Auto News 5

Y2K was not only the year we all worried about our computers going up in a mushroom cloud of silicon smoke, it was also the year when the Ford Escort was replaced by a hot little car called the Focus. Ford's new compact car was edgy and cute, and it quickly won the hearts of the motoring press thanks to its independent rear suspension and lithe moves. As time marched on, the Focus was reskinned without any substantial changes to its chassis. Twice. As a result, the Focus you could buy brand new last month was as outdated as anxiety over a two-digit year code.