I lost my little Suzuki last Friday in the snow storm here in NY (totalled by F-350 t-bone).
I expect about 9K or so from insurance, and wondering what you all would suggest, Focus? Fiesta?
I can do without the awd/4wd of the little Suzuki, but would like standard trans,and gas economy is paramount, and after my first crash in 25 years (+), I am interested in some safety too... Those little airbags saved me, I think... I be moving from a 10 minute commute to 75 minute commute soon. Would like to stay Ford, but am looking for options/experienced opinions.
Mike B

 

I just bought a new focus hatchback. It is very comfortable and gets about 34 miles to gallon going about 80 miles per hour. The dual clutch does take some time getting used to it. Otherwise it is a solid car and I recommend it.

 

Mazda 3 Skyactiv if you don't mind less tech doo-dads. Since you're going with a manual transmission, either the Fiesta or Focus should be a safe choice as well. I do like my Subaru but the AWD and the internet brouhaha over its fuel economy - or lack thereof - crosses that off your list.

 

The Ford "F" siblings, the Focus and Fiesta, are both excellent cars in their segments, all the more so with the availability (current and soon coming) of the hipo ST varients which add genuine performance and driving thrills to the economical parts of their resumes.

 

The fiesta Gets great mpg and has all the goodies. If you need more space then get the focus. The fiesta is a fun car to drive since its small and handles very well. My fiesta did very well in the snow.

check this thread out https://themustangsource.com/f697/fiesta-fever-486317/

 

Thanks, guys! I am going to look at a 2011 Fiesta Saturday, looks like a cool little car, has a standard 5 speed. Thanks for the help... will report back.
Mike B

 

Update... as a result of the rental car I was given, I went with a 08 Mazda3, iSport with a 5 speed, with 30K miles, like new. (At least there is a familial connection, it's a Ford engine, LOL.)
Mike B
PS: thanks, Hi5.0