Ford Focus: More European or American, or...

[danbouc]

Hi all, I'm looking for your opinion. I'm thinking about buying a small car. I visited http://www.thefocus.ca and it says that it is as much of a European car as an American one. What do you think about that?

[The General]

Since it is a Ford, we'll keep it in the American section.

The NEW Ford Focus...

http://www.csi-auto.nl/carshopping/1107/focus2.jpg

http://www.csi-auto.nl/carshopping/1107/focus1.jpg

could be considered a real world car as it is part Japanese (Mazda), part Swedish (Volvo) and part American. I would seriously suggest that you wait for the arrival of the new Focus (and maybe even 1 year after that) to buy. Other than the drive, the Focus does not represent that much value. Sales have slowed tremendously because of its poor relaibilty (2000-03) and because it is getting old (similar to VW and the Golf...)

In this category, the Mazda3 is probably the most enjoyable to drive. Your best bet remains the Civic.

[Thebloke]

I'm also looking into getting a Focus. I don't want to spend a lot of money because I figure in about 2-3 years I will be buying another car. I have 2 teens who will be getting their licenses within 1 - 1 1/2 years and I don't think I'll be seeing too much of the car so I also don't want something too sporty looking. My son has already started hinting Get the Civic. Is the 2005 as unreliable as the 2000 - 03 models? Thanks for your input.

[The General]

Better, yes. Good, not quite.

The Civic is a wise choice on many levels however insurance costs will be very high. Maybe you should consider the Toyota Echo sedan or hatchback. It will be inexpensive to buy, run and maintain. I'm sure about insurances costs though.

[javajunkie]

I loved my Focus. I had a 2002 and because I am a sales rep that is on the road constantly I had put about 250,000 miles on it before I got rid of it this past spring. I had no problems with mine and it didn't require any major service for as long as I owned it.