Overview & Reviews

While not completely new, the Ford Focus gets a significant refresh for 2008. Many of the mechanical components are unchanged, but the car gets a new look inside and out. Ford's hands-free Sync communications system is added to the options list and the base 2.0-liter engine gets a slight power increase. The 2.3-liter engine is dropped, as are all wagon and hatchback versions. A coupe version of the Focus is also new for 2008.

• Plush ride quality, responsive steering, simple controls, very good fuel economy, quiet interior, low price.

• Bland interior design and materials on most models, no rear headrests.

User Reviews:

Showing 181 through 190 of 252.00

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  Quietest and most refined ride in class. - 2008 Ford Focus
  By rower30 - November 29 - 8:16 pm

  Handling, gas mileage, ease of oil changes (oil filter and drain are directly under the engine so oil goes right in the drain pan). The 100,000 service intervals (chain cam drive, not expensive to replace belts) are nice. A very quiet stable ride, excellent engine noises (revs well and sounds good doing it) and generally pleasing looks inside and out won us over the others cars we reviewed. The five-speed transmission gets good marks and surprisingly, the auto version feels spritly, too. With the highest torque (136 ft-LB) at the lowest RPM (4250RPM) and almost the highest HP (140) at the lowest RPM (6000RPM) this engine matches to an auto better than the rest, too.

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  One happy customer - 2008 Ford Focus
  By scenicdrive - November 18 - 9:53 pm

  We just returned from a 4200 mile road trip with mpg as high as 43 as low as 37mpg with 3 people & luggage. (Did you know that the speed limit on Interstate 10 is 80mph in Texas?) This car met all objectives, mpgs, comfort, price and not bad to look at. Fun to drive with manual trans.1st choice was a Toyota Corolla, but for $3k less, the Ford Focus feels really smart.

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  Very Impressed with the New Focus - 2008 Ford Focus
  By NormanG - November 13 - 9:33 pm

  I was originally interested in the Fusion but dragged my feet a while. Now I am glad I did when the 08 focus came out I saved a lot. The Focus sync system is very cool I have an MP3 player and it works even without batteries in it. I do not have a blue tooth phone but a friend does and we tested it out with his also very nice. If I ever get a Bluetooth it will be a really nice feature. The looks are fun and the ride is great. Very quit overall I was very impressed! I test a Cobalt Corolla and Civic after I decide to go with this class of car. I really thought the Focus won hands down.

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  Better than even I expected - 2008 Ford Focus
  By RONG - November 10 - 1:03 pm

  After 9 years of selling fords I finally bought one for myself to drive to work everyday. My wife has 2 of our products, the oppurtunity has just not come around for me. This car blows me away in quality, quietness, and value. I love the manual tranny. It is twice the car I expected it to be. Very low maintenance. Pay attention to the lack of timing belt. I bought a base car because I dont need the frills. A huge improvement over the prior model, although those have been very very good since 2005.

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  Glad I went back to Ford! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By lbluke333 - October 29 - 7:33 pm

  Just purchased my new Focus in red about 2 weeks ago. I absolutely love it. I use the AC all the time and dont really take it easy on the gas pedal and I still average about 37 mpg driving about 8% highway miles. Its really fun to drive and it looks really sporty which is awesome. I got the 5 speed tranny which is so smooth when shifting. With no extras I walked away paying just over $13,000 with dealer rebates. The only gripe I have so far would have to be that there is no trunk release on the inside and the S model doesnt offer keyless entry. But overall I love the car and dont regret the purchase whatsoever.

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  An amazing little car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By miwico - September 19 - 9:56 am

  I think this car has more going for it than any compact car out there. The drivers seat is very comfortable and for the first time in my life I have a new car with no rattles or squeeks. The handling is great, passive rear wheel steering is obviously designed into this vehicle rear suspension giving it cornering ability and traction that I have only experienced in more expensive cars. The engine is very quiet at any speed and accelerates with vigor although passing can be a little taxing on the 2.0. Transmission shifts are perfect with no hunting between gears. Sync, all I can say is that Ford and Microsoft, two companies that sometimes deservingly get a hard time from consumers have a hit!

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  2008 Ford Focus SES (5 Speed) - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Jesse - August 17 - 5:30 pm

  Nissan lover who turned to Ford! I loved my 200SX SER for many years, but needed to buy a Truck. Throughout the years, I longed for a fuel efficent, sporty, compact 2 door coupe like I once had. Out of the blue, I thought Id take a chance on a 2007 Focus SE, and enjoyed owning it. When the 2008 Focus came out, I got excited, and I knew I had to "upgrade." The Focus is fun to drive, and its even better with a manual tranny. I have been very happy with my purchase. Ive read a lot of "Car Critics" review of the Focus, and they bash Ford at every angle minus the Sync system. Critics only like Japanese compact vehicles! For the price, you cant beat all the great features Ford offers.

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  What a solid car! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By toyota tech - July 6 - 3:40 am

  First off I have been a Toyota master tech for 8 years. I drive cars all day long and I must say I drove the 2008 Ford Focus and was totally amazed at how quiet, great handling, steering and smooth shifting. I bought this car due to having the best of everything, tons of options not even offered from Toyota better price (even with my discount). The car has the same technology under the hood as a Toyota and beats it hands down. Thanks Ford, great job!

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  Talk about getting bang for the buck! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By NewFocusFan - June 24 - 1:33 am

  This car totally rocks. For less then 18k I have Bluetooth for the phone and the best voice recognition system on the market. The USB port that takes darn-near every media player- without a special cable (you use your normal USB)is outstanding. It even plays songs off of a thumbdrive if you dont have a Zune or ipod! It is very snappy around town, and fine on the highway- the seats are very high and the headroom is remarkable.

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  A great affordable small car! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By F B - May 18 - 8:26 am

  I bought this car about three weeks ago and so far I am very impressed. The Focus is a very responsive, quiet, comfortable and fun to drive car. I test drove a Nissan Sentra 2.0 and a Toyota Corolla Ce and neither were as good as the Focus. It is a small car so obviously fuel economy is great. I am an 18 year old car enthusiast and can tell you that this car is a lot of bang for the buck. I have also noticed that the quality of the interior compared to my buddys old Focus is much improved. I highly recommend this car to any young buyer who is looking for a fun and affordable small car