I have been waiting for Ford to introduce an interesting small hatch ever since they stopped importing the Fiesta around 1980. The Focus is it. I have yet to drive an SVT (which I'm dying to do), but this ZX3 was very impressive. The balance of the suspension, steering and drivetrain were superb for a car in this class. The only worry for me has to do with potential quality problems, though I will take the chance and overlook the recalls, etc. My biggest problem with the Focus on my test drive had to do with the center armrest; my arm would hit it on every shift. I intend to buy a ZX3 Standard just to avoid this feature.
Also considered:
2002 MINI Cooper
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
About This Reviewer...
Location:
South Hampton, New Hampshire
Other vehicles owned:
2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
1997 Honda Civic
Review submitted:
January 16, 2003
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