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Ford Focus

The Ford Focus is a compact car produced by Ford from 1998 until 2025.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Ford Focus is a compact car produced by Ford from 1998 until 2025. Developed as part of Ford’s global model strategy, it was sold in multiple body styles and generations, with performance variants such as the ST and RS offered in some markets.

Development and launch

The Ford Focus was developed under Ford’s Ford 2000 plan to create a global compact car. It launched in Europe in 1998 and later reached North America and other markets.

Generations and markets

The Focus was produced through four generations. Availability varied by region, with body styles and powertrains differing across Europe, North America, and other markets. The fourth generation began production in 2018 and was the final generation before discontinuation.

Variants and equipment

The Focus line included mainstream trims as well as sportier ST and RS models in certain markets. Some generations also included an electric version and later mild-hybrid petrol variants.

Discontinuation

Ford announced in 2022 that the Focus would be discontinued. Production ended in 2025, marking the end of Ford’s long-running compact-car line in many markets.

Key facts

  • The Focus was introduced in 1998 and became one of Ford’s major global compact-car nameplates.
  • It was created under Ford’s globalisation strategy to replace region-specific compact models with one worldwide platform.
  • Performance-oriented ST and RS versions were offered in some markets.
  • The fourth generation began production in 2018 and was the final generation before discontinuation.
  • Ford announced in 2022 that the Focus would be discontinued, and production ended in 2025.
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Canadian context

The Ford Focus was sold in Canada as part of Ford’s North American compact-car lineup and was a common entry-level and commuter vehicle for Canadian buyers before its discontinuation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Ford Focus?
A compact car sold by Ford from 1998 to 2025 in several body styles and market-specific versions.
When was the Ford Focus first introduced?
It first launched in Europe in 1998 and entered the U.S. market for the 2000 model year.
Was the Ford Focus a replacement for the Escort?
Yes, in many markets it replaced the Ford Escort as Ford’s compact car.
Did the Ford Focus have performance versions?
Yes, Ford offered ST and RS performance variants in some markets and generations.
When did Ford stop making the Focus?
Ford announced discontinuation in 2022, and production ended in 2025.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Focus
    Supports: General overview, production dates, generations, launch timing, and discontinuation.
  2. Cars.com — https://www.cars.com/research/ford-focus/
    Supports: U.S. market role, body styles, and replacement of the Escort.
  3. Auto Express — https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/ford/focus
    Supports: Fourth-generation details, powertrains, and end of production context.
  4. Car and Driver — https://www.caranddriver.com/ford/focus
    Supports: Production ended and model-year information.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Focus_(fourth_generation)
    Supports: Fourth-generation production dates and market scope.