I bought my 2009 Ford Focus SE used. It's been great value, which is what I was looking for. My worry during purchase was its ability to accelerate quickly. I'm more than surprised at its ability gain speed quickly in a pinch. It feels attached to the road unlike other small cars. I recently had to drive in a downpour one day and over sleet and ice the next and never felt like I was about to lose control. One of the most important criteria when I was car shopping was gas mileage. I knew that the Focus had a high estimated mileage but I was still pleasantly surprised to consistently get better than estimated mpg. My mileage with minimal highway travel averages about 29-30 mpg in a very hilly area of Tennessee. I’ve calculated mpg in the mid to upper 30s on interstate trips. The Focus is a smooth ride as well. It handles bumps and potholes very well, with turning on the wheel. Shifting between gears while driving happens almost without notice. I won’t say it’s the best, because you won’t get the best from a 20k-brand new car. It’s very good all the same, though. My experience with my Focus has been so good that when I go to replace it, my first thought will be to return to a Focus.