What's not to like? Well, the placement of the passenger power window switch causes the need to move up and forward from the seatback to reach. It's a minor irritation overshadowed by the cars other fine attributes.

After all my scrutinizing I have to say I'm impressed. The Ford Focus is superb, and probably the best small car to ever come from an American manufacturer.

Specifications:

• Price Range (MSRP): $15,970 - $26,265
• Body Type: 3 or 5-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon
• Layout: Front engine, FWD
• Base Engine: 110 hp, 125 lb-ft, 2.0-L, 8-valve, I-4
• Opt Engine: 130 hp, 135 lb-ft, 2.0-L, 16-valve, I-4
• Transmission: 5-spd manual/4-spd automatic
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/drum (opt ABS)
• Curb Weight: 1,157 kg (2551 lbs)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 8.3 / 6.0 L/100km
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 km comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: Chevrolet Cavalier, Chrysler Neon, Daewoo Nubira, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra/Tiburon, Kia Spectra, Mazda Protegé, Nissan Sentra, Pontiac Sunfire, Saturn SL, Subaru Impreza, Suzuki Esteem Wagon, Toyota Corolla, VW Golf/Jetta
• Web Site: www.ford.ca