I am not going to be long winded, but while living in Belgium I bought a 2001 Focus ZTS through Diplomatic sales (US spec). From 2001 through 2005 it accumulated 55,000 miles. I picked it up in Bremerhaven Germany I drove the car through out Europe with my family, four of us. The only time I had any trouble was coming back from southern Spain I had two cases of wine, 1 case of brandy and luggage. (I got a little wheel scrape). It had no problem reaching 110 mph on the autobaun or climbing the alps in Italy. I brought the car back to the US with me and just sold it so I could get an Edge. You can't go wrong with the Focus I am sure it has gotten better if that is possible