2017 Ford Focus Review

Name: 2017 Ford Focus
Brand: Ford
Rating: 2.8 (56 reviews)

Price Range: $6,992 - $16,998

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36 cars

$12,578 avg. price

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Appraise My 2017 Ford Focus

Ford Focus model years

Ford Focus for Sale

Ford Focus types

Hatchback
Sedan
Electric

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Travis Langness

Pros

Rides comfortably for a small car
Feels sporty and secure when going around turns
Interior is quiet at highway speeds
Lots of available upscale and high-tech options

Cons

Backseat space is tight for adults
Underwhelming acceleration
Particularly with the 1.0-liter engine
Focus EV's performance and range is increasingly outclassed

What’s new

Gas-powered models are essentially unchanged, other than a few alterations to trim levels and features availability. The maximum range of the Focus Electric has increased from 76 miles to 115 miles.

Vehicle overview

When it comes to compact cars, there are a lot of choices out there. Practically every mainstream automaker offers one. More than just bare-bones economy cars, the latest models have become tech-rich and comfortable road-trip cars. Some even have some personality and flair. So how to choose? Well, you'll be off to a good start by checking out the 2017 Ford Focus.

For sale near Prosper, TX

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2017 Ford Focus
SE Sedan
$9,551
good price
- 52,008 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 30 City / 40 Hwy MPG
- AutoNation Ford Frisco (11 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Trip Computer
Close
Located in Frisco, TX
Transmission: 6-Speed Powershift Automatic50-State Emissions SystemCharcoal Black; Cloth Front Bucket SeatsEngine: 2.0L I-4 Gdi Ti-Vct Flex FuelEq...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
34 Combined MPG (30 City/40 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1FADP3F20HL266321
Stock: HL266321
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 09-15-2025
New Listing
2017 Ford Focus
SE Sedan
$6,900
great price
- 93,109 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 30 City / 40 Hwy MPG
- Cash Car Outlet (12 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Upgraded Engine
Close
Located in Mckinney, TX
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
34 Combined MPG (30 City/40 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1FADP3FE8HL283815
Stock: 283815
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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The Focus is one of the oldest cars in its class — its last redesign was back in 2012 — but Ford has kept it fresh through the years. A good example is the Focus' optional Sync 3 infotainment touchscreen interface. It's easy to use and is packed with features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Even if you don't get that feature, though, the Focus will impress you. It's one of the more enjoyable cars to drive when it comes to driving around turns, yet it's also suitably quiet and comfortable on the highway.

Of course, the Focus has a lot of competitors, and if we're honest, some of them are just plain awesome. The 2017 Honda Civic was redesigned just last year, and it's one of our favorites in the class. It's faster, more fuel-efficient and just as enjoyable to drive as the Focus, with a bit more room to spare in places such as the backseat and trunk. The 2017 Mazda 3 is enjoyable to drive as well, with a bit more reasonable price and impressive fuel economy numbers of its own. For lots of value, be sure to check out the 2017 Kia Forte that offers a much more upscale driving experience than you'd expect from a car with such a competitive price tag. Chevrolet's new 2017 Cruze, which is also offered as a hatchback this year, is another solid option.

It's important to note that the Focus Electric has its own set of rivals, including the 2017 Fiat 500e, the Nissan Leaf and the new 2017 Chevrolet Bolt. Though the Focus Electric is OK, the 500e is typically less expensive to lease while the Bolt promises more than double the range of most small EVs. The Bolt is going to be the one to get in this class.

For the regular gas-powered Focus, though, it's still right in the mix of the segment's best. It comes in all sorts of configurations, and it continues to prove that driving something compact doesn't mean you have to drive something boring.

The 2017 Ford Focus comes standard with antilock brakes (rear drum brakes are standard on the S; four-wheel discs are standard for the SE, SEL Titanium and Electric), stability and traction control, a driver knee airbag, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. The Ford Sync system includes an emergency crash notification feature that automatically dials 911 when paired with a compatible cellphone. A rearview camera and Ford's MyKey system (which can be used to set electronic parameters for secondary drivers) are also standard.

Optional for the Titanium trim level is a Technology package that includes a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert and a lane departure warning system.

During Edmunds performance testing, in a simulated panic stop from 60 mph, a Focus SE (with the rear disc brakes) came to a stop in 120 feet, which is average for the class. A Focus with rear drum brakes stopped in 131 feet, which is definitely below average. The Electric took 126 feet.

In government crash tests, the Focus earned an overall rating of five stars (out of a possible five), with five stars for total front-impact protection and five stars for total side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Focus a top score of Good in its moderate-overlap front-impact, side-impact and roof strength tests. The Focus' seat and head restraint design was also rated Good for whiplash protection in rear impacts, and it received the second-highest score of Acceptable in the institute's small-overlap front-impact test.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

The 2017 Ford Focus has a lot going for it, including a comfortable ride, sporty handling and lots of high-tech interior options. Some newer rivals best it in a couple of aspects, but overall the Focus is a smart choice for a small sedan or hatchback.

Driving

Much like its upscale interior, the driving characteristics of the 2017 Ford Focus help it stand out in its class even after several years on the market. For starters, it's one of the most comfortable compact cars to drive on the highway, and it has very enjoyable handling manners. Basically, the ride quality is smooth, quiet and docile on the highway or over broken city streets, but it still manages to handle corners well and feel especially sporty for the class. It strikes a great balance between comfortable and entertaining.

The underwhelming powertrains, however, work against the Focus. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is adequate in daily driving but isn't very exciting. The dual-clutch automatic transmission (it operates like a standard automatic for most intents and purposes) is mostly hit-or-miss due to its marginal slow-speed city performance. To get any meaningful response from the gas pedal, you really have to floor it. The base S trim level comes standard with a five-speed manual, though, and we enjoy the driving experience with that transmission much more.

Aside from the standard 2.0-liter engine, there's the turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine and the Focus Electric. The 1.0-liter engine is also available in the smaller Ford Fiesta, and it makes much more sense there, but in the Focus it's a bit outmatched and acceleration suffers. The Focus Electric isn't very fast, either, although the battery-powered motor delivers some snappy acceleration from a standing start. Handling isn't as sharp in the Focus Electric as it is in the standard model, but it's still one of the better-driving EVs in this price range.

Interior

One of the 2017 Ford Focus' best attributes is its interior design. This is a vehicle that could definitely be classified as an economy car, but the cabin doesn't feel cheap or cut-rate at all. The materials have a quality look and feel, and all the controls are laid out in logical and simple format. The Sync 3 (available on the SEL and Titanium trim levels) touchscreen infotainment interface is easy to use and includes the latest smartphone app integration systems.

Though we like the view from the driver's seat and the roomy front seat in the Focus, it's a little bit harder to like the backseat. It's definitely a squeeze for adults, and competitors such as the Honda Civic and the Nissan Sentra do much better in this area. Out back, when you start packing your luggage into the trunk, the Focus is a bit closer to average. The Focus sedan checks in with 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk, which is about 2 cubic feet shy of class leaders.

The hatchback model, meanwhile, offers 23.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 43.9 cubic feet with those seatbacks folded down. Both numbers are respectable. Because of its oversize battery pack, the Focus Electric hatchback offers a more modest 14.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 33.2 cubic feet total.

Compare 2017 Ford Focus trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2017 Ford Focus models

The 2017 Ford Focus is a compact car that's available in a choice of sedan and four-door hatchback body styles. There are four main trim levels available — S, SE, SEL and Titanium — as well as the Focus Electric. The high-performance Focus ST and Focus RS are reviewed separately.

The S model (sedan only) comes with 15-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, keyless entry, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split folding rear seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, hill start assist, a rearview camera, a 4.2-inch central display, power front windows (manual rear windows), power locks and mirrors, Ford's MyKey (limits speed, audio volume, etc., for young drivers), Sync voice controls, Bluetooth, and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and two USB ports.

The next trim level is the SE. Essentially, it's the base trim level for the hatchback. On top of the standard S equipment, you get 16-inch alloy wheels, body-color exterior mirrors and door handles, cruise control, power rear windows, a trip computer, a front center armrest, additional front headrest adjustments, rear air vents, steering-wheel-mounted auxiliary controls and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio. Hatchback models also get a rear spoiler and a removable package tray.

A number of option packages are available for SE models. The SE EcoBoost Appearance package features the three-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission (the manual is unavailable with this package), unique 16-inch alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, foglights, LED running lights and black exterior trim. The Cold Weather package bundles heated outside mirrors, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and all-weather floor mats.

The SEL adds 17-inch alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, foglights, LED running lights, rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof, a 10-speaker Sony audio system, and the Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, enhanced voice controls and multicolor ambient interior lighting.

Spring for the top-of-the-line Titanium model, and you get the contents of the SEL plus remote start, a rear spoiler, heated mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, a keyless-entry keypad, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats and a rear center armrest.

A navigation system is optional for the SEL and Titanium. The optional Titanium Technology package includes automatic high-beam headlights, a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. A self-parking system is also available.

Offered only as a hatchback, the Focus Electric is equipped similarly to the Titanium, although leather upholstery and the power driver seat are optional. The Electric gets exclusive xenon headlights and LED taillights as standard.

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Reliability

The 2017 Ford Focus has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 6 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #22 out of 46 among Compact Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average

#22 out of 46 among Compact Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$431/yr

vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car

Frequency

0.87x/yr

vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car

Severity

13.5%

vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car

Recalls

6 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 23V905000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 23S64
Manufactured from:: 2017-04-03 to 2021-10-12
Number of vehicles affected:: 139730
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
Defect Consequence:: A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge. If engine failure occurs due to a damaged oil pump belt and/or oil pump belt tensioner, Ford has authorized dealers to replace the engine assembly as an interim repair before the availability of remedy parts for the final repair. This repair will be free of charge (parts and labor). Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed June 20, 2024. A second notice will be sent once remedy parts become available, anticipated in 4th Quarter 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S64.

Recall Number:: 19V515000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 19S22
Manufactured from:: 2016-08-24 to 2017-04-13
Number of vehicles affected:: 57488
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 and 2017 Focus vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI gasoline engines and 2013-2014 Focus ST vehicles equipped with 2.0L GTDI engines, previously recalled under 18V-735. The affected vehicles did not have the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) updated as intended. Therefore, the Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system.
Defect Consequence:: The excessive vacuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began July 29, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S22.

Recall Number:: 18V845000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 18S07
Manufactured from:: 2016-06-30 to 2018-04-25
Number of vehicles affected:: 2828
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
Defect Consequence:: A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update vehicles with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, and will replace the clutch, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 7, 2019. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S07. Note: This recall is an expansion of Recall 18V-169.

Recall Number:: 18V735000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 18S32
Manufactured from:: 2010-08-01 to 2018-02-02
Number of vehicles affected:: 1282596
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.
Defect Consequence:: The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall is expected to begin December 10, 2018. Owners may contact Ford Customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S32. Note: Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.

Recall Number:: 17V528000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 17C13
Manufactured from:: 2017-06-07 to 2017-06-12
Number of vehicles affected:: 698
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Focus vehicles. The rear left side seat back frame may have an insufficient weld between the outboard pivot bracket and the pivot nut joint, resulting in the seat back having reduced strength. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Defect Consequence:: The reduced seat back strength may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the rear second left side rear seat back as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 16, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C13.

Recall Number:: 16V698000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 16C13
Manufactured from:: 2012-02-14 to 2016-08-26
Number of vehicles affected:: 64038
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchback vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to August 26, 2016 and equipped with a manual transmission. The hatchback of the affected vehicles may be unlatched with a single press of the interior latch release button. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Defect Consequence:: With only a single press needed, the driver may accidently unlatch the hatchback, increasing the risk of injury to any unsecured passengers in the back.
Corrective Action:: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Body Control Module with updated software, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that remedy parts not yet available were issued on November 16, 2016. Remedy parts are expected to be available in January 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C13.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
EV battery Warranty: 8 years / 100,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles

Ford Focus Owner Reviews

2.8

56 reviews

5(29%)

4(9%)

3(14%)

2(12%)

1(36%)

See all 56 reviews Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

TRASHY TRANSMISSION! Shift Away from the Focus!

Regina W, 10/04/2018

2017 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)

I bought my 2017 Focus SEL in June of 2017. It's a pretty little car with a sporty feel and solid gas mileage, though it was an adjustment for me coming out of a Fusion. I was pretty happy with my car for a year, then everything went to hell in a handbasket! I took my car in for slipping transmission in June of 2018, they replaced the clutch. I drove it on a 1000+ mile road trip in June, …

Beware of transmission issues.

Amy, 11/05/2018

2017 Ford Focus SEL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)

This car has essentially a manual transmission that shifts via computer. The Focus has been plagued by transmission problems, and the dealer probably will not inform of you of this fact prior to purchase. I found out about my transmission when I noticed rough shifting and took it in for service.

Nice but.....!!!

Andy, 08/26/2018

2017 Ford Focus SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)

Purchased a 2017 Ford Focus with 3k mikes on the odometer. A month later the transmission began to shudder violently. It was addressed under warranty. 6 months later the transmission still shudders at certain speeds while up shifting. Heard that transmission can get locked up. Traded the vehicle.

2017 Ford Focus

kendra50, 11/07/2019

2017 Ford Focus SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6AM)

This car shutters and stops while shifting gears. I got the car used less than a year ago and was not aware that the issue was the transmission. I have gotten a number of things fixed but none of the mechanics identified a transmission issue. Finally went to ford dealership after my car would not give power after turning on. The car is a lemon. Is anyone having the same shutter issues …

See all 56 reviews of the Ford Focus

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2017 Ford Focus video

2017 Ford Focus Expert Rundown

Looking for a compact car with a comfortable ride, sporty handling and lots of high-tech interior options? The 2017 Ford Focus might be a good match. Here's a quick rundown of what we like, what we don't and the bottom line from the Edmunds editors.

2017 Focus Highlights

Type:

Hatchback

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$19,765
Engine Type	Flex-fuel (ffv)
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$112/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	23.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Key safety features on the Focus include:

Back-up camera
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Post-collision safety system

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover11.6%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Acceptable
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

2017 Ford Focus Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

For sale near Prosper, TX

2017 Ford FocusSE Sedan

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2017 Ford FocusSE Sedan

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Driving

Interior

2017 Ford Focus models

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Recalls

Warranty

Ford Focus Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

TRASHY TRANSMISSION! Shift Away from the Focus!

Beware of transmission issues.

Nice but.....!!!

2017 Ford Focus

2017 Ford Focus video

2017 Ford Focus Expert Rundown

2017 Focus Highlights

Safety

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2017 Ford Focus
SE Sedan

2017 Ford Focus
SE Sedan