Full disclosure: Ford business is in the family, but I am genuinely impressed.

Traded in the 2000 Focus for a new one yesterday. SEL hatchback, but wife will drive it too so I had to get 6spd auto instead of manual. That aside, this thing feels amazing for an economy car. Solid, tight, engine has a wonderful note and ample grunt for a 4cyl. Steering ratio is very satisfying and it corners very flat. I can't wait for my first trip to the mountains.

These new small-sized cars are quite impressive. I just bought my wife a new Chevy Malibu 1LT. We added leather and sunroof and got it for $19,600 total including tax and all fees.

As you said, it is surprisingly solid and quiet. Good power for a 4 cylinder. Gets 22 city and 33 highway. Roomy even in the rear seats.

Time will tell about reliability.

You didnt get the Focus RS500 then?

All the new Chevy's seem very nice. The first time I saw the new Malibu, I thought it was an Acura. I'm glad American cars are back up to a high standard. I remember driving a late '80s Escort for a while. *shudder*



I have to say, 12 years in my last Focus were mostly trouble free. Fuel pump went out a few years ago, but that was replaced under a recall, no charge. Linkage broke in the rear window literally the day before I traded it in, and valve cover gasket was leaking a little.





I'm not sure you can even get that in the States. But with as many WRX as I see around here, you'ld think Ford would sell as many as they could make.

Congrats on the new car! I really like the looks of the new Focus. A few friends and family have various models of Focus, it's a great car.



What kind of engine does the US model have? The new four cylinder engines here in Europe nowadays all have turbocharging, with small 1.4 and 1.6 litre engines having over 200 hp. I really like those small yet powerful engines.

Jaz

2.0 liter - 160hp , I like the idea of those small turbo motors, but no turbo on US versions yet. Focus ST will be available soon, with 250hp 2.0 turbo.

Fuel economy has hovered in the mid 30mpg range highway, as advertised.

And with the talk of WRXs they have a 2liter petrol and 360hp well the PPP version I had, did.
Wife has an old '02 Focus station wagon with a 1.8diesel and is faster than the equivelent petrol model of simillar age and it returns 5.6l/100km (42mpgUS/50mpgUK) we have put nearly 190,000km on it now, very reliable and holds a lot of "stuff" the boot/trunk holds more than my Range Rover Sport!

Diesel is not widely accepted for passenger cars over here, but I think it has a bright future. It is pricier than 87 octane in the US, but isn't it cheaper to refine? Bio-diesel is gaining popularity. Restaurants love to have people haul off their waste cooking oil for *free*.