Ford failing to keep Focus in small car race?
 

That article just rehashes old news. Plus, the car had all its recalls in the very first year. By 2003, was becoming a very reliable car, as per Consumer Reports. I just hope that Ford decided to sell the Mk III version of the Focus, when it goes on sale soon. From what I have read, this IS going to happen.

I agree with the article for the most part, had they issued the euro-spec car in North America, they would have had a great competitor right as gas prices started creeping up and people started ditching their SUV's

I personally would have cross-shopped the Focus ST with my '05 and given it a good hard look.