Ford Focus vs. Hyundai Elantra vs. Toyota Corolla

[Muscletang]

Yesterday I went around and looked at several cars and these are the ones I'm strongly considering in the future. I got to drive all of them except the Corolla but I'm sure it's pretty much like the other two.

Each has their pros and cons but it's hard to pick.

Reliablity I think would go to the Toyota with the Hyundai coming in second and then the Focus. While driving the Focus yesterday a linkage from the shifter to the transmission came loose. The car only had 18 miles on it when that happened. The thing is I get online and I see very good reviews for the Focus which are almost equal to the Corolla and the Elantra is dead last.

Looks I think go to the Focus with the Elantra coming in second and the Corolla dead last here. I just like how the Focus looks and the Elantra has a BMW look to it.

Gas milage which is why I have looked into this market is a big thing for me. I'd guess they're all even but I'm not really sure.

Service plays for me because I like to work on my own car. I think the Focus is ahead here because it's American. I've read on the Elantra you can't change your oil because you need an oil drain plug gasket that you can only get from the dealer. It's little things like this that are all over the Elantra that get to me. The Corolla I'm not sure about but I think it's between the Focus and Elantra.

Aftermarket is a thing to consider to. Now I don't want to go putting fart cans and big wings on this thing but little things here and there on the body to make it stand out and look halfway nice I'd like to do. Also, I'd like to put some things into the engine, not that it'll make it a 10 second car but make it run good for what it is. I'm going to be driving this car for 5 years so I'd like it to look nice and be a bit quick.

I'm just curious as to what you guys think about these cars. I'd also like to know if you guys have any input about them because any little bit will help me a WHOLE LOT. I like all of them, think they're all very fun to drive, and they're the kind of car I'm looking for, for college.

Anway what's your pick in these catagories. I'm going to put down what I think.

Reliablity - Corolla, Elantra, Focus
Gas milage - Corolla, Focus, Elantra
Service - Focus, Corolla, Elantra
Aftermarket - Focus, Corolla, Elantra
Looks - Focust, Elantra, Corolla

[BlackGT2000]

Everything I have ever seen about the focus is good. I am surprised that the shift linkage broke on you, but I am sure it was under warenty at that point anyway. Not that the other cars are bad(I haven't actually driven the hyundai) but in my opinion I would go with the focus.

[k3smostwanted]

well the toyotas reliabilty may be better but Hyundai has that 10 year 100k mile warantee so they obviously are very confident in their cars build quality.

i have never heard of that oil plug gasket or whatever...my grandparents own an elantra and they get their oil changed a "Goodyear" and have never had a problem.

i think modifying an elantra could easily turn in to a disaster. i just cant picture it being anything other than a car to get to and from work...

i really cant say what i would choose because i have never thought about and hopefully i never will...

if you like working on your car and such...why not go used and get something with good gas mileage but a little more edgy. maybe a used SVT focus??? i have no idea about price comparison but i couldnt imagine it would be too far off. and i think those look very nice from the factory and pretty quick for whats it is...

[BlackGT2000]

The best competition for the SVT Focus would be the Civic SI. I do like the SVT though.

[illegal_eagle187]

yeah the SVT is awesome

[Jimster]

Go for a Focus. The Corolla and Elantra epitomise Automotive mediocrity. They'll get you around reliably, but lack the flair, handling and sheer boldness of the Focus.

Alternatively, the Mazda3 is a pretty damn nice car, as is the Mk5 VW Golf (When it arrives in the states if it already hasn't)