2002 Ford Focus ZX3

For those uneasy with the thought of drifting through corners, Ford has thoughtfully included another interesting option, AdvanceTrac. This $1,625 system (available only after you've popped for the premium group) automatically applies the brakes to one wheel at a time to correct for any major driving mistakes before hope and traction are lost. (Anti-lock brakes are included.) AdvanceTrac is expensive, but so are trips to the body shop.

Spunky 2.0-liter Zetec four makes up in enthusiasm what it lacks in sheer firepower?and is a perfect match for the slick-shifting 5-speed manual gearbox.

Powering the fun is a potent 16-valve, four-cylinder engine that delivers its punch without making a ruckus. A well-endowed low end launches you from rest with enthusiasm, although the best we could manage in the 0-60 mph department was a somewhat lackluster 9.6 seconds that continued on to a quarter mile in 16.9 ticks at 80.8 mph. While hardly warp speed, the engine's free-revving nature coupled with a 5-speed manual gearbox that provides crisp, precise and low-effort gear changes encourages even relatively law-abiding citizens to work the cogs aggressively.


Which begs the question how could Ford have made two so obvious faux pas? One is providing a tachometer with no redline. (Fuel delivery is automatically interrupted at 6,750 rpm.) The other is an annoying throttle-linkage damper that leaves the revs hanging during shifts and any other occasion that an abrupt drop of the right pedal is in your best interest (such as a mirror full of flashing red lights).


Despite many other notable virtues, in the end, it's style that's destined to remain the Focus ZX3's strongest selling point. Beveled headlamps, equally dramatic taillamps and the swoopy roof and belt lines that tie them together turn heads and win nods of approval. Invisibility runs rampant at the low end of the vehicular pecking order, making this kind of visual standout a treat to be savored. Wrap that up with the ZX3's reasonable price, excellent gas mileage, fine functionality, and vivacious personality and you've got one of the best little rides money can buy. (www.fordvehicles.com)