The latest generation Ford Focus launched in 2008 and intended to continue shaking things up in the Canadian compact car scene while fighting for sales against heavyhitters like the Corolla and Civic. Available in the typical sedan or a rarer coupe configuration, the latest Focus packed Ford’s ‘new-edge’ styling, unique features and plenty of selection. If you’re after a hatch or wagon, you’ll need to skip back one generation further-- as Ford axed these variations from 2008 and on.
Why shop out a used Focus from the 2008 to 2011 realm? Easy—you’re looking for a decent used car with lower-than-average resale prices and some unique styling and features. Or maybe you want a small, efficient coupe—which you won’t find available in a Toyota, Nissan or Mazda.
Further, for some folks, Ford’s exclusive ‘Ford Sync’ technology was a selling point. The system was optional on the Focus, and could read text messages and tap seamlessly into the multimedia functionality of one’s favourite cellular or MP3 device using the power of Bluetooth.
All Focus models in this generation got a two-litre, 140 horsepower four-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission twisting the front wheels. Features and goodies included such niceties as mood lighting, heated seats, a trip computer, fog lamps, alloy wheels, tinted glass, Bluetooth, remote entry and a full suite of power accessories.
Stability control and antilock brakes were on board, as were a full complement of airbags should a collision prove inevitable.
Owners typically comment that their Focuses provide surprisingly generous headroom, easy entry and exit, stable and agile handling, confident performance and good fuel economy. Most like the styling too-- especially inside.
Gripes, perhaps surprisingly, are almost entirely from performance enthusiast drivers that wish for a bit more power. Virtually every vehicle has a circle of owners with this desire—and the Focus is no different.
Given the relatively low volume of functionality-related complaints from the online owner’s community and largely positive media reviews of the Focus, it’s safe to say it’s a car that Ford seemed to get right.
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| 2008 Ford Focus (Philppe Champoux/Auto123.com) |
Why shop out a used Focus from the 2008 to 2011 realm? Easy—you’re looking for a decent used car with lower-than-average resale prices and some unique styling and features. Or maybe you want a small, efficient coupe—which you won’t find available in a Toyota, Nissan or Mazda.
Further, for some folks, Ford’s exclusive ‘Ford Sync’ technology was a selling point. The system was optional on the Focus, and could read text messages and tap seamlessly into the multimedia functionality of one’s favourite cellular or MP3 device using the power of Bluetooth.
All Focus models in this generation got a two-litre, 140 horsepower four-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission twisting the front wheels. Features and goodies included such niceties as mood lighting, heated seats, a trip computer, fog lamps, alloy wheels, tinted glass, Bluetooth, remote entry and a full suite of power accessories.
Stability control and antilock brakes were on board, as were a full complement of airbags should a collision prove inevitable.
Owners typically comment that their Focuses provide surprisingly generous headroom, easy entry and exit, stable and agile handling, confident performance and good fuel economy. Most like the styling too-- especially inside.
Gripes, perhaps surprisingly, are almost entirely from performance enthusiast drivers that wish for a bit more power. Virtually every vehicle has a circle of owners with this desire—and the Focus is no different.
Given the relatively low volume of functionality-related complaints from the online owner’s community and largely positive media reviews of the Focus, it’s safe to say it’s a car that Ford seemed to get right.
 |
| 2008 Ford Focus (Philppe Champoux/Auto123.com) |