Overview & Reviews

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.

• Thoughtful ergonomics, spacious interior, fun-to-drive character, sharp steering, impressive selection of body configurations and features.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 345.00

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  Not made to last - 2004 Ford Focus
  By ahenle - September 9 - 3:56 pm

  I got this car from my brother with about 60K miles on it. The check engine light came on soon afterwards, the IMRC actuator was not working. Brake rotors wore out about every 20K miles, apparently thats normal. At 119K, IAC went bad, then everything else did too. Fuel lines, fuel pump, MAF sensor, O2 sensors, bad cat, and the brakes squealed even with new rotors and pads. It was a great car until about 100K miles, then it gave up. Oh yeah, the air filter is "lifetime" or 100K miles, then its 500$ Poor quality parts, disposable American car. My 93 Subaru has 180K on it, runs great, very few problems. Sad American cars cant really compete with Japanese cars that are made in America

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  Do not buy this CAr - 2004 Ford Focus
  By snow13 - July 21 - 7:39 pm

  I have a my ford focus zx3 for 2 years and it has been in the shop more than I have driven it. Like it has most of the normal problems. The ignition chamber and the transmission. I have put more money in the car than its actually worth. I will never buy a ford again.

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  2004 Z3 Automatic - 2004 Ford Focus
  By buffee - June 23 - 4:34 pm

  Purchased this car in 2004 Brand new off the lot in May of 2004. In Sept. of 2004 I had a work injury that required alot of surgeries, so I did not get to drive the car that much. To date it has barely 39,000 miles on it. It is the biggest peice of junk ever made!!!!!!! I will NEVER buy from Ford ever again. I had to spend 4,500$ at 28,000 miles for a new transmission, I have had to replaced the ignition because the damn thing locked up every 5 minutes, I have to replace the tires....and they couldnt be ordinary, they had to be some special kind of tire that cost 3 times more and complete brakes, all on a car with less then 40,000 miles. I have put almost 7500 into this car, it is horrible

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  Lemon - 2004 Ford Focus
  By grover04 - December 19 - 8:39 am

  I have had my 2004 Ford Focus ZTS for 5 years and it has been nothing but a money sucker ever since. For the past 5 years my focus has randomly shut down while Ive been driving and I have taken the car to multiple shops and a Ford Dealership, still no one can figure out the problem. I have had to replace the headlights twice every year, and as soon as my car hit 70,000 (this summer) my car basically lived at an auto shop (been in 5 times the past 6 months). My friend who has the same make, same year, has had all similar problems as has a neighbor of mine. The only positives I have to say about this car is a spacious trunk and nice interior.

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  Worst car ever, beats my 83 cavalier - 2004 Ford Focus
  By bryan - April 30 - 4:23 am

  A money pit. If I had to rely on this car for above average use I would have been in trouble many times. For a small car the mileage is below avg-my last trip I couldnt even get 30 mpg hwy/22-23city. The transmission fluid had to be changed at 40k - its synthetic and cost over $200. The alternator went out at 48k-the engine must be jacked-up to release the alternator so it near impossible for an owner to do.You are looking at $400-700 cost due to labor and parts. The ignition lock seized at 45k-must be towed to the dealer to be fixed due to the anti-theft chip. Around $500. Now at 56k the thermostat housing and valve cover gasket are leaking-Parts and labor will cost you around $500.

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  World Ford Lemon - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Fjorda DCheape - March 23 - 2:00 am

  After purchase, I feel abandoned by World Ford. [Although, I did get solicitations for auto insurance] Engine idles roughly -- enough to shake the vehicle. Cuts completely out when coasting with the clutch in. Frankly, I do not trust WF enough to take it back. I can see the $$$ now -- as I opted out of the maintenance trap - - a mistake, I suppose.

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  Should have bought a VW Beetle (LOL)! - 2004 Ford Focus
  By TheOakdalen - March 23 - 2:00 am

  What is everyone raving about? I dislike everything about it. The only thing good about it was that it was cheap.

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  I hate this car - 2004 Ford Focus
  By elh430 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I have not had a single good experience with this car. It leaks when it rains hard, the braking system sucks, (I have been told it the type of brakes it has), the window adjustors fall off all the time, handles terrible in the rain, and snow. the manual handles for the windows were put on backwards, I could continue.

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  Focus is junk - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Sharon Kemp - October 18 - 10:48 am

  This car has mechanical problems.The front stablizer link went bad at 30,000 miles along with the wiper motor &cooling sensor.At 50,000 miles the doors would lock when the car was not running & would not let me back in,neither with the key or the remote.The gages would flip and wig out when it rained.The car would jump out of gear and down shift and the gear shift would not move out of gear.Loud knocking noise coming the front and re end.When I would take it to the Ford dealership they could never find any problems when they would drive it,but How could they hear anything when the AC would be on full blast and the radio on.They thought I was Crazy.So I bought a Toyota

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  Disappointed - 2004 Ford Focus
  By Tracey - March 25 - 8:20 am

  I was really looking forward to owning one of these cars, because all I had heard was positive feedback (car of the year, reliable etc.). I have had numerous problems with the car, first and foremost having to replace the transmission within the first week of ownership! Then before it turned 2 it overheated and had to be towed to the dealership. Also, the clutch to the a/c had to be replaced. I think I got a lemon and will replace as soon as possible! Dont take the chance on this car!