Bold Moves or Old Moves?
Ford Focus. Are these words strung together any oxymoron? Living in Dearborn, MI - at the heart of Ford country I could get hung by my toes for this. But in all honesty, the Ford line-up has been putting me to sleep for years…. there just hasn’t been anything but YAAAWWWNNN.
Oddly enough living in Ford city I see so many interesting people brought in from all over the world to design and engineer these vehicles. Though what I actually see on the road is just like Wonder bread. And the Mustang to me is just like Wonder bread with hot sauce. You can’t hide the processed white bread that the hot sauce has sunk into.
Focus, the Ford Focus. Yes…. well it is a design that I actually find somewhat cute and somewhat interesting. And apparently drivers like this vehicle…. Let’s see what edmunds had to say:
Focus is a fun-to-drive economy car with a dose of European flair that shoppers in the United States can appreciate as well. Three-door and five-door hatchback variants make stronger visual statements than the more conventional sedan and wagon body styles, but each Focus flavor offers a likable blend of sportiness and practicality.
The main downside to a Ford Focus purchase from the new-car buyer standpoint is that the car is getting rather aged in terms of features and refinement when compared to newer competition in this price range. The U.S. version has never been completely redesigned, despite the fact that an all-new, second-generation Focus is now on sale in Europe. We recommend that economy car shoppers consider their options carefully before buying a new Focus. As a used vehicle, however, the Focus represents a solid pick, especially since its lower resale value compared to import-brand competitors typically translates to lower purchase prices.
A modest 2005 refresh brought the Ford Focus lineup into its present form, providing cosmetic changes on the outside, a revised control layout inside and a new engine lineup. Numerous body style and trim-level combinations are available. The ZX3 (three-door) and ZX5 (five-door) hatchbacks are available in S, SE and SES trims, while the ZXW wagon comes in SE or SES only. The ZX4 sedan is available in S, SE, SES and the sport-flavored ST. S models are fairly basic, while SE models have the amenities most buyers will want. The SES provides access to options like leather upholstery and heated seats.
The sedan-only Focus ST gets improved brakes, a sport-tuned suspension and a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 151 horsepower. All other Focus models are powered by a 136-hp, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that offers decent response coupled with good fuel economy. A five-speed manual transmission is standard across the line and a four-speed automatic is optional on all but the base S ZX3 hatchback and the ST sedan.
After so many years on the market, there are many areas in which the Focus has been eclipsed by the competition. In reviews of the Ford Focus, we’ve found the car lacking in terms of build and materials quality; interior storage and safety features. Four-wheel disc antilock brakes are standard only on the ZX4 ST; all others have rear drums and optional ABS. Also optional on most models are traction control and front seat-mounted side airbags. Side curtain airbags are not offered.
Our editors have always liked the Ford Focus, and the car earned Editors’ Most Wanted Award designations from 2000-’03. Although we consider it a good buy on the used market, the car’s reliability record hasn’t been perfect, particularly the 2000 models, which were plagued by recalls. We’d advise a thorough mechanical inspection before you buy. Additionally, shoppers looking at the SVT Focus should pay special attention to the quantity and quality of any aftermarket modifications the previous owner may have made.
The Suzuki Reno comes available in three packages: Base, Convenience Package, and Premium Package. Small bonuses like the rear-windshield wiper and a power tilt-and-slide sunroof make the Reno a “stylishly fun” car to drive. The 2.0-liter 4-cyclinder engine provides just enough power to complete with the other vehicles on our list. MSRP: $13,599 - $16,149
Redesigned for 2008 the Ford Focus has been a very reliable vehicle with zippy performance and a nice list of featured to boot. The theme for the 2008 is “from Techno to Techie”. The Focus’ new Sync system allows you to sync up all your bluetooth devices, cell phone and iPod. The interior and exterior have been redesigned for a totally new look. MSRP: $13,535 - $17,550
The Fit is Go! is the war cry of this pint-sized (but big on features) number. AC is standard, as is the 2nd-row “Magic Seat” that folds flat into the floor to create more than 41 cubic feet of cargo space. Supportive seats and a cleverly designed dash provide for an enjoyable driving experience. MSRP: $13,850 - $15,970
The Mazda3 delivers probably the best overall driving experience of all the vehicles on our Top 15 Under 15 list. The 2.3-liter 156-hp engine delivers more power, but slightly worse fuel economy than others in its class. The MAZDA3 offers the performance, sophistication and safety you’d expect from much more expense vehicles. The MAZDA3 is available in 4 models with either 4 or 5-doors. MSRP: $13,895 - $19,895
Introduced by Dodge in 2007, the Caliber combines crossover styling with performance and cargo space. The Caliber is safe, boasting a 5-star frontal crash test rating from NHTSA, and comes standard with a 1.8-liter 148-hp engine that gets good fuel economy - 28mpg city / 32 mpg highway. Good visibility and sophisticated design make the interior feel much more rich that the Caliber’s great low price. MSRP: $13,725 - $19,920
Completely redesigned for 2008, the Lancer comes in 3 body styles, the DE, ES and GTS. Equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, 152-hp engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway - not the best fuel economy compared to others in its class. Speed and styling enthusiasts alike will enjoy the Lancer’s sharp looks and fun upgrades such as the Sun and Sound package will make it a joy to drive. MSRP: $13,990 - $17,490
Available in both a wagon and sedan, the Suzuki Forenza rounds out our Top 15 Cars under $15,000. The Forenza comes standard with a 2.0-liter, 127-hp engine that enjoys 31 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city. Excellent reliability and generous passenger room keep the Forenza in the race with its fresher-faced competitors. MSRP: $13,999 - $14,949
How important a factor is color when decided which car to buy? Very important. At least Ford’s corporate research says so. According to a recent survery by Ford, 39 percent of consumers will leave a dealership if they don’t have a vehicle in the color of their choice. (I know I almost did. We wanted silver - the dealer didn’t have silver. They wanted us to take something on their lot - but we wanted silver. Stalemate. Only after getting up to leave the dealer did they even try to work out a dealer-trade for the color we wanted.)