2008 Ford Focus Consumer Reviews

I'm delighted with this car

Written by: MaineCat on 11/09/2008

Vehicle

2008 Ford Focus S 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

When I bought this car, I was making a 74-mile round trip commute. The car has performed beautifully and more than lived up to its EPA gas mileage estimate. (I got about 40mpg driving mostly back roads and highways, even with my heavy foot.) Sales and service experiences have been great. My only complaint is that the headrests are a little uncomfortable for me; they tend to push my head forward more than is comfortable, hence the 8s in comfort and interior design. This car has been great fun to drive, and I'm glad I chose the Focus over the other models I was considering (Chevy Aveo, Honda Fit, and others in similar class.)

Favorite Features

Gas mileage, reliability, smooth ride even on lousy Maine roads, great stereo.

Suggested Improvements

Please redesign the head rests to be more comfortable.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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2008 Ford Focus SES (5 Speed)

Written by: Jesse on 11/08/2008

Vehicle

2008 Ford Focus SES 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Nissan lover who turned to Ford! I loved my 200SX SER for many years, but needed to buy a Truck. Throughout the years, I longed for a fuel efficent, sporty, compact 2 door coupe like I once had. Out of the blue, I thought I'd take a chance on a 2007 Focus SE, and enjoyed owning it. When the 2008 Focus came out, I got excited, and I knew I had to "upgrade." The Focus is fun to drive, and it's even better with a manual tranny. I have been very happy with my purchase. I've read a lot of "Car Critics" review of the Focus, and they bash Ford at every angle minus the Sync system. Critics only like Japanese compact vehicles! For the price, you can't beat all the great features Ford offers.

Favorite Features

Heated leather seats, Sync, Sirius radio, sunroof, safety features, fun driving experience, quiet interior, 6 CD capacity + bass box in the trunk, USB Port, chrome pieces, great gas mileage, sporty look, and I like the Solid car feel. (Japanese compacts are light and airy feeling). American built!

Suggested Improvements

Minor stuff only. More scratch resistant Paint that's not easily scratched, side moldings (I hate parking lot dents), thicker trunk lining.

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Ford Focus S

Written by: Papasrx on 11/06/2008

Vehicle

2008 Ford Focus S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Since I purchased this vehicle I have averaged a consistant 37MPG over 13000 miles driven but I drive mostly highway. It is an automatic transmission and the ride for a compact is excellent. I can say that it is not a Honda Civic but it costs 6K less. I would say for the money there is no better buy on the market.

Favorite Features

Engine compartment arrangment. Ease of oil change.

Suggested Improvements

Better fitting interior trim.

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Fun in the sun!

Written by: BenAZ on 11/02/2008

Vehicle

2008 Ford Focus SES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

It has been a fun drive so far. I love to take turns at fast speeds, and not hear a tire squeak. It has plenty of power and can be pretty zippy.

Favorite Features

SYNC, hand controls on steering wheel, Sirius radio -- all great features. I like the look of the dash and the dials at night are awesome.

Suggested Improvements

Auto headlights should be standard, as it is really the biggest thing lacking to make this car feel more luxurious. Trunk release latch inside the car would also be nice.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Focus Lives Up

Written by: Bill on 10/21/2008

Vehicle

2008 Ford Focus S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

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.

Favorite Features

Mileage

Suggested Improvements

Interior a little spartan but thats what I paid for.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Love It

Written by: L.E. Mauget on 10/19/2008

Vehicle

2008 Ford Focus SES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this gas sipper in response to the current gas price baseline. I was surprised that it was fun to drive. It is more responsive than either my Ford Sport Trak or Ford Five Hundred. If I get in a tight spot, it goes! With that said, I still get about 31 mpg in city driving. It get 35 mpg on the Interstate. It is comfortable-- in the front seats, that is. Its appearance is fairly attractive, inside and out.

Favorite Features

The gauges are attractive and readable at night. The optional electronics are great - Sync, Sirius, speed-compensated audio level, etc.

Suggested Improvements

Nothing's perfect. The lack of rear- seat lighting drives me nuts! Fords had this in 1948. Rear-seat headrests are missing. The Sync voice prompt is too loud. Sync does not wait for my iPod to re-initialize before resuming play, causing "Bad media", if the car was turned off too long.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Love my Focus

Written by: chris on 10/19/2008

Vehicle

2008 Ford Focus SES 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have taken my Focus on a trip already this year and put 3000 kms on it (1500 hundred miles) and I found it to be very comfortable with no problems to speak of yet. I got about 32 mpg which im very happy with and can honestly say I enjoy my car very much and the compliments are not to hard to listen to either. The car has just about every option you can get on it and I would recommend this car to anybody. Even my friends who aren't huge Ford fans have nothing but good to say about it.

Favorite Features

Moonroof, awesome stereo, and I love the 17 inch Pirelli tires. Ambient lighting, heated leather seats ,sync sub woofer just to name a few options.

Suggested Improvements

Trunk latch, little more power. Voice activated nav system would be a nice touch. All wheel drive would make this car truly untouchable to any other manufacturer

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Best car in its class!

Written by: TrueReview on 10/14/2008

Vehicle

2008 Ford Focus S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Early this year, I purchased an all base model 2008 Ford Focus. I drive a whole lot and need something with good mileage but also family safe since we had our first baby on the way. We drove everything in its class and spent at least a good month researching what would fit us best. I have a strong dis-taste for most Asian vehicles, but even so we test drove the Civic, Fit, Corolla, Echo, Yaris, Impreza etc etc. We ended up picking the Focus for its great value and still the best mileage overall. Rated better than the Aveo! I drive this vehicle every day and love it to death! Its great fun to drive, spacious for a little car and still smooth and powerful! Very safe too. Great job Ford!

Favorite Features

Almost perfect manual transmission, aluminum engine block makes it very light and improves mileage in the summer because it runs so cool. Huge trunk. Great suspension. Nice seat set up for diver, very commanding view of the road. Safety. Great sound insulation.

Suggested Improvements

Put some carpet on the doors, too much plastic. Whistles with certain crosswinds sometimes on freeway. Wish they had a AWD option. Manual windows not thought through well, I hit my knuckles on the door tray every time I wind them up or down, I'm a big guy. Stock tires (Hankook Optimo) stink.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Corolla Killer

Written by: Will on 10/05/2008

Vehicle

2008 Ford Focus S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I wasn't in the market for a new car until I was helping my sister buy her first new car and saw what a great deal the Focus was. I was able to get it for $13,200 out the door and loved everything about it. I had an 06 Corolla CE in manual and hated it. The quality of the Focus engine is well known (probably better than the Corolla) and so far the fuel economy is better. The Focus looks, runs, and drives better. I have to say I love this great American car.

Favorite Features

I love the manual transmission. AUX input is a necessary feature for today's cars and Ford realizes it. Nice speakers and handling to boot.

Suggested Improvements

Seats are a little uncomfortable on the really long drives. You feel as if your falling forward. The interior handles are easily broken (they are too far forward and don't have enough leverage.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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I love my car

Written by: Sam O on 10/02/2008

Vehicle

2008 Ford Focus S 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I drive a manual Focus and overall it's a great car. I would pick it over the Cobalt any day. Personally Im used to trucks. Until now thats all I've driven. I switched due to the fuel prices. At first I was kind of scared because I'm not used to being so low to the ground. I was used to being up high in my F-250. Don't get me wrong I love my trucks, but I also love my car. All the air bags make you feel safe. It's a car that can definitely get up and go. Although it's a 4 cylinder it's got some power. Definitely not worried when I'm passing other cars. It seats comfortably and even when you have a full car of 5 adults it doesn't feel like your too squished. Overall I love my Focus. Definitely worth it.

Favorite Features

Can't complain about the stereo. Definitely a great stock stereo system.

Suggested Improvements

I think it needs more cup holders. There's only one in the back.

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