2001 Ford Focus: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

This subcompact line offers 4-dr sedans, a 4-dr wagon, and a sporty 2-dr hatchback. All have a 4-cyl engine teamed with manual or automatic transmission. ABS is standard on the top-line ZTS sedan, optional on other Focus models. Head-and-torso front side airbags are optional. An antiskid system is optional on the ZTS and the ZX3 hatchback and includes rear disc brakes in place of drums. Street Edition option for SE sedans and wagons includes sport bucket seats, in-dash CD changer, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Due in early calendar '02 is the performance SVT Focus with 170 hp, 17-inch wheels, sport suspension, and an $18,000 base price.

COMPETITION

A perennial favorite, the Honda Civic, is new and better than ever. We love the wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment. Civic is a solid car that has good performance, a nice ride, and a high degree of civility. New last year was the Ford Focus. Though we loved almost everything about the Focus, we were reluctant to rank it a Best Buy because it was new from the ground up. After a year of living with a ZTS model, we can say that the reliability is good. Focus ranks a notch below Civic in some areas but costs less. Topping the crowded Recommended list are the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys as they are better than the Civic in many ways. However, they are also the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the no-frills Dodge Neon and Toyota Echo, the slightly-upscale Nissan Sentra, and the roomy Mazda Protege. If you are looking for a budget buy, the Hyundai Accent offers a lot for your dollar, however, it's not as refined as more-expensive competitors.