Ford Vehicle

Cheap coupes were once every sixteen-year-old’s favorite means of stretching Mom’s apron strings. While Honda and others have remained true to the breed, more than half of the brands selling bargain-basement rides have shunned coupes to concentrate on other vehicular configurations. Bucking that trend, Ford selected the classic coupe format–two doors, no hatch–for the 2008 Focus.

Actually, we were starting to wonder if Ford had given up on the Focus, a car that long ago beguiled the hearts and minds of enthusiasts who never expected a cost-conscious, fun-to-drive car wearing a domestic nameplate. We anointed the2000 original our Automobile of the Year, toasting the Focus’s chic style, superb dynamics, and endearing personality. Unfortunately, Ford has spent the past three years letting their road toy wind down.

The new Focus is a two-body (coupe or sedan), three-trim-level bottom-feeder that has swapped precocious charm for grown-up deportment. Regrettably, Ford’s cute child grew into a homely adult. But, after escaping Seattle’s rush-hour crunch, we did find the refurbished Focus surprisingly quiet and smooth-riding. Cheesy upholstery has been upgraded with a nicer cut of cloth or optional leather that doesn’t look like it was recycled.

The interior trim fits properly and is finished with attractive textures and gloss levels. The driving report is a mix of good and bad. Last year’s 2.3-liter four-cylinder is gone, leaving the 140-hp, DOHC 2.0-liter to soldier on. Spurred on by cooling-system and air-intake improvements, this engine charges to its 6500-rpm redline with willful abandon, hungry for another thousand revs.