Ford Focus Brand Reputation: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 151-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
I've always liked Fords better than most other brands, and this was actually the first Ford I've owned. see full Ford Focus review |
2004 | 4dr Sedan 145-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
At first, there was nothing desirable about the Focus. I had to search and search for its potential and finally started liking it. Then it broke down... twice. see full Ford Focus review |
2002 | 2dr Hatch 130-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
young, trendly, cool see full Ford Focus review |
Ford Focus Brand Reputation: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 2dr Coupe 143-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Early Focus models has some problems. The Focus seems to be marketed almost exclusily towards the younger crowd. see full Ford Focus review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Ford is not exactly thought of as a premium brand. see full Ford Focus review |
2005 | 4dr Hatch 136-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
This is a very good car. However, people look down on Ford. It will take Ford years to regain the image of decent, reliable transport - which is what the Focus excels at. see full Ford Focus review |
2002 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
If you are going to buy a ford sports car why would you buy a focus when you can have a mustang. see full Ford Focus review |
Kia Optima Brand Reputation: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Kia doesn't have the best reputation, though I get the sense that it's slowly improving. Speaking personally, I would have laughed at the idea of buying/leasing anything from Kia even three years ago. However, in that time, I've had two: a 2011 Kia Sportage EX and, now, a 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited. The mediocre brand image is a unfortunate, because if you slapped another make's emblem on this car, people would probably be absolutely gushing over it. As I said, I don't think their image is improving, though. see full Kia Optima review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
poor trade in value but intend to keep long time due to great warranty; Kia discounting cars in USA to gain brand penetration; much better priced here than in Europe for the same car. see full Kia Optima review |