2008 Ford Focus Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$14,075 to $16,375

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(37 reviews)
2008 Ford Focus Preview summaryImage

The affordable, compact Ford Focus has proved popular with drivers since its introduction in 2000, thanks to its peppy engines, responsive handling, and clean design lines. And for 2008, Ford gives drivers even more to like. For starters, a new two-door coupe joins the Focus lineup. Like the four-door sedan, it's available in three trims, including the S, SE, and SES. To make way for the coupe, Ford eliminated the Focus hatchbacks and wagons from this year's lineup.

The bigger news, however, might be the fact that the 2008 Focus has been extensively redesigned both inside and out. The exterior design updates start up front with a new two-bar chrome grille, which mirrors the look of the grille on many other Ford vehicles, creating a manufacturer-wide branding element. Other exterior design updates include flared wheel arches, a reshaped rear deck, and an overall more muscular appearance.

The Focus's interior has been redesigned as well for a more upscale, open appearance, with a larger center console that offers more storage space and redesigned door panels with larger storage bins. A new top-of-the-dash display places critical information at eye level, making it easier for drivers to keep their eyes on the road.

Even the Focus's 2.0-liter Duratec 20 inline four-cylinder engine received an update, with new air intake, cooling, and exhaust systems, all of which were designed to improve the engine's smoothness, responsiveness, and fuel efficiency. As a result, Ford notes that the 2008 Focus can achieve a maximum of 35 mpg on the highway. The engine links to either the standard five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic, available as an option.

Other new features for 2008 include a stiffer, "Euro-inspired" body structure and a retuned suspension, which result in better ride quality, sharper steering, and improved handling. Also, a number of new options are availabe for the 2008 Focus, including a color-configurable ambient lighting system, Sirius satellite radio, a high-performance audio system with an in-dash CD player, and Sync, Ford's new in-car, Bluetooth-compatible wireless communications system that enables drivers to make voice-activated cellphone calls, among other functions. (The Sync system comes standard on the SES trim.) Even the Focus's safety systems get an upgrade, with a total of six airbags, including seat-mounted side airbags.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2008 Ford Focus

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User rating:
by Dave D
Dec 08, 2023
This is the perfect cheap car! I have had several of these. A good car if you take care of them. Dec 08, 2023
by Adrian G
Sep 11, 2014
I absolutely love everything about this car. When we first bought it, we were a little afraid of buying a Ford product, but now I am not afraid. This car has been trouble free from day one. I would recommend this Focus to anyone looking for reliable and cheap transportation.Sep 11, 2014
by Cory K
Feb 06, 2013
Great car for driving around town, commuting. Due to the two door model it's not going to be the family car! No major issues but easy to maintain. Stick Shift is fun to drive and handles well. Love Sync! Love the sporty looks but it has it's con's hard to fine all season tires in the size and at a good price, overall great car though.Feb 06, 2013

2008 Ford Focus Pricing

Original MSRP
$14,075 to $16,375
Price range
$4,532 to $4,842
Average price on CG
$4,532
YoY price change
$4,842 to $4,532

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Armrests: dual front · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: vinyl

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 2

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.56

Exterior Features

Door handle color: black · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 2

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Armrests: dual front · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: vinyl

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 2

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.56

Exterior Features

Door handle color: black · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 2

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Audiophile · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Armrests: dual front · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: vinyl

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · SYNC System: voice activated communication and entertainment system · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio and cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 2

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.56

Exterior Features

Door handle color: black · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 2

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 7

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Audiophile · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Armrests: dual front · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: vinyl

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · SYNC System: voice activated communication and entertainment system · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio and cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 2

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.56

Exterior Features

Door handle color: black · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 2

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 7

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Audiophile · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Armrests: dual front · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.56

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: SYNC

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 2

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Tires

Type: all season

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 6

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Audiophile · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Armrests: dual front · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ashtray: with lighter · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.56

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: SYNC

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 2

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Tires

Type: all season

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 6

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

See all trims (6)