2008 Ford Focus Review

The Focus is a compact car first introduced to the U.S. in 2000 to replace the Escort. It’s been around in Europe since 1998, and has since become the most popular car in the United Kingdom. The European version of the Focus is a newer, different generation design than what is being sold in the U.S. The Focus was featured in Car and Driver’s “Ten Best” list from 2000 until 2004.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The new Ford Focus overall isn’t much different than its predecessors, but the little changes add up. Standard side airbags are a much welcome new addition. While the new styling may not suit everyone, it’s certainly distinctive. However, what really sets the new Focus apart is the optional Sync system, which offers an unprecedented level of integration between digital devices.

What’s New For 2008:

The Focus is all-new for 2008. The exterior has been restyled with a new chrome grille, and the interior has been improved. The suspension has been retuned as well. It’s now available as a sedan or a coupe, while the hatchback has been dropped. Also new is the Ford Sync system, resulting from a partnership with Microsoft, which interacts with digital audio players and cell phones for hands-free calling and less distracting music controls.

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power gives the Focus 3 stars for overall mechanical quality. Problems with the first generation include vehicle noise, clogged fuel hoses, water leaks, and heater core leaks. It was recalled eleven times for issues such as loose bolts, corrosion, fuel contamination, and loose nuts. Since 2002, the Focus has had significantly less problems. Expect average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

Government crash test scores are not available. It received a “Good” rating in IIHS frontal crash tests. Side airbags and tire-pressure monitoring are standard. Anti-lock brakes and traction control are standard on the ST, but otherwise optional.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Standard side airbags
+ Available as a coupe
+ Revolutionary Sync system

Cons
– No more hatchback
– Same old platform
– New styling not for everyone

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Toyota Corolla costs around $400 more than the base Focus coupe, and has 14 less hp. The Focus also includes more standard side airbags. The Dodge Caliber costs about the same as the Focus, with eight more hp, but less standard side airbags. The Honda Civic costs about $800 more, with equivalent performance. However, the Civic includes standard ABS and power windows.

What Others Are Saying:

“Why is Sync so great? Besides teens reading their text messages, and making replies without taking hands off the wheel, or Blackberry-tethered executives receiving corporate texts messages on the fly, or simply answering and making mobile calls without even a Bluetooth headset, Sync offers the opportunity to use commute time in novel ways.” – The Auto Channel

“As you can tell, I really like the new Focus. It’s delightful to drive and the Sync system is very cool. Though I will miss the hatchback, the new coupe makes a nice consolation prize and the fact that it gives up virtually no back seat or trunk space to the sedan is an added bonus.” – About.com

“The rest of the overhaul is somewhat uneventful. Though Ford gave the Focus a facelift, it isn’t a ground-up redesign. So you’ll be riding on the same basic chassis that’s underpinned the Focus since it debuted in 2000. The front end is rather fetching-it looks more like a Fusion with a new grille and headlights pulled back at the corners-but overall the styling is rather blase. Plus, Ford shelved the hatchback model for this coupe, a move that makes no sense when you consider the practicality and recent popularity of hatchbacks.” – Popular Mechanics

Read more about the 2008 Ford Focus at the Ford manufacturer web site.