2004 Ford Focus Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The 2004 Ford Focus continued to appeal to bargain hunters looking for low-priced family transportation. Variety was the name of the game...
The 2004 Ford Focus continued to appeal to bargain hunters looking for low-priced family transportation. Variety was the name of the game for this cornerstone line, which targeted first-time buyers. Trims and body styles available were the LX four-door sedan, the SE four-door sedan and four-door compact wagon, and the performance-enhanced Z-line, featuring the two-door ZX3 and four-door ZX5 hatchbacks, four-door ZTS sedan, and four-door ZTW wagon.
Power was not the main selling point of the 04 Ford Focus. The LX and SE trims had a four-cylinder, 2.0 liter, 110 horsepower Zetec engine; the Z models featured an overhead-cam version of the Zetec with a 130-horsepower output. Also available as an option (standard in California, Massachusetts, and New York) was a 2.3 liter PZEV engine with an output of 145 horsepower.
PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) design, launched on a limited basis in the 2003 model year, represented an innovative effort by Ford to address upcoming changes in state and federal emissions standards. The PZEV engine reduced evaporative emissions, and brought the catalytic converter closer to the engine for increased efficiency. In addition to the environmental benefits, the PZEV engine offered improved gas mileage—up to 38 mpg highway.
Fuel economy was a strength of all the 2004 Focus models, with mileage ratings ranging from a low of 24 mpg city to a high of 38 mpg highway. The Focus offered a range of roadworthy, affordable compact cars with roomy interiors, ample cargo space, and nimble handling, and buyers flocked to the line. Perhaps the best news for drivers (and for Ford) was that the nagging quality problems of the recall-prone Focus seemed finally to have been ironed out by the 2004 model year.
What owners say
"Overall, Ford Focus owners generally appreciate the car for its enjoyable driving experience, good handling, and practicality. Many drivers highlight its decent performance and reliability, with several mentioning it as a fun car to drive, especially in the manual transmission variant. However, some common dislikes include the comfort of the seats on longer journeys and occasional issues with less desirable interior materials. The balance of performance and economy appears favorable, making it a sensible choice for many."
I bought my focus brand new in 04 and I love it! I have almost 200000 miles on it and it still runs like the day I bought it. It handles great in snow. I love the fact that it is easy on gas. Not crazy about the looks of it but everything else is great! It is alot of fun to drive. I have the zts model and it has lots of get up and go.
March 8, 2010I'd buy this car all over again. Comfortable, good gas mileage and good on the road. No complaints.
December 13, 2007I searched for over 4 months for a car before I found the Focus. I looked at A4s, Mustangs, Lancers, Imprezas, and so on before I realized I didnt want to spend 12k on a car with 100k miles on it. I got this Focus for $7500 from a dealer. It had only 55k miles, the 2.3l engine, manual trans, leather, power everything, 6 disc, speed control, and decent tires. I have put on around 2000 miles on this car and so far no complaints. This is the first manual trans car I have owned and I will never buy an automatic again. Sitting in traffic is my only problem, having to shift every five seconds gets old. But when the lanes clear up there is nothing like dropping it in third and before I know it the speedo reads 90. The ride is sporty so even at 60 on a cloverleaf feels stable. However a small dip or pothole will cause the car to sway a bit. My first few tanks of gas gave me about 26-28 mpg mixed. Im pretty happy with that considering my lead foot. At certain angles this car looks awesome, the back half riding tall with the spoiler especially. I am not a fan of the front end with the short hood and mini grill. This is a small car so it is very easy to park and navigate through the city. Im 6'2'' but I have plenty of head and leg room. The trunk is huge! A full size cooler, my lacrosse gear, spare tire, toolbox, and there is still room. The Focus is a fun little car that packs a punch for half the price.
July 30, 2008What owners say
I bought my focus brand new in 04 and I love it! I have almost 200000 miles on it and it still runs like the day I bought it. It handles great in snow. I love the fact that it is easy on gas. Not crazy about the looks of it but everything else is great! It is alot of fun to drive. I have the zts model and it has lots of get up and go.
March 8, 2010I'd buy this car all over again. Comfortable, good gas mileage and good on the road. No complaints.
December 13, 2007I searched for over 4 months for a car before I found the Focus. I looked at A4s, Mustangs, Lancers, Imprezas, and so on before I realized I didnt want to spend 12k on a car with 100k miles on it. I got this Focus for $7500 from a dealer. It had only 55k miles, the 2.3l engine, manual trans, leather, power everything, 6 disc, speed control, and decent tires. I have put on around 2000 miles on this car and so far no complaints. This is the first manual trans car I have owned and I will never buy an automatic again. Sitting in traffic is my only problem, having to shift every five seconds gets old. But when the lanes clear up there is nothing like dropping it in third and before I know it the speedo reads 90. The ride is sporty so even at 60 on a cloverleaf feels stable. However a small dip or pothole will cause the car to sway a bit. My first few tanks of gas gave me about 26-28 mpg mixed. Im pretty happy with that considering my lead foot. At certain angles this car looks awesome, the back half riding tall with the spoiler especially. I am not a fan of the front end with the short hood and mini grill. This is a small car so it is very easy to park and navigate through the city. Im 6'2'' but I have plenty of head and leg room. The trunk is huge! A full size cooler, my lacrosse gear, spare tire, toolbox, and there is still room. The Focus is a fun little car that packs a punch for half the price.
July 30, 2008An all around fantastic car for both highway and city. The fuel mileage is amazing and it handles like a dream.
January 8, 2008Performance is good with good acceleration braking and rally type handling it is reliable and has no problems looks great with a body kit and 17" inch RSGT its reasonable cheap to run and maintain its a great car to drive and handles the road well.
December 17, 2008Love how safe I feel in it, has great acceleration and handles really well. Comfortable to drive, and has room for all the family we are hoping to have! Reasonably priced and economical car to own, only owned a month, but when Air con was not working Allen Ford sorted it straight away.
August 16, 2008Cheap to run, and decent performance. I have had no problems with this one so far and don't expect any. It's very practical and parts are easy to come by if you need them. I find the seats to be rock hard and there is no lumbar support so for long journeys its literally a pain in the you know what.
April 7, 2011A good affordable and cheap to run car. Performance can be described as adequate from 1.6 engined model, 1.8 and 1.8 TDCi much better. 35-45 mpg depending on how you drive and great fun to drive (one of the best front wheel drive chassis I have come across). Plenty of space for 4 normal sized adults and boot space. Cheap service parts and great solid build quality and ground breaking looks. What more could you ask for? Maybe leather trim, electric heated windows and heated windscreen would be nice, but hey more to go wrong!!!
January 29, 2009The manual transmission makes the zts really fun to drive. Gets awesome gas mileage.
May 16, 2008i have been looking for a car for a while. i am very picky. when i found the ford focus wagon i didn't want anything else. drive great handles well. and i found a 2004 in mint condition for only $8200 out the door with only 40,000 miles on it. this is a very sensible practical car.
November 30, 2007Trims & specs
Base MSRP $13,510 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 130 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 26 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $15,700 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 110 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 26 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $13,970 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 110 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 26 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $18,530 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.3L 144 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $16,320 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.3L 144 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 26 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $17,915 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 110 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $15,820 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 130 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 26 | Drivetrain FWD |
