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2008 Ford Focus

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Comments

  • moparbadmoparbad Member Posts: 3,870
    Can the faux vents on the 08 Focus be easily removed? I saw a Focus last night without the vents and the look was much more attractive, cleaner, and sleeker.
  • hbgti1hbgti1 Member Posts: 16
    I agree; only the "S" trim comes without the shiny vents. Unfortunately, the S isn't available with the better options. I wonder if they're simply stuck on there by adhesive similar to the kind used on the emblems. If so, they should be removable without damage to the car.
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    The side vents can't be removed without damaging them and there will be holes left behind.

    Mark.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 19,253
    while under warranty i would stick with the recommended 5w-20. motorcraft does have a full synthetic. i don't know if it will smooth out the engine to your liking.
    2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • randomnessrandomness Member Posts: 10
    I like the looks of the 2008 Coupe. I don't care about the SYNC features.

    With my current issues (possible transmission on an 05 with 19000 miles), I'm not sure I"d get another Focus.
  • creakid1creakid1 Member Posts: 2,032
    You like the looks of the 2008 Coupe? Ford is restyling it for '09 this Saturday: :P

    http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001JpD4UnUIU7armWStVUQ2jLNENw--Hgy6Vw6XHnGqL9oVDUcylzQbV- - - - J2KM7MOP-LNTXkUIeoEDe6PC8-oJZ59rg2m4LKtb9fWaFm6vPj32ktQ1msdoE7RD9dXKdtGNhRWWeaso- - - - IyK8JPcFJ4HJcco6Sp_47IrwJ1JhGQO0Gmo0r5KG-d9AC3DdADVuXKcpdmqWRSvIJfTARcfJMQWQV5P2- - - - IrPwkE0ii1C

    http://www.focaljet.com/

    At least the electronic stability control (ESC) option is available again in America, since the brief appearance of the Advance Trak from '01 to '03.
  • onthefarmonthefarm Member Posts: 22
    For owners of the current Focus, is there a lever to adjust the driver's seat? Is it in all trim levels? I've looked at the website and see no mention of it, plus I went to the dealer today to see cars on the lot and still can't tell. No mention of it on the window sticker either. Very curious.

    With the refresh coming this Summer, I noted the grill goes from bright chrome to dark on the coupe--not liking this. What do you folks think? I dislike the fake side vents on the current model but you know, viewing the car in person and with the right exterior color (Silver for sure), I could live with it easily. I might be in the minority, but I think the overall styling of the Focus is nice. :)
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    I read in the paper. The new 08 Focus sales are up %29 percent over last year!!??. Found this interesting so I did more reaserch. Consumers in forums are very happy with the new restyle overall. I guess the interior and sound deading and SYNC was a huge part of them liking the vehicle. Price point is also a huge factor when people actually compared vehicles like the Civic/Corolla. Looks to me like once again all the "experts" are wrong. Consumers make the choice. :P
  • onthefarmonthefarm Member Posts: 22
    I agree! If we always relied on the 'experts' we'd be a sorry lot. They don't get it right nearly as much as they think! Consumers are gathering their own information and having the final say. Honda & Toyota make nice cars, but but we shouldn't be brainwashed into believing it's them or nothing at all. :)

    I thought I'd read that Focus sales were up 88% from last year...though I could be mistaken.
  • creakid1creakid1 Member Posts: 2,032
  • dan5678dan5678 Member Posts: 28
    Thanks, whoever at Ford decided to market the hatch version of the Fiesta in North America.

    Hope the car lives up to the styling, which is quite nice. Wonder if the 5-door would be too much to hope for?
  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
  • capellacapella Member Posts: 20
    The 2009 Focus is not going to have the fake side vents except in the new SEL trim line for the sedan. I think the car looks better without the vent.

    Also, the 2009 Focus order guide indicates that all 2009 Focus trim lines come with a 4 way manually adjustable front drivers seat.
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    Standard on 2008 SEL and 2008 SE with Deluxe package.

    Journalists at the performance rags are bashing the Focus. First I think this is an attempt to show anger at Ford for not bring the new C1 Focus over from Europe.

    2nd I always read reviews with an eye toward how the vehicle is being evaluated. For instance, are they basing their opinion on a Minivan on salom speed and 0-60 times or on legitimate Minivan criteria like size and flexibility.

    Now, thanks to the Internet there are lots of not traditional sources of reviews. Look for reviews that are from a point of view that reflects your expections.

    For instance, I like www.familycar.com.
    Edmunds has http://www.edmunds.com/women/index.html
  • onthefarmonthefarm Member Posts: 22
    Also, the 2009 Focus order guide indicates that all 2009 Focus trim lines come with a 4 way manually adjustable front drivers seat.

    Cap, where did you view this '09 order guide so soon? I'd like to see that myself.

    I read that the refreshened Focus goes on sale this Summer; have you/anyone read of a specific date? Returned to the dealer and spoke to a sales rep who, amazingly, had no clue that the Focus was being restyled. How do you work for Ford and NOT know this? Unreal. He wasn't a newbie either--this guy has been with this particular dealership for some time. Bottom line is that beyond a sales pitch for the current model, I got no new information and I'm eager to learn more, if possible, prior to the launch.
  • capellacapella Member Posts: 20
    I got the Order Guide from: http://www.blueovalforums.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=24477

    You'll need to sign up with the forum to be able to download that information.

    There also are order guides for other models available if you're interested in that. Just check in the other forums on the site (for example, if you want to look at the 2009 Taurus order guide, check out the Taurus and Sable forum at blueovalforums).
  • onthefarmonthefarm Member Posts: 22
    Thx for the info.'--much appreciated. :D
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    More of a 2009 styling tweek.

    Just a few elements are being changed for 09.

    The SES 4-door topped by an SEL trim which seems to be an a 2008 SE with deluxe package plus standard leather.

    S coupe is dropped

    SES coupe gets standard 17s that are optional on SES Sedan.

    Coupe gets different grill and slightly different rear than sedan.

    Thats it. Interiors are the same.

    Mark
  • onthefarmonthefarm Member Posts: 22
    I appreciate this news as well. Looks like I'll have to watch, daily, for it's appearance via the Ford website.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    I thought the Focus wasn't going to restyled until 2010?? I knew the body style was going to reflect the Euro-focus. Also heard rumors of an array of new engines available. Possibly a 1.6? 2.3? or 2.5? The 08 Focus is a nice little car. I drove one when I went and bought my daughter an 07 Focus SE 4 door. I'm telling you it was like night and day between an 07 and an 08. Ford DOES improve its products unlike some would lead you to believe.
  • big_mike1big_mike1 Member Posts: 4
    We're looking to downsize from our '98 Expedition into something more fuel efficient and smaller. The Expedition has been great (173,000 mostly trouble free miles) and I'm not scared of an American-made small car.

    That being said, I think we're lookng at the Focus and Hyundai Elantra. I'd like to keep it under $15k out the door, but with the minimum options we requie (auto trans, Sync and Sirius in the Focus, ABS), I think our goal is $16k. Still much less than either a Corolla or Civic, and a bigger, better equiped vehicle than the Fit/Versa/Yaris, without a huge reduction in mileage..

    The car will be driven 15-18k/year for at least the next two years, but may go to college with my daughter in two years. We'll have to see, but safety and reliability are up there with price as concerns.

    Did anyone evaluate these two cars when buying their Focus? I'm a little concerned about availability, as both are selling real well right now since they're a great valuecompared to the Toyotas and Hondas.
  • passat_2002passat_2002 Member Posts: 468
    Personally big mike.. I wouldn't touch a Hyundai with a ten foot pole. I think you'll find the driving dynamics and comfort of the Focus to be far superior to the Accent. In addition, the Hyundai is considerably smaller and lighter than the Focus.. meaning not as much protection for you and your family. The interior layout of the Focus is another big plus. It's pretty much a no-brainer between these two vehicles.
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  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    One feature change that will happen for 2009 is that the ABS/Traction Control option now includes Advanctrac stability control. Sounds great but the problem is Ford is increase the cost of the option from $495 to $795!

    This will be the only way to get ABS.

    So if you are on the fence and price and ABS are important to you, try to snap up a 2008.

    At my dealer, we can't really figure out how to order a 2009 Focus SE with ABS and keep the MSRP below $19,000. I think most people would prefer Sync when it comes down to it.

    Mark.
  • creakid1creakid1 Member Posts: 2,032
    http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0oGkme_GoJIwlYBXqRXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTEyOWkxZTQ5BHNlYwNz- - - - - - - cgRwb3MDMQRjb2xvA3NrMQR2dGlkA0RGRDVfODE-/SIG=1396fkar6/EXP=1216572479/**http%3a/- - - - - - - /www.nhtsa.dot.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/menuitem.012c081c5966f0ca3253ab10cba046a0/

    http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0oGkme_GoJIwlYBYKRXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTEyNW5qMDM2BHNlYwNz- - - - - - - cgRwb3MDMgRjb2xvA3NrMQR2dGlkA0RGRDVfODE-/SIG=14hbg6dku/EXP=1216572479/**http%3a/- - - - - - - /www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/news/2006/electronic-stability-contro- - - - - - - l-6-06/overview/electronicstability.htm

    Statistics showed that (Advancetrac) stability control saves way more lives than airbags. Only the stupid US Ford took this beautiful European option away from the Focus from '04 to '08. Now my '07 Focus ST doesn't have it, & no one can retrofit it into my car. Whoever took this inexpensive live(& body work)-saving option away from my car should go to hell! :mad: I've driven the Volvo S40 recklessly with this feature on wet road, & boy, it was magically fun! :shades:
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    Just think Ford should have made ABS standard and kept ESC as an option for $495.
  • elena250elena250 Member Posts: 28
    Looking at a 2008 Focus SE which does have ABS. Wondering about trying to get the 2009 if it has that Advanctrac Stability Control. Seems like a lot of people feel it's important. How much extra should one have to pay?
  • capellacapella Member Posts: 20
    For us, stability control is a must have in a new car.

    The 2009 Focus bundles the ESC with ABS. ABS was $385 for the 2008 Focus. The ESC/ABS package for the 2009 Focus is around $750. So, the cost for ESC is a little under $400 over just ABS. From what I understand about the safety aspects of ESC, the money is well spent.
  • oldfordmecholdfordmech Member Posts: 124
    Info, I: just picked up my 2009 focus 4dr sdn.sel and it has rear head rest and 6 air bags. Hope this helps
    PS. It also has abs/esc
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    come out with a sport type Focus? I was driving past a dealership and they had a 4door 08/09 Focus up on thier display rack. It was black, windows tinted, nicer wheels/tires. Had what looked to be a different front end. Also had an air wing off the back window. Caught my eye right away. This car was way out of the norm for a Ford Focus. Nice classy, sporty look. I think I may stop and ask about it more on Monday. Maybe its the new SEL Focus?
  • micwebmicweb Member Posts: 1,617
    It's the SES 2 door coupe. Ford has updated its website and the 2009's are now up, so you can see it there. The basic 2 door coupe is the SE and has a spoiler on the deck of the trunk. The upscale SES has a rear sway bar plus the spoiler on the roof, to visually distinguish it.

    I believe both the SE and SES have a performance exhaust, which adds one or two horsepower plus a little noise, they both have a lower gear ratio with the automatic only that gives better acceleration but doesn't lower the EPA miles per gallon estimate.

    I suspect, but have no way to confirm, that the valving on the struts/shocks absorbers and rates on the springs may be sportier on the coupe than on the sedan. It costs almost nothing to make such changes, and I have often seen coupes in other lines pick up unpublished improvements like that (different markets - soccer moms in sedans, college males in coupes).

    The website does indicate that the wheels on the SE coupe are one size larger (16") and the tires one size wider (205/50's).

    The big question is, will concern over gas mileage dictate the parameters of a sporty coupe, or will Ford "man up" and drop the new 2.5, variable valve timing successor to the 2.3 into the coupe? I think they should, at least in the SES. The 2.5 is currently used in the 2009 Escape.
  • oldfordmecholdfordmech Member Posts: 124
    I bought an 09 SEL in August, it's an ice blue 4dr, w/black leather (seats come heated in 09) the only options I ordered were an auto-trans and anti-lock brks. (comes w/ESC for 09) the only 2 options available I did not order was a moon-roof and a remote start.
    The car came w/205/50R16 Perellis ( it took me 3 times back to dealer to get the thump and vibration out of it. They had to replace 3 of the 4. I now have only 1 original tire but it rides great now.
    Now the good news, we took it on vacation the last 2 weeks of Sept. from Indianapolis In to El Paso,Tx. The car is rated 33mpg hwy. It gets 29 in the city /hwy combined and on the trip 1 tank full I got in Alamagorda,NM. to Okla,city it got 42.7 and then dropped down to 37.5 for the rest of the trip. Total mileage`for trip was 3,485 and total gas used was 90.1 gal. works out to 38.6 mpg and that was at 70 mph and a/c on most of the time. some 80 mph in Tx. Not Bad. I love this car ! (The seats are great,1 14hr day of driving proved that. and I'm 6'3 and 235 lbs.) any questions, fire them my way.
  • cannon3cannon3 Member Posts: 296
    A co-worker bought an 09 SEL Focus in blue. I took a ride with her in it and was impressed with how quiet the car was. The interior was actually not bad either for a small car. She was very happy with this car. After riding in it, I too was surprised how far the Focus had come since my mom bought one in about 02/03 time frame. I think this car is over shadowed by the Civic/Corolla. People are catching on though, she bought it over a Corolla.. The 2010 Focus looks promising also.. :shades:
  • larz96larz96 Member Posts: 3
    Hi all,
    I'm mortified that I just caught the driver's side power mirror of my '08 SES coupe on the garage door frame :cry:
    I found a replacement part for $110 which was less than expected. I'm wondering where to get (cheap) instructions on how to change it out.
    Thanks, Larz
  • dbostondriverdbostondriver Member Posts: 559
    Why is the Euro Focus so much better. Not only is it styled better but has more engine and body options?
  • dbostondriverdbostondriver Member Posts: 559
    Focus still does not crack the top ten of best selling cars.
    Also of not Ford is redesigning the Focus for 2010.
  • tm4tm4 Member Posts: 19
    For anyone who cares, I bought my 08 Focus in May, I currently have 16,000 miles on it and have no problems. It is still quiet with no rattles or squeeks (unlike my cousin's 08 Corolla).
    Overall, I am very happy with it and am glad I purchased it over any of the competition. After awhile the styling has grown on me. The engine seems a little quicker now that it's broken in a little (lack of power was my only concern when I purchased it.)

    08 Focus SE
    with Auto & Sync
  • cannon3cannon3 Member Posts: 296
    A family friend picked the Focus over a Corolla. He has owned Toyota nearly all his life he said. Chose a red SEL version.
  • creakid1creakid1 Member Posts: 2,032
    Say good bye to the Fiesta-size Focus...

    Last month, I was sitting in the future Focus III sedan w/ a '10 Mazda3 sedan around for comparison.

    Since the new Focus III will be revealed w/in a week in the U.S. Expo, I will talk about it now. Neither the exterior nor the interior seem related to the new Mazda3. In fact, it looks very much like the Ford Mondeo James Bond drove in "Casino Royale". & that's exactly what it is -- a sedan based on the EUCD platform (from the current Mondeo & Volvo S80), which is really an enlarged version of the Focus II C-1 platform that's also used on the Mazda3 & Volvo S40/V50.

    http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/246853/next_focus_steals_the_s- - - how.html?CMP=NLC-Newsletters&uid=13175373d3a30b0aa330c8ea6a3df587
    (Note: These drawings don't look much like the real thing I saw.)

    The enlarged "Focus II platform" can mean longer suspension travel? By adopting an off-the-shelf existing platform, this is a quick-fix & cost-effective way the Focus badly needs in order to compete w/ the comfy long-spring VW's, which recently "stole" the Control Blade suspension from Focus & now w/ low-cost manufacturing techniques to undercut Ford's price while retaining expensive interior feel?

    The leg room isn't whole lot roomier than the rather-cramped new Mazda3, so the wheelbase must have been shortened from the S80.

    This is like the Jaguar X-Type is the shortened version of the old Mondeo, ditto the relationship b/t the Audi A4 & the VW Passat back in '98.

    Of course, it's only a prototype -- the way the body-panel creases somewhat clutterly overlapped in the door area, its lower front grill & the interior all looked unfinished.

    The dashboard center stack looks similar to Fiesta's except the vents are shaped like the ones from the new Caddilac CTS/Chevy Cruze.

    Since Ford just sold the Volvo division to a Chinese car company Geely, the Focus III will be the only EUCD-platform sedan sold in this country in the near future available from FordMoCo, as the current "James Bond" Mondeo does not meet U.S. safety std.

    Unless of course you don't need a sedan, "trucks" such as the Land Rover Freelander LR2 also uses the EUCD platform.
  • creakid1creakid1 Member Posts: 2,032
    http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/front_website/gallery.php?id=350695

    http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/front_website/gallery.php?id=350701

    http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/247090/new_focus_saloon.html#i- xzz0cEnpVWac
    "But they admitted that an electric version – building on the technology found in the Focus BEV concept, driven in Issue 1,096 – would hit the road as early as 2012."

    The hatch is ugly:
    http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/247171/new_ford_focus_is_here.- html?CMP=NLC-Newsletters&uid=13175373d3a30b0aa330c8ea6a3df587
    "For the first time, the Focus will use torque vectoring, which sees stability and steering response improved through a combination of braking and engine power.

    As a result, the car will not only be more comfortable and refined than ever, but it will also set the bar higher for driving involvement. In addition, a new electric power-steering system has been carefully tuned, and for the first time offers dynamic cornering control – a set-up that helps the driver make the most of the car’s handling."

    So it might be the best-road-feel electric steering? Therefore, even its electric car will have good steering feel!
  • puffin1puffin1 Member Posts: 276
    As long as it can give the VW and Mazda 3 S a run for its money why not?I looked at the SEl sedan and all it lacked to me was ABS and lumbar support.
    I do belive you can get 170HP from the VW hatch 6 pd and 31 mpg though. I can't see the Focus doin; that. My RSX Type S could. Acura goofed big time.
    MaybeFord could bring theTitinum Focus over? A nice lookin'hatch is the Astra made by Opel ,put a dohc vetec 200hp in that and you'll have some wheels. Roger Penske tried to buy Opel.
    Well, we are " Second Hand Rose" when it comes to getting the hot cars from europe made by Ford and General motors. :lemon:
  • creakid1creakid1 Member Posts: 2,032
    edited February 2010
    Here's a hot made-in-Germany GM fastback sedan w/ available 4-cyl turbo & manual tranny:
    http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/front_website/gallery.php?id=277017
    http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/front_website/gallery.php?id=297801
    http://www.opel-europe.com/insignia/
    Will be imported only for a short time. After that, it becomes domestic built.

    Not at your Cadillac, Pontiac or Saturn dealer...but Buick. although I think its brother LaCrosse has a more stylish dashboard:
    http://www.automedia.com/New_Cars/buick_lacrosse_2010_cx_Photos

    Keep in mind, the Ford Mondeo is still a better driver's car:
    http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/grouptests/234818/insignia_sports_tourer- - - _vs_mondeo.html
  • mikey9090usmikey9090us Member Posts: 1
    got mine yhe same time no big problems at the 38000 mark i have a standard trans and have switched to a more semisolid lower tranny dogbone (found out that its the fist to go on heavy shifting) the door ajar sensor went out on me but thats it no other problems :D
  • oldfordmecholdfordmech Member Posts: 124
    I'm guessing it's the driver's door that's keeping the door ajar light on.
    The switch is built into your door latch and should be relaceable.
  • tomcatt630tomcatt630 Member Posts: 124
    The 2008-11 Focus was a good seller and the Euro one was overrated. Not all compact car buyers care about European car culture, and want mpg, reliability and low costs. The RS version is nice, but expensive and who can afford it?

    My 2009 is solid and I don't care that it's not the 2nd gen Euro one, which is ugly, and looks like a shrunken 2005 Ford Five Hundred, which was panned by critics.

    My mechanic says they don't see any of these in the shop, which is a good thing. :shades:

    And purists now have the 2012 'Euro Design' to drool over, so all the whining about the late 00's US Focus is moot. :P
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