[oldeguy]

Due to finances and the number of kilometers per year I drive, owning new isn't in the cards for me. However, I have driven 4 different Ford vehicles since '93. All, with the exception of the 95 Taurus and it's transmission, have been very reliable. My Escort lasted for 400.000 kms and more with only needing a rebuilt transmission and because of my stupidity, a rebuilt engine. Bought a used Buick after the Escort, because nobody knows how to fix Fords in GM country, it lasted two years, and cost quite a bit in repairs. Focus has had minimal issues, a TPs and an alternator. The Focus meets all my needs from a vehicle, even able to go off roading due to the ground clearance :lol: . I've rented quite a few other Ford vehicles and they all, even the Taurus, are basically the same, easy to find the controls, have some good features at a low price. Yes, it would be nice if we could get the same Focus as Mexico, or Australia, or Germany, but, for now we can't. I think that'll change soon. We really can't compare Fords to BMW's Acuras, etc, but I think if we compare them to Honda, Nissan, Toyota, etc, Fords products do okay against them, after all, the Focus is, as an economy car. Look back at reviews comparing it to the same age vehicles, the Focus came out pretty good.

And yes, I have noticed the increase in recalls for some of the "better made cars"