When looking for a new car, buyers are often searching for a vehicle that delivers over 35 mpg and cost less than $20,000. If that fits the criteria of a model you are looking for, USA Today and Cars.com just made it easier to compare such cars

To get the answers, USA Today and Cars.com decided to team up and host an official "Under 20/Over 35 Shootout". First, they had to weed out all of the cars that either cost more than $20,000 and/or delivered less than 35 mpg. That left the two acclaimed companies with only five contenders - including none other than the 2012 Ford Focus.

After three days of testing in the northwest Chicago, the panel of judges ranked the cars one through five. The new 2012 Ford Focus ranked fifth, earning rave reviews for style and handling.

According to Cars.com, "The Focus has been redesigned for 2012 and many of our experts like the new look."¹ The panel also raved, "the focus is nimble"..."at-the-limit handling is stellar"..."It's handling composure and sharp-steering put the others to shame."²

The primary reason, the judges decided not to give the 2012 Ford Focus an even higher ranking is for its "snug confines". Jerry's Ford Alexandria would like to point out, however, that the new model is larger than the outgoing model. And, while it's small, it's extremely fun-to-drive car.

When all is said and done, it really boils down to personal preference. A competing car, which ranked higher, was said to have the "choppiest ride of the bunch."³ We don't know about you, but Jerry's Ford Alexandria would certainly prefer slightly smaller quarters to a choppy ride.

To decide if the 2012 Ford Focus fits your needs, come down to Jerry's Ford Alexandria at 6510 Little River Turnpike Alexandria, VA and take it for a spin. We promise you, all of the positive reviews you've been reading are true.

Also, in case you're wondering... the test family USA Today and Cars.com enlisted for the shootout was comprised of a teen driver and a parent, age 35 or older, with significant weekly driving responsibilities. The logic behind this decision is that this is the demographic for which such economical, fuel-efficient vehicles are made. Their feedback, as you can imagine, was invaluable.

Source: ^1,2,3http://www.cars.com/go/crp/buyingGuides/Story.jsp?section=Passenger&story=compactResult&subject=stories&referer=&year=New