Let's get to the core of your question, you speak from reports, I speak from being in the field. " have you driven a Focus " my guess is no... As for gas consumption and stats another $8. a month, if that's the case, will that become a major factor ?

My only other choice in your category is the suzuki Swift that I put on a level with any Japanese car in it's class.
I mentioned on my website, buy a pair of designer jeans and you pay for the label, and yet you can buy the same cloth for much less " that's Focus and Swift "...

Don't get me wrong here, Toyota and Honda are excellent products, but in my mind the consumer is brain washed with labels and will pay the price.

The suzuki Swift in the 90's were every bit as good as any Honda Civic, but bad marketing, and never gained the exposure " why " $$$$$$.

The Focus had minor problems 01 - 02, but after that, It's the best value for bucks in today's market

But the final choice comes down to what feels right for you after a test drive, don't let the Internet sway you with close little picky points.

Thanks for the honest answer Ray. I saw a Swift on the road today & it caught my eye. I'm not a brand-name guy, but i do believe in statistics, and the Echo & Civic etc. just seem to always be near the top of the reliability history lists.

Also, do u know a site where i can find accurate info on fuel economy for cars. Found this gov site, is it accurate?: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bestworst.shtml