2004 Ford Focus Review
2004 Ford Focus Review
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Used Focus for sale
Appraise This CarFord Focus model years
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Thoughtful ergonomics, spacious interior, fun-to-drive character, sharp steering, impressive selection of body configurations and features.
Cons
- Seats aren't comfortable for everyone, not as reliable as some other cars in its segment.
What’s new
The emissions-friendly 2.3-liter PZEV engine released in limited states in 2003 is now available as an option in all states (it comes standard in California, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont and Maine). The only other notable changes to the 2004 Ford Focus are newly optional leather seating for ZX3 models, and a slightly revised suspension offers improved handling.
Edmunds says
The 2004 Ford Focus is a wonderful small car that's fun to drive, frugal with fuel and offered in such a wide variety of configurations it would be hard not to find one that suits your needs.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2004 Ford Focus ZX3 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$178/mo for Focus ZX3
Focus ZX3
vs
$183/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2004 Ford Focus.
5 star(71%)
4 star(21%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(1%)
350 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Focus
thescorpion1024, 09/13/2003
2004 Ford Focus SE 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
I love it, great car. Great gas milage
and fun to drive. However your back
will bother you on long road trips.
4 out of 5 stars
Great Car for Commuting
mike_231, 12/21/2010
2004 Ford Focus SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Purchased in 2007 with 30k miles, just sold with 66k miles.
Overall a great daily driver.
Got between 28 and 32 MPG in mostly highway driving.
Reliability was above average - only items I replaced were front brake rotors and sway bar end links (a common problem?).
Otherwise, I only performed routine maintenance at the intervals suggested in the owner's manual.
Good braking and cornering … feel with decent acceleration.
Complaints include strange options (had PW, PL, power mirrors and remote keyless entry, but no cruise control or tilt steering column), and everything under the car was rusted at the time I sold it.
Overall, though, a great value.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Excellent little car
wagnerzx2, 04/12/2013
2004 Ford Focus SE 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
After my Escort ZX2 died (after 13 years) I needed a new car. After test driving several, this little wagon perked my interest. I bought it used with 86,000 miles on it in August of 2012, and since, (april 2013) have put over 20,000 miles on it. I average about 33 mpg. about 28 city, 32 against the wind, and 40 with the wind. Since I travel a lot, its great to have the cargo space and … the excellent gas mileage. And when I'm home, I can haul my three kids all over the place and everyone is confortable, even with one still in a booster seat. My only downside on this very particular vehicle is that I do not have cruise control. Otherwise, its a great car.
5 out of 5 stars
Good things in small.packages
M J, 01/05/2016
2004 Ford Focus ZX3 Comfort 2dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
I bought this car in Mau 2015 with 91k on it. I never had any issues really. Changed plugs in 10 minutes, the alternator went out, but with miles was expected. The strut mounts are squeeking, but not a safety issue. All around a decent car to have. I will have this car til it dies completely. This is my first Ford and I was skeptical. Impressive small car and great.
2004 Focus Highlights
Sedan
LX
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $13,425 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $165/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger1 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
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