My fiancee is looking to purchase a small car sometime in the near future. We have narrowed it down to the focus and the cobalt. We test drove both of them yesterday, and she had test driven another focus a few weeks ago. After that test drive, she claimed it was very quiet, shifting was nice, and she could see over the dash nicely (she's 5' 2") What we like in the focus: nice visibility, decent handling and acceleration. I found several problems however, but she didn't seem to notice them. I am wondering if any of these problems are general focus things, or if we just got a bad car. The biggest thing I saw (heard) is the engine had a very whiny noise to it at lower rpms, especially parking lot driving. Along with this, the rpms didn't drop as quickly as I would like, they stayed high for a bit after taking my foot off the gas, which made slow speed shifts difficult. Another issue is when I went to take a right hand turn and push it, there was significant torque steer, almost enough to scare me moreso than anything i've felt in any small car I've driven. Downside to the cobalt:seemed to have a bit more wind noise. Other than that I liked the cobalt better in every way. After reading other people impressions especially of the quiet ride from the focus, I am wondering if we just drove a bad one. Are these problems that anyone else has experienced or heard of? I am not committed to either chevy or ford, my family has both and have had good luck with both. Please no bias to manufacturer, I simply want the best car possible.

 

Most of the time I take the Vette in for service I get a Cobalt. I can't really say I care for the car. I find that my Daughter Focus is more comfortable and easier to live with. Now if you where talking the Coblat SS that might be a differnet story, it has potential. But IMO I think the Focus is a better car.

 

Focus...far better than a Cobalt, or most any small car PERIOD

 

Have you considered a Mazda 3? It's essentially the next generation Focus underneath and consistently gets good reviews.

 

I hate to say it, but Focus is probably worst car in his category.

I would look at Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla.

 

Before you take the plunge do yourself a favor and test drive a Scion XB. You'll be left wondering why anybody would ever buy a small "car". It amazes me how they get such great MPG are fun to drive and yet actually have enough room inside to be practical for a small family. They also have one of the best resale values on the market today. Also check out the Matrix/Vibe as well. These later model crossover vehicles make buying a new small car with the resale hit that goes with the purchase a not so bright idea.
Focus Cobalt Neon Sentra it doesn't matter what you pay for one in 6 months it'll be a $6000 car

 

I agree...


But - you can pick up a Focus far cheaper than most other small cars... and I would look for one about 6-12months old too. They have hardly changed - let someone else take the depreciation hit.

 

Avoid the '00 and '01 Foci, and they're pretty good cars. Scion is worth a look, if you can get past the styling. I was very disappointed in the Matrix, it was just a cheap car with a big sticker because it's a Toyota.

 

I to noticed that the Pontiac Vibe that is little more than a rebadged Matrix was a good deal cheaper. Me I liked the styling and interor on the Pontiac better anyhow.

 

I'm partially with Red Star. I vote Accord or Civic. I know several people with Focii and they seem to have some issues. Not many Cobalts around here...I've been in one and liked it. Comfortable seats, IMHO.

 

If you're buying new, you should get a Honda or Toyota(including Scion). The are good cars and depreciate slowly. If you're buying used, buy something that depreciates fast and buy based on condition and price. Cobalts and the Cavalier they replaced depreciate far faster than your loan balance. A Ponitac Vibe is a restyled Toyota Matrix and sells for less used.

 

I personally have never been impressed with the focus. They seem to be made pretty darn cheap. I think the best compact right know would be the civic, but it's styling leaves a lot ot be desires, IMO.

 

An you guys wonder why Ford is in trouble. The Focus has been raved about inseveral car magazines, Its a pretty big sellar too.Toyota is having quality issues as off late. I would avoid them.

 

The Focus was raved about when it first came out but it's been passed by most manufacturers by now. It also had several quality problems in its first few years although most of them have been worked out. Most of Toyota's problems seem to be with new releases. The Corolla's design has been around for a while by now, quality problems are not as prevalent.

The Civic is also an excellent compact with good reviews and I haven't heard of any major problems with it. The interior and exterior styling are bordering on weird IMO but some people really like it.

 

Possibly because they don't offer a product in this category that really stacks up to other MFG's offerings. I'm not going to reccomend buying an inferior product to someone just because of the badge on the grille.

Certianlly! But that's been about 8 years ago now.