2008 Ford Focus SES

Retail Price as tested: $20,050.00

The front end of the Focus has a European flair and the lights work great at night. The 2008 has a great overall look and feel to it. The rear spoiler on the SES gives a sporty look to an already good looking car. I only wish Ford and other car makers would add more insulation to the interior of the small cars so they would be more enjoyable on the open road. In the end compared to other vehicles in the same price class you definitely get more for your money with the Ford Focus.

The interior is nothing fancy but the leather interior adds a feeling of luxury. Its a simple design that works and has all the controls within easy reach. The front seats could use a little more padding as they felt stiff to both me and my passengers.

In an age where everyone is bashing the American Car companies for not building a small economical car - they must not know about the 2008 Focus. The Ford Focus SES is a great little car that gets 30 mpg around town and looks good doing it. The model I drove had leather interior which was a nice addition. It made you feel that you were driving a much higher end vehicle. It handles well and has plenty of power. This car is a great value. Ford has done a great job at building a small vehicle with great mpg that is still big enough to fit four people comfortably along with some gear in the trunk. It has great visibility and of course the “Sync” radio by Microsoft is awesome. Its a stylish car with good lines especially the front grille area. I like what Ford did as the new model does not look like a Focus from years past. Its a great vehicle for first time drovers or for anyone looking for a great car that gets 30 mpg for less than 20k.

2.0-litre 140-hp I-4 Engine

The 2.0L Duratec 20 I-4 is engineered with dual overhead cams activating four valves per cylinder. For 2008 this power plant features new air intake system, cooling and exhaust systems designed to improve smoothness, responsiveness and efficiency.

Engine and Transmission

The 140 hp engine works well and has plenty of power for the weight of the car. It handles well and the SES has a Enhanced European-Inspired Suspension. The Focus is surprisingly sporty and has the feel of a small sports car. Combine this with the Sync radio and you have a great car for less than 20k. My only complaint with the power plant is the way the engine stays at a high rpm and makes shifting a little different. I am guessing this is designed that way to help keep the engine at a constant speed to help maximise mpg. It takes some getting used to but once you do it works fine.

Interior

John Rush - Host

Gearhead Radio & Drive Radio

For a audio version of my review - please visit www.gearheadradio.com.

For more details on other features and options on the 2008 Ford Focus SES click here.

5-speed Manual Transmission

The Focus comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission. There is an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. The manual transmission would be my choice as you have better control and get higher mpg with it.

The rear seats can be folded down allowing access to the trunk for longer items that need a little more room. You have the option of folding down one or both rear seats. The rear seats have enough leg room for two adults without cramping the front front passengers.

Lighting & Misc

Communications, Sound System & Driver Controls

The 2008 Focus is now available with SYNC, a fully-integrated, voice-activated in-car communication and entertainment system. I reviewed Sync on the Ford Taurus X but it did not have the NAV DVD so I couldn’t try out the voice commands. I was able to test the voice activation on the Focus - you have to speak clearly but once you get used to it it works well. I love this feature  and would buy it whenever available. It makes using your cell phone and iPod so easy and less distracting while driving. Its like having a mobile Juke box along with your entire phone book from your cell phone. All you do is speak and it handles the rest. Some reviews do not like the voice activation but I think its how you speak to it that matters. I got the song and/or person I was dialling about 95% of the time The only time it struggled is when I did not speak slowly. Ford and Microsoft have done a fantastic job on this system. The model I drove has the audiophile system with a big sub-woofer in the rear. It takes up some trunk room but gives a great sound. I would take the sub over the room - even though I’m an old guy.