Ford Focus
28 MPG The 2008 Ford Focus is EPA-rated at 28 MPG combined (24 city / 34 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 536 gallons, $1714 a year in fuel, or $0.114 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2000–2008 run it averages 25.2 MPG, improving by 2.5 MPG over 9 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.089 | $893 | $1339 | $1786 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.107 | $1071 | $1607 | $2143 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.114 | $1143 | $1714 | $2286 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.125 | $1250 | $1875 | $2500 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.143 | $1429 | $2143 | $2857 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.161 | $1607 | $2411 | $3214 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.179 | $1786 | $2679 | $3571 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 28 MPG | 24 | 34 | $2200 | 317 | 2 |
| 2007 | 25.3 MPG | 22.3 | 31 | $2467 | 352 | 3 |
| 2006 | 24.7 MPG | 21.7 | 29.3 | $2533 | 361 | 3 |
| 2005 | 24.7 MPG | 21.3 | 29.7 | $2533 | 361 | 3 |
| 2004 | 24.4 MPG | 21.7 | 29.1 | $2664 | 366 | 7 |
| 2003 | 24.1 MPG | 21.9 | 28.4 | $2600 | 371 | 7 |
| 2002 | 24.6 MPG | 22.2 | 28.8 | $2710 | 366 | 5 |
| 2001 | 25.5 MPG | 22.8 | 30.3 | $2450 | 350 | 4 |
| 2000 | 25.5 MPG | 22.8 | 30.3 | $2450 | 349 | 4 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Ford Focus ranks 58 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chevrolet Aveo (28.5), Audi A4 quattro (29), BMW 330i xDrive Sedan (29), BMW 430i xDrive Gran Coupe (29), BMW M340i Sedan (29).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 317 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.8 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Ford Focus get?
The 2008 Ford Focus is rated at 28 MPG combined by the EPA — 24 city and 34 highway. Across all 9 model years in the database it averages 25.2 MPG, ranging from 20 to 28 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Ford Focus cost in fuel per year?
At 28 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 536 gallons — roughly $1714 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.114 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2008 model is $2200.
Has the Ford Focus become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 25.5 MPG in 2000 to 28 in 2008 — an improvement of 2.5 MPG, or 10% across 9 model years.
Is the Ford Focus efficient for its class?
It ranks 58 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 1.4 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.