2001 focus

When shopping for a car to replace my 83 toyota i tried all the usual suspects (ford mazda toyota kia suzuki chrysler)
and boy was I surprised when I drove this one. I leased it that very day. this car has it all.

Drivetrain: The Ztec engine is very responsive with plenty of low end and high end torque,passing is a breeze punch it and you are off (little bit of torque steer) this vehicle is one of the few true 4 wheel independant suspensions. the ride is stiff but not uncomfortable. This is truly a fun car to drive

Handling: Cornering is very positive with very little body roll.It corners like it's on rails, as mentioned before there is some torque steer but that is common to front wheel drive.Brakes could be beefier 4 discs would do that.
All the small cars I drove suffered from inadequate brakes

Interior: the controls that matter are all accesible without removing hands from wheel.
with the front seats all the way back leg room in the rear is restricted. fine for the kids though.
It would be nice to have a height adjuster on the passenger seat as well as the drivers.
head room is good back and front
Multi disc player would be nice but not a big deal considering the price.

Exterior: great body style larger mud skirts for the wheel well would be nice.
The trunk lid is a little tricky you feel like you are going to pull the spoiler of its mounts

I almost regret not getting the hatchback but with 3 kids it was not practical. the styling is very european and as they say you either love it or hate it. I love it.

You won't go wrong with this one.