2018 Ford Focus review
The Ford Focus was a compact sedan and hatchback with a varied lineup that included an electric model and performance versions that culminated in the raucous Focus RS with all-wheel drive in 2016-2018. All other models had front-wheel drive. The third generation had sleeker styling and added more driver-assist features throughout its run. The Focus Electric was a compliance car sold only in some areas of the country to meet California emissions standards.
Explore the evolution of the Ford Focus
Get our expert take on used Ford Focus models, or view year-by-year changes.
Third generation Ford Focus
The third-generation Focus arrived for the 2011 model year with a much more appealing design for its four-door sedan and four-door hatchback body styles. The Focus offered a wide range of powertrains. The most common engine was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder offered with a five-speed manual, a six-speed automatic, or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the latter of which was plagued by clunky shifts.
A low-power/high-fuel-economy turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine joined the lineup for the 2015 model year. It was initially offered with a six-speed manual transmission, but Ford added a six-speed automatic for the 2016 model year. Focus ST buyers got a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to a six-speed manual transmission. It was quick, but the top-performing Focus RS was considerably quicker thanks to its 350-horsepower turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that also came with a six-speed manual.
The RS and ST were tuned for confident handling as well, and the RS navigated corners aggressively thanks to its all-wheel-drive system and torque-vectoring rear differential. Ford released the Focus Electric for the 2012 model year with a single electric motor and a small 23-kWh battery. Range was modest at 76 miles, which increased to 115 miles in 2017 when the battery grew to 34 kWh
. The Focus Electric wasn’t available in all parts of the country.Driver-assist technology was limited. The Focus never offered automatic emergency braking, but a rearview camera became standard in 2015, and buyers could also get blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and an automatic parking system.
Model highlights
Performance-oriented Focus ST available in 2013-2018
All-wheel-drive Focus RS offered in 2016-2018
Focus Electric available in 2012-2018 with limited range and limited availability
Front-wheel drive for all models but the Focus RS
Four-door sedan and four-door hatchback body styles
Turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder debuted for 2015
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2011 - 2018
2018 Ford Focus
2017 Ford Focus
Highlights
Focus Electric range increased from 76 miles to 115 miles
Minor equipment changes for gas models
Learn more
2016 Ford Focus
Highlights
All-wheel-drive Focus RS hot hatch joined the lineup
Improved SYNC® 3 infotainment system debuted
Six-speed automatic available for turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine
Learn more
2015 Ford Focus
Highlights
Midcycle update with revised hood, grille, trunk lid, and available LED signature lighting
Improved interior materials and revised dash layout
New turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine
New heated steering wheel available
Recalibrated suspension
Rearview camera became standard and new driver-assist options included blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic parking
Ford’s SYNC® and MyFord Touch® infotainment controls updated
Learn more
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Reliability
RepairPal gave the Ford Focus an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Ford Focus 22nd out of 46 among Compact Cars.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Ford Focus is $431, compared to an average of $453 for Compact Cars and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Ford Focus owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.9 times per year, compared to an average of 1.1 times for Compact Cars and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 14% for the Ford Focus, compared to an average of 12% for Compact Cars and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Kirk Bell has been an automotive journalist since 2001, doing stints at Motor Authority, MSN Autos, and Consumer Guide. He's currently a freelance journalist with an interest in luxury and performance cars.
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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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