Comments on: Dubspeed Driven Review - 2008 Ford Focus - Looking for Ford’s Silver Lining

By: Bruce Armstrong

Bruce Armstrong — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:24:03 +0000

I’m confused. TTAC gave it one star, and basically called it a bad car. Car and Driver placed it last out of 8 cars in its latest comparo test. I saw one and barfed. You think it’s great, for some reason or another that isn’t particularly clear to me, and think the steering wheel and seats are very nice, plus it has great turn in. Hmm.

What with the lack of rear seat headrests and grab handles, omigod fugly styling, and whacked out color interior light changer, lets call it what it is. A car for ADD kids who think that ipods are good, when they objectively are not. My life is better than farting around using the phone when I’m supposed to be driving, and compressed audio is dreck.

If this car represents the kind of standard which gets praised these days, there is no pretty end in sight.

By: John Tarkington

John Tarkington — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 06:23:41 +0000

I bought an ses today. I like the styling and the interior, and the sync is a really cool addition. I traded an 03 focus sedan in on the 08. I was flabergasted by the feel of the 08. It drives larger than it is, handling is quite good, compared to the 03. The handling is better than the 03. The little chrome whatsit on the side is a bit questionable but I plan on pinstriping from it to the rear end. giving it more of an intended look than a glue on afterthought.
I have found no negatives in my first day with it. Yes beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and in my eyes its a hit. I really like the 16″ rims and the pirelli tires. The leather wrapped steering wheel feels practically opulent. I put 75 miles on the car today and all of them were very enjoyable.
There will be a short learning curve for me on the sync, but I’ll figure it out within the week.
I am 51 y/o male, other car is an 03 tarus with 22k on the odometer. Wife drives it.
I’d give it a 9 out of 10.

By: jbaruth

jbaruth — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:23:14 +0000

Adam, I will be curious to hear your thoughts on the car when you drive it - particularly as it compares to the new Corolla.

By: Adam Barrera

Adam Barrera — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 20:17:36 +0000

Jack — your reverence for the first Focus is appreciated and deserved. Older autowriters don’t understand that the ‘99 Focus was a game-changer — it caused Civic loyalists to question their allegiance, and gave Corolla drivers something to envy.

The car brought a very legitimate, very cohesive design language to a segment that could never claim that before. New Edge was shocking, well-executed, and poured over into the interior in a way that I honestly don’t think has been matched to this day.

It handled sharper than a Civic with four-wheel double wishbones. Its engine was well-suited to its duty. And the marketing push was glorious – Detroit Techno – the home team showed its pride.

Now, this. (For what it’s worth, the ’09 Corolla is tinged with the same “half-baked refresh” stigma.) I have to reserve full judgment until I drive the ‘08. The interior and exterior styling has obviously been marginalized. But if a racer and a purist like you says I should give the car half a chance, you know I’ll do it – and I’ll give the Dubspeed crew the full report.

By: ormand

ormand — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 07:21:08 +0000

lol @ fugly coupe. Anything would be better than the underpowered exiting Ford Focus…but this? Come on Ford. lol I bet they change the name to Ford Escort amid poor reviews lol

By: Baron

Baron — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:30:56 +0000

Great to hear that it is actually worthwhile! My wife has an ‘04 ZX5 and it is fun to drive, the only complaint I have are the seats and Ford seems to have taken care of that problem.