Ford Focus

Name: 2008 Ford Focus
Brand: Ford

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

A freshening didn't hide the fact this was a nine-year-old design. Once among our top-rated small cars, this version rated only midpack. It retained some of its agile handling, plus the composed ride and roomy interior. But fit and finish and noise remained weak points. Further, there was no longer a telescoping steering wheel, or assist handles to aid access. Braking distances got longer. Fuel economy improved, but it was still not great for the class.

2008 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Ford Focus

vs. Similar Cars

Honda Civic

Hyundai Elantra

Mazda 3

Toyota Corolla

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Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Acceptable

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Acceptable

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Worse Better

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

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Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Acceptable

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2008 Compact cars Ratings

2008 Ford Focus

$3,225 - $3,675

CR MPG:

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$3,250 - $3,425

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$4,000 - $5,275

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$4,650 - $9,025

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$4,125 - $4,300

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$4,700

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$4,075 - $4,525

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$3,975 - $4,475

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$4,775 - $5,925

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$4,050 - $15,100

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$4,775 - $5,550

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2008 Subaru Impreza

$5,025 - $13,225

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2008 Suzuki Forenza

$3,525 - $3,925

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2008 Toyota Corolla

$6,100 - $6,350

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2008 Toyota Prius

$6,300

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2008 Volkswagen Jetta

$4,325 - $4,425

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See All Compact cars Ratings

Seating

2 front, 3 rear

Drive Wheels

Front

Warranty

Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

coupe

sedan

5-speed Manual
4-speed Automatic

2-liter 4 (140 hp)
2-liter 4 (132 hp)

Model History

2012-

Current Generation

Model year 2012 brought sporty handling and a nice interior back to the Focus. It also debuted an electric version of the Ford subcompact. Focus Electric has all the underlying qualities of the internal combustion-powered Focus models we love to like; including taut handling, good ride and nicely finished interior. It also provides the many benefits of an electric powertrain. These include silent running, cheap operation and effortless acceleration. Unfortunately, it also shares some of the Focus's basic flaws, including a very cramped back seat and the frustrating MyFord Touch radio controls. Standard safety features include stability control, traction control, and antilock brakes.

2000-2011

2000 Redesign Year

The original Focus was nimble and fun to drive, with quick and communicative steering and a comfortable ride. It had lots of interior room and easy access, but performance and fuel economy were only average. Body styles included a sedan, a roomy wagon, and a hatchback. A sporty, crisp-handling SVT performance-oriented hatchback was offered from 2002 to 2004. Without its optional side airbags, the Focus received a Poor in the IIHS side-crash test, so you'll want to avoid models without them. After the model year 2008 revision, handling isn't as crisp, interior quality dropped off and the cabin got noisier. On the plus side though, a coupe version arrived in 2008.