2003 2004 Ford Focus Value Vehicle
Pros:
Driving economy and fun - Ford Focus Value out-the-door for Under $10,000.
Cons:
Plan replacing the front brakes every 30k miles. The base model is difficult to locate.
The Bottom Line:
Ford Focus loss leaders with air conditioning are a bargain. In a market where the word value is overused, the base model Focus fits the bill.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
We purchased a new Ford Focus in 2003, sold it after a year to a family member and bought a 2004. Both bought new, they are loss leader base models stripped of all but air conditioning. Both were bought with manual transmissions and the Zetec 4 cylinder motors which are quite peppy.
When shopping for our commuter car, we considered several makes and models. Our Focus of choice is the 4 door model. No other carried the comfort and pizazz of the stripped Focus at under $10,000 including title and taxes. It's not a Lincoln, but it is a far cry from the old Pintos, Chevettes, and Escorts of years past.
It is easy to get in and out of, front or back. The car maneuvers well in the heavy traffic of California. This car has been a pleasure to drive, gets good fuel economy and has been reliable. Value pricing is meaningful only when coupled with dependability.
We would not spend the money being asked for the equipped Focus models, the value disintegrates. My brother's Focus now has 50,000 miles and is going great. He's had to replace the tires and the front brakes which wear unevenly. We've noticed the same trait on ours with 30,000 miles. We'll be replacing the tires shortly and keeping a close eye on the brakes.
The trunk is roomy for a car this size, and you'll find enough seating room to be comfortable for all but the tallest. There's plenty of adjustment in the driver's seat to fit just about anyone. Sales must be brisk for this model, it has become difficult to spot the ‘loss leader’ models on dealer lots.
Consider the base model Focus when you're looking for a car to get from here to there at a modest price. We will again without a second thought. Of course, that is if we can find a base model. Happy hunting!
Dec 2005 - We just hit 33,000 miles on the 2004 and replaced the tires. The brakes do wear unevenly and a call to Ford was responded with no known problems, no Technical Service Bulletin. The inside pads were less than 1/32" and the outside pads were 7/32". We'll be planning to replace the brakes every 30,000 miles. There have been no other problems with the car, we're still pleased with the purchase and value.
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