2018
Ford Focus

Starts at:
$17,950
Shop options
New 2018 Ford Focus
See ratings
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Shop Cars.com
Browse cars & save your favorites
Dealers near you
Find & contact a dealership near you
Listings near 43287
Change location See all listings

Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • S Sedan
    Starts at
    $17,950
    MPG
    26 City / 38 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front Wheel Drive
    See all specs
  • SE Sedan
    Starts at
    $19,245
    MPG
    27 City / 38 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-3
    Drivetrain
    Front Wheel Drive
    See all specs
  • SE Hatch
    Starts at
    $20,540
    Range
    115 mi.
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front Wheel Drive
    See all specs
  • SEL Sedan
    Starts at
    $21,870
    MPG
    24 City / 34 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front Wheel Drive
    See all specs
  • SEL Hatch
    Starts at
    $22,070
    MPG
    24 City / 34 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front Wheel Drive
    See all specs
  • Titanium Sedan
    Starts at
    $24,270
    MPG
    24 City / 34 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front Wheel Drive
    See all specs
  • Titanium Hatch
    Starts at
    $24,470
    MPG
    24 City / 34 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front Wheel Drive
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2018 Ford Focus 2018 Ford Focus 2018 Ford Focus 2018 Ford Focus 2018 Ford Focus 2018 Ford Focus 2018 Ford Focus 2018 Ford Focus 2018 Ford Focus 2018 Ford Focus 2018 Ford Focus 2018 Ford Focus 2018 Ford Focus 2018 Ford Focus 2018 Ford Focus 2018 Ford Focus 2018 Ford Focus 2018 Ford Focus 2018 Ford Focus 2018 Ford Focus 2018 Ford Focus

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

The good & the bad

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
See all specifications

Expert 2018 Ford Focus review

Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article


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

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

Available cars near you

See all cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2018 Ford Focus base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
Combined side rating front seat
Combined side rating rear seat
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
Overall side crash rating
Rollover rating
Side barrier rating
Side barrier rating driver
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
Side pole rating driver front seat
11.6%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
Side pole rating driver front seat
11.6%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Gold Certified: Ford models up to 6 years old with less than 80,000 miles
Basic
12-Month / 12,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited Warranty Blue Certified: 90-Day / 4,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited Warranty Disclaimer: See your dealer for warranty coverage details.
Dealer certification
Certified 172-point inspection
See all CPO program details

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2018
    4.6
    Ford Focus
    Starts at
    $17,950
    2018 Ford Focus
    MPG
    26 City / 38 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front-wheel drive
    Compare
  • 2019
    4.5
    Kia Rio
    Starts at
    $15,390
    2019 Kia Rio
    MPG
    28 City / 37 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front-wheel drive
    Compare
  • 2017
    4.5
    Ford Focus
    Starts at
    $16,775
    2017 Ford Focus
    MPG
    26 City / 38 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front-wheel drive
    Compare
  • 2016
    4.7
    Nissan Versa Note
    Starts at
    $14,230
    2016 Nissan Versa Note
    MPG
    27 City / 36 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front-wheel drive
    Compare
  • 2018
    4.4
    Chevrolet Sonic
    Starts at
    $15,295
    2018 Chevrolet Sonic
    MPG
    26 City / 35 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Turbocharged Gas I4
    Drivetrain
    Front-wheel drive
    Compare
  • 2015
    4.5
    Scion tC
    Starts at
    $19,210
    2015 Scion tC
    MPG
    23 City / 31 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front-wheel drive
    Compare
  • 2019
    4.7
    Kia Optima
    Starts at
    $22,990
    2019 Kia Optima
    MPG
    24 City / 33 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front-wheel drive
    Compare
  • 2015
    4.6
    Ford Focus ST
    Starts at
    $24,370
    2015 Ford Focus ST
    MPG
    23 City / 32 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front-wheel drive
    Compare
  • 2019
    4.7
    Ford Fiesta
    Starts at
    $14,260
    2019 Ford Fiesta
    MPG
    27 City / 37 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front-wheel drive
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

88% of drivers recommend this car
Based on 208 reviews
Write a review
Comfort
4.6
Interior
4.6
Performance
4.4
Value
4.5
Exterior
4.7
Reliability
4.6

Most recent

  • By Mandy from North Carolina
    Owns this car
    June 28, 2025

    I had a 2007 Focus that I got in high school and drove

    I had a 2007 Focus that I got in high school and drove all the way until 2020. I thought since I got 13 years out of that car it’d be a wise idea to just get a newer one with an hatchback instead of getting the more expensive RAV4 I was also considering. I was wrong. My first issue with this car was that the remote start stopped working about a month into me having the car. I got it fixed at the dealer but a few months later it stopped working again but since I was without a car for two weeks while it was getting fixed I didn’t care to do anything about it. Without going into too much more detail, this car is 7 years old and not only does the remote start not work but the keyless entry doesn’t, the infotainment system randomly disconnects throughout my drives, and now it’s no longer sensing my key fob in order to use the push to start. I had been able to get it to sense the fob if I put the key near the button but today even after turning on, it didn’t sense my fob so I was scared to drive it even out of my driveway. Before you ask, yes I’ve changed the battery in the key fob. Joke’s on me because now I’m considering getting a RAV4 which I wish I would’ve gotten to begin with.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort
    3.0
    Interior
    3.0
    Performance
    1.0
    Value
    1.0
    Exterior
    3.0
    Reliability
    2.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Kel from Columbia
    Owns this car
    June 11, 2025

    Got my car in 2020 during Covid and was able to use my

    Got my car in 2020 during Covid and was able to use my stimulus check on it! Had it for 6 months and boom $800. Drove it a year after boom the tranny goes out and thank Godni still was under warranty and they fixed it! Here we are almost three years later and the tranny goes out of no where! No jerkying no early signs of going out! took my kids to practice and tried to start and wouldn’t! Got it jumped and what do you know I can’t reverse and car won’t go over 10 miles.. I’m sooo over this car and now I can’t trade it because I still owe too much so I’m stuck with a xxxxty car DO NOT BUY
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort
    3.0
    Interior
    4.0
    Performance
    1.0
    Value
    1.0
    Exterior
    4.0
    Reliability
    1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Soco Taco from Pueblo
    Owns this car
    March 12, 2025

    Purchased a used 2018 with 35K miles in 2023.

    Purchased a used 2018 with 35K miles in 2023. I now have 75K miles as it's a commuter car, about 90 miles a day. I average almost 41 mpg going from Pueblo to Colorado Springs and back. The CVT was a bit suspect when I first got it, but I think the driving has corrected the 3rd gear delay. The CVT is hands down better than my Altima. One year that car was gone, total junk.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0
    Interior
    5.0
    Performance
    4.0
    Value
    5.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Charles Hummell MSgt USAF Ret.
    Owns this car
    September 4, 2024

    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!
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0
    Interior
    5.0
    Performance
    5.0
    Value
    5.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Tim from Camden, De
    Used to own this car
    March 18, 2024

    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.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0
    Interior
    5.0
    Performance
    4.0
    Value
    5.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Jennifer from Lawton, ok
    Used to own this car
    February 10, 2024

    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.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort
    2.0
    Interior
    3.0
    Performance
    1.0
    Value
    1.0
    Exterior
    1.0
    Reliability
    2.0
    3 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Randy from Mo
    Owns this car
    December 26, 2022

    Good car great buy

    I own a 2013 manual Se model it has been a great car 35 miles a gallon. Love it and mad that Ford stopped making them..
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0
    Interior
    5.0
    Performance
    4.0
    Value
    5.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    10 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Beulah johnon from Louis ille ky
    Owns this car
    September 8, 2022

    Very disappointed, for 60 years I have ford cars,

    Car shuttering on take off , when I called ford, the lady told me to take off faster, really that was what I was instructed would take care of the problem
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort
    2.0
    Interior
    2.0
    Performance
    2.0
    Value
    2.0
    Exterior
    4.0
    Reliability
    2.0
    15 people out of 24 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Jeffrey Robertson from Akron ohio
    Owns this car
    July 25, 2022

    My focus review.

    I recommend this car if you get it in a standard shift, I'm on my second focus and both were standard shift, the second one is an st and is awsome the first one was a 2013 se with a 5 speed standard and had no problems with either one, my wife's 2018 se has an automatic and so far has bine very reliable!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0
    Interior
    5.0
    Performance
    5.0
    Value
    5.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    4.0
    11 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By FoundOnRoadDead from Pensacola Florida
    Used to own this car
    June 21, 2022

    Read Before You Buy These Lemons

    I bought a 2018 Ford Focus sedan brand new off the lot in 2018. DO NOT BUY these cars have a faulty transmission. This car is not even 4 years old and has had the clutch replaced 5 times!! Also replaced cv joints and then something else in the transmission. I was looking for a brand new car so I didn’t have to worry about fixing it all the time but ended up working on it more than my car that’s over 10 years old. I talked to a lawyer and he said 90 percent of his law firm’s income is from lawsuits against Ford for the 18-19 Focus and Fiesta’s so it’s a VERY common problem with this make/model. I don’t understand why they haven’t just recalled them. Also, if you do buy a focus or fiesta, make sure you have an outstanding warranty that covers all transmission problems. And another thing, the car is super cramped with no space for anything. No leg room. The trunk is tiny too. My baby stroller took up the entire trunk making it hard for groceries etc. My baby’s car seat was almost touching the front seat. It felt very unsafe if we were to have an accident
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort
    2.0
    Interior
    2.0
    Performance
    1.0
    Value
    2.0
    Exterior
    3.0
    Reliability
    1.0
    8 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Booty
    Test drove this car
    June 5, 2021

    Great service

    purchased a used 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport with a lot of options and under 15k miles. I'm a big guy, 6'3" and big-boned, with two younger children that require car seats. There is still some room behind me with the seat backed up all of the way. The features and smart key
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0
    Interior
    5.0
    Performance
    5.0
    Value
    5.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    8 people out of 21 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Autumn & Truly Garcia from Rawlins wyo
    Owns this car
    May 4, 2021

    Enjoying every bit of it!

    It is very comfortable. We are from Rawlins and the 4 1/2 hr long drive back was fun. Smooth car handled great. Love the heated seats and the sportiness of it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0
    Interior
    5.0
    Performance
    5.0
    Value
    5.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
See all reviews

Latest news from Cars.com

ford-focus-2015-exterior-front-oem
Featured

Ford Recalls 255,000-Plus Focus Sedans, Hatchbacks for Software Issue

Ford is recalling more than 255,000 Focus cars over an issue with a previous recall repair that may cause the engine to stall while driving. Read more

116,000-Plus Fords, Lincolns Recalled for Fire Risk

Ford is recalling more than 116,600 Ford and Lincoln vehicles over an issue with the engine block heater that increases the risk of a fire.

Ford Recalls Focus, EcoSport Over Engine Oil Pumps

An engine oil pump failure affecting some 139,700 Focus and EcoSport vehicles is the culprit.

Biden Vs. Trump: How Biden Would Change the Automotive Market

The stark differences in environmental policy between President Trump and his challenger, former Vice President Joe Biden, make potential outcomes (once the winner is known) easier to predict for car shoppers.
See all news

Ford dealers near you

See all Ford dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2018 Ford Focus?

The 2018 Ford Focus is available in 4 trim levels:

  • S (1 style)
  • SE (2 styles)
  • SEL (2 styles)
  • Titanium (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2018 Ford Focus?

The 2018 Ford Focus offers up to 26 MPG in city driving and 38 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2018 Ford Focus?

The 2018 Ford Focus compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2018 Ford Focus reliable?

The 2018 Ford Focus has an average reliability rating of 4.6 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2018 Ford Focus owners.

Is the 2018 Ford Focus a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2018 Ford Focus. 88.9% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.6 / 5
Based on 208 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.6
  • Interior: 4.6
  • Performance: 4.4
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 4.7
  • Reliability: 4.6

Ford Focus history

Your list was successfully saved.
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare
[{"cat":"wagonhatchback_hatchback","stock_type":"used","bodystyle":"Sedan","page_type":"research/make-model-year","oem_page":false,"search_fuel_types":["Flex Fuel Capability"]}]