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2004 Ford Focus Full Review
Date Published: 8/06/08
Also in the 2004 Ford Focus Review:
2004 Ford Focus Review
Ford's smallest car adds an engine choice but loses its antiskid system for 2004. Focus comes as a 4-dr sedan, 4-dr wagon, or as a hatchback with two or four doors. All have a 4-cyl engine. A 2.0 liter with 110 or 130 hp is standard in most models. Newly available is a 145-hp 2.3 liter. All come with 5-speed manual and/or 4-speed automatic transmission, depending on model. The sporty SVT has a 170-hp 2.0 liter and 6-speed manual. ABS and head-and-torso front side airbags are standard on SVT, optional elsewhere. Other options include traction control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, sunroof, and, for SVTs, high-intensity headlights. No longer offered is Ford's AdvanceTrac antiskid system.
News
In an apparent cost-saving move, Ford will not offer a fully redesigned 2005 Focus as expected, reserving it for markets outside North America. Instead, U.S. and Canadian buyers got a heavily modified version of the existing car in early '04. For further details, see our 2005 Focus report.
2004 Ford Focus Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Control layout | Acceleration (exc. SVT, 2.3) |
| Handling/roadholding | Engine noise |
| Fuel economy | Rear-seat entry/exit (2-dr hatchback) |
| Cargo room (wagon) | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 34 | |
| Average Score | 48 | |
| High Score | 64 |
2004 Ford Focus Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/12/2004
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
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| LX 4-door sedan | $13,425 | $12,581 | $545 |
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| SE 4-door sedan | $15,155 | $14,173 | $545 |
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| ZTS 4-door sedan | $15,775 | $14,743 | $545 |
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| ZX5 4-door hatchback | $15,275 | $14,283 | $545 |
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| ZX5 Comfort 4-door hatchback | $16,220 | $14,153 | $545 |
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| ZX5 Premium 4-door hatchback | $17,030 | $15,898 | $545 |
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| SE 4-door wagon | $17,370 | $16,210 | $545 |
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| ZTW 4-door wagon | $17,985 | $16,777 | $545 |
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| ZX3 2-door hatchback | $12,965 | $12,158 | $545 |
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| ZX3 Comfort 2-door hatchback | $14,495 | $13,566 | $545 |
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| ZX3 Premium 2-door hatchback | $15,510 | $14,499 | $545 |
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| SVT 2-door hatchback | $18,830 | $17,554 | $545 |
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| SVT 4-door hatchback | $19,330 | $18,014 | $545 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
LX
Powertrain
2.0-liter 110-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, visor mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent wipers, remote fuel-door and decklid release, front floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 185/65R14 tires, wheel covers.
SE sedan adds to LX:
Powertrain
2.0-liter dohc 130-horsepower 4-cylinder engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote entry system, AM/FM/CD player, variable-intermittent wipers, rear floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
195/60R15 tires.
ZTS adds to SE sedan:
Powertrain
2.3-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, map lights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, alloy wheels.
ZX5 adds to LX:
Powertrain
2.0-liter dohc 130-horsepower 4-cylinder engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear wiper/washer, rear floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
195/60R15 tires.
ZX5 Comfort adds to ZX5:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Alloy wheels.
ZX5 Premium adds to ZX5 Comfort:
Powertrain
2.3-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof, map lights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, 205/50R16 tires.
SE wagon adds to SE sedan:
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cargo cover, rear wiper/washer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack.
ZTW adds to SE wagon:
Powertrain
2.3-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, map lights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: cargo cover.
ZX3 adds to LX:
Powertrain
2.0-liter dohc 130-horsepower engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, rear wiper/washer, rear floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
195/60R15 tires.
ZX3 Comfort adds to ZX3:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, map lights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Alloy wheels.
ZX3 Premium adds to ZX3 Premium:
Powertrain
2.3-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
205/50R16 tires.
SVT adds to ZX3 Premium:
Powertrain
2.0-liter dohc 170-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather/cloth upholstery, power driver seat, heated power mirrors, AM/FM/CD player, variable-intermittent wipers.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: driver-side visor mirror.
Rear spoiler, fog lights, SVT Suspension, 215/45ZR17 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Convenience Group
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SE sedan
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$435
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$387
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Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control.
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Cold Weather Pkg.
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SVT
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$395
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$352
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Traction control, heated front seats, engine-block heater.
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Weather Pkg.
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ZTS, ZTW, ZX5 Premium
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$150
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$134
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Heated front seats and mirrors.
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Sport Group
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ZTW
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$440
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$391
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ZTS
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$510
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$454
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Leather-wrapped steering wheel, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, tachometer, cargo cover (ZTW), fog lights, rear spoiler, bodyside moldings, 205/50R16 tires.
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European Feature Car Pkg.
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SVT
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$3,410
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$3,035
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Cold Weather Pkg., power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, upgraded sound system, high-intensity-discharge headlights, black leather upholstery, Recaro front seats, unique alloy wheels.
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Powertrain |
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5-speed manual transmission
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SE wagon, ZTW (credit)
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$-815
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$-725
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4-speed automatic transmission
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LX, SE sedan, ZTS, ZX3 Comfort, ZX3 Premium, ZX5, ZX5 Comfort, ZX5 Premium
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$815
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$725
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NA ZX3, SVT. Std. wagons.
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Traction control
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SE, ZX5, ZX5 Comfort, ZX3 Comfort
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$115
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$102
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Requires antilock brakes.
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Safety |
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Antilock brakes
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LX, SE sedan, SE wagon, ZTS, ZTW, ZX3, ZX3 Comfort, ZX3 Premium, ZX5, ZX5 Comfort, ZX5 Premium
|
$400
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$356
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Std. SVT.
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Front side airbags
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LX, SE sedan, SE wagon, ZTS, ZTW, ZX3, ZX3 Comfort, ZX3 Premium, ZX5, ZX5 Comfort, ZX5 Premium
|
$350
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$312
|
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Std. SVT.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Air conditioning
|
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LX, ZX3
|
$910
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$810
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Power sunroof
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ZX3 Premium, ZX5 Comfort, ZTS, ZTW, SVT
|
$595
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$530
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Leather upholstery
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ZTS, ZX5 Premium, ZTW, ZX3 Premium
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$695
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$619
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AM/FM/CD player
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LX
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$100
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$89
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AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
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SE
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$60
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$54
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
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ZTS, ZX5, ZX5 Comfort, ZX3 Comfort, ZX3 Premium
|
$280
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$249
|
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SVT
|
$675
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$601
|
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Audiophile Pkg.
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ZTS, ZX5 Comfort, ZX5 Premium, ZX3 Comfort, ZX3 Premium
|
$395
|
$352
|
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Upgraded sound system.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Theft-deterrent system w/alarm
|
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SE, ZTS, ZX5 Comfort, ZX5 Premium, ZTW, ZX3 Premium
|
$125
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$112
|
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High-intensity-discharge headlights
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SVT
|
$450
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$401
|
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205/50R16 tires
|
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ZX5 Comfort, ZX3 Comfort
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$130
|
$116
|
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Alloy wheels
|
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SE sedan
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$265
|
$236
|
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2004 Ford Focus Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Ford Focus 2-door hatchback | Ford Focus 4-door hatchback | Ford Focus 4-door sedan | Ford Focus 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.0 | 103.0 | 103.0 | 103.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 168.1 | 168.1 | 174.9 | 178.2 |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.9 | 66.9 | 66.9 | 66.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.3 | 56.3 | 56.3 | 56.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2612 | 2691 | 2606 | 2702 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 28.0 | 28.0 | 14.0 | 73.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.2 | 13.2 | 13.2 | 13.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.1 | 39.1 | 39.1 | 39.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.8 | 40.8 | 40.8 | 40.8 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.7 | 38.7 | 38.7 | 38.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.6 | 37.6 | 37.6 | 37.6 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc I4 | dohc I4 | dohc I4 | dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /121 | 2.0 /121 | 2.0 /121 | 2.3 /138 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 110 @ 5000 | 130 @ 5300 | 170 @ 7000 | 145 @ 5750 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 125 @ 3750 | 135 @ 4500 | 145 @ 5500 | 149 @ 4250 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
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| 5-speed manual | 27/36 | 26/33 | --/-- | 25/33 |
| 6-speed manual | --/-- | --/-- | 21/28 | --/-- |
| 4-speed automatic | 26/32 | 25/30 | --/-- | 24/30 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Ford Focus 2-door hatchback | Ford Focus 4-door hatchback | Ford Focus 4-door sedan | Ford Focus 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 | NA | 5 | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 | NA | 4 | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 | NA | 4 | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 4 | NA | 3 | NA |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 1 | NA | 4 | NA |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/100,000 | Focus only. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Also in the 2004 Ford Focus Review:
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
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