In a market dominated by import cars, Ford proved that it could be competitive and offer a car for the masses in the difficult times of the world financial crisis.
Ford introduced the second generation of the Focus for the U.S. market in 2007 as a 2008 model year. Unlike its European sibling, it was offered as a sedan and coupe as well. In sedan version could have been ordered from a frugal economy car to a sporty touring model.

It might be just a matter of taste, but the European’s headlights were better looking with their swept form. The U.S. model featured a squarish form with the upper side, like the vulcanian Spok’s eyebrows. Depending on the trim level, the grille was black or enhanced with two horizontal chromed slats. The designers didn’t seem to work too hard to install a simple, rectangular grille in the lower bumper with round fog-lights on the sides. From the sides, the Focus sedan with four doors featured a nice-looking, but fake, air-vent behind the front wheels, continued with an ascending line toward the back of the car.

Ford chose to play safe with black plastics and silver trims on the dashboard, center stack, and center console for the interior. On the instrument cluster, the designers placed an LCD was at the bottom, surrounded by the four-dials layout. For the infotainment unit, Ford worked with Microsoft to develop the SYNC system, available as an option.

The 2008 Focus featured just two 2.0-liter engines. The gasoline version was fitted as standard with a 5-speed manual and an option for a 4-speed auto, while the diesel version was fitted exclusively with a 5-speed manual.