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2018 Ford Focus

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$17,950

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

Sedan

Body style

31

Combined MPG

5

Seating capacity

178.5” x 57.7”

Dimensions

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(205 reviews)

The good:

  • Attractive styling
  • Fuel economy
  • Advanced electronic safety systems
  • Handling

The bad:

  • Tight interior space
  • Options get pricey
  • Visibility not the greatest
  • Automatic transmission performance

4 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2018 Ford Focus trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Sedans for 2024

Notable features

  • Sedan and four-door hatchback body styles
  • Manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission
  • Turbo three-cylinder engine option
  • Sync 3 multimedia system available
  • Performance-oriented ST and RS versions

2018 Ford Focus review: Our expert's take


What it is: The Focus serves as Ford's entry in the compact car class; it's available in sedan and hatchback body styles. Most models come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, but the SE sedan offers a turbocharged three-cylinder engine. Competitors include the Chevrolet Cruze, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla.


The hatchback is also sold as the Focus Electric, which is covered separately in the Cars.com Research section, and as the sporty ST and performance RS.


There are no significant changes.

Focus ST
The Focus ST is a sportier version of the hatchback. Power comes from a 252-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 270 pounds-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is the only transmission offered.

What’s Special

  • 18-inch alloy wheels with summer tires
  • Honeycomb grille
  • Sport suspension with firmer shocks and springs
  • Available Recaro sport seats

Consumer reviews

(205 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.6
  • Interior 4.6
  • Performance 4.5
  • Value 4.6
  • Exterior 4.7
  • Reliability 4.6
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Most recent consumer reviews

I love this car, the only exception is the transmission.

I love this car, the only exception is the transmission. The clutches jerk hard, only once in a while. It mainly jerks when someone besides me drives and only occasionally with me. Overall, I love this car!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Great little car

I bought my 2017 Ford Focus SE 1.0L Manual New and only had minor issues with it it that was covered under warranty. only issues I had was the PVC needed to be replaced and the CV Axle seals. The Focus rode great, I ended up getting 45+ miles per gallons using 93 octane fuel and a pedal enhancer, made a world of a difference. She was a peppy little car. I loved the Black interior, the seat were fairly comfortable. I ended up trading it for a small SUV for more room because my son was growing so fast and needed more leg room for him. I regretted getting rid of it and just should have kept for my commute to work.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Nothing but problems with 2018 Ford focus

Have had nothing but problems and it’s never covered under warranty but it’s the things that’s been recalled. But it’s a hatchback so we’re out of luck. It sits in my driveway because of it not wanting to shift.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 2.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 1.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 1.0
  • Reliability 2.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 205 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 2018 Ford Focus base trim.
Combined side rating front seat
5
Combined side rating rear seat
5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
5
Overall rating
5
Overall side crash rating
5
Risk of rollover
11.6%
Rollover rating
4
Side barrier rating
5
Side barrier rating driver
5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Ford Blue Advantage Blue
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
60 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
60 months/60,000 miles
Roadside assistance
60 months/60,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
Fords and many non-Ford vehicles up to 10 years old with less than 150,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
90-Day/4,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited Warranty
Powertrain
Available
Dealer certification required
139-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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