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There was something otherworldly, almost alien, about the original Ford Focus when it arrived in 1998. Aimed squarely at mainstays of the family hatchback sector like the Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf, the Focus took a radical new approach in the way it looked and how it drove.

Ford called the styling New Edge, and it certainly was edgy thanks to its sharp lines and creases. Any concerns about buyer resistance were soon dispelled as the Focus rapidly became the number one seller in its sector. This was helped enormously by just how well the Focus drove, making all of its rivals and plenty from the class above suddenly seem dull and lead-footed.

There was also a good spread of engines, body styles and trims, plus sporting models from quick to downright rapid. Ford has followed this mantra throughout the Focus’ evolution, as well as adding modern tech to make it more efficient and cheaper to run.

Ford Focus review: Verdict

Whichever age of Ford Focus you are looking it, it’s one of the best cars in its class for comfort, space and how it drives. The engines are smooth and frugal, though the earlier diesels are a bit noisy. Later generations have much more safety kit as standard, so they are the ones to aim for.

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Ford Focus review: Problems

On the first two generations of Focus, it pays to check for corrosion, and not just in the obvious areas that you can easily see. Look underneath for any signs of rust along the sills that run below the doors. Diesel particulate filters on older cars can become blocked and are expensive to replace, so beware any dash lights indicating this.

Ford Focus review: Prices

At any age, the Focus is on a par with its key rivals for price. An early Mk1 could be yours for less than £1000, but it will be showing its age in many ways. Spend a little more on a Mk1 or Mk2 and they are dependable, low-cost transport. The Mk3 is strong on value as it’s well equipped and can be had with the excellent 1.0 EcoBoost petrol engine from £8000 for a 2014-on facelifted car, while the current Mk4 is one of the best cars you can find from £15,500.


Ford Focus Mk4 (2018 - current)

One of the most complete all-round cars on the road today, the current Ford Focus also has back some of the styling flair of the original. True, it’s longer and wider to make it safer and more accommodating for passengers and luggage, but it’s also a good looker. This means the Focus treads on the toes of the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes A-Class, and the Ford is more than a match for these premium rivals where driving is concerned. You can also have the Mk4 Focus with mild hybrid tech, so it’s every inch the family hatch for the modern world.

How much is a Ford Focus Mk4?

A brand new Ford Focus costs from £22,965, though you’re not likely to pay that given the number of deals available. Reckon on saving £1500 for a new car and £2500 for a nearly new model with minimal miles on the clock. As the Mk4 Focus has been around since 2018, an early model will be priced from £13,000 for a high miles example, while a three-year old 1.0 T EcoBoost in popular Titanium trim with average mileage will start at £15,500.

What's the best Ford Focus Mk4 to buy?

The 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine is the most frugal in the Mk4 Focus range, but more buyers will be drawn to the mild hybrid models that have lower emissions. Even so, the 1.0T EcoBoost three-cylinder petrol engine with 125hp makes a lot of sense. It’s fun and frugal in use and, in popular Titanium trim, comes with a host of safety and luxury kit. It’s worth looking for a car with the Driver Assist Pack to gain active cruise control and traffic sign recognition, while the Winter Pack provides heated seats and steering wheel.

Is a Ford Focus Mk4 reliable?

There were issues with the electrical systems on early models of the Mk4 Focus. Because of this, make sure the infotainment screen functions as it should and the reversing camera, if fitted, works. Electrical glitches can also cause some of the safety system warning lights to show on the dash, which will require a reset by a dealer to update the software and prevent it happening again.


Ford Focus Mk3 (2011 - 2018)

Ford had been refining the Focus recipe for more than a decade by the time it launched the third-generation model in 2011. This was the Focus that out-Golf-ed the Volkswagen Golf by improving every facet of the Ford’s abilities to the point where there was little need to consider any other car in the class. You could choose from a five-door hatch, estate and ST and, eventually, the stunning RS. This was also the Focus that gained the frugal EcoBoost range of engines.

How much is a Ford Focus Mk3?

High mileage Mk3 Focus models can be found for around the £2000, but examples in fine fettle with average miles will be twice that. This will net you a 1.0 T EcoBoost Zetec version that makes an ideal everyday family hatch. If you prefer a post-2014 facelifted model, reckon on spending £8000 for a 2017 car. Choose the ST hot hatch and £9500 is starting money. For the four-wheel drive RS, you’ll need a budget of at least £25,000.

What's the best Ford Focus Mk3 to buy?

While the Focus RS is a keen driver’s delight, every model in the range is good to drive. As a result, choosing a mainstream version will not leave you feeling short-changed in the fun stakes. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol engine is the best bet for its economy and surprising turn of speed. Look for one in Titanium trim and you’re guaranteed a fine spec. If it has the Driver Assist Pack, you will also get lane departure warning, fatigue alert, automatic headlights, and autonomous emergency braking.

Is a Ford Focus Mk3 reliable?

If you’re after a Mk3 Focus with an automatic gearbox, look for one made from mid-2016 onwards as Ford ditched the troublesome Powershift transmission in favour of a normal six-speed automatic transmission. Beyond that, it’s just the usual used car checks for service history and signs of abuse as this generation of Focus is reliable and long-lived.


Ford Focus Mk2 (2004 - 2011)

How do you follow up a smash hit like the Mk1 Focus? It was a tricky question for Ford and many feel the styling was watered down for the second-generation model. However, there is no doubt this model upped the game in terms of cabin quality, specification and even in the way the Focus drove thanks to its superb ride and handling balance. A measure of Ford’s confidence in the car is there was even a two-door CC convertible model.

How much is a Ford Focus Mk2?

A mere £1000 will get you a Mk2 Focus that’s a little rough around the edges, while £1500 bags a clean, usable example with one of the smaller petrol or diesel engines. Really smart examples go from £2000 and facelifted cars from 2008-on in good condition with average mileage start at £3500 for five-door hatch models. The Focus CC convertible begins at £1800, while the rocket ship RS will need at least £20,000. A cheaper fast fix is the ST hot hatch with its distinctive five-cylinder engine from £4000.

What's the best Ford Focus Mk2 to buy?

There’s a lot to be said in favour of the characterful ST with its turbocharged petrol engine as it’s a lot of fun to drive and as practical as any other Focus hatch. However, running costs will steer more buyers towards the 1.6-litre petrol or diesel engines with manual gearbox. The petrol is more reliable, while a five-door hatch is the easiest to find. Don’t rule out the estate as it’s big for the class, while the Titanium trim brings a pleasing amount of standard equipment

Is a Ford Focus Mk2 reliable?

Rust can still be a problem with this generation of Focus, so look all over and underneath to be sure it’s not rotten. The cabins are hard-wearing and most have air conditioning, but check it’s blowing chilly cold. The engines are tough, but in common with many cars of this period the diesel particulate filter is prone to clogging if the car is used for lots of short journeys, so a petrol is better for town driving. The CC’s roof rubber leak and are pricey to sort, so beware any damp inside the drop-top. Lastly, facelifted cars were offered with Ford’s first stab at an infotainment screen and you need to be happy it’s working properly as sorting it isn’t worth the expense.


Ford Focus Mk1 (1998 - 2004)

Ford simply threw out the rule book and started with a clean sheet with this first-generation Focus. After the dowdy Escort, anything was preferable, but Ford knew it had to hit a home run with its new family hatch or risk giving too much ground to the Renault Megane, Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf. The result was as spectacular to look at as it was to drive, yet it was also a great, practical car. A range of engines meant the Mk1 Focus ticked the company car boxes, and there three- and five-door models, four-door saloon, plus a spacious estate for good measure.

How much is a Ford Focus Mk1?

There are plenty of first-generation Focus around for less than £1000, though they will be at the scruffier end of the scale. Look to spend around £1500 and you’ll find smart Zetec and LX models with the 1.6-litre petrol motor with plenty of life left in them. If you’d rather an ST170, reckon on £2000 and up for tidy cars, while the rare Focus RS is now a bona fide classic with prices to match from £18,000.

What's the best Ford Focus Mk1 to buy?

For anyone covering plenty of miles, the 1.8 TDCi engine is capable of high mileages and average of more than 50mpg. It’s far from the most refined engine, so the best all-rounder is the 1.6-litre petrol with the five-speed manual gearbox. It will easily return 40mpg while also being quiet and easy to service. The Zetec trim has slightly firmer suspension, while the LX came with air conditioning as standard, but both are sound choices for the Focus.

Is a Ford Focus Mk1 reliable?

Fords of this period are known to rust, so look along the length of the sills beneath the doors and underneath for corrosion. Any major repairs here will likely cost more than the car is worth. The same applies to the catalytic convertor, which if it has failed will be pricey to replace. Ford’s brilliant Quickclear windscreen was fitted to make Mk1 Focus, so just be sure it still works.


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