March 2nd, 2010 by

Back in 2000, the year that the Ford Focus was introduced, Ford Motor Company was hoping that the model would be well received and surpass the sales totals of its previous small car, the Escort. Unfortunately, the new Focus was tormented by diverse minor quality issues and the vehicle shortly became the joke of the industry. Step forward to 2006, and this Focus is vastly improved on earlier models. Let’s explore what is helping the Focus become a proven challenger in the crowded small vehicle sector:

1. Aggressive Price. Yes, the quantity of cars available under US$15,000 continues to drop every year. However, the Focus takes it one step further as it retails just below $14,000. Comparably supplied Chevys, Kias and Hyundais sell for virtually the same amount, so the client has a good selection when buying the Ford Focus.

2. Sufficient Power. The 2.0L I4 engine paired to a 5 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. Spacious Interior. Up to 5 folks can be carried in the Focus and the interior room is enormous for a car in its segment. Most little vehicles are insufferable for huge rear seating passengers, but not so for the Focus. Compare the Focus’ seating to the Cobalt and the Focus is the clear winner.

4. A variety of Body Styles. Most vehicles built today come in only one or 2 body styles, however the Focus features 4 : a three-door ZX3 hot hatch, a five-door ZX5 hatch, a ZX4 sedan and the ZXW truck. It’s the ZX3 that retails for as low as US$13,990.

5. Respectable Fuel Economy. With EPA figures of 26 city / 34 highway, the Focus achieves a fuel mileage level that few small cars can boast of.

Competition in the small car group remains tight with the Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cobalt, Hyundai Elantra, and Saturn ION all competitively priced. The Corolla remains the fave among industry specialists, but the Focus has definitely shed its “low quality” status with this model. Check out special financing deals thru Ford Credit to save even more cash on your Focus.

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

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