5 Things I HATE About My SVT Focus!

[@IntegraDIY]

At 70mph the engines rpm is at 3k? I want that! In my gsr Integra at 60mph I’m at 3k rpm... but I get closer to 30 mpg on highway.. something is off...

[@creakid]

My 05-07 facelifted Focus ZX4 ST 5-sp manual has an interior toxic smell whenever exposed to sunlight! Its 2.3 Mazda-design engine still lacks Mazda's own variable valve feature. Despite decent low-end torque, the MPG never reaches 30 on the hwy no matter how hard I try to save fuel. My 1990 Mazda Protege 1840cc DOHC engine revs very high on the fwy, but still gets 36mph when cruising at 60mph.

[@quickenloansusllc2123]

I like your car! Great review. I had one in Need for Speed Underground 2

[@williambreeze2659]

Thanks for the list!

[@PeteS0113]

Nice to see that people are still talking about this car. Considering the low production numbers, it's over-engineered for the average driver and doesn't deliver in economy, or the performance areas that appeal to typical American car enthusiasts it has a respectable reputation. I agree on every point. Fit and finish suggest economy car, without the fuel economy. I've gotten as high as 28mpg, still driving fast, but on open, desert highways at night. Since I've started tuning it and actually gotten use out of the second stage intake manifold runners, my mileage is sub 20's. But I'm having a lot more fun! I put Eibach springs and rear sway bar on mine to improve the ride height and body roll. I feel like I'm more in control and behind the wheel vs. sitting on top of a stagecoach, but the acoustics have gotten worse. I've taken out the back seat and I'm putting in a stress bar. I'm hoping reduced weight and frame flexion cute back on the worst of the pops and groans, but I'll have to put down insulation now too. Cars that beat me off the line include almost everything with 6 cylinders built in the last 40 years, but with a lot of finesse I've learned how to leave an intersection with some dignity. No one really talks about 0-100-0 times, or it would be a different story. 1/4 mile is boring; if you put a cliff at the end of it, now we're talking! Thanks for sharing!

[@screaminyellowsvtf927]

I agree with you, this car can't win many drag races but in the canyons, it is a absolute gem. Some simple mods like you mentioned definitely tighten up the car and make it weapon on the back roads and autocross courses! Thanks for watching!

[@GrandCamino6]

Love your color combo. Just picked up an 04 Focus SVT non EAP. I was waiting for you talk about the lack of a center console and a place to put your elbow on long drives. My first tank yielded me 21mpg. I was a little shocked. Sounds like your last car was a Neon SRT-4.

[@canyonrunner9275]

My flywheel does the same,getting ready to do full clutch replacement

[@TheVoxmouth]

I have an 04' 2dr Focus SVT and my hatch has a rattle. It's aggravating and the center of the dash gets it from time to time. Other than that I love my SVT!

[@LiquidSSSnake]

I have the exact same car, mine is well kept too. I agree that it needs more power, went from a modded fox Mustang to this. The FWD aspect makes me not want to mod it... so I save $$$$ For a 2003 Ford the Focus interior was WAY WAYYY better than any other Ford from the era. They actually put vinyl padding on the doors, like a car should have. Dash is ok to me. They went cheap with the 05-07 Foci later on. I put a larger muffler in the tunnel years ago, then I caught a steal on dynamat. There was a Db test on the Focus forums and my 03 is quieter or as quiet as a '12+ Focus. (RH motor mount is going and is causing noise, but that will be fixed) I used to get a tiny bit of clutch clatter occasionally, the newer 2yr old clutch has been quiet so far. I get 22-23mpg normally, and a solid 31mpg on a road trip. Seating is high, after I drove a '15 Mustang GT and got back in the SVT I felt like I was sitting in a high chair. (You do know there's button to lower the seat ---I've been dumbfounded by how many people don't know that) Even at the lowest it's still high. ---------------------------------------- Things I hate: Cable shifter isn't the best feeling, even with refresh parts and aftermarket stuff Needs power OR shorter gearing. (I vote power) I've gotten good at not bogging it in 1st, even with the a/c on. Limited slip would've been nice It's a timing belt motor. Chains don't need changing, even if your supposed to. lol Int. courtesy lighting is terrible... but I took care of that ST170 style. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- surprised you didnt complain about the TCS not going fully off (unless you have a tune) I got rid of it by swapping to a non-TCS module.

[@screaminyellowsvtf927]

Thanks for your input! I agree with your gripes about the SVT as well. You're right, I forgot to mention about the SVT's TCS not going fully off! It has been an annoyance once or twice out on the back roads when I was pushing it hard but I guess it slipped my mind because I don't push my car to the limit nearly enough.

[@IcRedeye]

Good video! I have an 02 non EAP SVT 2 door and I get around 20 MPG overall from mostly city driving. I wish 6th gear could drop the RPM's about a grand on the highway. A bigger complaint is that it takes premium gas, which is close to a dollar more per gallon. I had an 04 ZX3 with the 2.3L engine which with its higher torque, felt very similar in engine performance running on regular gas. A couple other minor complaints are the lack of a keyhole on the passenger door (more worrisome as the power lock is out on my driver's door), and after changing the clutch and flywheel, it's gotten really difficult to shift into reverse. So much so that it won't shift into reverse at all until the engine is completely warmed up. Overall, I love the car!

[@mardamek]

The shifter not going into reverse could be more of a linkage issue than the clutch itself. Check the square nylon bushing on the actuator as well (the one closer to the engine, more to the left when standing in front of the car with the hood open). You'd be amazed how much difference that could make.

[@dieselscience]

If you're getting anything below 30 mpg and NOT driving 80 mph, highway you have some issues. I routinely get 33 at 65-70 with cruise on and I do NOT buy ethanol mixed gasoline.

[@Tavenner13]

I've had my SVT for two and a half years and logged every fill up. My lowest MPG was 17 and highest was 26 with an average of 21. I've used a little over 1100 gallons and driven a little over 24000 miles. It's bone stock. OEM ratings are 18 city / 26 hwy with a combined average of 22. No one is going to get over 26 or 28 unless they are driving downhill of drafting behind a semi for the entire tank. The car is not an economy car. It doesn't even have an overdrive.

[@158158cow]

My '02 SVTF gets about 26 mpg with mixed driving. A lot of the efficiency comes down to the temperament of the driver! (coasting to red lights, keeping speed in corners). I used to get ~22 mpg when the front O2 sensor was bad and my intake runner length controller was fried

[@mardamek]

You are right about the car not being economical for a 4 cylinder as well as the official figures, but in my experience 30+ mpg on the highway (65 - 70 mph) is easily achievable, especially in the warmer seasons. The lowest I've seen was in city only driving cycle, and even then I got 18.5 - 19 mpg. Again, nothing to write home about, but still not as bad as you guys (or the official figures) are stating.

[@Kingkoppa86]

Good vid and good info for people interested in owning a 1st gen svt

[@Petrolhead99999]

Wow, I'm glad the previous owner of my car took the car to dealer service up through 90k miles, I didn't even know about the flywheel issue. Apparently it got fixed!

[@fordmodelcars3258]

In the uk my 2003 focus has no rattles what so ever and all the parts fit together nicely.

[@Dailyfiver]

I actually like the hard plastic feel lol.

[@158158cow]

Hit the nail on the head. Efficiency is meh, seating is not good, interior rattles like crazy. But they're plenty of fun!

[@nezerac]

Interior quality? Really? You're honestly the first SVTF owner I've run into that's said that. Also my 88 has a padded dash. If it wasn't cracked it'd be a pretty nice place to be. lol.

[@nezerac]

Also gas mileage with my brother's svt was 28 with a jackson racing supercharger. Idk man sounds like you have some issues going on that you need to sort out. Could have a fuel leak.

[@screaminyellowsvtf927]

I mentioned the interior quality because the hard plastics in and around the dashboard as well as in the backseat area have developed some nasty rattles during my ownership. The interior is not terrible, it's very unique with all the new-edge design swoopiness and the oval air vents, but the quality really reminds you that it's a 13 year old car.

[@screaminyellowsvtf927]

Could be true, I'll look in to it. Cruising on the highway I can get reasonable-ish fuel economy but in the city is where I really see a huge dip.

[@ewong2007]

Just the nature of a an older car. You are going to see a dip in fuel economy. I get 15MPG when I do all city driving and short trips. SVT Focus was a lot of bang for the buck especially if you have the EAP. I bought my 2004 for $1k under invoice. Power was never the strong point of the SVT Focus. I'm sure when you do your "likes" list, the brakes have got to be #1.

[@nezerac]

Screamin' Yellow SVTF You should do a bug squashing video where you mitigate the issues you can't fix and remedy the ones you can. It'll make for good watching and the SVTF has a following. I'm thinking about buying one myself.

[@justindivittorio8077]

I have a fairly clean '02 SVT. My fuel economy is about the same... On the back roads in WV, I average even less... I don't have the Recaro's in mine (not an EAP car). The standard seats feel okay, but they're the worst ever to clean.

[@ArchwayPerformance]

03 svt 172xxx miles i average 27.8 mpg with mixed driving. I run my car fairly hard. I think something is messed up with his car.

[@mardamek]

With some exceptions/twists, I agree with you on points 1-4. However, couldn't disagree more on the last point about the seats. The high seating position is not only more natural for the body, but it offers great visibility, which gives the driver more confidence and comfort. Sure, it is all subjective and perhaps even counter intuitive from the point of physics and numbers (higher center of gravity, etc), but driver confidence and comfort behind the wheel are no less important (and IMHO more important) than max handling potential based on objective factors. Also, I don't see how the firm bolstering of the Recaros necessitates/assumes low seating position. I mean, I know where you are coming from, linking those 2 things, but in all honesty them going hand in hand is no less superficial and exaggerated than the automatic assumption (expressed in a way of a question) of the workers at Subway restaurants that a sandwich should have lettuce and tomato in it or that if you are ordering coffee at Dunkin Donuts, it should have milk and sugar in it (or that a good oven roasted turkey should have stuffing in it).

[@johnthompson5302]

I just acquired an 03 SVT hatchback. Love the car but know NOTHING about it! I have intentions of making a rocket ship out of it without blowing too much $ on it. Would you are to tell me what bolt-On mods you'd suggest, and in the order that you'd do it??? Please, I've got no idea what to do and I'm itching to get started. Thank you

[@johnthompson5302]

Johnathan Diaz i am in that process right now. Working on the fan/radiator, as it seems that is an important thing not to be overlooked. I've got the $ to spend, just thought as I was doing maintenance, it would be smarter to go ahead and put in upgrades while I was at it.

[@dr.hugog.hackenbush9443]

My '98 Escort has 341,000+ (not a typo) miles and still pulls down 30mpg with the crappy SPI engine. You may have some issues...

[@anthonydelaney8249]

I have the same ‘03 Screaming Yellow two door SVT and have none of these issues...... if you shift properly there really is no torque issue.

[@Apponcom-ej1rv]

Nice SVT Focus Great Review!

[@edddenby9745]

My 17 year old is a 1.4 and its beautiful to drive. Its better than the driving instructors 3 year old seat Leon 1.6 I learnt to drive in

[@PatriceMJ]

Hate to tell you dude, but just about all fords have that high seats feeling. 2013 explorer limited, 2004 SVT Focus, 2003 zx3 focus, 93 f350 dually diesel, and my 2008 mercury mariner all have/ had it.

[@MyIronman8]

Changing the fly wheel would make it way faster and have better gas milage . That's free work done the car so why don't you do it .

[@seblo8462]

Haha try owning and Ae86, then you can complain...my 86 can practically be outran by any mini van on the Fwy, interior rattles and vibrations is my driving soundtrack, mainly everything has to be tightened, greased or replace more often than any other car ive owned, and try crusing at 4k and only going 70mph because of the 4.7 rear R&P...but i wouldnt trade it for the world, it puts a smile on my face and instant euphoria being behind the wheel : )

[@DrBleck35]

Keep your eyes on the road buddy!!!!! Also, fabric seats on a 2000 ZX3 hold Dockers Khakis like Velcro. Leather seats, while more expensive, do not do that.

[@jamisgood21]

I recently bought a 03' SVT Five Door in Cardinal Red. Absolutely LOVE that thing. It is a blast. Not the best mileage for a small car, but it ain't built to save gas. It's built to be fun! Better mileage than my 01 F350 though haha. Way more car than I thought these were. It could use a bit more power, but still fun! Gotta remember this was back in early 2000's...this thing was a beast back then for a good price!

[@recoilrob324]

The stock tune is abysmal.....FSWerks has tunes that totally change how the SVT runs. The RLA6 is very good especially with a High-Flow cat. Mine will get high 30's on the highway and pulls a LOT harder than the stock tune would let it. With the big cams in the motor it's never going to make a ton of torque down low...but compared to most Honda's it's a torque monster in the 3-6000 range.

[@Amplar2]

These cars foul their O2 sensors frequently, which will shit on your economy. Mine is supercharged and fouls them every few thousand miles

[@vinnybruce2874]

plus it needs boost injection air flow sensor. I'm getting a 2003 black svt focus no rust

[@jake20479]

Map sensor?

[@4ujkdguy]

HA! i had a stock got 29 miles and that is with spirited driving, it has 120 ft-lbs of torque down low that is why it accelerate wonderful at low RPM, there must be some things that are wrong with your car!

[@03focussvt943]

My 03 was gettin 25 city and 28 hwy. Somethings wrong with yours Id say.

[@Mpostor.]

I also have a really well kept SVT focus, check out some of my videos of my 02 sonic blue!

[@lucascronenwett8203]

I thought it was funny seeing the guy sitting next to you at 1:50

[@d.j.9961]

explain to me why ford went backwards in design with the braking systems on the 1st gen focus's? Used to be that all cars in the 70's-80's had a dual cylinder master cylinder! So, if a brake line was to fail, you would still have the other half, be it, your front on one half & the rear brakes on the other half of the master cylinder! Tho, ford in all of it's wisdom, used a single cylinder master cylinder! leaving every 1st gen focus owner at risk! ESPECIALLY AS THE AGE & RUST OUT! WHEN 1 BRAKE LINE FAILS, THE WHOLE SYSTEM FAILS! IF YOUR EMERGENCY BRAKE DOES NOT WORK, GET IT FIXED ASAP & INSPECT YOUR BRAKES, BRAKE LINES, & ALL ASSOSIATED PARTS & FITTINGS! IT'S THE ONLY THING HOLDING YOU BACK & YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON THEM!!! YOURS & OTHERS ARROUND YOU!!!

[@roskataqv]

It feels sluggish off the line because it has torque limiter in 1, 2 gears...

[@Motherofmusic]

roskataqv i really doubt that...theyre sluggish because theyre slow cars...

[@5.0F150-j]

You must abuse your focus then because my 2002 SVT Gets 33 MPG Highway 29 City

[@mardamek]

Not surprised about the 33 mpg highway figure, nut 29 mpg makes me wonder which city you're driving in. Are you sure it's a city?

[@sandman503]

your gas mileage is not typical

[@screaminyellowsvtf927]

Probably an issue with my car specifically then. I'll have it checked out, thanks for the input!

[@EanDogonskiskate]

sandman503 yes it is

[@tyhyhh]

two of my buddies had them they averaged high 20s

[@TheFukkup]

change out your 02 senors you will see an increase in MPG...

[@delmonicothebutcher9008]

Pretyy...... Get

[@DR-br5gb]

I'm going to do a video, 5 things i hate about the new trend of making videos of 5 things you hate about your cars. Sound like a bunch of little spoiled brats.

[@ABeans07]

Downvoted for stupid clickbate title

[@gregorydavis4831]

Least worthy car to ever be labeled as an SVT, and yes even less worthy than the Contour SVT.

[@carlosbarragan1673]

contour svt is a great car I've owned 3 and believe me it is great... many wrong things can be said and they are kinda true but not for bad car but because of bad mechanics...

[@joshgoll9472]

Hater