Ford Focus

Today, there are many inexpensive cars that you'd actually want to drive for reasons beyond their low price. These cars are so good that they no longer carry that "cheap car" stigma. Solid proof of this is Ford's 2008 Focus. Available at dealers now, this affordable, fuel efficient, almost all-new car is worth a look for several reasons, including the fact that it debuts the powerful voice activated communications and entertainment system known as SYNC, a slick system developed in collaboration between Ford and Microsoft.

AOL Autos

The Ford Focus has been redesigned for 2008, and owners of 2007 and older Focii will barely recognize the new car. New styling inside and out, a new model lineup, and a new two-door coupe are hallmarks of the 2008 Ford Focus.

About.com

The new styling is different from the old: clean in profile, if a bit gimmicky in a few places. Powertrains carry over in the form of the 2.0-liter, 140-horsepower four and a P-ZEV version that cranks out 132…Road rumble is down considerably, and the car rides with suppleness it lacked before. Steering feel and response have improved too…Its biggest news is Sync, a connectivity system developed in concert with Microsoft. You can connect nearly any phone, iPod, MP3 player, or other device via Sync's MP3 jack, USB port, or BlueTooth and operate it hands-free.

Motor Trend

The compact Ford also included the new Sync system, developed by Ford and Microsoft, that’s standard on the SES model and a $395 option on other versions, including the lowest-priced ($14,695) Focus S coupe. The Ford rides smoothly and its strengthened chassis makes it noticeably more quiet inside. The pleasing steering, always a strong point of the Focus, remains. Front seats are improved over the glute-numbing chairs of the outgoing model, with better contouring and firmer support. And the blue-lighted gauges are readable and handsome.

New York Times