2008 Ford Focus Coupe: Track Testing

Man that car is ugly

call me crazy, but that engine note sounds....um....good.

Should have gotten a manual tranny.

I don't think Ford is even trying.

The Focus is a great choice for Edmunds. Finally, something we can all detest together.

Wow... such a disappointing car. Europe has the new Mondeo and Focus... We get this.
  
I still have my 2000 Focus ZX3. With summer performance tires it still handles like it was new with great handling and terrific steering compared to other cars in it's class (and age). I still like the funky hatchback design of my car.
  
But there is no way a 2008 Focus can compare to modern cars available now. Why would anybody buy the Focus now when arguably there are better cheaper Japanese cars available?

What is it with new Fords and crappy brakes? Fire sale on drums?

I remember the 1st time I drive a Focus (SVT model) and came away very suprised as the chassis balance and feel was spot on. Of course that was a few years ago. Based on that I know that Ford can deliver a good product but a reskin just wont do these days as the competition is just better.

How many commenters have test drove the 2008 Focus (not 2007, but the 2008)?
  
I test drove the 2007 last year and I absolutely hated it -- what a floppy, clumsy, jittery, strangely-geared ride.
  
This month I test drove the 2008 and I was shocked/impressed/pleased with it. Even thought it wasn't a full redesign, Ford has created a car that is, in terms of driving dynamics, completely different -- all in good ways. The driver's seating position is better, the entire cabin feels great, the car corners very well, has good acceleration, and fantastic steering feel.
  
I test drove the '08 Focus right after I test drove the '08 Yaris at the Toyota dealership next door. In terms of price, the 2008 Focus was priced comparably to the 2008 Toyota Yaris. Believe me when I tell you that the 2008 Toyota Yaris is FAR WORSE than even the 2007 Ford Focus -- it's jittery, slow, loud, squeaky, and reeks of the lowest-quality build and materials. Also, the Toyota dealer mocked me when I asked if the Yaris had side airbags ("you'd probably get crushed to death by a side airbag in a car this small"). In comparison, the '08 Focus comes STANDARD with side CURTAIN airbags.
  
Toyota looks like it's becoming the GM of the early 90's, while Ford is coming on strong from behind (like Hyundai of the early 00's?).

"At least it's better then a Yaris"
 
Not much of a marketing slogan. The Focus managed to be nicer to drive then the least enjoyable car around.
 
Like I said , Ford isn't even trying. Don't even get me started on Ford dropping the wagon and hatch versions (which outsold the sedan by a wide margin in my area).

Easy on the Yaris, everybody. I test drove one recently out of curiosity, and I found it to have the smoothest shifting and most linear and intuitive clutch engagement of any car I've driven recently - leagues better than the '08 Jetta for instance. The Yaris has commendably high fuel economy ratings that are regularly equaled or beaten by owners. The performance envelope of the car is oriented towards economy rather than acceleration - it just has a different mission than those 300+HP gas guzzlers. Personally, I found that the car was plenty peppy at around-town speeds; obviously as wind resistance increased the car lost steam.
 
I am curious about the new Focus - it has a remarkably high highway fuel economy rating (35 MPG), especially given that it doesn't resort to a 1.5 liter engine the way the Fit and Yaris do. I understand reviewers on short tests (e.g. NYtimes reviewer) have been able to equal or better the EPA highway figure. I'm eager to see what Edmunds comes up with.

i don't think i can ever look at a us-spec ford focus without getting reminded and annoyed that the UK gets a desirable product while we here in the states get a boring after thought.

bimmerjay - I'll agree that some recent Ford's have weaker than expected brakes, but this gets just 2 feet more breaking distance than a Civic. It seems pretty much standard for this segment.

"leagues better than the '08 Jetta for instance."
 
I hated the shifting and clutch in the 08 Jetta and Golf/Rabbit, I have been driving standard for years, and it made me feel like it was my first time.
 
Oh also, I drove an '07 Focus in the summer, and the salesman kept saying to me "go ahead, floor it, check it out" but I was terrified. I was at 100 km/h and did not feel comfortable going faster than that. Maybe this was because I'd just been testing Minis and Lancers that morning, haha.

Personaly, I'll take a Rabbit over the focus. Heck, I'll take any car in its class over the focus!
 
I just don't think this car had any effort from ford. IMO, it looks bad, get ok mpg, and uses old parts. I think Ford could have used the Mazda3 platform for a much better car. The car makes good numbers and all, but i'd rather have a 170hp 20/29 rabit.
 
-Cj

ford blows. no...not because i hate american car companies but because ford hates the american public. why else does europe get all the nice cars and we get stuck with this?

Why can't Ford import the European Focus? GM started importing the Astra because they were smart enough to admit that they didn't have a competitive small car under any of their American brands. It seems like Ford has given up on trying to sell cars in America. we just keep getting garbage like the new Taurus and Focus.

i dont know if i'd call the taurus garabage.
 
but it does appear like fords not even trying anymore. Their close to chrylser in terms of not knowing what to do.
 
This focus. Is a perfect example of whats wrong with ford.
 
sync is just lipstick on a pig

"Wow... such a disappointing car. Europe has the new Mondeo and Focus... We get this. "
 
Folks lets get this straight before we read similar comments 1000 more times during this LT test. The Euro Focus and Modeo are very expensive by Ford's US standards. There is a good reason the Euro focus isnt over here- cost. Small cars in Europe are far more expensive and have lots of premium features. The Saturn Astra isnt available with several of the engines and options available on the Euro astra and if it was it would likely be over $25k and no one would buy.
 
The Mondeo isnt even that good looking and its top engine is an I-5 that is weak by US midsize car standards. It lower engines wouldn't even be acceptable here. On top of that the car costs well over $30k in US money.
 
As for the Yaris- its crap. Even CR didnt like it much and that is saying a lot. Let's not defend Toyota medicrity if we are going to endure thousands of posts talking about Ford's mediocrity. I'm not sure what world some of you are living in but the Edge is doing well, a new Fusion is coming for 2009 (the current one is still nice in my book- better looking than Accord or Camry), the new F150 looks good, the MKS looks good, the Flex looks good and a new Mustang is coming next year. I'm not reall a Ford fan but their recent products are more than decent in spite of all the hate here.
 
Back to my original point, dont ask for Euro spec American cars if you are the type who says things like "who would pay $25k for a Ford?". You people wouldnt buy the products at the price Ford would have to charge so there is no point in lusting for them.

"but it does appear like fords not even trying anymore. Their close to chrylser in terms of not knowing what to do. "
 
I would say Edge, F150, MKS, Fusion/Milan and Flex show ford is trying. They arent on GM's level yet but I can see them being there in 2-3 years easily.

"a new Fusion is coming for 2009 (the current one is still nice in my book- better looking than Accord or Camry)"
 
that's not saying much, accord is fugly and camry is bland
 
but back to the euro spec car comments...they can strip down the car a little bit as cost savings. they did it for the aura and astra

"but back to the euro spec car comments...they can strip down the car a little bit as cost savings. they did it for the aura and astra"
 
first of all the Aura is no better equipped than G6 or Malibu and thus it lacks MANY of the options availble in Europe. Yes the car looks like a Vectra but aside from that its not really more European than its platform mates. The Astra lacks Euro options AND is already one of the more expensive compacts. The same type of people who demand that Ford and GM sell Euro products here are usually the same ones who think "domestic" = "cheap prices". would you pay $30k+ for a Ford Mondeo even if was a little nicer than the Fusion? I doubt it.
 
"that's not saying much, accord is fugly and camry is bland "
 
Let me rephrase for you- I think the Fusion is one of the best looking sedans in this class, especially with the new 18" rims. After 2+ years on the market I still think its more original looking than any of the Asian midize cars. If you dont care about best in class hp its a good deal.

I can't believe in 2008 that Ford is bringing out a car that has nothing going for it. Enough said.

I'd like to see a Fosuc I mean Focus vs GT-R comparison test- They both have 2 doors right? Ford is in trouble. According to CNNmoney Mulaly gets $28 million for 4 months on the job after Ford in 2006 reported a $12 billion loss! I assume that the new Focus package was from previous CEOs but come on. If they continue to release garbage like this, bad days are ahead.

Isn't Edmunds.com's LT Focus like 19K at MSRP? What the hell Yaris are you people driving that's 19K?
 
Otherwise, jriz - these videos rock, it's a bummer they're only available for your new LT test fleet cars, but I'm glad to have them - thanks.

"I can't believe in 2008 that Ford is bringing out a car that has nothing going for it. Enough said."
 
The performance and mileage is comparable to the civic. No other car in this class has Sync. The interior is actually one of the better in this segment. The car still handles well and is relatively affordable. I would say it does have a few things going for it. Enough said.

I would have bought a Euro spec Focus a couple years ago. Even if it were stripped down a little.
  
Other car companies have proven there is a market for upscale compact cars in North America. Besides, take a trip to the UK sometime... Ford of Europe cars don't seem to have the same negative stigma attached to them like in the States.
  
Finally, if Mazda could produce the Mazda3 with the new focus platform at a reasonable price, why couldn't Ford do the same with the new Focus? I mean, doesn't Ford own Mazda? What's going on? What happened to the world car concept?

"Other car companies have proven there is a market for upscale compact cars in North America. "
 
name two that sell in volume. The Mini isnt a volume car. Nor is the C30. The civic and corolla are best sellers an are hardly premium compacts akin to what they sell in Europe.
 
While the 3 is somewhat premium, its still not expensive by European standards and it doesnt sell in civic or corolla volumes. ON top of that it was launched 4 or 5 years after the initial Focus so they arent even in the same generation. People are not looking for a $20k compact from a domestic brand right now. Maybe that will change.
 
As for American brand reps, they dont seem to be as hated in Europe as they are here. After all Opel/Vauxhall is one of the larger brands over there and Chevy is growing. Its ironic that Europeans are more open to US owned brands than many Americans.

"As for American brand reps, they dont seem to be as hated in Europe as they are here. After all Opel/Vauxhall is one of the larger brands over there and Chevy is growing. Its ironic that Europeans are more open to US owned brands than many Americans."
 
That's because they're European cars. They're built in Europe. What US built US branded car is a top seller in Europe... Ford & GM don't have a branding problem... they have a building desirable product problem here stateside...
 
As for the Focus performance numbers... They're mediocre...

"That's because they're European cars. They're built in Europe. What US built US branded car is a top seller in Europe... Ford & GM don't have a branding problem... they have a building desirable product problem here stateside... "
 
Yes, thats why GM's sales were up last month and Toyota, Nissan and Honda were down.
 
There are plenty of nice products from domestic manufacturers for those who chose to give them a chance. If you don't you shouldn't lecture us about "desirable product". The products sold in Europe are tailored for Europe and many of them wouldnt sell here. High priced, low powered cars are not the rage here in the US. The average European car has a low revving, low powered diesel engine that we would consider weak. Yes they generally handle better and have firmer rides, but that doesnt mean they are better suited to American driving styles. Toyota has become incredibly successful in the US by making US tailored cars. The camry and corolla and Prius have nothing in common with European cars and yet are selling in droves. Kind of shoots holes in your theory that the key to sales success is to bring over or build Euro spec cars under American brand names. US market and Europe are totally different.
 
"That's because they're European cars. They're built in Europe. "
 
They are still owned by an american car company. Thats like saying Lexus models are american cars just because they are mainly sold here and some are produced in NA. Lexus is a Japanese owned brand from a Japanese manufacturer.

I hate to come in late to the party, but to add my two cents,
  
I agree entirely that the focus should have been updated by now, but the people that are beating on it the most most likely have never driven it. Not to mention that being a brand new design isn't everything, I've driven two Civic EX's and came away wishing I never had.
  
Also, the Mazda3 does not use a Focus' Chassis, just like the Mazda6 does not use a Fusion's chassis, it's the other way around. The actual chassis was designed by Mazda (with Ford's support/backing), and was then used in other places. The Mazda3 starts (stripped down) at $14,500. It isn't impossible to bring the design here at a lower price, and whether Ford is right or wrong, they're choosing not to.

I'm in the "bring over the euro-Focus" camp. I'd happily pay a bit for a those looks, that interior, and no Sync. The ST would be a great competitor to the GTI/Si/MS3 crowd. I expect that it would cost a bit less than the C30 and maybe even undergut the GTI too. Come on Mulally! While you're at it, let's have the Mondeo too!

1487, I wasn't trying to lecture anyone. I have no problem with Ford, GM, Chrysler... I'm all for buying American products. I never said that bringing over Euro designs would be the answer... I merely stated that if Ford/GM want to improve their sales, they have to build desirable cars. Initial sales and resale value are good indicators of desirability. American cars don't do too well in the latter.
 
Lastly, I was merely pointing out that despite the fact that Opel/Vauxhall/Volvo/Saab/Land Rover are owned by American car companies, they are still European cars. I don't think Europeans are big fans of American built, American branded cars. Ever watch Top Gear?

Personally, I've lost interest in the Focus. Because they have cut the Wagon and Hatchback models, it's lost it's utility. I can't get over the fender vent/trim piece/ doohickie thingie. It was like they ran out of ideas and mimicked the god-awful after market trend of putting fender vents on everything. My sights have now turned fully towards Nissan Versa and Suzuki SX4.
 
I think Ford is going to lament dropping out of the hatchback market.

"but the people that are beating on it the most most likely have never driven it."
 
Totally correct.
 
"I'd happily pay a bit for a those looks, that interior, and no Sync."
 
Check the EUro prices and see if you stick with that statement. A "bit" more might be close to $10k. Compacts do hit $30k and up in Europe.
 
"American cars don't do too well in the latter. "
 
Resale value means something, but not as much as people pretend it does. Bottom line is that American cars have a reputation for being inferior and thus cannot command the same premiums as used imports. Resale doesnt prove reliability or quality, it proves that people put more value on some brands over others. Resale for GM models has been going up for the last few years as far as I know.
 
"I don't think Europeans are big fans of American built, American branded cars. Ever watch Top Gear?"
 
And who cares? What kills me is that Americans place so much value on what Europeans want in THEIR cars. I know all about Top Gear and have seen it a few times. I fail to see why their opinion means so much to people here. our tastes in cars is TOTALLY different. The US media samples high end European cars than then tells us how great they have it over there. They ignore the mainstream cars with 130hp diesel engines or the small subcompacts that many people drive over there. The AVERAGE European car would not suit US tastes. Also, their roads are smoother, their cities are more congested and their fuel is more expensive. What they like and what the average american likes is totally different.

Amen 1487. Editors from the states salivate over the top level premium spec versions of European cars (ie the 335d) but fail to recognize that most people are driving the low power high volume base motors. I think the Mazda3 comes with two or three engines UNDER our base 2.0L I4 here in the states. I don't care how much "zoom-zoom" the chassis contains, a 100hp four in a hefty compact car is not my idea of entertaining.
  
As far as the euro focus is concerned, to bring it over here at an appropriate price would mean we'd get the lowest engine choice and an interior completely stripped of expected features. The Astra is a perfect example of the obligatory compromises such imports must face.

I love how all the Aura blogs turned into the same ole' domestics vs. imports debate. Now the Focus blogs have joined that rank as well...
 
Ford, it's time to bring over the Mondeo and Euro Focus.