Anybody drive a Ford Focus?

[trof]

If so, how do you like it?
Thanks.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

1. I've driven one as a rental car, and it's not bad but the ride isn't very

smooth. It gets good gas mileage though. :-)

[davsand]

2. I'm watching the responses to this thread too!

I really love my Escort wagon--and the Focus is what replaced the Escort. I've seen those Focus wagons and I kind of like the body style on them. If you get much positive feedback I may have to go try a test drive on one!


Laura

[GR]

3. Considered One But Got A Taurus....

My next car may be a Focus but I was disappointed to read that Consumers latest review didn't recommend them, I think because of side air bag performance more than anything...

[AlCzervik]

4. My husband travels a lot for work and he always tries to get a focus for a

rental, he says that it's a fun car to drive and gets good gas mileage.

[BigMcLargehuge]

5. we have one

nice ride, peppy, and it's the basest of the base models from 2000. The only complaint I have is that the cabin is a little noisy, not so much wind, as tire and road noise. That said it's comfortable and fun to drive.

[Dave Sund]

6. I used to

Not a bad car, but we had a 2000, which had so many recalls and miscellaneous problems with it that it soured me on the Focus for a while. It was basically mine to drive throughout the last two years of high school, which was cool.

You could certainly do worse as far as gas mileage goes (but you could of course do better).

[China_cat]

7. My niece had a pretty red one

And regretted it after the first 3 weeks. Traded it in on a Toyota.

[Zenaholic]

8. I own one

A 2000 SE.

BAD: Wicked blind spots that require time to get used to. Literally 15 to 20 recalls. Windshield wipers are noisy (I've changed them to no avail).

GOOD: Gas millage is about 29 HWY. Large trunk with back seats that fold down. Easy to change oil and other maintenance.

All in all not a bad car for the money.

[bif]

9. I test drove one but decided on a Saturn

Better car for roughly the same amount of money.

[greatauntoftriplets]

10. I also recommend the Saturn...

even if they are not giving away new computers with the car.

[noonwitch]

11. I'm going to lease one in a few weeks

I have a 98 Escort currently, that has some expensive repairs coming up that I don't really feel like paying for.

I get an X plan from my uncle, and my tax return will cover the down payment. I'm hoping to get a green one.

[trof]

12. Thanks all.

we're trading our #2 car for something that gets a zillion mpg.
Can't afford a hybrid, or I'd go that way.
Peak Oil be a-comin'.

[Abelman]

14. The Corolla

gets like, 38 mpg city.

That's what I'm looking to getting sometime this year or next.

[BurtWorm]

13. I drove a diesel Ford Focus in Spain

and loooooooooved it! My heart skips a beat everytime I see one on the street here.

[trof]

15. We bought a 2003 Focus wagon.

It's white.
I think we got a pretty good deal.
We got $3125 for our POS 1998 Plymouth Voyager. We've spent damn near that much in repairs on it in the last year.

Let me add that we've owned Chrysler products mini-vans since the mid 80s. Except for the '98, they've all been great. Our "primary" vehicle is a '03 Caravan. No probs. The '98 was a dog from the get go.

Bottom line on the trade is $8973, including trade, tax, title, everything.

It belonged to the proverbial little old lady. 15,500 miles. Every possible option. 1 year and 20,500 miles left on mfg. warranty. 79,500 miles and 7 years on powertrain.

I'm 6'3" and there's plenty of room. The wagon has lots of cargo space AND a roof rack!

Thanks again for the comments.

[sbj405]

22. I have the same - in blue

Great car. It's the same platform as the Volvo.

Can't beat the cargo room either. I've hauled tons of crap from Ikea, mattresses, and even a dryer in it.

[salminen]

16. They're awesome

I mean, it's a little, inexpensive car, but for what it is, Ford did a really good job. A lot of kick for something that size, fairly fun to drive, unusual shape. I'd recommend it.

[trof]

18. Hi. Welcome to DU.

:hi:
Yeah, we looked at Neons and Toyotas.
Pricewise, this one beat them all.

[salminen]

21. Thanks for the welcome :)

[datasuspect]

17. would someone actually admit this?

[trof]

20. Admit to wanting a more fuel efficient car?

What?
No comprendre.

[datasuspect]

23. fuel efficient

but lame . . .

yes, i want a four banger and no power.

yummy.

[bridgit]

19. we do, we like it...its a 5sp...comfy, good mileage...

[dsc]

24. I have one that I got a few months ago

It is on the noisy side but otherwise a great car. I get 34 on the highway and around 25 city. It is comfy, good stereo, and great in the winter.

[GOPisEvil]

25. The insurance institue for highway safety gave it a poor side impact

rating.

See the latest Consumer Reports for details.