Faults:

Nothing yet.

General Comments:

Bought the Focus wagon to get better mileage and to replace our ALWAYS BROKEN DOWN Pontiac Montana. Wanted better mileage, but still some room.

So far, so good. The up side, no repairs yet, nice change compared to the Montana Monster. Gas mileage is about as advertised, 8.2 litres/100 km in mixed hwy/city driving. And plenty of room in the storage area. Though we do have a ski box for ski hill and big trips.

Negatives: seriously un-refined, but understand we didn't pay much for it. However, think the newer Ford's have addressed much of these issues. Although we do have some options (heated seats), it's about as basic as a car gets, and if you want fancy, this isn't it.

And the back seats are tight. Our girls are 6 and 8, and it's even tight for them. We'll probably need something bigger in a couple years.

We bought it for economy though, and at $8500, great MPG and enough room for our daily running around, it's a great alternative to a mini-van. And we've had it almost a full year without a single hint of a repair. Don't think the Montana ever made it 6 months without having to pour cash into it.

It's not cool, not fun to drive and you're not going to turn any heads. But I enjoy driving past the gas station and service garage without stopping.

Faults:

Nothing, I've only replaced tyres.

General Comments:

Staggeringly good car. Supremely reliable, extremely comfortable, fantastic to drive, the grip and handling are amazing.

I traded in my Golf for it last year, and in 15 months I've clocked up nigh on 40,000km (25,000 miles) and it hasn't missed a beat. Not even wear on the interior. I'm not what you call easy on a car either, and the handling characteristics of the Focus make you want to throw it into bends, so it hasn't had an easy 15 months for it.

The way this thing handles is amazing, you'll have to really push it to make it understeer. Even if you do, you've got really controllable lift off oversteer to counteract it. It's a slow car in a straight line, but you'll trouble a lot of much faster cars in the bends. If you want something faster, get a bigger engine.

Space is fantastic, it's a wide car (and feels it in town and when parking mind) so it feels very airy inside. And space is the back is more than ample. I'm 6'2" and in my seating position, there's even room behind me for an adult. The boot is huge too. Never been wanting for space.

If I had any criticism it would be the engine's fuel economy, it's quite thirsty in town. Good on the motorway mind. But it's a small engine in a heavy car, so it's not a big surprise.

If you're in the market for a medium car, get a Focus. I cannot recommend it enough.