Reply #64: Seconded on the Focus. [View All]

[mwooldri]

IMO it really is a nice car, speaking as an ex-owner.

Sorry to hear about your car-jacking, and glad to hear you're OK. I would recommend though a vehicle with power locks - definitely with the feature that they lock when you start going into motion and unlock automatically when you put the car in PARK (if you drive automatic).

The Chevy Cobalt is an OK car - unsure whether it is USA made but to me it is a boring car to drive. Focus vs Cobalt: no contest Focus wins. However GM have a wonderful feature that if you're worried about carjacking in the future would be nice: that's OnStar. Just mash that button and someone will speak to you, and you can tell them you're being carjacked and they'll call the cops, notify them of your location and they then have the ability to track the car.

GM do make some nice vehicles... but to me the Chevrolet line up appears "boring". I had to car shop after Christmas, couldn't afford new so shopped a couple of years older. I had a rented Cobalt - it just was a boring vehicle. I tested the Malibu, sorry lumpy seat for me and boring. My short list boiled down to a Honda Fit, a Mercury Milan or a Jeep Liberty. I had reasons for picking either three of these vehicles, and went with the liberty even though it sucks gas badly.

Good luck in your car shopping. I know you're going to be happy with whatever vehicle you pick - you're going to rationalize it once you have!

Mark.