I test drove a 2002 Ford Focus ZTS as a replacement for my 8, here are my thoughts:

Pros:
-The focus has LOTS more headroom. At 6'3" I can fit comfortably in the focus, EVEN when sitting straight up. I still have another 3 or 4 inches to spare up top
-There is quite a bit more trunk space, even with a spare tire under the trunk
-With the manual seat adjustments sliding my seat forward/back is much quicker (only applies to some RX-8s)
-3 seatbelts in the back
-A bit more legroom for the back seat passengers, and a bit more headroom
-The cabin does not fog up as easily on humid days, because it is larger
-The back seats lay down, for lots of cargo area
-It doesn't burn oil, so no need to check it every week or two
-Better gas mileage. I get about 25-26 mpg instead of 18mpg
-Tires are cheaper
-TCO is far less
-Doesn't recommend premium gas


Cons:
-It seems to have a little less power than the 8
-Not nearly as unique as an 8


I guess that's about it.

So anyone who wants better gas mileage, more room, less hassle- go check out a focus! You'll love it!

 

A "little" less power?

What about the handling?

 

After reading your post about the Ford Focus, I'd have to say that you never really connected with your 8. Enjoy your Focus.

1.3L

 

breathe less. problem solved.

 

wow, in comparison to the Focus...i'd have thought the pro's and con's would have been a hair more equally weighed. Those are 2 totally different cars.

If anything, it looks like you found the car that's right for you.

 

Err..you forgot about the complete loss of your manhood, the fact that is has TERRIBLE body roll, looks like a bowl of hell, and...is a Ford.



Now, I rather like Ford's, but when it comes to Focus'.....I have had a terrible (secondhand) experience. My sister-in-law had one, and in the 5 months she lived with us, it was in the shop for some 2.5 months in total.


Have fun on twisty roads, in a Focus? No..

 

Ha, ha. My mom was riding in my car and the windows were starting to fog up and she was complaining about it (lower part of the windshield) and I told her if she would just sit there and stop breathing there wouldn't be any problem. I don't think she like that answer too much!

 

Now that's funny and true. It's a Focus man honestly. It's slow, not attractive, not reliable, and is ugly to boot.

 

Did you buy your rainbow sticker yet for your focus??

If your gonna go for a boring car atleast get one that doesnt have a bad rep like the focus honestly. If your looking for something completly different than the 8 (sounds like it) try out a Golf.. erm a "Rabbit" or maybe the 4 door Jetta oh or.. the Yaris if your concerned with gas mileage. The only good focus's I've heard of were the SVT's. Sorry ya didnt fall in love with your 8 man and enjoy your search for a replacement.

 

ok, I know my sense of humor is dry, but SOMEONE must appreciate this post lol. Don't you guys get tired of hearing all these complaints?? Poor gas mileage, TCO, space, blah blah.. Anyway, here's my solution for all those people- just get a focus and be done with it.

And yes, on a more serious note, I did have to sell my 8 recently for various reasons. When I had to move from my 8 to a focus, I thought it would be humorous to post a comparison. Well here it is. :-)

 

[QUOTE=AdRoCK3217]Err..you forgot about the complete loss of your manhood.

LoL

 

This review is just as bad as the guy that said the Cayman was worse then the 8. You probably wont be working for 'Car and Driver' any time soon.

 

^eh, he said the base Cayman is on par with the 8, but much more expensive

And, this thread suxorz.

However, one of my buddies is telling me he'll be getting a Focus SVT soon, and thinks he can give my 8 a hard time. He's excited about it, so I'm just trying to refrain from telling him he has less power, FWD with body roll, etc

 

You guys just have no sense of humor

 

ford focus? c'mon that's one of the ugliest cars out there! next thing someone will compare out 8 to a vw bug! hell lots of headroom there!! plus you can put a little plant in it! and it come's in pink..lovely

 

 

Could it be that maybe it just wasn't funny?

 

erm I still dont see the humor aspect of the post Groo??? If it was supposed to be funny then um dont quit your day job to become a comedian.

 

Pink?!!! Now you've got me all excited.

 

Well it was more subtle tongue-in-cheek type humor than bust-out-laughing-rolling-on-the-floor humor.

And I assure you I have no delusions of being a comedian ;-)

 

Groo im hoping that you were in crack 0r something when you started this thread, i **** a f#$7 focus man. i seen people compared the car to Porsche cayman, a bmw 3, Subaru Sti, Lancer Evo, not to mention the true rivals, the 350Z and the Infinity G35 and all you can come up with is a Focus and the ZTS too low end **** i mean seriously WTF is wrong with you? i mean at least compared it to the SVT Focus but even then that piece of **** its only 170 hp.
W/E man go ahead and buy that crap you probly ment for each other.

 

I think what you want is a Lumina.

 

But he wont be able to put his rainbow sticker on the bumber man..!! hahah

 

If you picture Groo being English, this thread makes sense.

 

I could not believe your points at first....as I read on and found out that you were joking and or trying to make yourself feel better about an unavoidable move all I can say is that the approach has a lot of merit. Once I had good friend who always looked for the positive in everything that ever happened to him. He talked so much and so well on the subject that he sold himself on the idea. He was the star saleperson of the company and if I must say myself .....good enough to sell himself and be happy with whatever came his way...enjoy your great "Focus".