car dilemma

So, here's the dilemma. Wouldn't you know it, no sooner had we purchased the new Suburban...and yep, Keith's car died. Died as in stopped on the interstate dead in its tracks. I had the fun job of towing it home. Ugh.

So, tell me what you know about a reliable, guy driving 50 miles each way to work type of car. We wanted a Chevy Cobalt, but we really need to NOT take a loan for this car. Check these out:

We got your basic Chevy Cavalier: white, plain jane, $4400.

Then, we've got your basic Ford Focus, grey plain jane, $4800.

Both have about the same mileage, have cold AC (mucho importante here in Phoenix), etc. So, opinions?

And, thanks for helping me test my comments last week. I think we are all figured out. Oh, and one more thing - help me out with the consumer reviews today and I will post a fun consumer review for YOU tomorrow. Deal?

Later.

Comments

[Marilyn Nimmo]

I have heard great things about the Ford Focus in the past. No personal experience with either one.

[Meghan Kesti]

chevy cavalier!! :)

[brianna b]

i don't know for sure, but if i remember from single days, focus was kinda rough riding and a little loud..but this is probably newer. cavalier? seems honda/toyota drives long for a car..that's what I'd look at probably.

[Sharyn]

we loved our cavalier - would definitely get another one

[calamityjane]

I own a Ford Focus and LOVE IT!! I get about 30+ mpg on the open road (I think that qualifies as 50 miles a day to work!!). and 27+ in town. It's roomy enough to haul some kids (not 8 but some!!) and when you lay the back seat forward you can haul longer items thru the trunk. I've not had one problem with mine!! This gets my vote!!

[Jen shears]

I don't have personal experience with either, but I can tell you a story of 2 2002 cars- one a ford, one a Chevy... The ford needed a new transmission, and started to implode at 89k miles. The Chevy is still running strong with 125+k miles... Both were maintained well. That's my 2 cents!
Good luck!

[Kristen M]

Can't comment on the Focus, but I had a Cavalier for years that ran well-the only reason we got rid of is was because we were having twins and it was only a two-door.

[Lindsay Moreno]

I drove the cav as a rental car a few years back and HATED the way it drove. it was loud and felt unsafe. I do like the focus though. Hope that helps!

[Suzanne Schmidt]

I had a cavalier several years ago and loved it! my family still talks about missing that car..! I'm sure either car will be fine, but good luck with whatever you decide.

[Cynthia B.]

I don't know much about the Chevy Cavalier, but my husband just got a Ford Focus and LOVES it. It's a 4-door sedan like the one you show here, but not sure what year you're looking at. My hubby did a lot of research before buying his car - Consumer Reports was his friend...so I tend to think the Focus was more highly-rated than the Chevy.
Whatever you decide, good luck! It stinks to break down on the road!!

[kim b]

We bought my daughter a used focus her junior year in high school. She commuted to eastern Michigan University for 4 years and now will take it to grad school with her. great car over a 160,000 miles and still going ( fingers crossed for 2 more years:))

[Sherry Eckblad]

I own a 2005 Ford Focus that we bought brand new and absolutely love it. No problems with it and great gas mileage.

[Michelle Bazeley]

I had two Fords and both had transmission problems, especially once they reached 100,000 miles. I has a Chevy Malibu and LOVED it!

I hope you figure it out, car shopping is so stressful! I drive cars into the ground, and I buy cheap cars, too! lol

[sally]

We had a Ford Focus that my husband drove 50+ miles a day to and from work and I would say to avoid getting one. Highway driving is similar to sitting in a tin can. Worse, when it rains (yes, seldom I know) the car handles poorly.

[Sue]

We are driving a 2000 Taurus and know it's time is coming to an end so we have driven quite a few other cars. We've driven the Focus a couple of times and find it easy to drive, easy on gas and very similar to the Taurus. Sorry I'm not help with the Cavilier as I don't think we've driven one of those. Good luck on the replacement work car.

[Ally]

I have never seen a Ford last...with all the driving K. does, don't you want to look at a nice Honda? :)

[{vicki}]

Cavalier!

[Linda K]

Well I have the 2010 silver Ford Focus and absolutely LOVE it!!! I feel very safe in it and don't feel like I'm practically sitting on the ground like I do when riding in my son's Subaru. We have had Fords forever and have been very happy.
PS-my hubby has a Mustang but he loves driving my car too.

[photochic]

My dad is a mechanic and he drives a Chevy Cavalier (looks just like the one in the photo!) 80 miles a day. It does great. Never had any problems. I'm partial to the Chevy!

Oh- and by the way, I'm wanting a Chevy Cobalt. They're so CUTE!!! :)