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2008 Ford Focus Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Rex Roy's avatar Rex Roy, Detroit EditorRex Roy

TheCarConnection.com's editors researched Web road tests and stories on the new 2008 Ford Focus to put together this conclusive review. Experts from TheCarConnection.com also drove several different 2008 Focus models, including the coupe and sedan body styles, and offer more insight and details where they help you with your own research. This review also compares the 2008 Ford Focus with other vehicles in its class to give you the best advice even when other reviews present conflicting opinions.

Likes:

  • Improved overall refinement
  • Improved interior design
  • Quiet ride
  • Available SYNC with voice commands

Dislikes:

  • New body lacks style
  • Less sporty suspension
  • No dedicated performance models

Buying Tips:


The subcompact and compact markets are crowded, so there are plenty of choices with offerings smaller and larger than the 2008 Ford Focus, but the Focus is a solid selection. We recommend doing your homework at TheCarConnection.com, and then negotiating with the dealership in your area that has the best reputation for customer satisfaction. Make sure to try out the SYNC system; the commercials make it look like fun, and it could be truly useful--but your phone and MP3 player may not work with it.

The previous-generation Focus was a little car that was fun to drive. Editors at TheCarConnection.com have recommended the car to many for that reason, along with the fact that the cars were reliable and economical. Those recommendations will likely continue, as the 2008 Ford Focus is an improved automobile.

Ford has simplified the Focus range and now offers only a traditional sedan and two-door coupe; gone are the hatchback and wagon. Trim levels include the bare-bones S, the midline SE, and the well-equipped SES. All models share a more refined 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 140 horsepower. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual and four-speed automatic. But these elements are about all that's similar between the 2007 and 2008 models. Curiously, anti-lock brakes are still optional.

At first blush, it's clear that the Ford design team hit the old Focus with a Fusion stick. While the result doesn't look anything like Ford's popular mid-sizer, there is a family resemblance, but the 2008 Ford Focus won't win any beauty contests.

The car is significantly quieter inside, thanks to more than 100 hours in the wind tunnel. Along with some wind noise, the supercheap feel of the previous Focus interior is a thing of the past. The new look is more substantial and dimensional, as evidenced by such detailing as the sculpted rings surrounding the instrumentation. Safety has also been addressed with the addition of standard side and curtain airbags for those up front. The interior also features Ford SYNC, a voice-activated, hands-free communications and entertainment interface that links the car to all manner of phones, PDAs, MP3 players, and portable storage devices. Developed with Microsoft, this $395 option delivers unparalleled device integration. The Focus is the first vehicle to launch with the system, and it works well, depending on your cell phone and how you store your music on your MP3 player. Using SYNC gets easier over time, as you learn the cadence of specific commands. Teenagers should feel immediately comfortable.

One could argue that this major update was too long in coming. The fact is that in this hypercompetitive market, it's high time Ford did something, and the struggling, cash-strapped automaker has finally done so. It is not all new or the excellent European Focus that so many industry insiders wish Ford would bring across the pond (and perhaps should have), but the new model is a better driver carrying big-name technology.

Other Choices:

If you’re interested in the 2008 Ford Focus, also consider:

Reason Why:

The 2008 Ford Focus is up against tough competition. The 2008 Honda Civic offers great variety, such as coupe and sedan body styles and multiple powertrains, including hybrid and natural gas. The 2009 Toyota Corolla is especially attractive in its top trim level, though less so in the base trim. The 2008 Focus also has to compete against the Mazda3, a perennial enthusiast favorite for its handling. Comparatively, the Hyundai Elantra and Dodge Caliber trail this pack in overall refinement and style, and without a Focus SVT model, Ford has nothing to line up against the 285-horsepower Caliber SRT4.

The Bottom Line:

The 2008 Ford Focus isn’t all new, but it is an improvement, and a solid choice if you’re looking for a roomy car that handles well with a base price that starts around $15,000.

TheCarConnection.com's editors researched Web road tests and stories on the new 2008 Ford Focus to put together this conclusive review. Experts from TheCarConnection.com also drove several different 2008 Focus models, including the coupe and sedan body styles, and offer more insight and details where they help you with your own research. This review also compares the 2008 Ford Focus with other vehicles in its class to give you the best advice even when other reviews present conflicting opinions. Likes:Improved overall refinementImproved interior designQuiet rideAvailable SYNC with voice commandsDislikes:New body lacks styleLess sporty suspensionNo dedicated performance modelsBuying Tips: The subcompact and compact markets are crowded, so there are plenty of choices with offerings smaller and larger than the 2008 Ford Focus, but the Focus is a solid selection. We recommend doing your homework at TheCarConnection.com, and then negotiating with the dealership in your area that has the best reputation for customer satisfaction. Make sure to try out the SYNC system; the commercials make it look like fun, and it could be truly useful--but your phone and MP3 player may not work with it. The previous-generation Focus was a little car that was fun to drive. Editors at TheCarConnection.com have recommended the car to many for that reason, along with the fact that the cars were reliable and economical. Those recommendations will likely continue, as the 2008 Ford Focus is an improved automobile. Ford has simplified the Focus range and now offers only a traditional sedan and two-door coupe; gone are the hatchback and wagon. Trim levels include the bare-bones S, the midline SE, and the well-equipped SES. All models share a more refined 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 140 horsepower. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual and four-speed automatic. But these elements are about all that's similar between the 2007 and 2008 models. Curiously, anti-lock brakes are still optional. At first blush, it's clear that the Ford design team hit the old Focus with a Fusion stick. While the result doesn't look anything like Ford's popular mid-sizer, there is a family resemblance, but the 2008 Ford Focus won't win any beauty contests. The car is significantly quieter inside, thanks to more than 100 hours in the wind tunnel. Along with some wind noise, the supercheap feel of the previous Focus interior is a thing of the past. The new look is more substantial and dimensional, as evidenced by such detailing as the sculpted rings surrounding the instrumentation. Safety has also been addressed with the addition of standard side and curtain airbags for those up front. The interior also features Ford SYNC, a voice-activated, hands-free communications and entertainment interface that links the car to all manner of phones, PDAs, MP3 players, and portable storage devices. Developed with Microsoft, this $395 option delivers unparalleled device integration. The Focus is the first vehicle to launch with the system, and it works well, depending on your cell phone and how you store your music on your MP3 player. Using SYNC gets easier over time, as you learn the cadence of specific commands. Teenagers should feel immediately comfortable. One could argue that this major update was too long in coming. The fact is that in this hypercompetitive market, it's high time Ford did something, and the struggling, cash-strapped automaker has finally done so. It is not all new or the excellent European Focus that so many industry insiders wish Ford would bring across the pond (and perhaps should have), but the new model is a better driver carrying big-name technology. Other Choices:If you’re interested in the 2008 Ford Focus, also consider:Honda CivicToyota CorollaHyundai ElantraMazda3Dodge CaliberReason Why:The 2008 Ford Focus is up against tough competition. The 2008 Honda Civic offers great variety, such as coupe and sedan body styles and multiple powertrains, including hybrid and natural gas. The 2009 Toyota Corolla is especially attractive in its top trim level, though less so in the base trim. The 2008 Focus also has to compete against the Mazda3, a perennial enthusiast favorite for its handling. Comparatively, the Hyundai Elantra and Dodge Caliber trail this pack in overall refinement and style, and without a Focus SVT model, Ford has nothing to line up against the 285-horsepower Caliber SRT4. The Bottom Line:The 2008 Ford Focus isn’t all new, but it is an improvement, and a solid choice if you’re looking for a roomy car that handles well with a base price that starts around $15,000. TheCarConnection.com's editors researched Web road tests and stories on the new 2008 Ford Focus to put together this conclusive review. Experts from TheCarConnection.com also drove several different 2008 Focus models, including the coupe and sedan body styles, and offer more insight and ...

Other Choices:

The 2008 Ford Focus is up against tough competition. The 2008 Honda Civic offers great variety, such as coupe and sedan body styles and multiple powertrains, including hybrid and natural gas. The 2009 Toyota Corolla is especially attractive in its top trim level, though less so in the base trim. The 2008 Focus also has to compete against the Mazda3, a perennial enthusiast favorite for its handling. Comparatively, the Hyundai Elantra and Dodge Caliber trail this pack in overall refinement and style, and without a Focus SVT model, Ford has nothing to line up against the 285-horsepower Caliber SRT4.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Ford Focus

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Ford Focus

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Ford Focus near you

See the Ford Focus in Other Years:

2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000

Comments (4 total)

  1. By Galen Gareis #1, Posted: 8/12/2008

    Three stars side impact not on 4 door.

    The four door rates 4 stars side impact, only the two door is 3 stars in the side impact, so the car rates right in there with all the small cars on the market at 4 or better all the way around.
    The interior materials are NOT PVC based so they will outlive the soft touch material that everyone covets,to a bad ending. Ethylene and TPE based plastic is MUCH better wearing and resistant to water and organic stains. If you don't drink hydrocarbons inside your car (oil based liquids), the material will hold up like iron. A fine trade-off in my book as I keep my car 15 years or longer.

  2. By George #2, Posted: 8/15/2008

    Difficult to look at...

    What the... they have done with the Focus? I think that this is Ford's solution to raise F150's sales: Build ugly cars to avoid people buy one.

  3. By Milton Oliver #3, Posted: 8/21/2008

    Technical Support Engineer

    I bought the wife a 2008 Focus SE so far she has put about 1500 miles on it. I find the car to be fuel efficient 29.5 in mixed driving a 35+ on the highway of course this depends upon your driving style. The ride is a bit stiff but the car handles well. Overall we bought the car for economy and price as a daily commuter. We are well satisfied with it, it was the best bang for our buck overall.
    If we wanted a luxury or sports car we would have bought one. So be realistic what do you look for when you buy a car price, economy, performance, reliability etc you get what you pay. Most of all do the research and hop to get all of the above.

  4. By Danielle #4, Posted: 3/4/2009

    lovemycar

    Well, someone said this is nothing but an upgraded Ford ZX2, and your right it is... But a great upgrade if you ask me. I had my little ZX2 for 8 years before it got totaled and this 2009 Focus SE is what I bought to replace it. I am very happy with it for the most part, although it has been in the Dealership repair shop for 2 months of the that I have had it. I do get frusterated with it, but it is the first year of the new design and I have to understand that there will be flaws. But I do love the way it rides, I love the SYNC system, it is very roomy even in the back. My boyfriend is 6' tall and can sit comfortably back there. It has a very quiet engine and handles very well. I feel very safe driving it, and it gets great gas mileage!!! I drive 68 miles each way to work daily, and I could not have made a better choice for the drive!!!

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