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Photo of a Ford Focus

Ford Focus

Four driven wheels. One Drift Mode. The Mk3 Focus RS made sideways a setting.1

Researched October 23, 2026 from 34 sources

At a glance

0200400
79–370 hpPower
07.515
4.7–14.1 s0–100 km/h
0150300
135–267 km/hTop speed
0300600
124–510 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,150–1,651 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.13671013

Engine
1.0-2.5 L gas I3/I4/I5; 1.5-2.0 L diesel I4; mild hybrids; Electric571011
Layout
Front-engine FWD; Mk3 RS: AWD2
Gearbox
5/6-speed manuals; 4/6/7/8-speed autos; CVT; Electric: single-speed791012
Built at
Saarlouis, Germany; Michigan Assembly Plant, US; Valencia, Spain; others35
Units built
At least 12 million2

The story

Alexander Trotman's Ford 2000 plan called for one compact sold worldwide. The Focus ran from 1998 to 2025; its original New Edge shape hid independent Control Blade rear suspension.23

1998: Geneva debut, Escort replacement19981999: European Car of the Year19992002: 4,501 RS cars, all Imperial Blue20022011: Mk3 reunites the world-car family20112016: RS adds four-wheel drive and Drift Mode20162017: Electric gains range and DC charging20172018: Active crossover and Vignale join Mk420182024: ST Track Pack wins the fun vote20242025: Focus production ends2025 Ford Escort (Europe): 1968–2004Ford Escort (Europe)Ford Focus Mk1 (C170): 1998–2008C170Ford Focus Mk2 (Europe and international) (C307): 2004–2016C307Ford Focus Mk2 (North America) (C170): 2007–2010C170Ford Focus Mk3 (C346): 2010–2019C346Ford Focus Mk4 (C519): 2018–2025C519 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones2357910122122
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1968–2004Ford Escort (Europe)
1998–2008Ford Focus Mk1 (C170)
2004–2016Ford Focus Mk2 (Europe and international) (C307)
2007–2010Ford Focus Mk2 (North America) (C170)
2010–2019Ford Focus Mk3 (C346)
2018–2025Ford Focus Mk4 (C519)
1998Geneva debut, Escort replacement
1999European Car of the Year
20024,501 RS cars, all Imperial Blue
2011Mk3 reunites the world-car family
2016RS adds four-wheel drive and Drift Mode
2017Electric gains range and DC charging
2018Active crossover and Vignale join Mk4
2024ST Track Pack wins the fun vote
2025Focus production ends
  1. 1998

    Geneva debut, Escort replacement

    The original Focus is revealed at Geneva in March, then reaches Europe as the Escort's replacement.23

  2. 1999

    European Car of the Year

    The Mk1 earns the 1999 European Car of the Year award. North American marketing begins in September for the 2000 model year.2

  3. 2002

    4,501 RS cars, all Imperial Blue

    The Mk1 RS brings 212 hp, a five-speed manual and a Quaife differential. Just 4,501 are built, all Imperial Blue.4

  4. 2011

    Mk3 reunites the world-car family

    The Mk3 reunites North America and Europe on the global C-car platform, launching in both regions on March 2.25

  5. 2016

    RS adds four-wheel drive and Drift Mode

    The Mk3 RS brings a 345 hp 2.3 L EcoBoost and four-wheel drive with Drift Mode. Its rear axle is geared 2% faster than the front.16

  6. 2017

    Electric gains range and DC charging

    The Focus Electric gains a 33.5 kWh battery and 185 km EPA range, plus optional DC fast charging at up to 50 kW.7

  7. 2018

    Active crossover and Vignale join Mk4

    The fourth-generation Focus debuts on April 10, adding an Active crossover-inspired trim and a Vignale luxury version.2

  8. 2024

    ST Track Pack wins the fun vote

    At Cadwell, the Civic Type R laps 1.75 seconds faster, yet every tester enjoys the Focus ST Track Pack more.8

  9. 2025

    Focus production ends

    Ford ends Focus production near the end of 2025, taking its last remaining hot hatch, the ST, with it.9

Every generation

  • Ford Escort (Europe)
    Ford Escort (Europe)1968–2004
  • Ford Escort (North America)
    Ford Escort (North America)
  • Ford Laser
    Ford Laser
  • Ford Focus Mk1
    C1701998–2008
  • Ford Focus Mk2 (Europe and international)
    C3072004–2016
  • Ford Focus Mk2 (North America)
    C1702007–2010
  • Ford Focus Mk3
    C3462010–2019
  • Ford Focus Mk4
    C5192018–2025
  • Ford Kuga (indirect successor)
    Ford Kuga (indirect successor)

Power over the years

From 130 hp to 370 hp in 18 years.

0100200300400 20002005201020152020 hp 2000 · 130 hp · North American 2.0 Zetec2005 · 79 hp · Mk2 1.4 Duratec2005 · 222 hp · Mk2 ST 2.5 Duratec2009 · 300 hp · Mk2 RS 2.5 I52010 · 345 hp · Mk2 RS5002012 · 160 hp · North American 2.0 Duratec Ti-VCT2012 · 252 hp · North American ST 2.0 EcoBoost2015 · 182 hp · Mk3 ST 2.0 TDCi2016 · 345 hp · Mk3 RS 2.3 EcoBoost2018 · 370 hp · RS Heritage Edition, Mountune2022 · 118 hp · 1.5 EcoBlue diesel2022 · 153 hp · 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid, 48 V 370 hp RS Heritage Edition, Mountune 130 hp North American 2.0 Zetec
1356101113141516
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2000130North American 2.0 Zetec
200579Mk2 1.4 Duratec
2005222Mk2 ST 2.5 Duratec
2009300Mk2 RS 2.5 I5
2010345Mk2 RS500
2012160North American 2.0 Duratec Ti-VCT
2012252North American ST 2.0 EcoBoost
2015182Mk3 ST 2.0 TDCi
2016345Mk3 RS 2.3 EcoBoost
2018370RS Heritage Edition, Mountune
20221181.5 EcoBlue diesel
20221531.0 EcoBoost Hybrid, 48 V

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Mk1 LX/SE/ZTS and ZX3/ZX5/ZTW (US)

    Standard

    Mk1 LX/SE/ZTS and ZX3/ZX5/ZTW (US)

  • Mk4 Active / Vignale

    Standard

    Mk4 Active / Vignale

  • Mk2 Coupé-Cabriolet

    Special

    Mk2 Coupé-Cabriolet

  • Focus Electric

    Standard

    Focus Electric

    2011–2018

    143 hp
  • Mk2 ST / ST-1 / ST-2 / ST-3

    Performance

    Mk2 ST / ST-1 / ST-2 / ST-3

    222 hp
  • Mk3 ST petrol / ST-1 / ST-2 / ST-3 (UK)

    Performance

    Mk3 ST petrol / ST-1 / ST-2 / ST-3 (UK)

    2012–2019

    247 hp
  • SVT Focus

    Performance

    SVT Focus

    170 hp

  • Special

    Mk4 ST Edition / Track Pack

    2021–2025

    276 hp
  • Mk3 RS / RS Edition / 2018 Limited Edition

    Performance

    Mk3 RS / RS Edition / 2018 Limited Edition

    2016–2018

  • Mk1 RS

    Performance

    Mk1 RS

    2002–2003

    212 hp

    4,501 built

  • RS500 (Mk2)

    Limited

    RS500 (Mk2)

    2010–2011

    345 hp

    500 built

  • RS Heritage Edition

    Limited

    RS Heritage Edition

    2018

    370 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • Mk1: rounded shapes mix with geometric details and conspicuous sharp angles.3
  • Early Mk3: a trapezoidal grille incorporates triangular shapes.5
  • Mk4: two-piece taillights extend around the body sides.212
  • Mk4: satin-finish Focus lettering sits between the taillights.212

Year by year

  1. Late 2001 (European Mk1)

    Turn signals move from the bumper into the headlights; the bumper gains removable rub strips.3

  2. 2005 (North America)

    Mk1 gets a revised front bumper; sedans also gain new taillights and a revised rear bumper.3

  3. 2008 (European Mk2)

    A creased hood, swept-back headlights and deep trapezoidal lower grille arrive; door moldings disappear.210

  4. 2009 (North America)

    The chrome-effect fake grilles on the front fenders disappear.21

  5. 2014 reveal / 2015 ST

    Mk3 adopts a new family grille and slimmer headlights; the facelifted ST also has rectangular foglights.216

  6. 2022 (Mk4)

    Ford's oval moves from the hood edge into the upper grille; slimmer LED headlights incorporate the foglights.211

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Ford Focus
    Focus
    Photo of a Ford Focus ST-Line (Mk3)
    Ford Focus ST-Line (Mk3)

    Ford Focus ST-Line (Mk3)

    Sporty bodywork can fool you: the genuine ST combines a honeycomb grille, 18-inch wheels and a center-exit exhaust.16

  • Photo of a Ford Focus
    Focus
    Photo of a Ford Focus Zetec S (Mk2)
    Ford Focus Zetec S (Mk2)

    Ford Focus Zetec S (Mk2)

    Zetec S borrowed the ST's large roof spoiler, so the wing alone cannot identify a genuine ST.10

Against its rivals

  • Honda Civic Type R (2024 test)

    Focus vs Honda Civic Type R (2024 test)

    Price in comparison lower is better

    Focus39,855 £
    Honda Civic Type R (2024 test)50,050 £
    8

Prices

Value today $18.9K–$20.8K2028

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K$40K 200020052010201520202025 Value today: $18,900–$20,750 2000 · $12,280 · US base, ZX32000 · $15,580 · US base, ZTS2000 · $16,000 · US ZTS tested; side airbags $3502003 · $18,585 · US base, SVT three-door2003 · $19,085 · US base, SVT five-door2012 · $16,995 · US base, S2012 · $25,285 · US SEL tested; base $20,9952012 · $39,995 · US Electric, incl. destination2014 · $35,200 · US base, Electric2015 · $29,995 · US base, Electric 2000 · $12,280 · US base ZX3, 2000 model year 2023 · $29,000 · 2003 SVT, European Appearance Package, BaT2024 · $7,900 · 2002 Focus LX sedan, 134 miles, BaT2025 · $12,250 · 2013 Focus ST, 45k miles, BaT2025 · $6,977 · 2002 Focus SVT, 70k miles, BaT2025 · $27,500 · 2018 Focus RS Limited Edition, 58k miles, BaT2026 · $18,900 · 2016 RS, 84k miles, BaT2026 · $20,750 · 2016 ST, ST3 Package, 53k miles, BaT2026 · $37,000 · 2003 SVT, European Appearance Package, 537 miles, BaT $37.0K BaT, 2026
714171820283031323334
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2000Launch price$12,280US base ZX3, 2000 model year
2000Price when new$12,280US base, ZX3
2000Price when new$15,580US base, ZTS
2000Price when new$16,000US ZTS tested; side airbags $350
2003Price when new$18,585US base, SVT three-door
2003Price when new$19,085US base, SVT five-door
2012Price when new$16,995US base, S
2012Price when new$25,285US SEL tested; base $20,995
2012Price when new$39,995US Electric, incl. destination
2014Price when new$35,200US base, Electric
2015Price when new$29,995US base, Electric
2023Auction sale$29,0002003 SVT, European Appearance Package, BaT
2024Auction sale$7,9002002 Focus LX sedan, 134 miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$12,2502013 Focus ST, 45k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$6,9772002 Focus SVT, 70k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$27,5002018 Focus RS Limited Edition, 58k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$18,9002016 RS, 84k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$20,7502016 ST, ST3 Package, 53k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$37,0002003 SVT, European Appearance Package, 537 miles, BaT
2026Value today$18,900–$20,750

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “44 WRC wins and a youngest-winner record”
    • “Safari victory with a broken thumb”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 9 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 34 sources
  1. Ford Focus RS (Mk3, 2016 - 2018) review – the last proper fast Ford? | evo evo.co.uk
  2. Ford Focus - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  3. Ford Focus (first generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. Ford Focus RS Mk1 buying guide, history and model review - Octane Magazine octane-magazine.com
  5. Ford Focus (third generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  6. Focus RS: Ford and GKN Create an AWD Masterpiece - Mobility Engineering Technology mobilityengineeringtech.com
  7. Ford Focus Electric - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  8. Ford Focus ST Track Pack v Honda Civic Type R: sharpened Focus tackles the hot hatch king | evo evo.co.uk
  9. Used Ford Focus ST (Mk4, 2019-2025) review – Ford has killed its last remaining hot hatch | evo evo.co.uk
  10. Ford Focus (second generation, Europe) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  11. Nieuwe Ford Focus: verbeterde connectiviteit, geëlektrificeerde aandrijflijnen en expressief design | Ford Media Center fordmediacenter.nl
  12. Ford onthult volledig nieuwe Focus – meest innovatieve en dynamische Focus ooit | Ford Media Center fordmediacenter.nl
  13. Ford Focus RS Heritage Edition Launches in the U.K. motortrend.com
  14. Tested: 2000 Ford Focus ZTS Redefines the Small Four-Door caranddriver.com
  15. Ford Focus RS500 (Mk2, 2010 - 2011) review: the original hyperhatch | evo evo.co.uk
  16. Used Ford Focus ST (Mk3, 2012-2019) review and buyer's guide | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  17. Ford Focus - Hot Rod Magazine hotrod.com
  18. 537-Mile 2003 Ford Focus ZX3 SVT for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $37,000 on October 9, 2026 (Lot #267,568) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  19. Ford Focus RS Limited Edition will get front-axle limited-slip diff at last autoweek.com
  20. Original-Owner 2016 Ford Focus RS for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $18,900 on July 1, 2026 (Lot #250,396) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  21. Ford Focus (second generation, North America) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  22. Ford Escort (Europe) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  23. How McRae won WRC's toughest rally in a brand-new car – DirtFish dirtfish.com
  24. Ford Focus RS WRC - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  25. Ford Focus – Inside BTCC insidebtcc.com
  26. You, Amateur Hoon, Can Own the Ford Focus RS RX From Ken Block’s Gymkhana Nine thedrive.com
  27. What Happens When Forza Wants To Put Your Car in an Iconic Racing Game thedrive.com
  28. One-Owner 2016 Ford Focus ST for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $20,750 on September 21, 2026 (Lot #264,189) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. What You Need to Know about Ford's PowerShift Transmission Problems caranddriver.com
  30. 2012 Ford Focus SEL Test – Review – Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  31. No Reserve: 134-Mile 2002 Ford Focus LX Sedan 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,900 on April 30, 2024 (Lot #145,115) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 45k-Mile 2013 Ford Focus ST for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,250 on February 21, 2025 (Lot #181,237) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 2002 Ford Focus SVT for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,977 on May 25, 2025 (Lot #193,267) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 2018 Ford Focus RS Limited Edition for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $27,500 on February 14, 2025 (Lot #180,379) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • octane-magazine.com
  • mobilityengineeringtech.com
  • fordmediacenter.nl
  • motortrend.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • hotrod.com
  • bringatrailer.com
  • autoweek.com
  • dirtfish.com
  • insidebtcc.com
  • thedrive.com

Photo credits

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