2004 Ford Focus: Road Test
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2004 Ford Focus ▼
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- MSRP: $12,965 -$19,330
- Invoice: $12,158 -$18,014
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Our road test for the 2004 Ford Focus includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Ford Focus from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Ford Focus, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Ford Focus help you decide if a 2004 Ford Focus is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE wgn, 2.0 auto. | ZX5, 2.0 man. | ZTS, 2.3 auto. | SVT 2 dr, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
The 110- and 130-hp 2.0 engines provide only adequate power for highway merging or ascending long grades: test manual-transmission ZX5 did 9.3 sec 0-60 mph. Automatic transmission dulls off-the-line snap with 2.0, but is no big detriment in everyday use. New 145-hp 2.3 feels much stronger and is better suited to automatic: test ZTS with 2.3 and automatic did 9.1 sec 0-60. SVT lively, but delivers best go above 3000 rpm; test 4 dr did 8.1 sec 0-60.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE wgn, 2.0 auto. | ZX5, 2.0 man. | ZTS, 2.3 auto. | SVT 2 dr, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 6.6 |
Test Focus sedans, wagons, and hatchbacks with 130-hp 2.0 and both transmissions averaged between 22.5 and 25.1 mpg, with extended-use-test manual-transmission sedan averaging 26.5 mpg over 12,037 mi. ZTW wagon with 2.3 and automatic averaged 22.3 mpg. SVTs averaged 19.8-22.8 mpg. Ford recommends premium fuel for SVT, regular for other Focus models.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE wgn, 2.0 auto. | ZX5, 2.0 man. | ZTS, 2.3 auto. | SVT 2 dr, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.4 |
All versions have a comfortable, stable ride, but bumps register more sharply with available low-profile 16-inch tires. Despite stiffer suspension and 17-inch tires, SVTs are surprisingly absorbent.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE wgn, 2.0 auto. | ZX5, 2.0 man. | ZTS, 2.3 auto. | SVT 2 dr, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 5.3 |
Impressive for a subcompact, especially sporty SVT. Linear, communicative steering, well-controlled body lean, good grip. Braking stable, fairly swift. ABS a reasonably priced--and recommended--option. Same for traction control, though it's not offered on all models. Demerits for dropping the optional antiskid control, though at $1625, it was probably too costly for this market.
QUIETNESS
| SE wgn, 2.0 auto. | ZX5, 2.0 man. | ZTS, 2.3 auto. | SVT 2 dr, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Less road rumble than in previous models, but tires slap intrusively over sharp ridges; the available 16-inch tires even more so. Noticeable wind rush around front side windows. Ragged engine note at high rpm.
CONTROLS
| SE wgn, 2.0 auto. | ZX5, 2.0 man. | ZTS, 2.3 auto. | SVT 2 dr, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Unusual dashboard shape, but gauges easy to read and controls fall readily to hand, though they don't move with Honda-grade precision. Cabin materials and workmanship generally good, though some test cars suffered poor-fitting interior panels.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SE wgn, 2.0 auto. | ZX5, 2.0 man. | ZTS, 2.3 auto. | SVT 2 dr, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Comfortably upright seating on chairlike cushions with outstanding head room. Upper-line models get tilt/telescope steering wheel, though some testers annoyed that driver seat not aligned squarely with wheel. Large door openings assist entry/exit. SVT's optional Recaro seats comfortable, with great lateral bolstering.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE wgn, 2.0 auto. | ZX5, 2.0 man. | ZTS, 2.3 auto. | SVT 2 dr, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.9 |
Better head and leg room than in most subcompacts. Two-door models have difficult rear-seat entry/exit; it's easier on 4-dr models, though their rear doors should open wider.
CARGO ROOM
| SE wgn, 2.0 auto. | ZX5, 2.0 man. | ZTS, 2.3 auto. | SVT 2 dr, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 3.9 |
All body types, wagons and hatchbacks in particular, have generous cargo holds with low liftovers. Sedan's trunklid uses strut-type hinges that don't intrude into luggage area. Standard split folding rear seatbacks a nice feature, and wagons and hatchbacks have corresponding split seat cushions. Sedan's one-piece rear-seat cushion means folding either seatback section requires the entire cushion to be flopped forward, limiting passenger-carrying ability.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SE wgn, 2.0 auto. | ZX5, 2.0 man. | ZTS, 2.3 auto. | SVT 2 dr, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5.6 |
Though not as refined as a Honda Civic or Volkswagen Jetta, Focus measures up well and is competitively priced. Generous subcompact passenger and cargo room and an array of useful options enhance value. They're also fun to drive, especially the SVT and those with the new 2.3-liter engine. A history of recalls is the only real sore spot.
Total Score
| SE wgn, 2.0 auto. | ZX5, 2.0 man. | ZTS, 2.3 auto. | SVT 2 dr, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 | 56 | 52 | 52 | 48.4 |
Total Score: 54
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