This vehicle is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I drove old beater Buicks all my life and loved them, but the gas mileage killed me so I went on the hunt for something new and more suited to my highway commute. I ended up going with a newer Ford Focus after much online review and test driving and, I've got to say, I've got a new love of my life. The engine is only 4 cylinder, smaller than I'm used to, but it has enough power to get me up to speed on the highway in more than enough time, and I don't use as much gas doing it. The MPG is incredible, much better than I'm used to. I get an average of 32 MPG, which saves me a significant amount of money at the pump. Everything about this car feels right: the traction is solid, the steering is responsive but not overly so, and the engine is quiet. The only thing that I'm not crazy about is the fact that if you punch the gas too hard from a complete stop it sort of does a rough shift into first gear (I'm not quite sure how to describe it. I can feel it go, then let off, then go again suddenly, then let off, then finally keep going, even though my foot has been on the gas the same pressure the whole time. This only lasts a second or two.). My solution to that is to ease myself into first gear slowly from a complete stop, then punch up to speed, so that I avoid this issue altogether. I also enjoy the computerized dash. The home screen has radio control, phone syncing, and navigation, and the screen behind the wheel lets you cycle between showing your average MPG, your current trip odometer, and your miles before empty. I love the convenience of it. The sound system is great too, but that will vary by trim. It's also very spacious. I got the hatchback right before I moved, and I was AMAZED at how much stuff I was able to cram in! I only had to make two trips! I also feel safe in this vehicle. Coming from driving Buicks which I was able to beat the tar out of for years and walk away without a scratch on me, I was nervous about downsizing to a more fuel efficient "eco-box". My fears were unfounded. It's small while also being spacious, and there's enough car around me that I don't feel I'll be crushed like a sardine in a can if I were to get T-boned. The safety ratings are all high, and the handling makes me feel as though I could effectively avoid an accident if it were within my power to do so. The reliability is a huge plus too. I felt like I had to take my old beaters into the shop every month. I've been driving this Focus for a few months now without the slightest hint of anything needing work. For a recent college graduate on a tight budget, not having to blow a couple hundred bucks every few weeks is a HUGE relief. Overall, this car made me believe in love again. I wouldn't trade it for anything! If you're looking for something small and fuel efficient for commuting while still being big and sturdy enough to protect you and to accommodate all your cargo holding needs, I can't recommend the newer Ford Focus Hatchback enough.

I have previously owned Ford cars and was intent on not purchasing another one when it came time for a new (pre-owned) vehicle. I looked at several different cars - Chevy Sonic was actually at the top of my list. I test drove 3 of them and had actually decided on the Chevy but it so happened that the dealer I was going to purchase the car from at the last minute (we were actually completing the paperwork!) decided he had agreed to sell me the car at a price that was to low. I left the dealership very upset and angry and continued my search for a vehicle. A friend of mine actually saw the Ford Focus for sell by a private owner. I almost didn't go look at it because I was that determined to NOT get another Ford, but since I was having such a hard time finding a vehicle in my price range I decided to take a look. I was VERY impressed with the looks of the car. It had everything and more than the Chevy that I was originally going to purchase. It drives very smoothly for a smaller car. It is great on gas which was a definite improvement on the previous Ford that I had just sold. I think the Focus is consider a compact car by Ford, but in all actuality it is very roomy and comfortable. The back seats also let down so if I have a large (or long) item that I need to fit in the trunk I do not have any issues doing so. I was a little worried when I first purchased the car thinking that I would probably have issues with it in no time but I am very happy to say that has not been the case. I have had it for approximately 1 1/2 years now and it has been one of the best cars I have ever owned and since I am 57 years old, that has been quite a few! I have put approximately 30,000 miles on it - I have taken it on 3 very long vacations and have been very pleased with the performance of the car. I have taken 2 of my daughters, my granddaughter, and her friend on one vacation that I really was not looking forward to because I thought there would be problems with 3 teenagers in the backseat (being crowded) but they really had enough room that there were no complaints. I am fairly tall and I have to push the driver's seat back probably a little further than the average size woman but they still had enough leg room in the back seats that it was not an issue. I absolutely love my Ford Focus and am truly happy that the dealer at the Chevy dealership tried to raise the price of his car on me! I purchased the Ford for almost half of what the Chevy dealer wanted for the Sonic and when I test drove that car it had no where NEAR the power and smoothness of the Ford!