What year is a 3rd generation Ford Focus?
The third-generation Ford Focus was produced from around 2011 to 2018, with model-year availability typically 2012–2018 in many markets.
To understand this question in context: Ford redesigned the Focus for its third generation starting in 2011 in Europe, and a US version followed as the 2012 model year. Production continued through 2018 in most regions, after which Ford introduced a fourth-generation Focus in 2019 in several markets. Market-specific timelines can shift by a year or two depending on region and regulatory cycles, but the core window for the third generation runs roughly from 2011 through 2018.
Global production window for the third-generation Focus
Below is a concise timeline showing when the third-generation Focus was in production worldwide, and how model years aligned in major markets.
- Launch and initial production: 2011 (with Europe receiving the new generation first; US model-year introduction followed as 2012).
- Mid-cycle refresh: 2015 model year brought a facelift, updated styling and tech features across many markets.
- End of generation: 2018 saw the last years of the third-generation Focus in most regions, as Ford prepared to roll out the fourth generation in 2019.
In summary, the third generation began in 2011 and concluded in 2018 for the bulk of global markets, with the US aligning to 2012–2018 model years during its run.
Key milestones and what changed during this generation
To give readers a sense of how this generation evolved, here are the major milestones and notable updates that defined its lifespan.
- 2011–2012: Global redesign introduces new styling, improved handling, and updated interiors compared with the previous generation.
- 2015 model year: Mid-cycle facelift brings refreshed exterior design, updated headlights and fascia, and improved tech options, including upgraded infotainment in many markets.
- 2018: End-of-life for the third-generation Focus in most regions as Ford shifts focus to newer platforms and the subsequent fourth-generation model in markets where available.
These milestones highlight how the third-generation Focus stayed current for several years before Ford transitioned to a new generation in the subsequent model year cycle.
Notes by market and context
Different regions carried the third-generation Focus at slightly different times, and not all markets received every update at the same moment. In North America, the Focus lineup effectively transitioned to the fourth generation starting with the 2019 model year; in Europe and other regions, production generally ended in 2018 with the introduction of the next generation in 2019 or later for certain markets.
Bottom line for buyers and historians
If you’re trying to identify a third-generation Ford Focus, look for production dates roughly between 2011 and 2018, with US model years most commonly 2012–2018. Always check the VIN and specific market version to confirm the exact generation, as regional launches and facelifts can shift by a year or two.
Summary: The third-generation Ford Focus spans roughly 2011–2018 in most markets (2012–2018 model years in the US), with a mid-cycle facelift around 2015 and a generation-wide end by 2018 as Ford moved to the fourth generation in 2019.
