I have 2007 ford focus. I do 2 hours of highway driving everyday. Really feel the wind from a transport blow the car. Doesn’t seem to hug the road well. Has anyone else had this issue. Also looking for suggestions for better vehicle.
Focus is small and light. For snow, highway driving at a moderate price…NOTHING beats a Subaru. The awd helps cross wind resistance, handling and winter traction with good tires. A use Impreza if you want to stay small would do the trick. Any heavier car with snow tires and traction control would too…like Fusions, Accords, Camrys, Malibus etc.
I like the bigger car option in 4 cyl.
Friends that have Jettas say they are heavier and don’t feel the wind from the trucks push them sideways. Would they be a good choice??
Snow has three issues. One is moving the car. The second is stopping the car and the third is controlling the car’s direction. Most people think if terms of the first, getting the car moving and keeping it moving, the most important however stopping the car and controlling it’s direction. Getting stuck is inconvenient, Loosing control can be deadly.
There is nothing wrong about looking for a car that will go in the snow, but don’t neglect part two.
Winter tyres may be far more important than the choice of car.I have a simular VW and with winter tyres it handles snow well. Likely not as good as, say a Subaru might, but quite good. That said, driving experience is also very important. That includes knowing when to quit.
Good Luck
Have 20 years of winter driving experience - live in Southwestern Ontario. This by far feels the lightest on winter roads. After a nasty scare last week (transport almost blew it in ditch) put Dunlop Graspic 3’s on. The ass end of the car feels like it has a mind of it’s own. Definately am not a heavy footed driver. Commuters that I travel with don 't exactly feel safe anymore and they could feel start to go. Just not as happy with it anymore.
Perhaps there is an alignment issue.
Had alignment checked in the fall when the brakes were serviced.
An added thought. The Focus is a small car with excellent head room. I would think it makes for a higher profile and less tolerable to cross winds. Designers can’t make everyone happy. Cars with lower roof line and better aerodynamics or one with more weight.