2004 Ford Focus ZX3

During the past few years, Korean automakers have made serious inroads in the small-car market, attracting buyers galore with prices too cheap to believe and best-in-the-industry warranties. Competing with this incursion takes courage, commitment, and creativity beyond the pale. It takes a seriously outstanding effort such as the one Ford invested in its Focus, a bare-knuckle import-fighter launched at the new millennium. The sensible strategy would have been to snuggle the Focus between proven Escort and Contour car lines. But in this day of cutthroat competition, the sensible approach seldom works. So Ford cleared its small car decks, retiring both of those bookend vehicles to give the Focus ample breathing room. Designers and engineers exploited that opportunity to create one of the most interesting—and enjoyable to drive—small car families ever to wear a domestic manufacturer's ID plate. Of particular note is the overtly sporty ZX3 hatchback.

A long, high roof arch opens up extra headroom inside.

While the Koreans are thriving with stripper subcompacts, the least expensive Focus in the lineup rolls forth amazingly well equipped for its $12,725 price (MSRP, excluding tax, title and license fees). Standard fare in the ZX3 is a twin-cam 2.0-liter DOHC Zetec engine rated at 130 horsepower, sport seats, manual seat height adjust, passive anti-theft system, 15-inch cast aluminum wheels shod with T-rated 195/60 tires and a CD sound system. Our test car augmented this with the Power Premium Group option, which adds air conditioning, cruise control, tilt/telescoping steering column, leather wrapped steering wheel, fog lamps, map lights and an armrest to the roster of creature comforts along with 205/50HR16 tires on redesigned alloy rims. Also present on our car was a $400 (MSRP) upgrade for 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock.


The first thing you notice about the ZX3 is that it doesn't look much like your average econobox. A long, high roof arch opens up extra headroom inside so passengers in both tiers of seats sit comfortably upright with their knees bent and their toes flat on the floor. Like its fellow Foci, the ZX3's asymmetric dash houses an array of highly legible analog gauges and features well-positioned, easy-to-use controls and switchgear.

Highly legible analog gauges, with a tachometer standard on the ZX3.

Refinements from last year included more insulation for improved interior quietness, a standard MP3 player on the Premium version as part of the sound system and a silver instrument cluster and color-keyed trim on premium levels. Behind the convenient 60/40 split-folding rear bench lies an 18.6-cubic foot cargo bay, easily accessed by a large hatch door with a bumper-level cutout. This small-car convenience came and went for a variety of reasons. Now, Ford is betting the SUV craze, the rise of conventional sport wagons, and good old common sense will help an eminently practical design feature enjoy a well-deserved comeback.


Popular options include a power moonroof for $595 (MSRP) on all Focus body styles, and other must-have conveniences are a 6-disc CD changer, keyless entry, power mirrors and windows, and power door locks, which are all included in the Power Premium package.