I traded my 2000 Ford Focus ZX3 for a Toyota Matrix XRS six weeks ago. I am glad that I did! The Focus was fun to drive and I loved it but it was not reliable. Little things, somewhat annoying, would go wrong, and there had to have been at least five recalls (but that didn't bother me too much, since Ford was paying for them!) However, the last straw for me was when an ignition problem showed up that caused me to be stuck three hours from home on a weekend night...I had to call a 24-hour locksmith and he charged me extra for coming out at night on a weekend. He also told me that this igniton problem was common with the Ford Focus. I later found out that this is true and that Ford knows about the problem but refuses to issue a recall. So I started to look aroudn for a small car that was as much fun to drive as my standard-shift Focus ZX3 but was more reliable. I test drove the Matrix XR and loved it! Then I saw the Matrix XRS on the lot and was sold when I noticed the 6-speed gearshift knob! It has added pep when I need it most (180 HP), and cool standard features such as a moonroof, keyless entry, 6-CD radio player, bumper protector, antilock disc breaks, bigger tires, etc. Mine is a cool phantom gray color. It handles well, drives with pep, and in short, is everything I had been looking for without knowing I was!!! I looked at the Mini, the Element, the Mazda 3, and the VW Jetta, but I think the Matrix gives more value and features for the money. I don't regret my decision to buy it. This is my 8th car and the Focus was the only one that was American. I get some flack for this, but I now feel that I will not buy another American car until they can compete with the foreign car market in terms of more value for the buck.
Amount Paid (US$): 18,500.00
Condition: New
Model Year: 2004
Model and Options: XRS Package