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 51 through 60 of 252.00

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  Satisfied - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Mike Summers - January 24 - 3:10 pm

  I bought this car after I put $120 of gas in my truck and said enough is enough. The car has met all my expectations that I had for the small car. Im 62" and I recently took a day trip and it wasnt bad but I believe it wasnt built for me. I paid $13,650 drive out with no trade-in. I believe buying cars at the end of the month is best. This is my sixth new Ford I have purchased since 1976 and I will continue to by their products. I have checked two tanks fulls of gas for mpg and I have gotten over 33 mpg from both tanks. Its probably 75% highway and 25% around town.

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  Merely adequate - 2008 Ford Focus
  By JR - December 27 - 11:33 pm

  This car is my company car. It has ABS and traction control, as well as Sync. The radio is disappointing - It fades in and out, like the digital receiver isnt always picking up those Fm stations clearly. No static, just high quality sound to all of a sudden poor quality sound. The exterior is not attractive. Ive heard "at least this is better than before." I disagree. I think the old Focus was quite attractive, and Ford should have totally reengineered it (i.e., the new Euro Focus) rather than reskin this one - it just isnt up to par. That being said, I love the traction control; its very reassuring while driving in snow. The interior is functional and attractive, w/ nice lighting.

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  Above Expectations - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Rick - May 4 - 12:10 am

  This is one of the best cars I have ever had. Ive had Hondas, Ford, Isuzu, Nissan, Volvo, GM, Toyota The build quality is exceptional, it is very quiet, the transmission (auto) doesnt hunt for the right gear it seems to just know at the right time to down or upshift. Traction control is very good, the Active Sync is fantastic, the heated seats very good, seating position very good. The ride is pretty good, a little firm ,but I like it a little sporty.

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  Good buy - 2008 Ford Focus
  By retto - March 23 - 9:50 am

  Excellent buy. Plenty of front seat leg room, engine peppy and 37+ mpg on highway (44mpg for one stretch). Solid/comfortable seats, interior very quiet. I wanted a Mustang, but I am very happy with the Focus and it is $13,000 cheaper. I have driven it at sea level and 10,000 ft., it handled just fine. No complaints! The transmission gearings are spaced just right to help keep RPMs down, shifting is easy.

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  Good Compact Car! - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Rich - January 27 - 5:46 pm

  We are big "researchers" when making a car purchase. We looked at all the compact cars on the market in terms of price, reliability, styling, etc. For the money, the Focus was the best. It is fun to drive, nice styling, roomy, and so far, very reliable. Also good gas mileage.

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  Cheap and good mileage - 2008 Ford Focus
  By roper-girl - November 4 - 7:26 pm

  Had car for about 3 months. Great affordable car with good mileage. I get 32 town and 35 highway driving 60 MPH. Lots of road noise, having transmission concerns. Visually appealing design inside and out. Much better quality and ride than other comparable vehicles in its class. Would recommend if you are looking for a really affordable new car that gets decent mileage.

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  Needs a little improvement - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Doreen - August 10 - 3:36 am

  1st new car in 20 years. Good gas mileage without having to get a hybrid. Like the stadium seatting for the back seat. Roomy trunk for a small car.

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  Focus Lives Up - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Bill - March 19 - 2:16 am

  This car does exactly what I expected it to do. Delivers very acceptable ride and performance with exceptional mpg. No issues or dissapointments. Just utilitarian transportation at a very reasonble expense.

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  In a niche of its own - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Jasen S. - November 19 - 8:56 am

  It lacks the ergonomic perfection of the Civic, the driving dynamics of the 3, and the eternity and a half warranty of the Elantra, yet the Focus brings to the compact table a truly unique set of attributes.It has an amazing set of features (bluetooth, usb, sirius etc), great steering, mid-size ride comfort, a vault like chassis, and admirable fuel economy. On the debit side, the taller than average ride height limits its toss-ability through curves, and the interior could use fewer expanses of silver plastic. All told, with the benefit of 3500 in factory incentives, the Focus presents an overall value and feature set unique to the market. Thumbs up Ford.

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  2008 Ford Focus: Best Bang for the Buck - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Dave R - July 9 - 5:40 pm

  I purchased my Focus S Coupe mainly for the gas mileage, as the price at the pump was over $4/gal at the time. I test drove an automatic first, then a manual, and settled on the 5-speed, as it literally left the automatic for dead at stoplights. What is more, the manual seemed to hunt between its two top gears with an annoying frequency. This is not a problem when you stir your own gears. Having owned mostly European cars, I was pleasantly surprised with the up-high seating position of the Focus. I also like the steering feel, as it lacks the numbness of so many American cars I have driven. Performance is pretty decent for a car of this type, and the engine is well behaved at all speeds.