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 1 through 10 of 252.00

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  Good Car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Chad Hutchinson - September 6 - 1:43 pm

  Ive had my car for 7 years bought new, longest lasting car Ive owned. Being a home owner I have the same demands for maintenance, so I bought a 5x8 enclosed trailer put a hitch on the focus. Ive pulled 50 sheets of drywall, lumber, ATV up north hunting, Ice fishing, car handles it just fine. Without the trailer Ive drive through 4 inches of fresh snow fall, on federal land. My brother owned one, a guy who was blinded by the evening sun pulled out in front him, he hit him at 60, and walked away! The only reason Im writing this review is because Im looking at buying a newer model, but still keeping the 08 and putting snow tires on it

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  Reliable with minor issues - 2008 Ford Focus
  By willt5 - March 23 - 5:37 pm

  I bought this Focus because it was affordable and was known for being reliable. So far my experience with the car has been good. Ive owned it for about a year and a half and so far have changed the notoriously bad motor mounts and sway bar links. Other repairs that will be needed in the future are the control arms due to the bushings going bad. Car only has 65,000 miles on it and basic parts are starting to wear. Otherwise, it has been fairly cheap to maintain and reliable.

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  Focus legacy - 2008 Ford Focus
  By carguy1654 - August 25 - 5:02 pm

  Purchased my 2008 focus SE last summer. It has been so great! 40 miles to the gallon is a plus. It is actually my 2nd focus my first being a 2000. I put 200k on my 2000 and so far 20k on my 2008. Defiantly a HUGE step up. Way better horse power and very peppy style. I would not be afraid to drive either of them across the country tomorrow. Best compact car on the market. Never had a problem with any of my focuss. In a few more years I will be looking forward to buying a next generation focus

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  very happy with my car , so far - 2008 Ford Focus
  By oneoleqt - July 28 - 12:45 pm

  bought my 2008 ford focus used , replaced a 200 ZX3 that was written off by insurance company . while its not a sports car it does very well in both city and highway driving . over all the car is very comfortable and quiet . the sync system is relatively easy to use but does have some weird things about it , when i use iPod connection and drive to destination and turn off car , upon restarting the sync does not recognize iPod and have to scroll through menu to get it back . sometimes refuses to reconnect . i wish there was a trunk release button in the cabin other than using just the key and the remote fob . but other than that very pleased with it .

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  Very Good Compact Car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By jklag11 - May 26 - 3:09 pm

  Have had my 2008 Focus since 2009 and 9,000 miles. Have about 45,000 miles on it now and am very happy with the car. Provides a nice balance of a soft, quiet ride, and decent handling. I get about 29 mpg on my commute in heavy city driving. On highway trips, have gotten as good as 45 mpg. Sync system is easy to use and links my phone and iPod without problems. Trunk is very good size for a compact car with a nice, wide opening. Would definitely recommend.

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  Good commuter/family car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By sirhawkeye - March 16 - 3:53 pm

  I had a 2008, and 2010 and a 2012 Focus thus far (as of this writing), and I think the 2008 and 2010 are the best of them all. Its not the sportiest car out there, and the dash in the 2008-2011 models looks a little dated) but they are reliable, get good gas mileage, and are safe cars (found out in my 2010 unfortunately). Sync is easier to use in this area (2008-11) than in newer version of the Focus. The 2008-2011 is a good move in the right direction for Ford, especially with the previous generations (2000-04 especially) having issues. I had no problems with either the 2008 or 2010, and I put about 40k on both.

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  Issues with door latches, and truck latch. - 2008 Ford Focus
  By ownerof2focus - June 10 - 12:06 pm

  Bought a 2008 Focus Automatic(why doesnt Edmunds have the automatic as option for review?) brand new. First winter the passenger side door lock froze. 6months into ownership of it the carpet came undone from under plastic door trim on both sides of car. Same issue with "09" too. 2 years in the trunk door latch is blown. We had to rig it so can open from pulling a rope threaded though the fold down back seat. Asked it to be repaired when had it in for service and idiots at shop failed to do anything to it. Havent taken it back. 5yrs old now and back door on passenger side will not latch. Going to have to have it repaired when have the money. Issues with alignment on it and the 2009 too.

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  Updated 5-14-11 now 4-12-13 - 2008 Ford Focus
  By mkrahn - April 12 - 9:49 pm

  Sold her having 72K to her new owner. When sold still no issues and still gets 30 mpg.

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  Good reliable car - 2008 Ford Focus
  By wharpig - January 12 - 1:35 pm

  We bought this car used with 34k miles a few years ago and it hasnt let us down yet. Its a great reliable car that has roughly 80k miles on it to date. I drive 100 miles to work and back mostly highway and get 36-42MPG. I did add a K&N air filter which boosted the MPG about 4-5MPG. Its a nice peppy car for a small car and doesnt feel under powered like alot of smaller cars I have drove. I havent had one problem with the car and would reccomend it for anyone looking for a good gas saver.

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  Not my favorite but Im thankful - 2008 Ford Focus
  By lad87nek - December 31 - 2:02 pm

  Bought this car with 47k miles. Im at 104k now. This car was always dependable as far as starting each morning and getting me where Im going. Now when it came to the doors always opening or buttons that cost 250 bucks to replace breaking... well that was my experience with my focus. The back door mechanisms completely fell apart FOUR times in 2 years. Also had problems with buttons and knobs breaking. My last car was a 1992 and didnt wear down those things so fast. Talk about cheap. But what wasnt cheap was to fix the things that broke. I will say that I was involved in a rollover accident with my focus and totaled it. Rolled it 3 times and walked away unscathed.