Anyone own a Ford Focus?

[Blazr]

I'm thinking of getting a Ford Focus ZX3, the two door hatchback model, probably a 2000 to 2004. I'm looking for the comforts so it will be an automatic.
I've seen the gas mileage ratings for the car and they are in the mid to high 20's. If you own a Focus , what are you getting for gas mileage? I have heard of some drivers that are getting high 30' to low 40's. These seem to be the rare exception so I'm wondering if it is possible to get this type of mileage. I will be driving it conservatively and will put on an air dam and grill block.

What do you think I can realistically expect for gas mileage and is this a car I should seriously consider, or look for something else?

[Ford Man]

I don't have a Focus, but I have a '96 Contour and unless I'm mistaken it has the same engine as the Focus (2.0L DOHC). In the Contour with a 5 speed manual transmission I get 30-34 MPG in local driving and I've got as high as 40 MPG on the highway.

[redorchestra]

i have a 2007 zx5 and i just recently broke 40mpg. i really have to work hard for it though. i have heard that foci in the early 2000 range eat tires, but i dont really know why.

[HydroJim]

I own a 2000 Ford Focus zx3. It's pretty easy to break 30 mpg while on the highway, but if you try to keep your speed down and do a few mods, 40 mpg is a pretty easy target. I have the manual so your highway MPG should be better with the automatic. It varies from car to car, but I would expect about 35 mpg fairly easily.

[Sporty Modder]

My inlaws had a 04 focus auto they got 34-36 mpg consistently. Both very aggressive drivers to.

[gone-ot]

...we have a 2003 Focus ZX5 with the Calif Zetec 2.0L engine and automatic transmission that we inherited from our daughter in California...currently being used by my sister. Nice little car.