2008-2011 Ford Focus
How to upgrade the stereo system in your Focus
In brief: This Crutchfield Research Garage article gives you an overview of your car's stock stereo system and your aftermarket upgrade options. We'll tell you all about:
- The factory stereo system
- Removing the factory radio
- Removing the factory speakers
- Adding more bass
- Other options for your Focus
Then, use our vehicle selector to find the gear that will fit your Focus.
Overview of the Ford Focus
Can something be totally new and kind of the same all at once? Yes, if the something in question is the 2008-11 Ford Focus. Some consider this to be a second-generation car, while others view it as a comprehensive mid-cycle refresh. Either way, it’s basically the previous model with new styling, a revamped interior, improved safety features, and a lot of general refinements.
Not that there’s anything wrong with that. The original Focus was a pretty good car to begin with, so an updated and improved version has to be better still, right? Available in coupe and sedan models, this Focus was a thoroughly decent compact car in a world that needed them. Still needs them, in fact.
Both the base stereo system and the premium system are getting on in years, though, so an upgrade is probably in order. This article will tell you a little more about what’s possible and what’s involved in making it happen.
Believe it or not, there is a way to replace this factory radio (Crutchfield Research Photo)
The factory stereo system
Other than the introduction of SYNC connectivity (which was a very big deal at the time), the stock stereo systems were pretty much what you’d expect in a car like this way back then. The base stereo system is pretty basic, while the premium system adds a powered subwoofer that’s mounted in the trunk. There’s also a midlevel system with SYNC, but no sub.
The stock receiver can be replaced with a variety of single-DIN (2" tall) or double-DIN (4" tall) aftermarket models. You’ll need a dash kit and a wiring harness adapter to install your new receiver, and we’ll give you a nice discount on both when you order from Crutchfield.
Detailed stereo and speaker removal instructions
The wiring harness adapter can be kind of a big deal in the Focus, because with the top-shelf premium system, the harness you choose will have a big impact on whether or not you retain the car’s SYNC functionality. We’re not going to get too deep in the weeds here, but essentially, the choice comes down to whether SYNC is still important to you or not. If so, you’ll want to choose an iDatalink-capable receiver and let our database match you up with the correct wiring harness adapter.
If you have questions about any of this (and you very well might), give us a call and talk to one of our expert Crutchfield Advisors. We’ll help you get the receiver that’s right for your needs and make sure you get the correct harness to connect it properly.
Installing any aftermarket receiver means losing the factory satellite radio capability. The good news is that there are numerous SiriusXM-Ready receivers out there, so you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite programs just like always.
Using a piece of paper will protect your car's dash panels during the removal process (Crutchfield Research Photo)
Removing the factory radio
The radio removal process in the Focus isn’t exactly hard, but there are several steps involved and some fiddly bits that will require your close attention. You’ll be removing a number of panels and pieces, so it’ll be important to work carefully and keep everything organized. That’ll come in handy when it’s time to put everything back together.
We recommend using a piece of folded paper or an index card to protect the finish while you’re using a panel tool to remove the dash panels. That finish is easy to scratch, so the card (and some care) will help you keep it looking good.
Before you start this or any other car audio upgrade project on your Focus, you’ll need to set the parking brake and disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent any electrical shorts. You’ll see that reminder, along with all the step-by-step removal instructions, in the Crutchfield MasterSheet that’s included free with your stereo purchase.
When it comes to installing your new receiver, follow the instructions included with your dash kit and wiring harness. Once everything’s connected, test the radio to make sure it’s working. If it is, you can start putting the dash back together by reversing the disassembly process.
Tools needed: Panel tool, 7mm socket, ratchet and extension, paper, small flat blade screwdriver
Shop for car stereos that fit your Ford Focus
Steering wheel audio controls
In most cases, it's relatively easy to retain your car's steering wheel audio controls when you install a new stereo. When you enter your vehicle information, our database will choose the adapter you need to make your factory steering wheel controls work with your new receiver.
Upgrading the speakers will dramatically improve the sound in your Focus (Crutchfield Research Photo)
Removing the factory speakers
Upgrading the speakers is a great way to improve the sound in your Focus. Even if you keep the stock radio, you'll enjoy vastly better performance.
You'll need to remove the door panels to replace the stock speakers (Crutchfield Research Photo)
Removing the front door speakers
The 6"x8" front door speakers can be replaced by same-size or 5-1/4" aftermarket models. You’ll need mounting brackets to install the smaller speakers, and we’ll include them with your Crutchfield speaker purchase.
You’ll need to remove the door panels to get to the stock speakers. This isn’t anything a reasonably skilled DIY-er can’t handle, but as with the radio removal process, there are a lot of panels and parts that you’ll need to keep straight for later. If you work carefully and stay organized, the job will be a lot easier and vastly less stressful, trust us.
Once the new speakers are connected and secured, test them to make sure they’re working properly. If they are, you can start putting the door back together. As you do this, check to be sure that there aren’t any wires interfering with the windows and test the door lock/release operation to be sure that’s all working as it should.
All the step-by-step disassembly details can be found in your Crutchfield MasterSheet, of course.
Tools needed: Panel tool, Torx T-30 driver, Phillips screwdriver, 6mm socket, ratchet and extension
The Focus sedan's rear doors house 6"x8" factory speakers (Crutchfield Research Photo)
Removing the rear door speakers (Sedan)
Pretty much everything about the rear door speaker removal and replacement process in the Focus sedan is the same as it is for the front doors.
You can replace the 6"x8" stock speakers with same-size or 5-1/4" aftermarket models. You’ll need mounting brackets for 5-1/4" models, and we’ll include them with your Crutchfield speaker purchase.
Whenever you remove door panels (or any panels, really), remember to store the panels in a clean, dry place until it’s time to put them back on the doors.
Tools needed: Panel tool, small flat blade screwdriver, 6mm socket, ratchet and extension, Torx T-30 driver
It'll take a bit of work to access the coupe's side panel speakers (Crutchfield Research Photo)
Removing the rear side speakers (Coupe)
The Focus coupe’s rear passenger compartment is home to 6"x8" factory speakers mounted behind the side panels. You can replace these with same-size or 5-1/4" aftermarket models, and we’ll include brackets with the smaller ones.
The removal/replacement process isn’t hard in these cars, either, but getting to these speakers offers some unique challenges. The main one is that you’ll need to remove the rear seat bottom. Depending on your appetite for wrestling large things out of smaller openings, you might want to have a helper around to give you a hand with this task.
Once that’s out of the way, though, the speakers are pretty easy to deal with. Just work carefully and stay organized while you’re doing the work.
Tools needed: Panel tool, 6mm socket, ratchet and extension, Torx T-30 driver
The premium 8" factory subwoofer lives in this rather chunky enclosure (Crutchfield Research Photo)
Removing the rear subwoofer
Compared to some of the other upgrade tasks in this car, removing the factory 8" subwoofer is a walk in the park. Well, almost.
This dual-voice coil sub is located on the driver's side of the trunk in a polymer enclosure. Each 60W voice coil has a 1.2-ohm impedance. Depending on the aftermarket subwoofer you choose, you may need to drill new mounting holes to secure it in place. That’s not too hard to do, but work carefully, know what you’re drilling into, and wear eye protection.
You’ll need to remove the grille and the enclosure, then remove the sub from the enclosure itself. That process is relatively painless but you’ll still want to work carefully and stay organized. Sure, it’s a trunk-mounted sub and no one will know if you damage something, but you’ll know.
We don’t have a speaker wiring adapter that’ll work for this speaker location, so you’ll need to splice the wires to connect your new aftermarket subwoofer.
Once that’s done and the sub is secured in place, test it out and make sure it’s working before you put everything together again.
Shop for speakers that fit your Ford Focus
There's not a ton of room for a sub enclosure in the trunk, but there are still ways to improve your system's low-end performance (Crutchfield Research Photo)
More bass in your Focus
Whether you’re working with a coupe or a sedan, the Focus’ trunk offers some room for a subwoofer enclosure, but not a huge amount. We checked a coupe’s trunk and came up with a 40"W x 20"H x 33"/24"D measurement. We imagine the sedan is quite similar, but you’ll want to measure the space before you choose your sub enclosure.
If you’re more concerned about usable space than jaw-rattling bass, a more compact powered subwoofer will be an excellent choice for your Focus. You’ll enjoy a fuller sound, plus you can still go to the grocery store and bring home a week’s worth of food.
A new set of custom-fit WeatherTech Floor Liners will spruce up your car's interior
Other options for your Ford Focus
Here are some other smart upgrades for your Focus.
Add a sound processor for better sound from your factory radio
If you choose to keep the stock radio, install a sound processor to send a clear, clean signal to your new amp. Sound processors remove any limitations on the signal imposed by the factory radio. The better the signal, the better the sound. Read our article explaining factory sound processors to learn more.
Install sound deadening material to quiet the ride
Ford invested time and money to make this Focus quieter than its predecessor, but this car still doesn't offer Lincoln-like interior silence. To minimize road noise and maximize sound, we recommend installing Dynamat inside the front door panels on any Focus. And also the trunk, if you install a big sub enclosure.
Protect your car's interior
Everyday life can be a bit much for factory floor mats. Custom-fit floor and cargo liners from WeatherTech will help protect your car's carpeting from dirt and damage.
A security system will protect your car
Installing a security system in your Focus isn't easy (security systems rarely are), but it's definitely a good idea. Our Crutchfield Advisors can help figure out what you need to get the job done, but we usually recommend taking your car and new gear to a professional installer.
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