Ford Focus

Compare the Focus!

If you're thinking about buying a Ford Focus, you might also consider a Honda Fit or Nissan Versa. Compare these vehicles.

Despite having to contend with the bad rap of being an American car, the Focus has been remarkably successful in building a reputation based on solid and efficient motoring. That’s a tough thing to do with Japanese and Korean imports so aggressively taking over the marketplace in the smaller segment. But the characteristic that really makes the Focus popular with its current owners is its willingness to remain relatively the same from one generation to the next.

For 2008, Ford has once again preserved the essence of this car by redesigning it in a conservative fashion. The car has undergone stylistic changes, both inside and out, but the designers have been able to maintain the vehicle’s same platform and size. Even though the new Focus has taken on a fresher, more energetic look, it is still as familiar as ever in terms of feel and functionality. And as before, it is available as a four-door sedan or a two-door coupe.

With its 140 horsepower 2.0-liter engine, the Focus is ideal for everyday driving, in town or on the highway. The fuel economy is very good, rating 25 in the city and 35 on the highway. With that kind of miserliness, the Focus is a great step up for those who enjoy the efficiency of a subcompact, but would like to have some extra punch at their disposable, as well as a wee bit more interior room. We’re obviously not talking sports-car-level-performance, but a little more passing power can make the daily drive easier and more enjoyable than what most subcompacts offer.

As in the past, the new Focus allows for good, controllable handling and a comfortable ride, even for rear seat passengers. The top SES model features a sportier suspension for those who enjoy driving with a bit more gusto, but without any of the harshness that usually accompanies a tighter suspension.

The only real drawback to the Focus is that it does not offer standard anti-lock brakes (ABS). We highly recommended that buyers opt for this feature, as well as the available traction control. Both systems increase the safety level of the vehicle.

The Ford Focus has aged well with time, improving with each generation. But the changes from year to year have been smart and purposeful. For 2008, the song remains the same. The latest iteration of the Ford Focus is a balanced combination of fuel efficiency, good looks, reliability, and eco-friendliness.

In fact, Ford Focus models sold in California meet the requirements for a Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) certification. To earn the PZEV designation, cars must achieve the Super Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle standard, emit no fuel vapors and offer an extra long 15-year, 150,000-mile warranty on emissions equipment. The SULEV emissions standard means the Focus puts out eighty percent fewer smog-forming pollutants than the average new car.

25 / 35 MPG 9.41 / 6.72 L/100km
BODY TYPE:

Sedan
TECHNOLOGY:

Small Car
BASE MSRP:

$14,700