Rides well, stable, tip-tronic shifting is excellent, doesn't have the delay found in other cars, for instance Mazda 3. I own the 2007 focus trend (sedan), I'm very satisfied with the car, and its a very good car to invest in.

It's better then any Japanese car, with my respect to the Japanese car owners it's better then Mazda 3 and Toyota corolla and Skoda Octavia A4 and Mitsubishi Lancer
I know nothing about the new Honda civic so I will not compare it.

The Ford Focus 1.6 is actually my first car to own, I test drive the 1.8 Ghia on its launching last 2005 thats where I decide to take this from trend of Mazda 3 and Civic 06 version. Nearly maxxed out to 170kph in south expressway I felt like I can go some 10 plus more kph on the speedo because about 1 inch left on my pedal. Very nice car indeed in fact I can't believe I own one.

I have never owned a Ford and I bought a 2005 Focus last August. I traded in a 1986 Saab for it I have to say, it is the best running car I have owned besides the Saab. I have the ZX4 sport edition and it is a pretty cool looking car and very economical. I take it on frequent road trips and I get very good gas mileage. I love it and highly recommend it, especially for a first car or if you are a mom or a college student. Very dependable and inexpensive.

It's early days but this Ford Focus Trend feels like a much nicer vehicle than the 2001 Toyota Corolla it replaced. The handling and ride balance is more European and inspires confidence. The seating in particular is much firmer and more comfortable.

My Focus was built in Spain and purchased in Singapore. The US model may differ in several areas. A 2 litre engine and manual transmission would probably deliver better economy and performance. However, for the heavy city traffic my car is exposed to the 1.6 litre auto is probably adequate.