2008 Ford Focus: Tester's Comments
2008 Ford Focus ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $14,395 - $16,925
- Invoice: $13,569 - $15,727
Reviews & Ratings
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Ford Focus
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2008 Ford Focus. See if the 2008 Ford Focus is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2008 Ford Focus |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | SES |
| Arrival Date: | 04/17/2008 |
| Engine: | dohc I4 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door sedan |
| Transmission: | 5-speed manual |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 16,375 |
| Price as Tested: | 19,365 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 2328 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 2853 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 525 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 16.842 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 31.17 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
Advertisement
Major Options
Power Moonroof, Heated Seats, ABS, Traction Control, Ambient Interior Lighting, Spare Tire, Leather Bucket Seats, Satellite Radio.
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.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2008 Ford Focus |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | SES |
| Arrival Date: | 12/20/2007 |
| Engine: | dohc I4 |
| Bodystyle | 2-door coupe |
| Transmission: | 4-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 16,075 |
| Price as Tested: | 18,655 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 3541 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 4535 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 994 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 36.373 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 27.33 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
Advertisement
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
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.
Next Step: Get a price quote from your local dealer ►
