Autoblog

This engine is sweet, with addressable midrange power below 3,000RPM. It KILLS my 1990 jetta GTI. Get real, must all engine gobble gas like a propane stove? The bigger engines are harsh and the 1.8L engines are WAY gutless. The 2.0 is fine for the purpose. The Focus 2.0L engine pulls an automatic well. Granted, the stick is the best with a small engine. Engine has cam chains, not a fiber belt, so expensive engine work won’t be needed. Oil filter and drain plug is directly under the engine for super clean maintenance.

The ride feels like a bigger more secure car. Say, a BMW. It is good handling and quiet at the same time. It isn't as hard a ride as the Mazda or Civic, nor has the pure chassis of a sports car. This car out handled seven others is a recent review, so the eight year old chassis is STILL better than what else it out there, new chassis or not. It isn’t about when it was made, but how good it still is. Brakes have great feel so it is easy to get all they offer. I’d rather have driving dynamics than power if I have to trade a little.

The interior is fine for the price. Ethylene based plastic does feel waxy compared to soft touch of PVC and TPE plastic but, they outlast the others by years without cracking, fading, are much more stain resistant, easier to clean, and take punishment well. This car will hold up well over ten plus years time and look still good. Ethylene based plastic doesn’t. Seat have height control and front / back, and more comfy than my E320 seat. Body weight and shape will change the seat’s opinion of you, the focus seats like me. Small head rest humps in the back seat may be a better option than a full on head rest. So called rear headrests may CAUSE an accident when you try to see what's behind you. I pull them out if they don't flip down. We have full donut spare tires in our SE models.

My 1999 E320 MB is going to be VERY jealous of this car. I don’t need a big car like this anymore when the Focus can act pretty big when needed. So, I’m trying to justify keeping it! When Japan comes to the table for $16,000.00 lets take a look. Until then, forget about it. If Japan is 35% more efficient than Ford at making cars, their cars should be LESS than the Focus, not more. You pay dearly for what seems to be perceived value in Japanese products. I don’t see it in the reliability ratings, either. Something should be at least slightly better. Sure isn’t drivability, room, or a better ride, though. Seems to me, the Japanese are taking you for a ride, and it isn't in a car, either. their costs are out of line.

Sync? I WMA file codec load 37 CD’s to a 8GB thumb drive (half full)and plugged it in and leave my CD's behind. I never call anybody from my car, so that's out, but it does recognize speech very well. It works as advertised. Go ahead and call me though…I’m ready!

Car looks fine for what it is supposed to be. The fender vents? The Nissan GT-R has them and they look “great”. They break up the slab side of the car nicely, and the car is sporty enough looking to carry it off well. Sure, they could be left off and the car would survive. The ambient lights are options, and you can turn them off but they work well for fishing around for stuff at night without having to turn the too bright dome light on. The gas cap is on the right so you don’t get killed putting gas in the car on the interstate or side of the road…if you must know. And, the gas tank is anti-siphon so a lock is not a necessity unless you have enemies.

My wife and I liked the car so well we bought two, a stick and the Auto. For the money, with such a thought out chassis and drive train, I don't know how you could go too wrong. NAV system and all sorts of other do-dads, remember this is an ECONOMY car. Ford did just fine with this car.