Why do people love the Ford Focus so much

Originally Posted by UNKNOWN_370

100%

Me and my wife test drove a focus se last year. great handling and superb turning radius for a FWD. I was impressed with features to cost. The trunk space was slightly subpar for a hatch, compared to a mazda 3 but handling was very similar. It could have used slightly more low end punch but acceleration was very smooth. acceleration was in the 7.5 second range to 60mph... not bad. NVH was within range of a car that caliber and fit & finish was pretty good. I think the Focus is a benchmark for the "american car" segment in compact cars. The Mazda 3 is still a little better but it's rare to get that much performance from inexpensive american cars.

I wonder how the new chevy sonic stacks up?

Originally Posted by Lug

The Sonic competes with the Mazda 2 and Ford Fiesta. It's a sub-compact and apparently would drive the OP insane with it's smallness.

Originally Posted by shadoquad

Yep, the Cruze competes in the segment with the Focus.

Originally Posted by UNKNOWN_370

True... We test drove a Cruze. I didn't like it. seating is way too high, steering is the most artificial I've ever felt and acceleration was extremely slow. Interior fit and finish was nicer than the focus though.

I meant sonic by handling though... The sonic looks like it has potential for fun. The cruze is NO FUN.

Originally Posted by shadoquad

Have you checked out a Mazda3? I drove one and thought it was nice. I haven't tested the others in this segment yet.

Originally Posted by UNKNOWN_370

Yeah, Mazda 3's are extremely fun. BUT it has to be a MANUAL. There's no other way with the 3.

Originally Posted by shadoquad

Not worried about that. Manual is the only option for me.