car feels loose in rear end when driving over bumps
When driving on road car feels loose in rear end,whole body rolls. it feels like the rear end is going to wash out.
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2004 Ford Focus Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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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.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2004 Ford Focus
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Teresamay P
Aug 07, 2022
Great cars. Perfect for me. Ford, Lincoln, Mercury girl. Thanks!Aug 07, 2022
by Michael L
Jul 27, 2022
Its small but not too small, so it should be economical and get good gas mileage. Its comfortable. I believe itll be low maintenance. It should last well beyond 300,000 miles. Jul 27, 2022
by Anthony D
Sep 07, 2014
I've owned this car for over 7 years. I'm still impressed with the comfort of the Recaro seats and the handling. It still has a contemporary look despite being 10 years old. Fortunately I don't have to ride in the back seat because it's too small for my 6'3" tall body.
I've done the normal maintenance, brakes, oil changes, etc... Other than that the reliability has been great.
I would recommend this car as it's a fun to drive, great handling, sporty little pocket rocket. Sep 07, 2014
User rating:
by Teresamay P
Aug 07, 2022
Great cars. Perfect for me. Ford, Lincoln, Mercury girl. Thanks!Aug 07, 2022
by Michael L
Jul 27, 2022
Its small but not too small, so it should be economical and get good gas mileage. Its comfortable. I believe itll be low maintenance. It should last well beyond 300,000 miles. Jul 27, 2022
by Anthony D
Sep 07, 2014
I've owned this car for over 7 years. I'm still impressed with the comfort of the Recaro seats and the handling. It still has a contemporary look despite being 10 years old. Fortunately I don't have to ride in the back seat because it's too small for my 6'3" tall body.
I've done the normal maintenance, brakes, oil changes, etc... Other than that the reliability has been great.
I would recommend this car as it's a fun to drive, great handling, sporty little pocket rocket. Sep 07, 2014
by Dee Dee S
Feb 05, 2012
I have only had it for a short while but I love every inch of it so far. Gas mileage is great and plenty of "get up and go" for a 4 cylinder. I sold my saturn and bought this I like the sporty look of this one better.Feb 05, 2012
by Jeremiah A
May 28, 2011
The acceleration is piss poor. The braking is sub par with rear drum brakes, the
handling is decent. The only thing that is nice is the steering. It is tight quick
and snappy. The build quality feels low and its been almost a month and three
things don't work, the window, wipers, and AC. Its interior is basic at best, the
exterior isn't great and its not sharp. Its just a compact sedan. Gas mileage
could be better. Its No better than a six cylinder of the same year.
Maintenance appears to be cheap from Google results. Its not really fun to
drive, but what automatic car is.May 28, 2011
by Kevin D
Apr 14, 2011
The 04 ZTS had the 2.3l dura-tec engine which is the same as the mazda
3 engine and it was a quick little fun car. great to drive! Its better then the
normal focus but get the SVT its better.Apr 14, 2011
by Anonymous
Apr 07, 2011
Cheap 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.Apr 07, 2011
by Tyler B
Jan 12, 2011
this is a good little car but the problem is that its a little car but not as bad as other little eco cars. i also love the fact that its a ford and i still have that to be proud of.Jan 12, 2011
by Kate M
Aug 29, 2010
it's small and compact. I love the hatchback and the 2doors. also i have a problem
getting it to keep up. it is a piece of crap build wise. i gas mileage sucks, and it is
fun to beat the crap out of Aug 29, 2010
by Justin A
Jun 21, 2010
accelerates good when running perfect, stops pretty quick too lol and turns on a dime!. built pretty good actually, nothing has fallen off just needs the typical maintenance. in my eyes, the car looks perfect. gas mileage is pretty good when it's stock. overall one of the funnest cars i have ever had.Jun 21, 2010
by Karsten F
May 25, 2010
Ain't got 40 words to write about this car yet, as I've owned it for only a week. However you can be sure that I'll not write anything here later, so check the web if you want info about the car. Happy now CarIQ?May 25, 2010
by Gökhan V
May 15, 2010
Motor Modifiyeleri
Motor Bloğu : taşlandı
Hava Filtresi : hks
Chip Tuning : superchıp
Turbo : Var
Nitro (NOS) : Var
Supercharger : Var
Taşlama : Yapıldı
İç ve Dış Mekan Modifiyeleri
Pedallar : momo
Koltuklar : rekaro
Direksiyon : m3
Göstergeler : standart
Vites Topuzu : nos düğmeli hks
Ses ve Görüntü Sistemleri
Mid Bass : alpına
Tweeter (Tiz) : alpına
Subwoofer : jbl 1000+1000
Teyp, CD/VCD/Mp3 Çalıcı : Bloupunk
Güvenlik Sistemleri
Güvenlik ve Alarm Sistemleri : Merkezi Kilit May 15, 2010
by Thomas M
Mar 26, 2010
165 bhp
-titanium exhaust system
-Short throw shifter
Solid body. Pushes flat through the corners.
Small fords have always been known being very good performance
wise.
dirt cheap to own
good on gas
future plans included sport cup touring suspension and turboMar 26, 2010
by Anonymous
Mar 08, 2010
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. Mar 08, 2010
by Suzanne L
Dec 03, 2009
Performs well, handles fairly well in the snow. Build quality is good, only needs regular routine maintenance, appearance is fair...there is something strange about the looks of focus' even the newer ones, excellent gas mileage, low maintenance, priced right, not so much fun to drive. Dec 03, 2009
by Nathan A
Sep 26, 2009
Acceleration: For n/a 2.3L, not bad, 6/10 (vtec's got nothin on this!!)
Braking: Still got rear drums from factory, but braking is not always needed as this car is light, 5/10
Handling: in a word, excellent, 9/10
Appearance: Not too much of a factor for me, but its not that bad, exterior 7/10, interior 8/10
Cost of ownership: full exhaust, injectors, intake, flywheel, 7000rpm everywhere i go, still getting 32mpg, 9/10
Fun Factor: hell yea its fun to drive!! at about 2000lbs, its a canyon carver, 9/10Sep 26, 2009
by Currie H
Aug 04, 2009
I like it, but I definitely don't love it. The 2.3L I4 is nice, and peppy, and amazing on gas, and feels like it will run forever; the rest of the car feels like budget plastic. Handling is European--a good thing. The sedan body style is lame, but I like a Focus in a 3- or 5-door hatch. I'd be thrilled if they'd bring the European convertible over.Aug 04, 2009
by Mike M
May 20, 2009
fairly quick for what it is. hangling is amazingly good. braking is good could be better. no repairs so far other then standard maitnance looks good to me, will look sick once re-painted and and body parts are swapped. gas mialage about 400k for 3/4 tank (cost 25 to fill from 1/4) 50L tank. can fun to drive with lots of turns.May 20, 2009
by Keith H
Jan 29, 2009
A 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!!!Jan 29, 2009
by Anonymous
Dec 17, 2008
Performance 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.Dec 17, 2008
by Natalie C
Aug 16, 2008
Love 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. Aug 16, 2008
by Jon M
Aug 04, 2008
realy nice car great accleration ( with the 5 speed) handling is great the stle of tha car is realy neat like the roomieness of the in side but all around its just a realy fun car to drive an ride in an if u dont like my car then thats to bad Aug 04, 2008
by Dan W
Jul 30, 2008
I 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.Jul 30, 2008
by Donna W
Jul 08, 2008
I have had my car 3 years and i adore it! It's a 1.6i and has all the extra perks - alloys, air con, cd player as standard. A pleasant car to drive and i have been miles in it - Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and around South Wales. Best car i have ever owned :)Jul 08, 2008
by Robert K
Jun 11, 2008
looks good , not enough powerJun 11, 2008
by Spencer S
Jun 06, 2008
Gets from point A to point B with minimum of expense. Good for driving all over the USA, up mountain passes and across giant deserts. No major mechanical problems in 70K miles.Jun 06, 2008
by Anonymous
May 18, 2008
I love the focus Zx5.I own one and its drives like im on a cloud.Ive never had any problems with it. May 18, 2008
by Tom L
May 16, 2008
The manual transmission makes the zts really fun to drive. Gets awesome gas mileage.May 16, 2008
by Andy M
Mar 27, 2008
initially we really liked it. the stereo system was good apart from it got louder and quieter when you accelerated or breaked which got a bit annoying. Also i found when driving for long periods of time or frequently for numerous journeys i found the seats uncmfortable and my shoulders and lower back ached. It broke down when we were going somewhere important!Mar 27, 2008
by Callum N
Mar 05, 2008
Ride comfort is fairly good. Its a good middle of the road car for someone who is just looking for that next step up from having a small car.Mar 05, 2008
by Jeff H
Feb 11, 2008
The Focus has good acceleration and pickup for a wagon, however I don't find much else to be good. The brake system is very abrupt, even for ABS. The trunk feels like a tin pan when you open and close it. Ample space in the trunk. The Focus handles like my Odyssey. The light and wiper controls are rather confusing. No adjustable steering wheel??Feb 11, 2008
by Ryan R
Jan 10, 2008
I like the bodylines, looks and feels great, Jan 10, 2008
by Jason S
Jan 08, 2008
An all around fantastic car for both highway and city. The fuel mileage is amazing and it handles like a dream.Jan 08, 2008
by Anonymous
Jan 07, 2008
great chassis never get tired of driving itJan 07, 2008
by Anonymous
Dec 22, 2007
Great cannot fault it apart from not finding the hornDec 22, 2007
by Anonymous
Dec 13, 2007
I'd buy this car all over again. Comfortable, good gas mileage and good on the road.
No complaints.Dec 13, 2007
by Anonymous
Dec 13, 2007
It is one of the most fun cars i have ever driven the only drawback is at high speeds is a little shakey ,overall a great car!Dec 13, 2007
by Anonymous
Nov 30, 2007
i 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.Nov 30, 2007
by Ian G
Nov 02, 2007
ST170 - good to drive but still not a car a realy wanted. Interior is great and looks well. Nov 02, 2007
What users have asked
2004 Ford Focus SE Sedan 4.3 L 4 cyl automatic - BATTERY CABLE CONNECTIONS
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AC not working on 2004 Ford Focus which I am using as a trade in.
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what if fuel switch needed to be reset or what symptons do you have
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2004 Ford Focus?Compare this car
2004 Ford Focus Pricing
Original MSRP
$13,510 to $18,530Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent