2008 Ford Focus

For the second time in its life cycle (or is it third?...we’ve lost track), Ford has made over its aging Focus subcompact in order to keep it fresh. This time, however, the redo is quite significant, with radically different styling inside and out, a simplification of the model/engine lineup and the addition of a coupe model. And no, they are not derivatives of the stellar European Focus which shares many of its best parts with the Mazda3 and the Volvo C30/S40/V50.

Interestingly, just as hatchbacks are making a comeback in this country, Ford has dropped both Focus hatchback models—as well as the wagon—from the lineup, leaving the sedan and the aforementioned coupe as the only Focuses available in the U.S.

New looks inside and out

So what does this redo involve? From stem to stern, the Focus is dramatically restyled. It wears a version of Ford’s three-bar grille (with one less bar) flanked by geometric headlamps. A raised beltline creates a more dramatic side view, as do the new side vents and bodyside sculpting. A high trunk lid completes the new look, though strangely, it doesn’t create any additional trunk space in the sedan (it’s actually down nearly one cubic foot from 2007). Somehow, the new look evokes the Saturn Ion, and no, that's not a good thing. Whoever styled the front fenders to make the 17-inch wheels look like 12s should be fired, immediately.

Inside, passengers sit within an overhauled interior highlighted by a new dashboard with a center-mounted HVAC/stereo readout perched just beneath the windshield. An available ambient-lighting package allows the driver to select between seven colors to illuminate the cupholders and footwells. Dash lights have been changed from green to “Ice Blue.” Also significant is the addition of sound-deadening materials and thicker side glass in the front windows to take some of the clatter out of the Focus’s previously noisy cabin.

Little changed underhood

As for mechanical changes, there aren’t many in terms of powertrain, other than the discontinuation of the more powerful 151-hp 2.3-liter four-cylinder from the previous ST sedan, leaving only the tried-and-true 136-hp 2.0-liter that will get a super-clean PZEV rating in the green states. Available five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions remain. However, a redesigned suspension with new shocks, spring rates, stabilizer bars, and bushings are all new for 2008. Side thorax and curtain air bags will also be standard for ’08.

Available: "Ford Sync"

The ‘08 Focus will be one of the first vehicles to receive Ford’s new “Ford Sync” in-car digital communications system, which gives the driver voice-activated, hands-free control of most mobile phones and portable music players. Developed with Microsoft, the system allows two ways to sync devices to the car: Bluetooth, for mobile phones as well as mobile phones with integrated MP3 players; and a USB 2.0 port for iPods, MP3 players and flash drives with MP3 files. Phone calls become speaker-phone-style through the vehicle’s speaker system, and the system can even read text messages aloud. Particularly cool is how the system can handle cell phone calls a driver might have been on as he or she entered the car: by touching the telephone button on the steering wheel, the Sync system will instantly connect to the Bluetooth phone for hands-free operation henceforth. We're assured that the system's software is upgradeable as new technologies come to market.

2008 Ford Escape

In spite of banal styling and mediocre quality, the Ford Escape has remained one of the best-selling compact SUVs on the market. Next spring, Ford hopes to maintain its strong position with the redesigned 2008 Escape. But don’t be fooled by its macho exterior; mechanically speaking, most of the old Escape is still trapped inside.

The Escape’s new styling does toughen its image quite a bit, with a higher beltline, a bolder new front fascia and lighting units. New wheels and more prominently flared fenders give it a more visually planted stance. The cladding of the former model has been removed, thankfully, for a cleaner look. “The goal from the beginning was to make Escape look even stronger and tougher than the original,” says Doyle Letson, chief designer for the 2008 Escape.

Inside, changes are more significant, including upgraded materials, more sound insulation, new seat fabrics made from 100-percent-recycled materials, a completely redesigned dashboard, and a center stack featuring a Mazda-like info display atop the dash. Passenger space remains relatively unchanged, allowing certain competitors—some of which offer third-row seats—to retain any advantages they currently claim in this significant area. New goodies include an iPod jack, a huge center console and an available navigation system. Also new is the “ice blue” interior illumination replacing the blasé Ford green currently staring so many millions of Ford drivers in the face today.

Mechanical changes are more minor, including new speed-sensitive electric power steering, as well as low-dust brake linings. The hybrid (below left) and V-6 models stay with four-wheel disc brakes but, unfortunately, the four-cylinders retain their archaic disc/drum setup.

For all that’s changed, the Escape’s three front- and all-wheel-drive powertrains have not. As before, the base 2.3-liter 16-valve four-cylinder makes 153 horsepower and 152 lb-ft of torque while the optional 3.0-liter 24-valve V-6 produces 200 horsepower and 193 lb-ft. The Escape Hybrid continues with its 133 horsepower, 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine supplemented by a 70 kW electric motor. Both gas-only engines come only with a four-speed-automatic, while a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is the only available transmission for the hybrid model. The on-road-biased optional all-wheel drive system is also carryover.

2008 Dodge Caravan

While its American compatriots have decided they can't compete with the likes of the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna and are throwing in the Wet Wipe in the minivan market, Chrysler, which still holds the minivan sales crown, is showing its intention to stay and fight the Asians with its redesigned '08 models. The 2008 Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country look to be a strong riposte, adopting many of the features seen on their competitors and adding some new twists of their own. The vehicles have all-new sheetmetal, with more squared-off styling. They are longer and wider and ride on a two-inch longer wheelbase. Short-wheelbase variants disappear, as does the four-cylinder engine. The 3.3-liter and 3.8-liter V-6s return, joined by a new 4.0-liter V-6 with 240 hp.

A third seating configurations is now offered. Standard is two bench seats. Stow 'n Go (2nd and 3rd row seats flop into the floor) is optional, as is a power-folding third row. A new choice is Swivel 'n Go, whereby the 2nd row chairs can face forward or backwards. When flipped around there's even a little table that can be installed. (The swiveling 2nd row seats do not fold into the floor.) The minivans also pick up other new features including: curtain air bags, roll-down windows in the slider doors, a rear-view camera, Chrysler's myGig hard-drive entertainment system, side window sunshades, remote start, heated seats in the second row, and LED interior lighting. The '08 model minivans arrive in showrooms this fall.