[Admiral_Stones]

Had to basically gaurantee i won't get laid for the next month to be allowed to be the one driving it despite the fact that i'm the better driver, am paying for it, etc.

damn wives... but here it is

click for full size 0% compressed 3648x2736 JPEGs (about 7-8mb each for the big version)







it's a 2003 Ford Focus ZX5 with about 62300 miles on it

Not like the other idiot who bought a ****ing 400 HP ride he won't use anyways.

[vyper]

Thunder, buy the 1.4 and your insurance will be fine.

[IceFire]

I really do want a Focus actually Kazan, trouble is I'm still a new driver so I couldn't afford the insurance on the damn things. It'll be VW Polos, Ford Fiestas or Pug 106s for me I think!

You European folks also enjoy a FAR superior Ford Focus than we do.  We don't get that platform of Focus in North America until 2010 or 2011 when they are supposed to unify the products.

If Ford sold the Mondeo here...I'd be all over that one.

So far my own attempts to buy a car have failed because my top choice, a Honda Civic, failed because it wasn't comfortable enough for my long legs/normal length arms.  So did choice 2 with the Mazda3.  So I'm looking bigger...could never consider anything as small as the Honda Fit or Toyota Yaris which is similar to the Fiesta or VW Polo in size...just wouldn't fit in there comfortably.  Also...I spend all of my time driving on country roads or highways and far fewer on actual city roads.  There you need something a bit bigger and more capable in the snow with a wider track just in case you get caught with some ice or slick surfaces.

[colecampbell666]

That'd be good in snow.

You might consider a Saturn Ion (or whatever they call it now) if you're looking for something budget. M mom has the precursor (a 300 or somehing). It's very reliable, (our 2002 has never needed an engine repair, and is very good on gas (60 mpg). the only thing about it is the fact that it guzzles oil. A very good car.

[Stealth]

60mpg???

[colecampbell666]

Actually about 28 city, 35 hwy.

[IceFire]

Ion is being replaced by the new Saturn Astra...much more stylish

I'll also be checking it out.

[Woolie Wool]

I was talking about the new one, it is much better. Here

and yet.. still looks like a pile of ****


and i'd NEVER buy a brand new car.. and will smack anyone foolish enough to do so

Well, someone had to buy that car of yours new back in 2003. And many people prefer the higher reliability and (much) lower interest of a new car.

Also, I find it very odd that you describe the cargo space in metric units while the photos show a US-market Focus...

Ion is being replaced by the new Saturn Astra...much more stylish

I'll also be checking it out.

Making Saturn into a US distributor of Opel was the best idea GM has had in years.

[Kazan]

motor trend uses metric units

[colecampbell666]

Making Saturn into a US distributor of Opel was the best idea GM has had in years.

So that's what they're on about with their ad campaign:

The new Saturn:
European Styling
European Handling
European Engine
European Interior
European Stereo
European In-Flight Meal
European Bathroom

[IceFire]

Something like that

Its a good move...brings some unique vehicles to the table.  The Astra and Vue are european in look and feel.  Saturn was meant to be an import fighter from the start and this seems like a good way to try and make it happen.

[Woolie Wool]

Making Saturn into a US distributor of Opel was the best idea GM has had in years.

So that's what they're on about with their ad campaign:

The new Saturn:
European Styling
European Handling
European Engine
European Interior
European Stereo
European In-Flight Meal
European Bathroom

Yeah, that's correct. The Saturn Astra is a German car.

[Roanoke]

Traditionally, Saturns have had Polymer body panels (as apposed to Steel) so while they look like Opels/Vauxhalls they're actually quite different. Not sure if that's the case with the Astra as it's a stop-gap untill the next hatchback arrives in a couple of years. I quite like the Red-Line Ion though I've only ever seen pictures of it.

I really do want a Focus actually Kazan, trouble is I'm still a new driver so I couldn't afford the insurance on the damn things. It'll be VW Polos, Ford Fiestas or Pug 106s for me I think!

The Focus has always been really good for insurance.
Nice cars. Much better than the old Escort. Not a fan of modern cars but if I were I deffinetely get a Mk1 Focus. Don't like the new one. Too big and generic.

Power: SAE and 97 kW , 130 HP @ 5,300 rpm; 135 ft lb , 183 Nm @ 4,500 rpm

From the motortrend link. Surprising, as American versions of European models tend to be detuned.

[colecampbell666]

Traditionally, Saturns have had Polymer body panels (as apposed to Steel)

Yup. This is good though because the panels crumble and minimize damage to the rest of the car. Especially when woman drivers (my mom) go into the ditch.

[Woolie Wool]

Traditionally, Saturns have had Polymer body panels (as apposed to Steel) so while they look like Opels/Vauxhalls they're actually quite different. Not sure if that's the case with the Astra as it's a stop-gap untill the next hatchback arrives in a couple of years. I quite like the Red-Line Ion though I've only ever seen pictures of it.

I doubt there will be any more Saturn in-house small cars. The old ones were low-quality and unpopular, and Saturn has been by and large a failure. The days of plastic Saturns are over. The replacement for the Astra will probably be another Astra.