that market sector is so critical, ford had to get the mondeo right. the vectra is just not on the same game, but how many 05 modeos do you see against 05 vectras! ford were outselling the vectra significantly.
the focus I felt (and i have heard others say the same) was always over rated, the 2009 LX I drove last year was falling apart, and in non wearing places too, such as trims on the dash board (itself a very nasty hard cheap plastic) and the trims around the door handles being loose, because they were about 3mm smaller than the opening they 'fitted' into. the 1.8 TDCi was horrible and laggy and the gear ratios poorly chosen. not at all nice.
The tables have turned in the slightly smaller focus sector, and THE car to buy is the Kia C'eed, as good or superior in every way to the focus, with a far better warranty, and cheaper.
the Germans have always managed to sell on badge, but the 3 series is again a relatively decent car, until you see the price. the Merc C class looks superb, but apparently the build quality isn't great. cirtainly the older once i've been in were not as good as you'd like.
Really the only alternative you can really pick against the mondeo is the Volvo V40 / S40 or the Saab 9-3
