We've been living with and loving our Focus ZTS for about eight months now, and know why it's won so many awards all over the world.  As a reminder, our Focus sedan features the 2.0-liter 130-horsepower Zetec engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission. We also added leather seats, side impact airbags, and floor mats, for an out the door price of $17,640. Standard features on this sedan include dual power mirrors, 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels, solar-tint glass, AM/FM/CD stereo, rear window defroster, 60/40 split fold rear seats, dual visors with mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power door locks, SecuriLock anti-theft, and air conditioning.

While the Focus fits in the compact car segment, we were surprised at how roomy it is inside, including the cargo area, where we pack a lot of gear for promotional events for American Woman Road and Travel. We also appreciate the door pockets, which hold more than you could imagine.

We still get plenty of compliments about the Focusı exterior styling treatment, but what we live with most is the interior. We love the European feel, much like a luxury car at a more than reasonable price. Kudos to the Ford interior designers, who created a spacious, well thought out vehicle.  

Unfortunately, living in Detroit means long winters with plenty of snow, and thatıs where the Focus misses out compared to 4x4 vehicles.  While the brakes must work a bit harder, when driven carefully, the front disc/rear drum brakes do their job.  It also takes the little car longer to warm up, but once it does, it heats the cabin efficiently. In addition, the rear window defroster works better than the ones on more expensive vehicleıs weıve driven.  This has been a miserable winter, and more often than not, we've seen windshield wipers clog up and do a lousy job of keeping the windows clear. But the Focus wipers are better than average at keeping the windows clean, and with the quick-working defrosters, it helps keep the wipers clean so there's no streaking or blind spots.

 The new Beltminder warning system now standard on all Ford models is annoying. But thatıs exactly what it is supposed to be. The Beltminder chimes to remind drivers to put on their seatbelts before driving away, and it works every time. Luckily, the belts fit tight and snug, and donıt ride up or cut into the neck, making wearing the belts a non-event.

Even with the bad weather, on feature we appreciate is the ingress/egress design of the Focus. Getting in and out of this vehicle, with bulky coats and snow boots is no harder than slipping on a pair of socks while getting dressed. Another bonus point for the ergonomics engineers.

After 8900 miles, we only have a few gripes. The brakes tend to squeal on occasion, but the technicians didnıt find any warping or wear. And while we like the radio, it seems a bit far away from drivers with shorter reaches. Steering-wheel-mounted redundant radio controls would make a great option.

When it comes to fuel economy, the Focus is a little champ, getting about 31 mpg on the highway and about 22 around town. And stopping at the pump to fill up wonıt send us into the coronary unit at the local hospital. About $14 will peg the fuel meter to full, a nice treat in a day and age when $50 fill-ups for 20-gallon gas tanks in big SUVs is the norm.

The Focus continues to surprise us, especially when we compare it to the other vehicles in its class. The Focus has a wider track front and rear than the Dodge Neon,  Nissan Sentra, Saturn SL models, and even the Toyota Corolla. It also offers more front and rear leg room than the Sentra and Corolla, and has a longer wheelbase than the Volkswagen Jetta or Saturn sedans. And if youıre looking for more cargo capacity, the Focus is one of the few small cars, besides the Saturn, that offers a wagon version.

Weıre not the only ones enamored with this little car. The Focus has rapidly become the vehicle of choice for aftermarket outfitters. The Focus is a hot product with the youth market, and sold over 286,000 units last year. Itıs quickly become the worldıs most popular car, and won both the European and North American Car of the Year titles upon its introduction to the marketplace. In addition, the Focus took home RTMıs own Most Vivacious Personality in our Class of 2000 awards. So thereıs no surprise why we wanted to have one in our long-term fleet. Itıs fun, exciting, and we are happy to have one in the garage. Stay tuned for the next update, we hope with some spring driving involved! Go directly to Focus Web Page.

Read our past review of the Focus