by S.J. Watson

Created on: April 19, 2008   Last Updated: April 22, 2008

There are pros and cons to owning a Ford Focus ZX5. The Ford Focus ZX5 is a 4-door hatchback version of the Ford Focus sedan. There are also ZX3s which are 2-door hatchbacks. I personally own and operate a 2005 Ford Focus ZX5, so I can honestly testify to its worth! From my point of view, here are the pros and cons of owning the ZX5.

PROS:
1. Good gas mileage

The ZX5 gets about 34 mpg highway mileage, and around 28 mpg city mileage. It does not put too much of a strain on your pocket when it's time to fill the gas tank up at the pump, since there is only a 12 gallon gas tank in it.

2. Easy to see out of
It is very easy to see out of the ZX5, for adults and children alike! This is especially nice when you have an inquisitive child who is easily bored on road trips...they can watch out the windows and see the trees and telephone poles whizzing past their windows (along with many other things, of course!). It is also very easy for the driver to see out when he/she is backing up, and to tell the position of your tires on the road.

3. Easy to handle, good in all weather conditions
The ZX5 is very easy to handle while driving! It rides nicely (although a little bumpy at times) and does exactly what you want, when you want! This car goes very well in the snow - as long as you have good winter tires on it.

4. The hatchback
The hatchback trunk is a very nice feature! The trunk is a pretty good sized area for a smaller car. If you need to haul bigger things, the back seat folds down to open up that area even more. I find it so easy to load and unload my groceries, cooler, or stroller with the hatchback being flat...you don't have to lift everything up and over to get it in the trunk. This is very important if you're a mom who is always on the go!

CONS
1. Seating
The Ford Focus ZX5 is a five passenger vehicle. There is plenty of leg room in both the front and the back, but if you have younger children who ride in infant or child car seats, it can get a little uncomfortable if your car is filled to capacity with people...say one child seat and 2 adults in the back.

2. Lighting in back
Another con, which has very MUCH to do with children, is the lighting in the back. Simply put, there are no lights in the rear seating area of the vehicle. This can be tough if you have children who are always needing the light for one reason or another!

3. Odd Tire Size
When we bought our car, we did not even consider having to someday replace the tires. This car comes with 16" low profile tires. If you

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