be upgraded to SYNC 3, which makes it easy to connect your phone and use voice controls.
2011 Ford Focus
Ford’s SYNC system and MyKey, which lets parents set limits for teen drivers, were among the new features added to the 2011 Ford Focus. For the 2011 model year, the Focus also got a major redesign that made it look more modern and sleek. It had a comfortable, well-built interior and a wide range of options, such as leather seats, a power moonroof, and a high-quality sound system. The way the car drives has been made better, with faster handling and a smoother ride.
2010 Ford Focus
The Ford Focus is a good choice for people who want to buy a used car. It is known for being reliable. It has better safety features like standard antilock brakes and stability control. It also has a comfortable cabin and gets good gas mileage. The 2010 Focus has accurate steering and stable handling, which makes it a fun car to drive in a variety of circumstances. It comes as a sedan or a coupe, and it has different trim levels to fit different tastes.
2018 Ford Focus
2004 Ford Focus
2004’s model was the first version of the Focus, and it was known for being easy to drive, useful, and affordable. It came in different body styles, like a sedan, hatchback, and wagon, so it could fit a variety of lives. The interior of the 2004 Focus was well-made, with soft seats and easy-to-use controls. People liked how easy it was to turn, how well it used gas, and how fun it was to drive.
2005 Ford Focus
In 2005, the second-generation Focus came out with better looks, a better interior, and better speed. The outside had smoother lines and a more modern look, while the inside got better materials and a more high-end feel. Thanks to changes to the suspension, the 2005 Focus was easier to drive and had a better ride. It kept getting good gas mileage and was generally reliable.
2006 Ford Focus
Building on the success of the previous year, the Ford Focus got some big changes for 2006. The driving was made better, and the interior was made more modern. The setting of the suspension was improved, making for a smooth and controlled ride. The 2006 model came with a choice of engines, including a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that gets good gas mileage and a 2.3-liter four-cylinder that gives the Focus ZX3 a faster feel. It was still a popular choice because it was reliable and cheap.
2007 Ford Focus
The Ford Focus got better gas mileage and was easier to handle, making it a fun car to drive both in the city and on the highway. It had a new look on the outside, with redesigned headlights and lamps that made it look more modern. Minor changes were made to the inside, like making the seats more comfortable and updating the materials. The 2007 Focus did well in crash tests and added important safety measures like side curtain airbags to protect its passengers.
2008 Ford Focus
In 2008, Ford made the Focus lineup bigger by adding new trim levels and more standard options. The 2008 model had a lot of room for cargo, was easy to drive, and did well in crash tests. It was updated on the inside with better handling and better materials. The available SYNC system gave you more ways to join and controls that you could use with your voice. The 2008 Focus continued to get good gas mileage and perform well.
2009 Ford Focus
2009 was the last year of the second version of the Focus, and the 2009 model continued to be reliable, good on gas, and useful. It came with different choices and trim levels to meet the needs of different customers. The 2009 Focus lived up to its reputation for quick handling and accurate turning, making it a fun car to drive. It had a roomy interior with comfortable seats and an easy-to-use setup for the controls.
2009 Ford Focus
Reasons why these years are the best
The Ford Focus years listed above are the best because they have a good mix of features, speed, safety, and reliability. They are known for their smooth rides, roomy interiors, and good fuel efficiency. They are also very safe and come with a lot of features and qualities that make them a great deal for the price.
Consumer Scores For Best Ford Focus Years
Below is a table that shows all the consumer ratings of the best Ford Focus model years from reputable vehicle websites:
Model Year | Edmunds’ Consumer Rating | Kelley Blue Book’s Consumer Rating | JD Power’s Consumer Rating |
2018 Ford Focus | 3.5 / 5.0 | NA | 77 / 100 |
2017 Ford Focus | 2.9 / 5.0 | NA | 76 / 100 |
2011 Ford Focus | 4.5 / 5.0 | 4.6 / 5.0 | 79 / 100 |
2010 Ford Focus | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.6 / 5.0 | 81 / 100 |
2009 Ford Focus | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.6 / 5.0 | 79 / 100 |
2008 Ford Focus | 4.6 / 5.0 | 4.6 / 5.0 | 79 / 100 |
2007 Ford Focus | 4.3 / 5.0 | 4.1 / 5.0 | 77 / 100 |
2006 Ford Focus | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.1 / 5.0 | NA |
2005 Ford Focus | 4.6 / 5.0 | 4.1 / 5.0 | NA |
2004 Ford Focus | 4.6 / 5.0 | 4.1 / 5.0 | NA |
What Are The Worst Years For The Ford Focus?
2016 Ford Focus
The Ford Focus had quality problems. Many customers complained about problems with the engine and with the electrics. Because of these problems, both reliability and customer happiness went down. Many owners said that the shifts were jerky, the transmission slipped, and the car wasn’t quick. The PowerShift dual-clutch automatic gear, which was supposed to save fuel, had problems and led to many recalls and customer complaints.
2015 Ford Focus
Compared to its predecessors, the 2015 model year didn’t have any big changes. It didn’t have the improvements and refinements that came in later years, so it was seen as a poor choice in its segment. Even though it still got good gas mileage and was comfortable to drive, the 2015 Focus had fallen behind in terms of technology, features, and general performance.
2015 Ford Focus
2014 Ford Focus
There were problems with the dependability of the Ford Focus, especially with the transmission. Because of these problems, there were a lot of fixes and recalls, which made owners less happy overall. Some owners said that the car was hard to shift, that the gears slipped, and that the clutch leaked. These problems made it harder to drive and made the car less reliable over time.
2013 Ford Focus
The 2013 Ford Focus had a lot of problems with the transmission, which led to jerky shifts and bad performance overall. The PowerShift dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which was the same as the one in the 2016 model, kept giving people trouble. Ford knew about the problems and sent out several recalls to fix the transmission problems. But the 2013 Focus’s image and dependability were hurt by the problems that kept coming up.
2012 Ford Focus
Compared to other model years, the 2012 Ford Focus got lower scores for safety. It didn’t have some of the advanced safety systems found in later models, and it didn’t do well in crash tests. The quality of the materials and the infotainment system inside were also attacked. Even though it still got good gas mileage and drove smoothly, it wasn’t as competitive as it was in other years.
2001 Ford Focus
2001 was the first year Ford made the Focus, and it had a lot of technical problems and quality issues. Customers had problems with the engine, transmission, and electrical systems, which gave the car a not-so-great image for being reliable. The 2001 Focus also did not do as well in crash tests as later models, which hurt its safety grades.
2002 Ford Focus
The Ford Focus still had the same problems with reliability that were mentioned the year before. The engine, transmission, and frame gave owners trouble, which led to a lot of trips to the shop and bad reviews from customers. People had doubts about how well the 2002 Focus was made and how long it would last, which made it less attractive as a used car.
2003 Ford Focus
In 2003, the transmission problems that the Ford Focus had in previous years kept happening, and breakdowns and other problems happened often. Many owners had the same problems with changing, slipping gears and stalling. The 2003 Focus was a lot less fun to drive and less satisfying overall because of these problems.
2015 Ford Focus
2000 Ford Focus
As the first year that the Ford Focus was on the market, the 2000 model had some design mistakes and reliability problems. Customers said that there were problems with the engine, the power system, and the suspension. Even though the 2000 Focus got better over time, most people don’t like it as much because of the problems it had when it was first made.
Comparing Best and Worst Years
When comparing the best and worst years of the Ford Focus, there are a number of things to take into account. Potential buyers need to think about performance, dependability, safety, customer feedback, and value for money.
When it comes to performance, the best years, like 2018, 2017, and 2009 have strong engine choices, quick handling, and a fun ride. They have a good mix of power and fuel efficiency, which makes them good for both city driving and driving on the highway.
Reliability is very important, and the best years, like 2010, 2004, and 2006, have a track record of reliable performance and life. There were fewer mechanical problems in these years, so upkeep and repair costs were lower. Customers can expect to have less to think about when they own something.
Safety is another important factor, and the best years, like 2011 and 2008, brought new safety features like stability control, side curtain airbags, and current driver-assistance technologies. These features make driving safer and give you more peace of mind in general. Higher grades for safety and better scores on crash tests make cars from these years more desirable.
Customer feedback and satisfaction scores are a big part of figuring out which years were the best and which ones were the worst. The reputation of the best years is made up of good owner experiences, fewer problems reported, and better overall satisfaction. Customers want cars that are reliable, work well and are comfortable to drive. On the other hand, the worst years, like 2016 and 2014, had a lot of complaints and recalls, which made customers less happy and hurt the company’s reputation. Transmission problems and other technical problems had a big effect on what it was like to own a car during these years.
When it comes to value for money and reselling, the best years tend to hold their value better over time because they are well-known and popular. Used car buyers might be interested in these years because they have a good mix of features, dependability, and speed. On the other hand, the worst years may have a drop in resale value due to known problems and doubts about their safety.
Reasons why these years are the worst
The years listed above are the worst years for the Ford Focus because transmission and engine problems are common and can be expensive to fix. They also have a low-reliability score and often have electrical problems. These problems can be very frustrating and can cost a lot to fix.
Reported Problems Per Model Year
The number of reports and complaints for each year of the Ford Focus is listed below.
This report and data are collected from CarProblemZoo.com, a website that tracks NHTSA customer reports, and CarComplaints.com, a website where car owners can file complaints.
Model Year | Complaints (CarComplaints.com) | Problems (CarProblemZoo.com) |
2018 Ford Focus | 21 | 367 |
2017 Ford Focus | 41 | 551 |
2016 Ford Focus | 55 | 909 |
2015 Ford Focus | 113 | 886 |
2014 Ford Focus | 482 | 2,956 |
2013 Ford Focus | 501 | 2,610 |
2012 Ford Focus | 787 | 4,515 |
2011 Ford Focus | 55 | 138 |
2010 Ford Focus | 137 | 370 |
2009 Ford Focus | 111 | 291 |
2008 Ford Focus | 193 | 303 |
2007 Ford Focus | 251 | 477 |
2006 Ford Focus | 127 | 239 |
2005 Ford Focus | 177 | 501 |
2004 Ford Focus | 172 | 406 |
2003 Ford Focus | 588 | 1,015 |
2002 Ford Focus | 408 | 957 |
2001 Ford Focus | 417 | 1,819 |
2000 Ford Focus | 556 | 3,712 |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Ford Focus Year
If you are looking to purchase a used Ford Focus, it’s important to pick the right model year. Each year of the Focus has its own set of pros and cons, and knowing what to think about can help you make a good choice. Here are some important things and considerations to think about when picking out a Ford Focus year:
Reliability: The reliability of the model year is one of the most important things to think about. Some years of the Focus were known for being strong and reliable, while other years had problems and were recalled. Doing research on each year’s reliability ratings and customer reviews can help you figure out if there are any problems or worries that might come up.
Performance: The Ford Focus’s ability changes from one year to the next. Think about things like engine choices, horsepower, and gas mileage. If you want a more exciting ride, you might want to look at older models with turbocharged engines or faster trims like the Focus ST or RS. If you want to save money on gas, on the other hand, look for years that offer hybrid or electric powertrains.
Safety Features: Safety is the most important thing for any car, and the Ford Focus’s safety features have gotten better over time. Look for years with advanced safety features like blind-spot tracking, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. These things can make you much safer on the road and give you peace of mind.
Technology and Infotainment: Think about the technology and information features that are offered for each model year. Features like touchscreen displays, smartphone integration, Bluetooth connection, and high-tech sound systems can make driving a lot more fun. Look for years that have the most up-to-date technology and easy-to-use platforms.
Comfort and interior: Compare the different model years’ comfort and room inside. Think about things like the number of seats, legroom, cargo space, and the general quality of the interior. Some years of the Focus may have higher-quality materials, more ergonomic designs, and roomier interiors, making the ride more relaxing and enjoyable.
Budget: Your budget will be a big part of figuring out which year of Ford Focus is right for you. Prices for different model years will vary based on things like age, mileage, condition, and the features that are offered. Set a realistic budget and think about things like maintenance costs, insurance rates, and the possible resale value when making your choice.
Research and Test Drive: Before making a final choice, do a lot of research on the model year you’re interested in. Read as many expert reviews, customer reports, and owner comments as you can and learn as much as you can. Also, set up a test drive so you can see the car for yourself. Pay attention to things like how it handles, how comfortable it is, how loud it is, and how it drives overall.
Conclusion
Choosing the right model year for your Ford Focus can have a big effect on how you feel about owning it. The best years, like 2018, 2017, and 2004, have great performance, dependability, and safety features. The worst years, like 2016, 2014, and 2003, have had major problems that hurt their image and customer satisfaction. By thinking about things like performance, reliability, safety, customer feedback, and value for money, you can make an educated choice and find a Ford Focus year that meets your needs and expectations. When buying a used Ford Focus, do a lot of research, check the car’s past, and think about getting a professional inspection to make sure you have a good time owning it.