[adamzx5]

(07-06-2011, 05:29 AM)NOS2Go4Me Wrote: People can say what they want, but the first-gens (2000-04) are the purest expression of the Euro Focus in terms of driveability and fun. I'm enjoying my 2000 ZX3 so much (when it's on the road) that I'm already looking for a lower mileage car to transfer everything to in case my extreme Kms (323,000) ever start to really work against me.

I had a 2001 SPI sedan. Handled ok when I was done, but it was an auto and had the SOHC engine. Boat anchor. I also had a 2007 ZX5 SES. Decent, quick enough with intake/tune.exhaust and secondary cat delete but still auto, so slower than it should have been. If it had been a manual, I would have kept it. Long story.

All that said, the first-gens are the best driving experience you'll get out of a Focus, pound-for-pound, until the mod parts start really appearing for the 2012+ which is a return to the Euro-spec Focus... mostly.

I have driven the same car as mine with a stick and I prefer the auto. Ethier way the focus is not really a fast starter , i just love the feel of taking the corners without the body roll. Between 60kmh an 90kmh its the sweet spot (with the overdrive off).