Article Comments - 2008 Ford Focus First Drive

27 messages, Last post on Nov 12, 2007 at 10:56 AM

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First Drive: 2008 Ford Focus - There are some improvements hidden beneath the revised sheet metal. The structural bar that crosses the chassis between the A-pillars has more rigidity, and there's been some improvement in the way everything fits together. Some acoustic measures dramatically reduce wind noise and others isolate road rumble. But basically everything here is familiar in function as well as form. (more)

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#1 of 27 Article Comments - 2008 Ford Focus First Drive by KarenS HOST Sep 28, 2007 (7:14 am)
Check out our 2008 Focus first drive and post your comments here. First Drive: 2008 Ford Focus Replies to this message: mikon (Oct 08, 2007 10:04 am) theman123 (Oct 16, 2007 6:57 pm)
#2 of 27 2008 Ford Foc-up by imac2001 Sep 28, 2007 (5:12 pm)
The author fails to mention that there is no longer a telescopic steering wheel. The car is a downgrade in terms of exterior styling. I own a 2006 Focus, and I love it, but this one is pretty ugly. Enthusiasts- It was nice to know you. No aftermarket for this baby.
#3 of 27 Huh? by drive571 Sep 30, 2007 (7:51 pm)
This review takes an awful lot of pot-shots at the Toyota Corolla, considering that that car is also about to be redesigned--a 2009 model will appear in early 2008. Also noteworthy: the Corolla will be an all-new design, rather than a rehash of the current platform, like the '08 Focus. All the talk about tech is also a bit funny, considering that the Focus' engines are unchanged since 2005, its automatic is (still) a four-speed, and its basic platform dates back to the 2000 model year. Calling a hybrid an "expensive self-indulgence" is also a bit rich in a review of a compact that gets 24/33 MPG. It's great that it's s PZEV, but so are the Chevy Cobalt, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Pontiac G5, and VW Jetta. A Prius is PZEV, gets 48/45 MPG, and starts at $23K. Ford's done a good job of bringing this car's interior design, materials, and feature content up to date, but let's not get too carried away. Replies to this message: igor2 (Oct 01, 2007 4:45 am) drive571 (Oct 02, 2007 1:14 pm) briancam (Oct 03, 2007 9:57 am) and 1 more...
#4 of 27 Corolla's Example. by mschmal Oct 01, 2007 (4:18 am)
Does this class call for cutting edge driving dynamics and engines? Look at how long Toyota soldiered on with the old Corolla. In this class of car, what you get for your money and a pretty face is way more important than driving dynamics. People who want superior driving dynamics can opt for a Mazda 3. Keep also in mind that at this price level, the competition isn't just the new civic and new corolla, but also a 1 or 2 year old certified Accord or Camry. I think that Focus is going to have such a big price advantage over the Civic and the Corolla that it will be able to hold its own against them. It will offer more features than Cobalt or the Koreans. The Nissan Sentra is a better example of a misfire. It lacks the pretty face and the low price of the new Focus. Mark Replies to this message: briancam (Oct 03, 2007 9:53 am)
#5 of 27 Re: Huh? [drive571] by igor2 Oct 01, 2007 (4:45 am)
Replying to: drive571 (Sep 30, 2007 7:51 pm) Drive571: you should look up how far back does the Corolla platform date .. hint: it puts Focus' 8 years to shame. The "new" Corolla that will be unveiled at SEMA will be less new than this Focus .... a pure and simple mild re-skin and new interior. RE: this review - it surprises me how this review can be 95% positive all the way through and then simply spout out an unwarranted bash on the car in the final sentence ... If the car was unsatisfactory, why is the rest of the review so glowing? huh? Edmunds? It seems you find the design against your taste and you are bitter about the EU model so whatever Ford offers in NA cannot be good. I am waiting for the day when the same meter is applied to Nissan, Honda, and Toyota - none of those brands offer their EU models in US .. even if some mechanicals are shared ... and I wonder whether VW will start being bashed because now they will offer unique US models. Igor Replies to this message: drive571 (Oct 02, 2007 1:14 pm) briancam (Oct 03, 2007 9:57 am) drive571 (Oct 03, 2007 2:07 pm)
#6 of 27 ex focus owner new toyota owner by ttai Oct 01, 2007 (7:29 pm)
My old Focus was complete junk. I liked the styling and handling. But it fell to pieces 2 days after I bought it new. I had high hopes for the 2008. Looks like Ford brought back the Tempo. Replies to this message: comp386 (Oct 02, 2007 8:33 am)
#7 of 27 Re: ex focus owner new toyota owner [ttai] by comp386 Oct 02, 2007 (8:33 am)
Replying to: ttai (Oct 01, 2007 7:29 pm) Your experience is EXACTLY why Ford didn't bring over the Euro Focus. There were quality build problems from day 1 because Ford couldn't figure out its supply chain properly. Plus quality standards in Europe are much lower than they are in the US. Just look at VW in Europe vs US. VW is huge in Europe but small in the US because Americans hate quality issues. The 2008 Focus was designed to change that by building a more quality vehicle that appeals to the average consumer. Enthusists will complain because it's not an enthusist vehicle anymore, but I think Edmunds summed it up well by calling it a practicle choice.
#8 of 27 Clarifying SYNC information by fomocona Oct 02, 2007 (10:29 am)
Good review. As a representative of Ford, I wanted to clarify some of the information on SYNC. For vehicles that are used by multiple drivers or passengers, SYNC can identify, store and pair the Bluetooth information for up to 12 cell phones. However, only 1 cell phone can be connected to and used with SYNC at the same time. For convenience, you can designate one phone as the "primary" phone. The system will then assume that whenever that phone is in the Focus, to connect with it. It's easy to change the cell phone that SYNC connects with at anytime. Also, SYNC is standard on the 2008 Focus SES and is optional on the Focus SE. It is not available on the Focus S. For more specific information, please visit syncmyride.com. Thanks,
#9 of 27 Re: Huh? [igor2] by drive571 Oct 02, 2007 (1:14 pm)
Replying to: igor2 (Oct 01, 2007 4:45 am) Judging by Toyota's preview press releases, the Corolla will get two new engines, new transmissions, and an updated version of the current platform with a revised suspension and wider track (I thought it was all-new; oops), in addition to the exterior and interior restyle. It sounds like a significantly more thorough redesign than the '08 Focus. Mschmal, it's funny you should use "Nissan Sentra" and "misfire" in the same sentence. Earlier today, I was given a new Sentra as a rental, only to have the engine start missing and chugging four blocks from the rental office. They switched it for--surprise--a Focus. Replies to this message: briancam (Oct 03, 2007 9:57 am) drive571 (Oct 03, 2007 2:07 pm)
#10 of 27 Re: Corolla's Example. [mschmal] by briancam Oct 03, 2007 (9:53 am)
Replying to: mschmal (Oct 01, 2007 4:18 am) mschmal - the answer to your opening ? is a plain and simple NO. Sync will likely get more customers than sharp handling and the be default harsh ride - those that want a sports car or even a sport sedan will not be looking at the Focus.