Faults:

The car overheated because the engine fan was faulty within the first month of ownership.

An engine warning light appeared within the first 2 weeks of ownership.

General Comments:

The ST is an excellent car. It is without question the most usable hot hatch I've ever driven. Most hot hatches compromise comfort for performance and handling, the ST170 doesn't, the comfort and refinement are second to none. The ST170 isn't as quick as a Civic Type-R, Leon VT-Cupra R and many other hot hatches, but it is far easier to live with.

Faults:

Nothing so far.

General Comments:

This car is one of the best car on the road.

The design is slick, with some aftermarket products like lowering spring, ground kit and bigger wheels it can be very attractive.

Faults:

Passenger electric window switch packed up, but was replaced under warranty with no hassle.

General Comments:

I loved my old 306 XSi, but it needed replacing as it was getting unreliable. I drove the most logical replacement - the 307 XSi and hated it. I can't believe Peugeot replaced the stonking 306 with this dull handling van lookalike. The only other option was a Golf GTI, but I wasn't really prepared to pay the astronomical asking price, plus a friend bought one last year and it has been one disaster after another. After a 20 minute test drive the Focus, I just had to have it.

Performance is on a par with my old 306, but the engine is sweeter and more frugal. Handling is better than anything currently in this class with steering that gives bags of feel (are you listening VW?). Granted, the Focus doesn't have quite the agility of the 306, but its streets ahead of the 307, and in a different league to the wallowy Golf.

The funky interior still looks fresh although it lacks the elegance of the Golf's superb dash layout. On the plus side, it's beautifully screwed together, and there's plenty of space for rear passengers and luggage. The Focus is available at bargain prices too if you shop around. Build quality and reliability have so far been faultless apart from a duff electric window switch. There are no creaks or rattles from anywhere, it starts first time every time, and has behaved exactly as it should.

If you're in the market for a fun, cheap to run small hatch, the Focus is a no-brainer. The Golf is tempting for its classy looks and interior, but the Focus does everything else considerably better. Brilliant car.

Faults:

With the Astro? Well, there were 11 things broken on the '88 LT conversion van when traded. I only admitted to the water pump problem... That poor thing would break 2 items for every 1 repaired. Disastro Van was more like it.

Nothing wrong with the Ford Focus, yet, but I bought the ESP/TotalCare warranty for a whopping $1450...sans ZTW options. Boo I figure since I shelled out for all this warranty, this car will probably run flawless for 5 years, 70,000 miles before it starts to fail out. Will be traded by then.

General Comments:

The interior and exterior of the car are flawless. Good attention to detail and...well, this car was built in Wayne, Mi.: Michigan is home of Detroit, close enough for me, so the Detroit end had its hand in making this one. Good Deal! I have concerns about Hermosillo Mexico only because Pedro, well, Pedro dosen't always put Quality as Job #1, that's all I'll say. I'm glad mine came from the Stateside factory.

My only gripe is the gas Pedal is too far forward and I'm used to having a relaxed legspace to prop on. I constantly have to hold my knee muscle in a tense state to get the gas pedal proper, and this causes pain when walking after exiting the vehicle. This is a euro designed pedal position, but if I had any suggestion to Ford, get the pedal lower to the floor and longer in length to accomodate the big footed 12w 6 ft 205 lb man. The Taurus gas pedal is just right. There ya go.