Feature

New cars: What the critics say

Ford Focus Price: $14,695

Road & Track
Will the new Focus “Sync or swim?” Microsoft’s new Sync software provides a hands-free, voice-activated system that lets drivers operate Bluetooth cell phones and MP3 players, such as Apple’s iPod. The Sync system can also understand other voice commands, and even read text messages aloud. Caution: Replies to text messages can be made only “when the Focus is stationary.”

Edmonton Journal (Alberta)
The Focus is one “real smart car.” Not only are the voice-activated controls the “pinnacle” of automotive sophistication, they also improve auto safety by removing “at least two sources of distraction.” The 140-hp, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine is standard on all models.

Car & Driver
Pardon the bad sports analogy, but the new Focus is “less a touchdown than a badly needed first down.” The 2008 model is only a stopgap restyling; an all-new model will arrive in 2011. The wagon and hatchback have already been euthanized, with only the sedan and coupe surviving. The Sync system is neat, but isn’t it unnecessarily complex? “Well, yeah.”

Recommended

6 marvelous homes with great kitchens
House
Feature

6 marvelous homes with great kitchens

The Check-In: How to plan a trip to Antarctica
Penguins on an iceberg
Feature

The Check-In: How to plan a trip to Antarctica

The Week contest: Seaweed invasion
sargassum seaweed.
Feature

The Week contest: Seaweed invasion

6 worthwhile homes in Iowa
House.
Feature

6 worthwhile homes in Iowa

Most Popular

5 toons about Trump's possible indictment
Political Cartoon
Feature

5 toons about Trump's possible indictment

Pope Francis updates sex abuse laws for Catholic Church
Pope Francis.
Francis Fights Back

Pope Francis updates sex abuse laws for Catholic Church

Florida principal forced to resign over Michelangelo's David display
The statue of 'David' by Michelangelo.
Controversy Over David

Florida principal forced to resign over Michelangelo's David display