Ford Focus The Smoothest Ride Of your Life

Back in 2k, the year the Ford Focus was introduced, Ford Motor Company was praying that the model would be well received and exceed the sales totals of its previous small car, the Escort. Unfortunately, the new Focus was tormented by various minor quality issues and the auto shortly became the gag of the industry. Step forward to 2006, and the current Focus is massively improved on earlier models. Let's explore what's helping the Focus become an established challenger in the crowded small vehicle sector:

1. Aggressive Price. Yes, the amount of vehicles available under US$15,000 continues to drop every year. However, the Focus takes it a step further as it retails just below $14,000. Comparably equipped Chevys, Kias and Hyundais sell for just about the same amount, so the consumer has a sensible choice when buying the Ford Focus.

2. Sufficient Power. The 2.0L I4 engine paired to a five speed manual transmission gives the automobile enough power to get it moving and keep it moving at a pleasant clip on the freeway. Competing models offer smaller engines as small as 1.6L as found in the Kia Rio.

3. Roomy Interior. Up to 5 folks can be carried in the Focus and the interior room is massive for a car in its segment. Most little vehicles are insufferable for big rear seating passengers, but not so for the Focus. Compare the Focus' seating to the Cobalt and the Focus is the clear winner.

4. An Assortment of Body Styles. Most cars built today come in only 1 or two body styles, however the Focus features four: a three-door ZX3 hot hatch, a five-door ZX5 hatchback, a ZX4 sedan and the ZXW lorry. It's the ZX3 that ships for as low as US$13,990.

5. Respectable Fuel Economy. With EPA figures of twenty-six town / 34 road, the Focus achieves a fuel mileage level that few little autos can boast of.

Competition in the small car group remains tight with the Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cobalt, Hyundai Elantra, and Saturn ION all well priced. The Corolla remains the fave among industry consultants, but the Focus has definitely shed its "low quality" standing with the current model. Check out special financing deals thru Ford Credit to save even more money on your Focus.

In conclusion, the Focus has improved with age, but it is short of updating now that it is in its 7th model year. With Ford fortunes sagging, the company can't afford extra dips in sales.

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