My response would be, after having recently test driven both of them as a potential customer, Honda Civic.
I really didn't like the feel of either one, though they weren't that bad. I drove a '96 Cavalier a ton, and hated every mile from the back problems it worsened.
The Focus was IMO, the better choice out of those two. Neither was a bad car, but both were a chore to drive and not enjoyable to me.
The 2006 Civic wins for what I want. I like the interior better, I like the way it drives better, I like the feel of the car better in every way. In addition I'd be buying from a dealer rated 5 Stars in every consumer rating system I can find.
Gaywood Road Signage ProblemEnough already, say the residents of Gaywood Road who are darned tired of getting their street signs nabbed by...
The Toyota Corolla is second, but I just don't like the way any Toyota I've driven steers, or the service I've received from Toyota of Carlsbad.
I'll admit my bias in that I already own (and love) a 2000 Civic, but it's got well over 80,000 miles on it and I'm contemplating trading it in at a marginal loss spread over years rather than hitting the point where I'm investing in keeping it alive while it's not even worth a down payment.
For the educated part of my response, test drive several of each car you're considering. Try some you're not considering too, and buy the one you can afford that you like best. Then take good care of it, insure it properly, change the oil religiously, and get rid of it before it's a money pit and you've gotten a good deal probbably.
Dave Hogan
