Overall the focus in a great medium size package, does everything good for a every day car. Has great looks from most angles and parts and maintenance is as usual - cheap.

Much better than my first car the small Ford Ka, but theres no comparison between the two. Fantastic and easy to drive, great driving position and handling. Good practical medium sized ford from the late 1990's however Ford not always the best quality cars.

So far I've been very pleased with the Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec. It does everything expected of it, and very well. It is great fun to drive with the Focus' legendary sporty handling, particularly the Zetec models, which have beefed up suspension (without losing any comfort), and a faster steering rack.

My mother bought a 2000 Ford Focus wagon and it has been nothing but problems from day one. It was in the shop for the brakes 4 times alone (squeaking and squealing), the hatch was crooked and they had to repair that, it was guzzling gas at the rate of about 16 miles to the gallon, the check engine light kept coming on repeatedly, it was cranking hard when starting it, the shocks needed replacing, finally a few months ago when the transmission had to be replaced (Yes after 12,000 miles!) she got ford to give her $3000 off on another car (a 2002 Taurus wagon). Not to mention someone else in our neigborhood just had to have his 2001 Focus towed away from his house because the motor went with only 6000 miles on the car after the engine light kept coming on, one morning the car wouldn't start. If you are thinking of buying one of these gas guzzling tin cans DON'T! This car was nothing but a headache from day one and from what I have read online it seems we are not alone. Aside from mechanical problems this car (for a wagon) is SMALL. Until you try to put 2 adults in the back seat it doesn't look to small but there is no room at all. If you must have a Ford spend a few extra $ and go for the Taurus, it has a great crash rating and it seems to be built (so far so good) a lot better than the Focus and a lot roomier, a much sturdier car as it seems so far.