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What Changed in 2008 for Ford

  • 2008 Ford Focus Coupe

    2008 Ford Focus Coupe

    The Focus coupe is an all-new model introduced along with an extensively updated 2008 Focus sedan. Power is provided by a 2.0L four-cylinder rated at 140 hp.

  • 2008 Ford Taurus

    2008 Ford Taurus

    The Ford Five Hundred receives a minor styling refresh and a new name. Aside from wearing the Taurus name, the biggest visible change is a new front end featuring the Ford three-bar grille. Horsepower is boosted to 260hp with the inclusion of a 3.5L V6. The CVT transmission options have been dropped leaving a six-speed automatic as the sole transmission.

  • 2008 Ford Taurus X

    2008 Ford Taurus X

    The Freestyle becomes the Taurus X for 2008. Aside from some minor styling changes, the Taurus X benefits from a larger 3.5L V6 and standard six-speed automatic transmission. Both FWD and AWD versions will be offered. Taurus X is available in SEL, Eddie Bauer and Limited trim levels.

  • 2008 Ford Escape

    2008 Ford Escape

    The 2008 Escape features updated styling inside and out. The most notable changes are to the front and rear fascias, but most of the sheet metal is new. Outside of a new electric power steering system, the chassis and powertrains are largely the same.

  • 2008 Ford Focus Sedan

    2008 Ford Focus Sedan

    The new 4-door sedan is part of this extensively refreshed Focus lineup. Although the US Focus has not adopted the European Focus platform, Ford has chosen to completely restyle its compact car to make it more competitive. Only the 2.0L Duratec engine offered, mated to a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. The interior has also been redesigned for a more contemporary (or flashy) appearance.

  • 2008 Ford E-Series Wagon

    The 2008 E Series features all-new sheet metal from the A-pillars forward. A large squarish grille now adorns the front. A re-engineered front suspension, larger brakes and an updated steering system promise to improve the ride and handling.

  • 2008 Ford F-Series Super Duty CrewCab

    Ford's Super Duty line has been updated for 2008 featuring an all-new interior and updated chassis. The engine range includes a new 6.4L Power Stroke Diesel. A new F-450 model joins lineup offering towing capability of over 24,000 lbs.

  • 2008 Ford F-Series Super Duty Regular Cab

    Ford's Super Duty line has been updated for 2008 featuring an all-new interior and updated chassis. The engine range includes a new 6.4L Power Stroke Diesel. A new F-450 model joins lineup offering towing capability of over 24,000 lbs.

  • 2008 Ford F-Series Super Duty SuperCab

    Ford's Super Duty line has been updated for 2008 featuring an all-new interior and updated chassis. The engine range includes a new 6.4L Power Stroke Diesel. A new F-450 model joins lineup offering towing capability of over 24,000 lbs.

  • 2008 Ford Edge

    Minor trim level and option changes. Optional SYNC (TM) system for hands free operation of phones and entertainment devices.

  • 2008 Ford Expedition

    Trim levels now include a range topping King Ranch model.

  • 2008 Ford Expedition EL

    Model range now includes the range topping King Ranch model.

  • 2008 Ford Explorer

    Explorer becomes the first Ford vehicle to implement the capless fuel filling system. . Optional SYNC (TM) system for hands free operation of phones and entertainment devices.

  • 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

    An Adrenalin appearance package is added with styling inspired by the 2005 concept vehicle. Sport Trac Adrenalin wears distinctive front and rear fascias, and 20 inch wheels. Other models gain new colors and an optional SYNC (TM) system for hands free operation of phones and entertainment devices.

  • 2008 Ford F-150 Regular Cab

    The F-Series receives a new cargo management system for 2008. An optional mid-box storage area is available for fleet vehicles.

  • 2008 Ford F-150 SuperCab

    The F-Series receives a new cargo management system for 2008. An optional mid-box storage area is available for fleet vehicles.

  • 2008 Ford Fusion

    Anti-lock brakes and tire pressure monitoring safety features become standard across the range. Optional SYNC (TM) system offers hands free control of phones and entertainment devices. New colors and a new sport appearance package.

  • 2008 Ford Mustang

    The Mustang continues to offer unique limited editions. One such example is the Warriors in Pink edition. Sales support Susan G. Komen for the Cure. A limited edition Mustang Bullitt model coincides with the 40th anniversary of the movie. Bullitt editions feature a tuned suspension and more horsepower compliments of Ford's Racing Technology catalog. Only 7700 Bullitt Mustangs will be built.

Ford is one of the most historic brands in America, but it has entered what may be the most challenging period in its long history. While Ford continues to dominate the truck market, its inattention to some key products in years past has been hurting it in the rest of the marketplace. Not only does Ford have to worry about a resurgence of products at its chief rival, GM, but also the success of full-line Asian automakers like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan.

Ford has addressed one sore area by releasing a significantly reworked Focus compact car. The 2008 Focus sedan and coupe wear new styling inside and out. All Focus models feature a 2.0L four-cylinder rated at 140-bhp. With prices starting below $15,000, the fuel-efficient Focus could end up on many shopping lists in this value-conscious and competitive segment.

The Escape is another key vehicle that Ford reworked for 2008. The Escape wears mostly new sheet metal, but the overall styling change is more of an evolution of the prior model. Most importantly, the Escape retains its comprehensive powertrain offerings, including a hybrid version that is unmatched in the segment.

The Ford Taurus returns for 2008. A name change and a minor styling refresh to the Five Hundred sedan and Freestyle crossover result in the new Taurus sedan and Taurus X crossover. A 3.5L V6 now provides 260-bhp, but Ford has dropped the CVT transmission in favor of a six-speed automatic transmission. The net result is two products that are far more competitive than they were last year.

One interesting change to the Ford lineup for 2008 is the SYNC system. SYNC is a technology developed by Microsoft to ease the inclusion and use of consumer electronics like mobile phones and mp3 players in the automobile. The SYNC system is an inexpensive option, and it is only available on Ford products in 2008.

The Ford Crown Victoria and Freestar minivan are gone from the lineup. Next up for Ford will be an all-new F-series truck, and a new crossover vehicle dubbed Flex.

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