 As far as I'm concerned...I think that Ford has a excellent car in the Focus.  It has a lot of pep, and gets good gas mileage.  I've done two tests so far and have reached 32 mpg on average.  Thats about 70% stop and go 30% highway.  You can pay 3-6K more for a Honda or Toyota ... but what you are really paying for is the history that it's reliable.  I'd take the 3 year 36,000 mile warranty then my chances afterwards...and pocket the $6,000.