2008 Ford Focus Miami FL
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2008 Ford Focus
November 3, 2009 By Alison Lakin, Associate Editor
2008 Ford Focus
DriverSide Overview
The Ford Focus has consistently been a winner for Ford, competing well against compact sedans and coupes like the Honda Civic , Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla . These economical front-wheel drive vehicles include a large amount of standard features for their price, great gas mileage and ‘a la carte’ options that allow buyers to pick and choose trimmings to suit their needs and lifestyles. The Focus, long overdue for a ground-up redo, has had some nips and tucks here and there for 2008, resulting in an update to its running parts and a completely redesigned exterior and interior. With a base price that’s lower than most of its Japanese rivals and technology options that are usually reserved for more high-end cars, the Focus stands out from the pack, hoping to continue its tradition of appealing to those looking for a comfortable, well-built entry-level car.
What's to Like
With only one interior and exterior measurement varying between the Focus Coupe and Sedan - the sedan has 1.6 inches more rear hip room - buyers won’t sacrifice space or comfort buying the body type they prefer. The low base price and three trim styles mean there’s something for everyone’s budget. The Sync system, a voice activated phone and audio integration package, is unmatched by competitors and the best we’ve seen in the industry.
What's Not to Like
The coupe’s heavy doors may be wide enough to allow comfortable access to the rear seats, but their heft makes them difficult to close. Hard plastics throughout the interior diminish the sporty styling of the cabin. The front headroom is a little tight for those over six feet tall.
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
Ford’s entry-level compact car doesn’t disappoint on the road. The Focus displays a fine balance of practical drivability and zippy excitement. Power is dispersed most effectively around 3,000 rpm and, while the Focus is more than capable around town, it also feels dynamic at freeway speeds. Even pushing the engine hard, the Focus never seems phased, remaining responsive as the needle dances around the tachometer. Ford paid special attention to reducing cabin noise and fine-tuning the suspension on this 2008 model, two major complaints from 2007’s showing. Smart dampers do a fine job of softening out bumps on the road and extra insulation reduces noise significantly. As with most front-wheel drive cars, handling feels slightly vague when participating in more vigorous driving, but the SE and SES have an additional rear stabilizer bar to accompany the one in the front, making corners much more manageable.
Engine and Drivetrain
The Focus is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four DOHC engine that kicks out 140 horsepower, 4 more hp than the 2007 model, and 136 lb-ft of torque. The horsepower increase keeps the Focu...