2008 Ford Focus Sedan

Power and Performance
Ford reworked the "European-inspired" suspension of the '08 Focus with an eye towards better driving dynamics. Spring rates, dampers, stabilizer bars and bushings are all new, and the results earn a thumb's up. Focus is light and compact and the handling is tight enough to give the car a sporty feel, but with no compromise in ride quality.

Two engines and two transmissions are available. Standard issue is a 2.0-liter four cylinder, with five-speed manual. The Duratec I-4 picks up a handful of horsepower for '08 (now 140), thanks to a new design for the air intake system and cooling system. In states with more stringent emissions standards (California, Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and Maine), Focus is fitted with a 132 hp, Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) version of the Duratec I-4. Our test car had the PZEV engine linked to the optional four speed automatic transmission, and the two work well together. The Ford four is a little loud at full throttle, but quiets nicely and cruises comfortably at highway speeds. The Focus has enough power to handle every day driving tasks easily. As with any small motor, passing takes planning. Focus is also fuel frugal. EPA rates the Duratec/auto combo at 24 mpg city/33 highway. Our test car netted 29.5 mpg from a week's worth of mixed driving. Focus is now available in two-door coupe as well as four-door sedan body styles. Three trim levels are offered: S, SE and SES. Prices range from $14,300 (S Coupe) to $16,835 (SES Sedan with Sync).


These are tough times for compact cars. Japanese makes have set the bar high for reliability and quality. And the increasingly tech savvy group of buyers who dominate the segment often have the proverbial champagne taste and a beer budget. Ford deserves credit for rolling their new SYNC feature all the way across their model line. It's given a good little car like the new Focus the means to attract attention in a segment full of fine competitors