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2008 Ford Focus Quality Review

July 23, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Too many surfaces are cheesy
Car and Driver

Plush ride quality
Edmunds

Cheesy upholstery has been upgraded with a nicer cut of cloth or optional leather that doesn't look like it was recycled
Automobile

Workmanship and assembly quality are good
ConsumerGuide

The 2008 Ford Focus earns compliments for its new interior, but rear seat space and some material choices take their bruises from reviewers.

Car and Driver starts off with the seat comfort of the 2008 Ford Focus, saying, "The front seats are flat and firm but offer little bolstering. Two adults can inhabit the rear, thanks to the sculpted front seatbacks, but climbing back there is a gymnastic feat, because the front seats don't automatically slide forward and there's a hanging seatbelt you'll have to battle your way past." Edmunds notes that the "seats prove supportive for long driving stints"; as for legroom and headroom, ConsumerGuide says that in the Ford Focus 2008, "Legroom is quite good for the class, and headroom is outstanding in models that don't have the sunroof. Headroom is still good in Focuses that do have it."

ConsumerGuide praises the fact that the "cargo area is usefully shaped" in the Ford Focus 2008. But they grumble that "interior storage is merely okay. The glovebox is skimpy, as are the front-door map pockets." The center console storage bin is deep, but its opening is small. They also mention that the subwoofer that comes with the optional audio system infringes on the cargo room.

Edmunds isn't a fan of the materials used in the Ford Focus. They state that the interior is nothing special when it comes to the materials and the design. They even claim that the optional aluminum-like trim highlights are run of the mill. Car and Driver agrees, griping, "too many surfaces are cheesy -- notably the faux aluminum trim, the hard-plastic door inserts and the flimsy trunk carpeting." Consumer Guide says the quality of assembly and workmanship is good, but the interior materials are a disappointment. The aluminum accents are called "silvery plastic trim," which makes obvious Ford's attempt to cut costs. Automobile, however, disagrees, noting the "Cheesy upholstery has been upgraded with a nicer cut of cloth or optional leather that doesn't look like it was recycled. The interior trim fits properly and is finished with attractive textures and gloss levels."

In terms of road noise in the Ford Focus 2008, Edmunds reports that the "interior remains quiet on the highway, as there's little wind or engine noise." And though "road and tire noise makes its way into the cabin," on occasion, "the car is quieter than the previous Focus and quieter than many other cars in its class." Automobile considers "the refurbished Focus surprisingly quiet and smooth-riding."

Conclusion

Top-line materials may be absent, but the 2008 Ford Focus is comfortable and has good headroom.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Too many surfaces are cheesyCar and DriverPlush ride qualityEdmundsCheesy upholstery has been upgraded with a nicer cut of cloth or optional leather that doesn't look like it was recycledAutomobileWorkmanship and assembly quality are goodConsumerGuide The 2008 Ford Focus earns compliments for its new interior, but rear seat space and some material choices take their bruises from reviewers. Car and Driver starts off with the seat comfort of the 2008 Ford Focus, saying, "The front seats are flat and firm but offer little bolstering. Two adults can inhabit the rear, thanks to the sculpted front seatbacks, but climbing back there is a gymnastic feat, because the front seats don't automatically slide forward and there's a hanging seatbelt you'll have to battle your way past." Edmunds notes that the "seats prove supportive for long driving stints"; as for legroom and headroom, ConsumerGuide says that in the Ford Focus 2008, "Legroom is quite good for the class, and headroom is outstanding in models that don't have the sunroof. Headroom is still good in Focuses that do have it." ConsumerGuide praises the fact that the "cargo area is usefully shaped" in the Ford Focus 2008. But they grumble that "interior storage is merely okay. The glovebox is skimpy, as are the front-door map pockets." The center console storage bin is deep, but its opening is small. They also mention that the subwoofer that comes with the optional audio system infringes on the cargo room. Edmunds isn't a fan of the materials used in the Ford Focus. They state that the interior is nothing special when it comes to the materials and the design. They even claim that the optional aluminum-like trim highlights are run of the mill. Car and Driver agrees, griping, "too many surfaces are cheesy -- notably the faux aluminum trim, the hard-plastic door inserts and the flimsy trunk carpeting." Consumer Guide says the quality of assembly and workmanship is good, but the interior materials are a disappointment. The aluminum accents are called "silvery plastic trim," which makes obvious Ford's attempt to cut costs. Automobile, however, disagrees, noting the "Cheesy upholstery has been upgraded with a nicer cut of cloth or optional leather that doesn't look like it was recycled. The interior trim fits properly and is finished with attractive textures and gloss levels." In terms of road noise in the Ford Focus 2008, Edmunds reports that the "interior remains quiet on the highway, as there's little wind or engine noise." And though "road and tire noise makes its way into the cabin," on occasion, "the car is quieter than the previous Focus and quieter than many other cars in its class." Automobile considers "the refurbished Focus surprisingly quiet and smooth-riding." ConclusionTop-line materials may be absent, but the 2008 Ford Focus is comfortable and has good headroom.  2008 FORD FOCUS STYLING | [6 out of 10] MyRide.com: "Undesirable styling" Edmunds: "Bland interior design" Car and Driver: "Styling is revised within and without" Automobile: " Ford's cute child grew into a homely adult" The 2008 Ford Focus is the product of a major redesign of ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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.

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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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