Ford Focus vs. Fiesta, opinions on what I should get?

[BobWolp]

I am getting a new car in a few months and I want either the Ford Fiesta or Focus. They are both really good on gas mileage and I am going to get a manual. I cant spend more than 18000 dollars and the focus is making that difficult so I do not know if I should be cheap and go with the Fiesta, which I like, or the Focus, which is nicer. Im a taller person than what would be considered average height so I do not know if the Fiesta would be too small. Opinions on each car?

 

[Decided]

I've just test driven both of them as I'm in the same boat and my vote goes to the Focus. It is better built by far and the drive is a lot smoother. I know I'd be giving up a bit on fuel economy, my insurance will be higher and I will have to pay a little more for it, but in the long run I think I would be a lot happier with the Focus.

I really wasn't impressed with the build quality on the Fiesta. The interior isn't anywhere near as nice as the Focus which felt sturdy by comparison. I also didn't like the fact that I was getting drum brakes on the rear of the Fiesta which is quite common on cars in it's class. The Focus is more powerful, the gearbox is much nicer to use. The only complaint I had was that the center console armrest gets in the way of gear changes, but it is something I could overcome. I did enjoy the drive in the Fiesta though. It felt like you could throw it around in corners and it would be fine, but I certainly wouldn't fancy getting into an accident in it over the Focus. The seats in the Focus are SO much more comfortable with greater lateral support for those spirited corners. Just my two cents, but I'll be getting the Focus for sure.