The Drive USA Driving School Vehicle

 

2008 Ford Focus

Introduction

Small, economical, and fun, the Focus is a smart choice for those looking for a compact car.

The Focus has undergone a restyling just short of a complete redesign. It keeps its former platform and engine, but has a completely new look inside and out. The front of the car now has a large chrome grille and overall the car sits a little higher than its previous incarnation. As before, the engine is a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. However, Ford has modified and updated the Focus' suspension and and the engine intake and cooling systems. The interior is now more technologically motivated, featuring a Sync system that allows the driver to synchronize various mobile electronic devices such as mp3 players and cell phones. Ford now offers three trim levels: the standard S, and the increasingly more upscale SE and SES. The Focus is now available only as a coupe or sedan and no longer as a hatchback. Airbags and side-curtain airbags come standard.

The Ford Focus receives a major styling overhaul, short of a complete redesign, for 2008.

2008 Ford Focus Safety Ratings

Front-impact airbags for the driver and passenger have been designed to protect the head during a frontal crash.

Side impact airbags for the front seats have been designed to protect the torso during a side impact collision.

Overhead airbags are used to protect the occupant's heads in the event of a side collision or rollover.

Seatbelt pretensioners automatically tighten seatbelts to place the occupant in the optimal seating position during a collision.

The vehicle is equipped with an ignition disable device that will prevent the engine from starting if the correct original manufacturer key is not used.