Regular Car Reviews: 2003 Ford Focus ZX3 SVT
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- Опубликовано: 3 авг 2014
- This is the 170hp hatchback that finally bested the pompous Honda Civic Si. Ford Focus ZX3 SVT: The official car of Senior Skip Day and the churning white froth of teen apathy and the crisis that arises between individuality and conformity.
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I was 19 in 2003. And I had one of these. Every word of this review is so god damned true.
Of course, I eventually put it in a ditch in 2005 and it never recovered.
I'm 30 now. I'm eating a bowl of kale and I can see my Honda Accord through the window.
Someone kill me.
Jesus man, get out while you still can!!!
Oneshotup
My girlfriend thought it was a good purchase. Hondas are reliable and decent on gas. It's automatic. Only so she can drive me home when I get drunk. "What if there's an emergency and I need to drive you to the hospital?!?!" and so on. And it's four door so that means there's space for kids and pets.
...pets? Kids? AUTOMATIC?!?!
I'm not kidding, someone please kill me!!!
SpaceManDawn I know, I know. I feel ya though man. I am 31 so we are about the same age and I realize the sacrifices some men make when they hit 30 or so. I am still sticking to my guns and had relatively "cool" cars and when it was between cool and function, I opted for SUV's. Never lose hope though! Haha
Oneshotup
I've actually got some money saved to build an autocross car.
When craiglist shows me the right one she better let me pull the trigger. Otherwise I'm buying airsoft guns and shooting her cats.
SpaceManDawn epic man. Epic. Best laugh I've had today.
It was also used as Ford's WRC car, btw.
I laughed so hard when he put the pen in the clip between the seats. I keep a pen there too and use it all of the time. 😂
Drew Dobransky my pencil has been sitting in there for two years
Good to see I’m not alone👍
I keep a tire pressure gauge there. Fits perfectly.
I always know where my pen is
Ive always had a pen in there and have never used it
Learning to drive a stick shift zx3 right now. It's definitely a fun car. Was worried about stalling at a stop light, and ended up peeling off lmao.
Always catches people off guard, that torque from the front wheels is something.
So they have torque
Nice Mac Miller pf
I learnt how to drive with my 02 zx3 svt, I still have it today and still love it more than anything else
Dude same here
It was this video that prompted me to hunt for one of these cars. I'd been looking around for a fun hatch or a wagon to drive, but couldn't find anything decent in the price range I was in. Then I re-watched this video. I remembered "hey, that car existed. I remember it now." I began hunting for one, and found a silver 2002 ZX3 SVT, bastardized by the slew of previous owners. I'm now six months into owning this car, and I'm a far cry from finished with repairs and upgrades, but I love this damn car. So, thank you, Mr. Regular and Roman, for connecting me with a car that I never expected to love so much.
Tenoutta tenn Thank YOU for watching :)
Tenoutta tenn RegularCars I found an 02 Sonic Blue ZX3 SVT, test drove it and loved it, and this video helped convince me to get it. I freaking love it. So thanks to you guys as well!
drewseph95 Glad you like it! A few things to keep in mind: this is a very odd car, in that it features VVT on the intake cam, and uses a timing belt. Because of this, it is much more important that it be changed by someone who knows how to work on them. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the service interval on timing belts on these is 80k, so if you're close to that, or you're not sure, it might be good to go ahead and get it done. Aside from that, these SVT Focuses are pretty solid cars. Sonic Blue is a good color for them, too.
just got one for my first car!!! super excited. :)
+LookitszTral You'll love it. :) They're pretty tough, and cheap to work on if they break. Handy tip: in addition to what I mentioned before, when or if you need a new PASSENGER'S SIDE (this is important) axle, go to O'Riley's. They are twice the size of a base ZX3 axle, and O'Riley's is the only place I know of that stocks them, outside of getting one off of a salvaged car. And if its an EAP, like the one featured here, cherish it. They are the Holy Grail of SVT Foci.
I always wanted an SVT. I own a ZX3 manual base with 182k on it now. It's no SVT but it is still a blast to drive. I always shed a tear when I see those SVTs on the road. I still want one lol!
studiotime same, i have a 2002 zx3 with 184,000 miles and a 2006 rx-8 but i still want me that svt 😭
I have a 2002 zx3 svt and I enjoy driving it more than my 2020 f150, go out and buy one right now 😂
Ford Focus: The official car of The Cat in the Hat
I almost fell over when I saw that in the movie! I was like YES! Looked all futuristic back then with the rear wheel-covers lol
IKR!!! My brother used to drive a Focus. And I drove it as well. It was yellow with an automatic transmission. And when I saw it in the Cat in the Hat, I was like 👁👄👁
Owner of the black Focus here.
"Like any good car, it's faked."
Nail on head. I swapped SVT headlights and wheels on because they're OEM SVT stuff. They look right. People HAVE asked me if my car's an SVT, even though there's no badging (wheel center caps aside)...but then they usually follow up with, "WHAT THE HELL IS SVT?!"
Also, I salute The Roman for the song choice. Matchbox Twenty is quite excellent, sir.
I got a ZX3 with SVT wheels and an airbox. It's ssssweet.
" it ambushes you like a surprise birthday at red lobsters" 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
lmao
Thank you for doing a Focus! You guys nailed them on the head. Been driving mine for 11 years . Wonderful cars which are a blast to drive with a few upgrades that epitomize our highschool years.
I finally found one to look at. Drove 1.15 hours to see it. It was sold by the time I got there. 2.5 hours of driving for nothing.
this is better than top gear.
mmmm... Not sure Abt that
New top gear definitely
I liked the little teaser you did at the end. I personally think you should do it some more so we have some kind of idea what next week's review could be.
Subtle nod to Courage. Excellent!
I knew you'd get it!
RegularCars Thanks for the nightmares. Now I got that fuckers creepy ass music stuck in my head.
I almost missed that
Stupid dog
Flargenyargen so....naughty
I own a 2002 SVT Focus and everything in this review is spot on. The SVT Focus is such an underrated car, if you get the chance to drive one of these, do it, it's a blast.
I love my SVT. I started out with a Focus wagon with the 2.3 Duratec. Despite my horrific teenage plasti dip bout with that car, I had big plans. I was going to lower it about 3 inches since it looked and felt like a monster truck, swap out the ATX for the MTX75, put SVT 5 spoke wheels on it, and start with some engine upgrades and bolt ons. My eventual goal was to make 200 hp NA. When I got rear ended, I decided it was time for something that looked and handled better and was a manual. I saved this SVT from being parted out. Replaced the engine when it blew up, new rear hubs, drilled and slotted rotors all around, OZ Racing wheels, FRPP lowering springs, cut down the shifter with a weighted knob, exhaust system, and a few more things.
Had I gotten an EAP, I would have left it bone stock.
Everything in this review is 100% accurate.
Granted this video is a few years old now but I’ve owned this same car as it’s my first (only difference is its an 02 model). It’s definitely not a crazy 0-60 car but it’s extremely fun around corners and turns. I love how the torque will sneak up on you which is probably my favorite part about this weird looking car. Definitely a car that I’ll never forget about and one to always respect.
Best review you've done in a long while!
The song is genius, the bulletpoints were spot on, this is the best automotive channel on RUclips.
Love mine. Bought one for a grand and brought it back to life. The hot (lukewarm) hatch of my dreams
One of the BEST videos you have ever made.
Love the interior (AND exterior) styling on those things. Love it to bits.
I'm so happy you guys finally did a focus
I don't see the Focus as an American car. I don't see any of the European Fords as American. They're European. German, if you want to be pedantic about it.
You're right. About as American as the Mexican F-150
Was the F-150 engineered by Mexicans?
cbcsmithers F-150 are made in the Dearborn Truck Plant and Kansas City Assembly Plant. Both in USA. Ford F-650 and up are made in Mexico.
cbcsmithers I agree that there's a lot of European influence behind the SVT and the newer ST, but at least the ST's are assembled in the US. Could be worse.
To identify a car by the location of its Headquarters doesn't really work anymore. Chevy Spark is made in Korea, Ford Mustangs had 6-speed manual transmissions made in China, and some Harley Davidson's have engines designed by Porsche. Oh, and don't forget the Tennessee built ML series Benzs, the Mexican Dodges, and the Ford Crown Vics assembled in Canada. Oh...and Toyota builds Tundra engines in Indiana and assembles in Ohio. All cars are "world cars" these days.
Aw man I used to have a 2001 ZX3. It was my first car! It was cool to see it reviewed
I just bought one a few days ago (2004 SVT), and so far every word of this is true. Thank you Mr. Regular.
Is it good?
@@jahdroy9595 Actually working on it right now, honestly the best bang for your buck FWD performance car you can buy right now. You can get a great condition SVTF for like 2,500 and have it run up past 300k miles. I autocross the shit out of mine, best handling car I’ve ever driven.
@@pierce324 - Word of warning, make sure the timing belt is new every 90,000 miles or you'll risk totaling the engine (interferance head).
The two things I wait all week for the weekend are, watching a new episode of Top Gear if they decide to air it, and regular cars.... I think there could be no higher praise.
UUUNNNNGGGHHHHHH Where's the bikes?!? This is RegularCarReviews, I demand to see more motorcycles, dammit! hehe
Where's the lawnmowers?
Keira Verwoerd love you Keira
Wheres the Honda Ruckus?
Well, it is called RegularCarReviews, not bikes. I don't even care about bikes, so I'd just assume if he didn't make videos about them often. Maybe once in awhile, but not a regular thing at least.
Shintsu2 The lack of understanding sarcasm is strong with this one.
Another great one. you always bring us something th-pecial!
The Zetec was not specific to the SVT. The SVT had a Zetec yes, but the Zetec in the SVT Had been fiddled with by the gods at Cosworth. The Regular Focus had a Zetec as well, but it was only 130 HP, and in the sedan and wagon you could get a 110hp SOHC SPI (Split Port Injection) motor that failed terribly with age. Even with just the 130 HP in the standard Zetec the Focus is an incredibly fun car. Up that to 170 HP in the SVT and you have got one of the most fun cars ever. Not to mention, these things handle amazingly.
And on top of that, I can beat on my SVT and still return 32 mpg
+Jakob Powell handle well they do. My friend an I went autocrossing over the weekend, he in his 1995 Supra, and I in my 2002 SVT. Granted, he did have his son with him, I beat his best time by over five seconds. He gives me crap for buying a Focus, as he's had to work on a bunch of them that have been ragged out, but he's slowly coming around to mine as I undo the beating mine has had and add my own touch to it.
Great video you guys as usual
I had a zx5 svt. One of the most fun vehicles I've ever had. It might not compare performance wise to my focus st but it was way more fun.
One of my fav cars of all time.
Got 3 of these ( UK model / non-ST )
First was a blue 1.4 Focus CL which started singing its swansong at 180k miles on the clock.
Second one was a facelift model ( 2002 ) 1.6 but previous owner did not look after it, engine was on the brink of failing shortly after I got it home.
Have got another 1.6 now which is the last of the mk1's, 2005 model which I've retrofitted with angel eye projector headlights, chrome Lexus style rear lights and currently waiting for LED bulbs for brakes/turn signals/reverse/front & rear fog lights and a replacement aftermarket HID kit for the projectors, And high power LED h1 bulbs for the high beams.
The car hasn't missed a beat yet, very reliable motor for the age in my experience.
i recently bought an 05 Focus ZXW (the wagon), 73k miles, one owner. it's surprisingly the best car i've owned since my 91 CRX back in college. it's practical (racks for my kayaks, plenty of room for camping gear, and i can sleep in the back in a pinch), and to my surprise, it's really fun to drive. handles really well, it's good in snow, and while it's not fast, it's fast enough when i need it to be. doesn't hurt that it's in mint condition because the only other owner was an old lady in CT.
I had the '00 Kona model back then and with just the 1.8 and a 5-speed, it was lots of fun. I learned that the governor keeps it from going above 109.
In 2007, I bought a 2003 ZX5 with a 2.3 and an auto 4 with OD. It has 190K miles on it, and most of the time it doesn't rev above 2250. It's not as fun as the Kona, but it's a great car. It's rarely in the shop. OH! and I put a Mini-Disc player in it.
Its a good looking little hatch. I like it. It looks great in yellow and I usually don't like yellow. I have heard before that the SVT is a blast to drive.
Keep up the great work chief!
A winking candle of American exceptionalism. (designed in Köln, Germany;)
Well, so was the moon landing and that's accepted as American exceptionalism, so meh.
All of Ford's small cars are European, mostly from Ford UK. The next Fusion will be a rebadged European Mondeo, too.
That is in reference to SVT department making an American take on a performance version since they didn't think ST/RS would sell since the enthusiasts market wasn't be enough to sell it too.
I own a 2004 Focus SE - Eventually to be replaced. It's rusty, its loud, i've had to change brakes, a thermostat, headlights, and other various parts for wear and tear. Including gas leaks and coolant changes a set of rear tires.
Through that process, I've gained an appreciation for Cars. What they mean, and why their important. Every morning i've had to chip ice off the windshield, and drive to college or make an emergency drive to the store to grab something before guests arrive, the lively sound of 4 cylinders was my theme sound.
But most importantly, it brought me closer to my Dad. Through all of the work thats been put into this vehicle. He was there underneathe, around and inside of that car while I held the light. Those memories will always be tied to that car. I'm thankful that my father is still alive, and that there are more years I get to spend with him. A man who will never let you down, steer you wrong or break his word.
Always, doing the right thing. My Red Focus was my first car, it took me to college at 8AM or to start my shift at Timmies at 6AM. It served as a Taxi for my brother driving in foggy summer mornings.
I'm excited for this next vehicle, for the next chapter of my life. However, like they always say. Theres nothing, quite like your first.
This is the Roman's best song to date! Great episode!
I like the new added cliffhanger
I was really hoping that you'd do this car! Bought mine a year ago, but it's not the EAP. It's just a regular Ford Focus ZX5 SVT MTB ABC ORV UTE.
Anyways love this car, handles great even in the snow (and this was the winter to prove it [MI]) and it gets great gas mileage. Just got 32 MPG on a road trip to Ohiopyle, PA.
I really don't care that much about cars but RCR still provide some amazing monday morning entertainment. Keep it up guys.
"I really don't care that much about cars"
leave.
colj001 why so negative bro
Forgle Witts joking
Next week on Regular Cars: ohh man, Ohh Man, OHH MAN
Just what I needed to start my day off work.
Hey, the Reading Pagoda! I'm gonna be headed to the Hillclimb on the 17th!
Focus ZX3 was my first car and it drove from MA to AZ. And it's possible naughtiness occurred. Eerily accurate review.
What you mean with naughtiness?
Its a bad car?
@@jahdroy9595 great car. Naughtiness is a euphamism
The last statement is very true , I still have that feeling after 16 years with the car
The pen holder next to the E brake. Good shot!
I tuned up my Escort ZX2 to be just like the SVT focus. It was a fun time in life
Man, you are a good writer!!
I had a 2005 Ford Focus ZX5 in a SES trim level. It was a fun little car to drive for almost 7 years. At that time of getting it that I was driving a 1998 Ford Contour SE before the Focus. It was very easy to drive from driving a Contour. I would have got a 2012 Ford Focus when I tested a 2011 Mercury Milan in late June 2012. I was in a car accident in that Focus in early March 2012 that my injury was a broken left ankle. I still get that feeling from looking at my neighbor’s 2002 Ford Focus in a sedan. Even though her car is older than my Focus was. I can drive it even though my car is a 2020 Ford Escape SE in black. I remembered wanting a 2004 Ford Focus in a silver grey sedan back in 2005. I was window shopping on a Ford Focus. It was a good little car. I think that my neighbor won’t trust me in driving her little car.
Great reviews 👌🏼🍩
Good intro song! Nice review.
Not that my interest in these ever faded, but this helped renew my excitement for these cars. In fact, I'm going to look at a 2004 SVT in a few days, hopefully going to come home with it!
Awesome video dude
Focus SVT rules!
Love that you guys represent Reading, PA. In this review. Where are you guys from? I grew up in Fleetwood.
I live across the street from the Wayne michigan ford plant that made these. from 2000 until about 2004 they used to have the next year model on a rotating platform and huge Christmas signs every year. at that time they sold like hotcakes. in the detroit area everybody had these. you would really have to look hard for something that wasnt a ford. in 06 my mom got an 02 focus and had it running fine until getting rid of it for a newer model in 2015
Used to own a 2004 Ford Focus ZX3 SVT no EAP but still a great car. I had so much fun in that car I would like to have it back. It handles like a go cart and was quite peppy for the time when it was produced. Never had any problems except for ford dealership service people not knowing much about what it was. They kept telling me that I should switch back to the stock wheels and tires and such.
The new Focus ST seems to have fallen off the radar of most general car-enthusiast blogs/websites/RUclips channels. It was so hyped before release, but now it seems like nobody is talking about it outside of Ford/Focus forums. Definitely interested to see what you think about it, Regular.
If RCR comes down to NC, you could do a part 2 on the SVT! I have a supercharged doppelgänger to the yellow one you just reviewed that I'd love to let y'all review! Or a stick shift e90!
Next week, the new ST! Wooo! Be nice to it, okay? I really love mine. You were already pretty nice to the Fiat 500 which I also have. "It's the joke. You know the joke. You know what FIAT stands for? Fleee ehhhh neeaa tyrooo"
These are seriously my favorite videos on RUclips. Thanks for making them. I found out about them through Jalopnik.
Love the nauuughty reference 👍🏼🐶
the roman has been on fire with the music recently.
just brought one best idea in a long time
I'm so excited for next week. I own a Focus St. I want to see Mr. Regular trash it out of endearment.
I almost bought one of these. Other than being wrapped in the old Gen Focus body, the cat had some great aspects. The engine was fun, Recaros felt great, and the handling was well controlled. It was a fun car, albeit slightly showy as you had to wind out the motor to get power, and the exhaust wasn't exactly subtle for an OEM.
He finally reviewed my car, albeit mine isn't svt, but close enough for me!
You do know that the extra horsepower came from Cosworth and was already in use in the Focus ST 170 in the UK. I happen to own a yellow one like that. All yellow ones had the European Appearance Package. The Recaros are nice and the leather wears really well. I messed up by lowering mine a little.e. Summit Racing told me less than an inch but it's lowered much more than that. Still fun. Had it 11 or 12 years. Pretty certain I can get more than the $5,000 I paid back out of it. I believe the Zetec engine is related to the Kent introduced in about 1960. The Cosworth FVA Formula 2 and the Lotus Twin Cam were Kent based.
I drive one of these, They aren't very fast but they handle like they're on rails. Fun as hell to drive
I had a 2005 Ford Focus ZX5 with a SES trim level. It had automatic transmission in it. I got into a bad car accident in early March 2012. I broke my left ankle in the accident. I had that car for almost 7 years. It was fun little car to drive.
Wow that's so cool I live a few blocks from the pagoda if you see a red RSTI with a red carbon fiber hood that's me!
Need to do a review of the Terminator Mustang
555 Gear iii
I have one they can review
Roman did a really good job on the song this time!!
So that's the American Focus ST170, we got the same as basically a tester for the Focus RS. Handles really well, but we knew over here it needed more power, and that it could take it. Definitely not a first car, but one to aspire when they got cheaper!
could you possibly do a review of a cobalt SS if you get the chance? preferably the turbo version!!!??? anyways loving the new choice of cars lately man!
wow awesome video and review, glad i discovered this
Please review the Infiniti G37 coupe!!
ahhhh my first car... miss it so much I'm buying a focus st this weekend for a commuter
Awesome!
I imagine you're loving your ST, but boy are they different than the SVT haha. Focus has changed a lot over the years, some for the better, some not so much. Get an exhaust system for your ST so you know it's running! XD
You SOB your up in my area in reading pa wow I feel so honoured
The SVT Focus and Contour are the unsung heroes of the now defunct SVT group. I remember when the Focus came out, and it was love. I never got why Ford didn't continue that idea of flirting with the economy but stiff suspension entry level car market. At least that was till the "ST" branded Focus and Fiestas started showing up a few years ago. I'm a grand touring, V8 kinda guy, but those cars are just pure joy.
I remember my first FTP server. It's weird, but 2003 doesn't seem long ago...until you realize it's already 2017 and soon 2018. I was born in 81 so the 2000s were also my 20s. A weird, but also exciting and also sometimes sad time in my life. And yea, now almost 10 years ago
I used to have the 2005 Zx5, awesome car, I abused it so much but she never let me down. In the four years I had it all I ever had to do was change the oil
@Noah Arita - But your 2005 ZX5 was not an SVT Focus. I had driven a basic ZX3 (not SVT) and was reasonably impressed with its driving and handling that I bought the SVT in 2002, its first year. These two cars couldn't be more different if they tried. If you thought the base ZX5 was awesome, you would have not believed how much more capable and significantly improved the SVT was! The list of improvements/changes over the base Focus was quite extensive.
Had one of these in college, it caught fire in my parent’s driveway when I drove down to visit them
THESE THINGS HAPPEN WHEN YOU NEVER ADD OIL,CHANGE THE OIL AND LEAVE YOUR BONG LIT IN THE CAR AND IT TIPS OVER...
My ex had this exact car. Same color with the european package. She said the color was called "screaming yellow". It also had heated recaro seats. Fun car.
I put a head gasket on one of these a couple weeks ago. Fun final test drive. Was peppier than I expected, that Lil zetec loves to rev. But better than a K20 Civic? That's a stretch, even though the 03 Si, the mini minivan, was seriously chocked down, has a LOT more potential, and much much better build quality.
a friend of mine had the first one of these in town. He then dropped a massive stereo in it and then had it repossessed
i never got the eap part because it doesn't look like an st170
anyway im glad the focus gets recognition outside of the uk.
I have always wanted one of these
Right after I bought my F150 (because 19yo me thought he needed a truck) I was at a dealership with a friend who was looking for a car. I clapped eyes on a ZX5 SVT and had to drive it. Towards the conclusion of the test drive my friend slipped out "bet you're sad you just bought that truck." Salesman looked upset but truer words have never been said. I never forgot that experience and I just bought a Focus ST. Only took 13 years to get the car I fell in love with. Funny how cars can evoke so many emotions.
I found one of these last week. its got about 75k miles. not bad for a 2002.
Hands down, this looks better than the MK1 ST we got here in the UK. It has the same power too
I had a 4 door "hatch" 03 SVT with the Euro package. Great car. All I did to it was a Magnaflow cat back exhaust and billet aluminum engine and trans mounts with poly inserts. Wish I still had it :-(
At least you had one! Good memories are a close 2nd ;)
The SVT Focus WAS the MK1 ST. They are mechanically identical, just slightly different bumpers...
you must live close to me because in your videos you reference places that are near me.
That song has been floating around in my head for a few years
Edit: I just realized it is not a song but a parody. I knew that Unwell and this little jingle existed at the same time, but I did not put together until just now, January 12th 2023. I watched this video a couple times over the past like 5-6 years and heard this jingle in my head at least once month this whole time. And never put it together.
Forgive me for my word wall. I promise I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell right now.
Wish I had my 05 Focus when I was in highschool/college
OH god what is he going to say next week about my ST. O.o Love this review also BTW.
Awesome review, you should do some exotics :)