2008 Ford Focus [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 35 Focus reviews and test drives.
Ford Focus - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Ford Focus ranks 20 out of 29 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 35 published reviews and test drives of the Ford Focus, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The newly refreshed Focus has improved its standing as an economical small sedan. With newly styled sheet metal, interior refinements and exclusive tech features, the Focus is starting to catch up with some of its import rivals.
The 2008 Ford Focus received some of the biggest buzz of any vehicles in its class. Not only did the new model receive new styling and a modified drivetrain, but Ford debuted the SYNC multimedia system, a voice-activated infotainment system available for all its models.
But our analysis shows new gadgetry has done little to change critics opinion that Ford could do better with the Focus. As USA Today reports, the Focus "might fall off your list because of desirable rivals for about the same price"
Not sold on the Ford Focus? Also consider the Honda Civic's respected reliability, or the utility of the Honda Fit.
- "Classy, pleasant to drive, but crowded in back and lacks safety head restraints in rear." -- USA Today
- "It's more solid and drives like a larger car. But it lacks personality and isn't ever particularly engaging. To torture a sports analogy, it's less a touchdown than a badly needed first down. In this junior league, the Mazda 3 and the new Subaru Impreza may well rain on the Focus's homecoming parade." -- Car and Driver
- "Focus's blend of refinement and design, C-class room at a B-Class price and fuel economy, along with a clean four-cylinder engine, could teach consumers that compromise is not always required when embracing a compact car." -- Autosite
- "The reconstituted Focus forges no new ground and isn't the match of the class-leading Civic in any way." -- Motor Trend
- "The 2008 model is a pretty good commuter car or main car for a small family. … It doesn't quite match a Civic in styling and interior elegance, though, or a Corolla in comfort and smoothness of powertrain. But it has a lot going for it" -- Newsday
- "The new Focus arrives just in time to fit nicely in the growing market for small, economical, competitively priced and refined economy cars." -- Chicago Sun-Times
- "So, yeah, it's a new Focus, but it's not the one we want. In fact, had we been asked what we'd want for the latest Focus, 'old mechanicals,' 'horrifying exterior styling,' and 'no hatchbacks' wouldn't exactly have sprung to mind." -- Automobile Magazine
Focus Performance - 7.3 (Good)
The 2008 Ford Focus gets good reviews for its engine power and better reviews for its handling and driving dynamics. Some reviewers feel that thanks to some mechanical upgrades, the Focus drive has improved. But others say the improvements are not enough to cause ripples in the class. According to Motor Trend, "The Focus has given up its enthusiast notions, but is fun to drive for a price-point machine." Continue with our full Performance Review for analysis of the Focus' modified powertrain and chassis. continue
Focus Exterior - 6.2 (Mediocre)
As our scores indicate, most reviewers are not thrilled with the 2008 Focus' revised exterior. Automobile Magazine says the exterior is "horrifying," and adds that though the "front end is mildly attractive, there isn't a single line elsewhere on the car that doesn't simply shout 'Korean subcompact reject.'" Check out the Ford Focus Photo Gallery to see front, rear and side views of the new Focus in red, or continue with our full Exterior Review to read other experts comments on the Focus' revised body lines. continue
Focus Interior - 7.8 (Good)
Reviewers agree that the 2008 Focus interior is more refined and accommodating, with an exclusive high-tech option, the SYNC multimedia system. The Detroit Free Press says "Sync, which Ford developed with Microsoft, is so good it obscures the fact that the 2008 Focus is an otherwise average update of an aging compact car." Check out the Ford Focus Photo Gallery to view other Ford-centric interior features, or continue with our full Interior Review to learn how the optional SYNC works. continue
Focus Safety - 9.2 (Excellent)
The 2008 Ford Focus received a score of "Good," the highest possible, in frontal offset testing from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2008 model also does well in government crash tests. Continue with our full Safety Review for more information on the Focus' safety scores and standard features. continue
Focus Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2008 Ford Focus reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Ford provides a three-year/36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review for more information on Ford's warranty. continue
