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2008 Ford Focus Full Review
Date Published: 10/25/08
Also in the 2008 Ford Focus Review:
5.
6.
Ford Focus Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Ford Focus Review
The 2008 Ford Focus is substantially updated, receiving fresh styling and new features. Focus comes as a 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan. Hatchback and wagon models are no longer available. S, SE, and topline SES trim levels are offered. The only engine is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with a standard 5-speed manual transmission or optional automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Newly available is Ford's Sync. Sync provides voice control of certain cell phone and MP3 player functions. Sync is standard on SES and available on SE models. Also available are leather upholstery and remote engine start.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 99.4 inches or longer.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.
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2008 Ford Focus Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Handling/roadholding | Gauges can be hard to read in certain lighting |
| Front seat comfort | Available sunroof cuts into head room |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
With Automatic transmission, Focus has just adequate power for highway merging or ascending long grades. The automatic provides timely downshifts. Manual-transmission models feel snappier, with better performance overall.
| SES coupe, automatic | SES sedan, manual | SES sedan, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 4.8 |
With Automatic transmission, Focus has just adequate power for highway merging or ascending long grades. The automatic provides timely downshifts. Manual-transmission models feel snappier, with better performance overall.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, Focus models with automatic transmission averaged 27.3-28.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. A manual-transmission sedan returned a frugal 31.2 mpg. Focus uses regular-grade gas.
| SES coupe, automatic | SES sedan, manual | SES sedan, automatic | Class Average |
| 8 | 9 | 8 | 6.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, Focus models with automatic transmission averaged 27.3-28.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. A manual-transmission sedan returned a frugal 31.2 mpg. Focus uses regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
SES's standard sport suspension and 16-inch tires give a firm but compliant ride. No opportunity to test models with 15-inch tires.
| SES coupe, automatic | SES sedan, manual | SES sedan, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
SES's standard sport suspension and 16-inch tires give a firm but compliant ride. No opportunity to test models with 15-inch tires.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Models tested have communicative steering, plus well-controlled body lean and decent grip in fast turns. At highway speeds, though, Focus is subject to gusty crosswind wander. Braking is stable, but pedal feel is average.
| SES coupe, automatic | SES sedan, manual | SES sedan, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Models tested have communicative steering, plus well-controlled body lean and decent grip in fast turns. At highway speeds, though, Focus is subject to gusty crosswind wander. Braking is stable, but pedal feel is average.
Quietness
Road rumble is marked, and the tires thump over expansion joints. The engine sounds coarse during acceleration but quiets down while cruising. The persistent road and engine noise drown out whatever tire thrum there might be.
| SES coupe, automatic | SES sedan, manual | SES sedan, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Road rumble is marked, and the tires thump over expansion joints. The engine sounds coarse during acceleration but quiets down while cruising. The persistent road and engine noise drown out whatever tire thrum there might be.
Controls
Well-arranged dashboard has mostly intuitive and handy controls. The gauges for the most part are clear, but they can be hard to read in changing lighting conditions. Sync is a hit-or-miss affair. It works fairly well as a voice-controlled system for MP3 players. At times, though, it wouldn't recognize the voices of some of our testers. Sync's cell phone integration isn't as easy to use as some rivals. While its voice command generally worked well, some of Sync's functions, such as pairing a phone to the system, were not very intuitive.
| SES coupe, automatic | SES sedan, manual | SES sedan, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Well-arranged dashboard has mostly intuitive and handy controls. The gauges for the most part are clear, but they can be hard to read in changing lighting conditions. Sync is a hit-or-miss affair. It works fairly well as a voice-controlled system for MP3 players. At times, though, it wouldn't recognize the voices of some of our testers. Sync's cell phone integration isn't as easy to use as some rivals. While its voice command generally worked well, some of Sync's functions, such as pairing a phone to the system, were not very intuitive.
Details
Interior materials disappoint overall. The dashboard on the SES model is dominated by dull, silvery plastic trim, which reeks of cost cutting. Even the available leather trim looks low grade. One test sedan suffered from several misaligned body panels and poorly upholstered rear bench seat.
| SES coupe, automatic | SES sedan, manual | SES sedan, automatic | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 5.2 |
Interior materials disappoint overall. The dashboard on the SES model is dominated by dull, silvery plastic trim, which reeks of cost cutting. Even the available leather trim looks low grade. One test sedan suffered from several misaligned body panels and poorly upholstered rear bench seat.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
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. The seats are generally supportive, though some testers found them to be too flat for ideal long-distance comfort. Large door openings ease entry and exit.
| SES coupe, automatic | SES sedan, manual | SES sedan, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
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. The seats are generally supportive, though some testers found them to be too flat for ideal long-distance comfort. Large door openings ease entry and exit.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Headroom and legroom in the sedan are decent for the class. The sunroof housing does cramp head space for taller riders. In the coupe, smaller adults will fit in the back for short trips. Entry and exit in 2-door models is difficult as the front seats awkwardly slide forward.
| SES coupe, automatic | SES sedan, manual | SES sedan, automatic | Class Average |
| 2 | 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
Headroom and legroom in the sedan are decent for the class. The sunroof housing does cramp head space for taller riders. In the coupe, smaller adults will fit in the back for short trips. Entry and exit in 2-door models is difficult as the front seats awkwardly slide forward.
Cargo Room
The trunklid uses space-saving strut-type hinges. All models have low liftover, plus split folding rear seatbacks for added versatility. The cargo area is usefully shaped, but the subwoofer used by the optional audio system cuts into cargo room. Interior storage is merely OK. The glovebox is skimpy, as are the front-door map pockets. The center console storage bin is deep, but its opening is small.
| SES coupe, automatic | SES sedan, manual | SES sedan, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.9 |
The trunklid uses space-saving strut-type hinges. All models have low liftover, plus split folding rear seatbacks for added versatility. The cargo area is usefully shaped, but the subwoofer used by the optional audio system cuts into cargo room. Interior storage is merely OK. The glovebox is skimpy, as are the front-door map pockets. The center console storage bin is deep, but its opening is small.
Value within Class
Focus feels dated compared with cars such as the Honda Civic and Nissan Versa. The versatile hatchback and wagon that made Focus stand out have been dropped. Still, front-seat room and comfort impress, and pricing is competitive. Ford's Sync voice-activated control system for cell phones and MP3 players is a nice feature for the class, despite a few bugs that need to be sorted. We'd shop elsewhere, but incentives and discounts might make Focus a viable choice for shoppers who put price before everything else.
| SES coupe, automatic | SES sedan, manual | SES sedan, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Focus feels dated compared with cars such as the Honda Civic and Nissan Versa. The versatile hatchback and wagon that made Focus stand out have been dropped. Still, front-seat room and comfort impress, and pricing is competitive. Ford's Sync voice-activated control system for cell phones and MP3 players is a nice feature for the class, despite a few bugs that need to be sorted. We'd shop elsewhere, but incentives and discounts might make Focus a viable choice for shoppers who put price before everything else.
Total Score
| SES coupe, automatic | SES sedan, manual | SES sedan, automatic | Class Average |
| 54 | 58 | 56 | 58.8 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 50 | |
| Average Score | 58 | |
| High Score | 71 |
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2008 Ford Focus Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/24/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| S 2-door coupe | $14,395 | $13,569 | $670 |
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| S 4-door sedan | $14,755 | $13,900 | $670 |
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| SE 2-door coupe | $15,225 | $14,180 | $670 |
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| SE 4-door sedan | $15,585 | $14,508 | $670 |
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| SES 2-door coupe | $16,570 | $15,404 | $670 |
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| SES 4-door sedan | $16,925 | $15,727 | $670 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
S
Powertrain
2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, split folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, rear defogger, intermittent wipers.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 195/60R15 tires, wheel covers.
SE adds to S:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote entry system, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Alloy wheels.
SES adds to SE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, wireless cell phone link, voice recognition, iPod adapter, automatic day/night rearview mirror.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, sport suspension, 205/50R16 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Deluxe Pkg.
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SE
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$395
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$344
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Heated power mirrors, unique interior and exterior trim, fog lights, chrome exhaust tip, sport suspension, 205/50R16 tires.
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Driver's Group
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SE
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$415
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$361
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Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, automatic day/night rearview mirror. Requires Sync.
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Powertrain |
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4-speed automatic transmission
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S, SE, SES
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$815
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$709
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Safety |
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Antilock brakes
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S, SE, SES
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$385
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$335
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Includes traction control.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Power sunroof
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SE, SES
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$625
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$544
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Leather upholstery
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S, SE, SES
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$695
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$605
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SE requires Deluxe Pkg.
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Heated front seats
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SE, SES
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$115
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$100
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Requires leather upholstery. SE requires Deluxe Pkg.
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
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SE, SES
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$350
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$305
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Audiophile AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
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SE, SES
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$645
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$561
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Satellite radio
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S, SE, SES
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$195
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$170
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Sync
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SE
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$395
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$344
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Wireless cell phone link, voice recognition, iPod adapter. Requires Driver's Pkg. Std. SES.
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Remote engine start
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SE, SES
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$415
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$360
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Requires 4-speed automatic transmission, alarm.
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror
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S, SE, SES
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$295
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$259
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror w/universal garage door opener
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S, SE, SES
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$455
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$396
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Includes compass.
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Cruise control
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S, SE
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$215
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$187
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Ambient interior lighting
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SE, SES
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$295
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$257
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Cargo mat
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S, SE, SES
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$70
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$55
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Front floormats
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S
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$30
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$26
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Rubber floormats
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S, SE, SES
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$75
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$67
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Alarm
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SE, SES
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$125
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$109
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Chrome exhaust tip
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S, SE
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$65
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$37
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Std. SES.
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Fog lights
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S, SE
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$355
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$310
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Hood deflector
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S, SE, SES
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$80
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$48
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Limited-use spare tire
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sedan
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$60
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$52
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Ford Focus Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Ford Focus 2-door coupe | Ford Focus 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 102.9 | 102.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 175.0 | 175.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.9 | 67.8 |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.6 | 58.6 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2588 | 2623 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.8 | 13.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.2 | 39.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.7 | 41.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.3 | 38.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.1 | 36.1 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /121 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 140 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 136 @ 4250 |
| Availability | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 24/35 |
| 4-speed automatic | 24/33 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Ford Focus 2-door coupe | Ford Focus 4-door sedan |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 3 | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 3 | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Automatic Transaxle, Heated Seats, Anti-Lock Brakes, Traction Control, 6-CD/MP3, Sony Speakers, Ambient Interior Lighting, Spare Tire, Leather Bucket Seats, Sirius Satellite Radio Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 27.33 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Ed Piotrowski What would have been a really nice small car four years ago struggles to be competitive in 2008. Focus's price is a strong suit, as is the availability of some unexpected features, including a full-size spare tire, remote engine start, and heated exterior mirrors. Ford's Sync system works well for the most part. Its cell phone integration needs a bit of work as it's not as intuitive to use as rival systems, but its MP3 player support is very good. Focus's problems, though, loom rather large. The interior looks bargain basement, and it's not very quiet or refined. Further, its basic platform is nearly 10 years old, and the car feels every bit its age. Though certainly cost prohibitive, it's a shame Ford didn't re-do Focus using the excellent basic design of the Mazda 3/Volvo S40. Tom Appel I'm old, and Sync doesn't like my voice, but I could see this media player/cell phone controller being a must-have for some shoppers. At almost $19,000 our test car is no bargain, but that figure includes Sync, heated leather seats, and automatic transmission. Focus lacks the polish of Civic, but it rides and handles very well, and is always offered with hefty rebates. Focus isn't at the top of my list, but it's worth a look. |
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Major Options: Power Moonroof, Heated Seats, ABS, Traction Control, Ambient Interior Lighting, Spare Tire, Leather Bucket Seats, Satellite Radio. Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 31.17 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Don Sikora The 2008 Ford Focus is an OK compact sedan, not great by any stretch but it's solidly OK. It rides and drives fine for a compact, and the fuel economy is pretty good, but Focus doesn't manage to stand out from the crowd in any one area. The interior disappoints, as do a few missing features like automatic headlights and an outside temperature readout that are standard on every Chevy Cobalt. Our loaded, but 5-speed manual transmission equipped, test car stickered for over $19,000. At that price there are much better choices. Find a modestly optioned example for less than $15,000 and then Focus is worth considering. Tom Appel Lots of noise, budget grade cabin appointments, slipshod assembly quality, and pricing inflated to accommodate big rebates hurt what is otherwise a frugal and relative fun car to drive. It's no Civic, but if you get a good deal, Focus makes sense as budget runabout. |
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Ford Focus Review:
5.
6.
Ford Focus Full Review
7.
8.
9.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
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