The final word
Unfortunately, I didn't find the 2008 Ford Focus that fun to drive. While that's not the primary purpose of the car - being an inexpensive, economical and (hopefully) reliable is its mandate - there is a certain amount of excitement that needs to be generated in order for the car to resonate with the target audience.
Clearly, the improved handling, new styling and Sync system are intended to generate that excitement, but I don't believe this combination goes far enough to place the Focus at the very top of car-buyer shopping lists. Let's see if I'm wrong.
The 2008 Ford Focus S starts at $15,999. Stepping up to the SE level brings a price tag of $17,399, while the SES begins at $19,999. The pricing for the 2-door coupe at the various levels is the same as that for the 4-door sedan.
Improved ride quality
Improved interior quietness
Decent interior treatment
Competitive pricing
Sync system not quite in sync
No standard ABS on base models
Buzzy engine
Bizarre styling decisions
Bring back the hatchback!
photo:Mark Hacking
Unfortunately, I didn't find the 2008 Ford Focus that fun to drive. While that's not the primary purpose of the car - being an inexpensive, economical and (hopefully) reliable is its mandate - there is a certain amount of excitement that needs to be generated in order for the car to resonate with the target audience.
 |
| The interior has also been revised. |
Clearly, the improved handling, new styling and Sync system are intended to generate that excitement, but I don't believe this combination goes far enough to place the Focus at the very top of car-buyer shopping lists. Let's see if I'm wrong.
The 2008 Ford Focus S starts at $15,999. Stepping up to the SE level brings a price tag of $17,399, while the SES begins at $19,999. The pricing for the 2-door coupe at the various levels is the same as that for the 4-door sedan.
 |
Improved interior quietness
Decent interior treatment
Competitive pricing
 |
No standard ABS on base models
Buzzy engine
 |
Bizarre styling decisions
Bring back the hatchback!
photo:Mark Hacking
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