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Best nonhybrid fuel economy 2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI *Est. $23225
Best cheap compact car 2011 Nissan Versa *Est. $9990

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2008 Ford Focus

*Est. $14,395 to $16,925

Pros

Responsive steering
Respectable fuel economy
Microsoft Sync communications and entertainment system
Low base price

Cons

Cabin design and execution
Long braking distance
Stability control not available

Our Analysis

Because of its restyling, the 2008 Ford Focus draws attention from several credible sources. Editors at Motor Trend magazine include the Focus in their comprehensive performance evaluations, while experts at Car and Driver magazine measure the 2008 Ford Focus against seven other compact cars in head-to-head testing. Consumer Reports magazine's editors offer information about road dynamics and safety gleaned from their own independent testing, and ConsumerGuide.com provides similar results. Detailed, balanced single-vehicle reviews are presented by Edmunds.com and KBB.com, the online home of Kelley Blue Book. GreenCar.com and TopSpeed.com evaluate the Focus in regard to certain environmental concerns, discussing overall fuel efficiency and the cleaner-burning PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) version of the Ford Focus.

Opinions are sharply divided over the 2008 Ford Focus redesign, including the unusual styling. While some sources say handling of the Ford Focus has improved; others say it's not as confident as it used to be. Most reviewers seem to agree that the Focus still doesn't approach the class leader, the Honda Civic (*est. $14,800 to $23,250)Issues from past model years – such as subpar cabin materials and storage – linger. A new coupe body style replaces the hatchback and wagon versions of the Ford Focus for 2008. Microsoft Sync, Ford's integrated communications and entertainment system, comes standard on the SES trim and is a $395 option on the SE. All models have six standard air bags. But ABS is an added-cost option, and stability control isn't offered at all.

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2008 Ford Focus

Our Sources

1. Motor Trend Details/Subscribe

The 2008 Ford Focus falls short in testing for Motor Trend's Car of the Year award. Judges are critical of the performance and design of the Focus, including the new exterior styling.

Review: 2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year: The Contenders, Editors at Motor Trend, May 2008

2. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

In this comparison of eight popular compact cars, the Ford Focus SE ranks dead last. Bedard says that performance is respectable in most areas, but that the haphazard styling and oddly designed interior proves too difficult to forgive.

Review: Little Feet: Eight Ways to Shrink Your Carbon Footprint, Patrick Bedard, May 2008

3. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Editors at Consumer Reports test the 2008 Ford Focus thoroughly. Performance and ergonomics are evaluated, and an analysis of safety features and anticipated long-term reliability is included. Test results are comprehensive, logical and easy to read.

Review: 2008 Ford Focus, Editors of Consumer Reports

4. ConsumerGuide.com

ConsumerGuide.com's testing criteria are methodical and logical. Editors appreciate the handling dynamics and comfortable driver's seat in the Ford Focus, but they find that the interior materials look cheap and that the storage areas aren't well designed.

Review: 2008 Ford Focus, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Aug. 14, 2008

5. Edmunds.com

In this nicely balanced one-car review, the editors conclude that the 2008 Ford Focus is a viable option for those seeking an affordable sedan or coupe, but they warn that performance and interior appointments are merely adequate.

Review: 2008 Ford Focus Review, Editors of Edmunds.com

6. Kelley Blue Book

Kelley Blue Book's website offers more than just used-car values. In this balanced, user-friendly review of the 2008 Ford Focus, editors detail the changes in the recent restyle, and they praise the innovative SYNC system.

Review: 2008 Ford Focus, Editors of KBB.com

7. GreenCar.com

GreenCar.com's editors consider subjective aspects (like utility and performance) when evaluating environmentally friendly cars. In the under-$15,000 category, they like the freshened styling and more rigid body structure of the 2008 Ford Focus.

Review: Top 2008 Fuel Economy Faves, Todd Kaho

8. TopSpeed.com

TopSpeed.com's review of the 2007 Ford Focus concentrates on models sold in California with the PZEV badge. This article summarizes the PZEV criteria nicely, but it hasn't been updated to account for the 2008 redesign.

Review: 2007 Ford Focus PZEV, Simona Alina, Aug. 29, 2006

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