2002 Ford Focus SVT | Retro Review

[@kirkpatrick84]

They could introduce this as a brand-new car today and I'd still buy it.

[@Tool0GT92]

With these exact specs and plastic junk interior? It was nice at the time but the newer ST is way more powerful and nicer to daily drive.

[@robertsestito6821]

Most underrated car in the last 30 years.

[@robertsestito6821]

@@Tool0GT92 st has horrible interior also. The svt is significantly lighter . It's more Fist size than focus st.

[@shawnbauman5463]

Even if you know it's going to rust bad?

[@Tool0GT92]

@@robertsestito6821 I had a 2012 focus the interior isn't the best ever but it's nicer than a first gen focus

[@Kungfurobbie]

That design has held up well over time.

[@bbb12345]

Yes, and the drivetrain is very good.

[@CheesusSVT]

I'd say so aswell.

[@mannybananas1322]

I haven't seen one on the streets in years . I wonder why

[@Loulovesspeed]

@@mannybananas1322 - Because like all SVT products back then, they were truly limited production cars. Mine was the 73rd built out of a total of some 4,700 total!

[@HoStev]

@Johnson Long they did for the euro model, the st170. Much cleaner looking front end with projector hid headlights with the turn signals incorporated in the housing. Nicer looking rear bumper too, much shorter than what was required for us market

[@granprixgtp23]

Still got my svt focus with 260k miles still going strong

[@christophejergales7852]

Wow! What have you had to replace over time?

[@Planetary13]

175k on mine. Runs great

[@isaakwelch3451]

260k? I just hit 250k the other day, I'm hoping that one day my SVT will be the highest mileage one in the world.

[@JustMe-vp8rp]

I’m at 268,000 only changed a coolant hose

[@t-money10]

I'm at 163k

[@honda116969]

I remember getting the dealer brochure for this car about 6 months before it was even released at Sanderson Ford here in in Glendale Arizona.. 6 months later it was my 1st brand new car, & purchased off the showroom floor!!

[@devengudinas1649]

I got a 2003 ranger edge brand new from Sanderson back in the day

[@Loulovesspeed]

@George R - I'm curious as to what # production your car was? Mine was #73 out of 4,788 in 2002.

[@pmafterdark]

I almost can't believe it's already been 20 years since 2002.

[@ferniem95]

Bro. It’s already is 20 years dummy.

[@pmafterdark]

@@ferniem95 Maybe you should have read and understood my comment correctly. I said, it's been 20 years already, I almost can't believe it. Is that easier for you to understand, DUMMY?

[@Porsche996driver]

Right?!

[@MazDanRX795]

@@ferniem95 He said he ALMOST can't believe it's been 20 years, not that he can't believe it's been ALMOST 20 years. Dummy.

[@herrgolf]

It’s sad…

[@christophejergales7852]

Owned a 2003. It was magical. I currently own a Fiesta ST, and there is still something missing. I miss you, Lucy.

[@CheesusSVT]

Anything SVT, I strongly approve.

[@TheRealHungryJoe]

Never tried the SVT, but Focus was a lot of fun to drive even in plebeian trims. Bummer about the first year reliability issues

[@shawnbauman5463]

And the fact these cars rust like mad

[@MalcolmCir]

Agreed. I remember being impressed with a rental SE sedan when these first came out. Steering was surprisingly direct for a domestic fwd car, and the suspension was very well controlled despite it being tall-ish. Nice torquey base engine compared to its import competition at the time, too. It was just well sorted out. I wish Ford still made well thought out small cars like this for the US...

[@Loulovesspeed]

@@MalcolmCir - I'll tell you that the difference between a standard Focus SE and the SVT model is so huge you wouldn't believe they were in the same family let alone the same car! I was impressed enough with the standard Focus SE that it convinced me to purchase the SVT Focus with the literally dozens of performance minded additions/improvements. It was the best handling Ford by far that I have ever owned. I used to get on the country highway by my town and bring it up to 75mph, look around to make sure there were no eyes on me, and would do what I called snap lane changes in 4th gear from left lane to right and back. I gotta tell you I didn't just give the wheel a good crank to the left or right - I snapped it very quickly, which would toss many cars out of control. I couldn't believe how flat it remained with hardly any noticeable roll. One major car magazine in its handling portion of the road test of the car, said "This car 's suspension has the feel and control like nothing short of a BMW M3." "This is the Lotus of the group." I knew I had bought the right car just after reading that and it only got better!

[@Loulovesspeed]

@@shawnbauman5463 - That completely depends on how you care for it during the winter months, if you live in snow country where they treat the roads with chemicals that are more corrosive than salt! I live in snow country and my 12 year old 2002 SVT with just under a 100,000 miles, had absolutely no rust anywhere. I used it very limited in the winter and weekly had it underwashed at the car wash.

[@hakeemsd70m]

Yeah the reliability for the 00-01 models isn't great. However, in later years, the reliability of these cars is very good. I still see tons of 1st gen Focus cars, especially the 05-07 model, on a daily basis around the Ohio Valley as of December 2022.

[@jpete3027666]

I always thought these were cool. They still look good even today.

[@stangstyle8067]

My SVT focus does pretty amazing in autocross, running right under C7 corvette raw times!

[@pierce324]

Same here! My SVTF kills, just put some sticky tires and suspension tweaks, small performance mods and you’ve got a top 10 every time!

[@t-money10]

You guys have any videos just got one

[@ys_a1659]

This first generation Ford Focus had such a good chassis suspension that BMW took it as main reference for their 1 series which started two years later in 2004.

[@Loulovesspeed]

@YS_A1 - Automobile Magazine was quoted saying "It feels as coherent a driver's car as you can find this side of a BMW M3." As far as I know, the SVT Focus is the only American car to this day that was contrasted favorably to a BMW!

[@foxtrot685]

Hands down the best focus. I’d even venture to say that I’d take one over the late model ST. Euro and cold weather packages please (there are still some really well maintained, enthusiast owned examples out there too)

[@fernandorocha-dx1wv]

Very nice this Focus

[@TheRealE1337ist]

I own a 2017 Ford Focus ST and I've been looking for one of these for a long time!

[@waterloo123100]

@DOGS LOL My buddy has a bright yellow one. I never really knew how special they were until he got it though

[@Litestorm17]

@DOGS LOL 14002 were sold between 2002 and 2004. Of that, a little less than half have been found. The rest were wrecked or scrapped. Nowadays, if you don't get one from below the rust belt, you're going to need new subframes at a minimum, or doing a lot of rocker panel repair. If you check out Marketplace, you can still find a few of them that pop up.

[@Loulovesspeed]

@DOGS LOL - My 2002 SVT was the 73rd one built. Silver with a black/red interior.

[@codyC423]

I miss when hot versions of economy cars just had a tuned naturally aspirated 4 cylinder and upgraded suspension. Now it's all crazy body kits and high compression, direct injected turbo 3 or 4 cylinders

[@aaryeshg.6526]

Interiors have improved a lot though. But tbf there's now a little too much added into what's supposed to be a sporty econobox (more weight now than 20 years ago).

[@roddydykes7053]

Actually live with those early 2000s interior trims and you’ll be glad you don’t pay new car prices for them today

[@codyC423]

@@roddydykes7053 I have. Most cars I've owned have been between 1996 and 2005. Even the cheap econo box interiors had softer touch plastics even if they were obviously cheap. Hop in a base model economy car from the 2010's and you'll appreciate the 90's

[@Loulovesspeed]

@STEVE VENTO - I saved all the road test / comparisons from 2002 when I bought my SVT brand new - actually, it was the 73rd one built, evidenced by a signed build certificate. The Honda Civic SI was actually a hair slower and had toy car brakes compared to the SVT - 11.8" ventilated discs in front, 11" solid discs in rear. The SVT suspension was the best in class. Overall, the SVT was rated #1 by all 4 major automotive journals at the time, though the Civic SI was #2 in most tests, while the usually highly ranked Nissan entry of the Sentra SE-R Spec V was dead last in all comparisons!

[@AthenaAutocross]

I own an 2003 SVT Focus, and a 2016 Fiesta ST. The Focus is fun, but god it's interior is garbage, the seating position actually sucks something fierce and while it is NA it's no where near as fun to drive as the Fiesta and it's 1.6l turbo. Also don't even get me started on the aftermarket. The Focus barely had anything even when it was new, and you won't find anything besides the rare scrap yard part for it, and most listings online have already been taken by part horders.

[@TyEiraMarieMorrisonOsteen]

I absolutely love my Pitch Black '03 ZX5 SVTF... it's discreet enough to look like a regular ZX5 but also rare enough for people to forget about the extra doors. 😂

[@attackb5349]

I had a 2001 Focus ZX3 back around the mid 2000’s. For what it was it handled extremely well. The SVT was the grail!! Still looks great too all these years later.

[@shannonmcatee9610]

They even offered a upgraded clutch nobody knew about on those zx3's..... fastest escort ever

[@MetikalMan]

What a great design. So unique and cohesive.

[@Porsche996driver]

Had a buddy UPS driver, he loved his, this was a complete FWD car for sure!

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Man I remember those! They where a little beast! And still not a bad performer by today’s standards!

[@Tuppoo94]

This is one of the last hurrahs of shoehorning a large naturally aspirated engine under the hood of a small economy car. The 3rd gen Civic Type R one-upped this with 200+ hp, but that was definitely the end. Nowadays they're all turbos.

[@midnight347]

If you want good performing na small 4 banger car the gen 2 brz and it's Brothers are pretty stout little cars from what I've seen they put 215 or so to the wheels bone stock.

[@nothanksguy]

really they didnt put a larger engine in than normal, actually you could get a 2.3 l motor in these cars later. the 1.5 gen focus had the st170 trim, a 2.3 liter high output duratec. 170hp, but more torque and wider band than the SVT. normal 2.3 liter in those cars made 145 hp

[@MirageTactics]

I daily a civic coupe with a K24 made in 2015, not sure I’d agree.

[@klasseact6663]

@DOGS LOL 2.0L turbo engines now are putting down anywhere from 230 hp (GTI), 276 hp in my cars case and 400+ in the AMG 4 pot...long live the hair dryer 🐌

[@Loulovesspeed]

@Tuppoo94 - Ahhh, butThe SVT beat the hell out of its same year Honda Civic SI counterpart in every category.

[@j_s0n]

What a nice pretty underrated car, as far as I know I've only seen like 1 or 2 in the last year or so.

[@SmileeBandit]

I miss new cars costing less than $20k!!! 😫

[@midnight347]

My 16 fiesta st was 21500 out the door. Basically the newer version of this car as they're similar in size and weight. Never getting rid of my st it's amazing

[@samholdsworth420]

Ever heard of inflation?

[@lancemannion4113]

@@midnight347 I second the nomination 😆. I had two SVT focuses and they were awesome little cars, and I'm now on my second FiST! I still have a soft spot for the focus and they've aged very well, but the fiesta knocked it out of the park with the ST. Never gets old and you're always looking for a reason to waste gas in it!

[@MultiTelan]

@@midnight347 You too eh? Me and the wife have a pair of FiSTs, a '15 and a '19. I finally got her on board and she says she can't part with it.

[@tedsirlouis9038]

With inflation that would be equivalent to 35ish

[@javiersoberanisramos808]

Really nice retro review guys, I hope you can upload the first and second gen Ford Escape later. Have a good day.

[@bryanrink3410]

Please keep posting reviews of the sport compacts from the early 2000s, It was great seeing the nissan sentra spec v review, I have been waiting a long time for that one.

[@GyroPyro121212]

This is a review I’ve been anticipating. I had a sonic blue 2002 ZX3 SVT. Unfortunately it had a warn clutch and the best I could manage was 16.22 in the 1/4 @87 mph. I knew that it could have run deep into the 15s with a fresh clutch. That car was a blast in the twisties.

[@honda116969]

Yeah dude I remember racing it in the quarter mile I just did the catalytic converter delete & a drop-in air filter & I got 15.2@ 91mph... That was in the winter time did not change anything went to the track in the Phoenix summer time & was running 16.1-16.4@87-89mph... so if you ran it in cooler weather you probably would have done better than like you said the better clutch I think those things had a massive heavy dual flywheel that sucked. & I remember I topped it out I think it was about 135 mph down the i-17 headed from Phoenix up towards Flagstaff. It's a fun ass car 2 drive!

[@GyroPyro121212]

@@honda116969 I loved that car. I wish I’d never sold it. But I just didn’t get to use it as much as I would’ve liked.

[@Loulovesspeed]

@GyroPyro12 - The SVT and the ZX3 were completely different cars. the ZX3 was not created by SVT Engineering.

[@GyroPyro121212]

@@Loulovesspeed There are 2 versions of the SVT. There was a 3 door (ZX3) and a 5 door (ZX5). The SVT versions were not called by the ZX names (so you are right there) but most people discussing them will refer to the 3 door models as ZX3 SVTs and the 5 doors as ZX5 SVTs.

[@Loulovesspeed]

@@GyroPyro121212 - But those people are dead wrong! In 2002, the SVT was 3dr. only, with the 5dr. coming out in 2003 and '04. The SVTs are significantly different high performance cars than the standard ZX cars. You could buy a Focus ZX3 or ZX5 at ANY Ford dealer, where the SVT Focus was only available through specially designated SVT dealerships. John Coletti, Director of SVT Division at that time and his team of engineers put a great deal of thought and time into developing the SVT Focus. I know, because I bought brand new the 73rd car out of a total production in 2002 of 4,788. A signed certificate was supplied showing what number vehicle you had purchased. I don't have the car anymore but saved all the car magazine road tests and competitor results and the SVT beat ALL the competitors bottom line in each of the magazines comparisons.

[@isaakwelch3451]

My dad bought mine new off the lot in 2003. Over 250k miles on it and I'm never gonna stop driving it.

[@Rosso488]

This is the car. This made me like Ford as a kid. My neighbor had one when I was growing up and I thought it was so cool.

[@Brysonandmason320]

Even cooler when you add a wu tang war whistle

[@K03sport]

... I would say a Wings West body kit...but the whistle is ok too...

[@frazierlong2471]

Had a 2003 ZX3 Infrared SVTF for about 7 years in high school and college. By far the best car I’ve ever had. Had fantastic autox experiences and a lot of fun carving TN roads. I found a 4 door ZX5 SVTF with 32k miles a couple years ago. Almost bought it actually! Currently have a APR Stage 1 MK6 Golf R but still miss that SVTF.

[@Loulovesspeed]

It's a bit sad to see younger, second hand or third hand buyers of the SVT Focus using the ZX3 or ZX5 name to reference whether it is a 3dr. or 5dr. Why not just say a SVT Focus 3dr or 5dr? My problem is that the ZX model Focus is in no way connected to the SVT Focus. They couldn't be further apart if they tried! It is actually demeaning to include the ZX model name when talking about the SVT. I know that I'm being a bit oversensitive about this, but I bought mine new in 2002, the first year, and nobody, I mean nobody ever did that. It would be like referring to your F-150 Lightning as just an F-150.

[@RajaReign78]

I absolutely loved Ford Focuses. Started out with a medium blue 2000 4 door SE. My mom bought a white top of the line 2002 wagon version. Then eventually she got a 2014 Red SE. Now I have a blue vista metallic 2009 SE. My hubby’s best friend had a maroon 2004 wagon. These cars are still my favorite ones and I don’t understand why the stupid auto industry thinks everyone wants electric, SUV’s, crossovers, or 4 doors. I’d give anything for a 2 door little hatchback or coupe and or a 2 door Ford Ranger truck. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@Loulovesspeed]

@RajaReign78 - It isn't that the auto industry thinks buyers want electric, it's the government pressure on all auto makers to transition to electric, which is inevitable anyhow. The Mustang Mach E is selling like mad and getting very good reviews. Bottom line is, you just can't stop evolution!

[@markb3756]

I so agree with and understand what you're saying about us people who like to drive small 2 door coupes. I think the car companies are losing out to a considerable portion of buyers like us who settle for some bland, look-alike SUV because we can't have what we really want. Each company should offer at least one but maybe two small 2 door coupes IMO. I bought a brand new yellow ZX2 S/R in 2000 and would give anything to have it back now. It was great with a 5 speed trans and the Zetec engine and crank windows. LOL! It was very similar to the Focus SVT cars in power and style. Those were the days.....

[@Loulovesspeed]

@@markb3756 - The 2000 Focus ZX2 was a significantly different car than the 2002 SVT Focus. Other than the body, for the most part, and the basic frame, they shared almost nothing in common. The ZX2 was a 5 speed while the SVT was a twin output shaft 6 speed. The wheels were 17" and rode on high peformance tires, the brakes were disc, all around with 4 channel ABS, spring rates were firmer and stabilizer bars front and rear. The SVT engine was 170hp vs 130 on the ZX2. My point is you are really way off saying they are similar in power and style. To the untrained eye, they may have looked similar but underneath and technologically, the SVT offered considerably more for more money. I think the ZX2 was somewhere around $12 - $13,000 while the SVT was $18,000.

[@markb3756]

@@Loulovesspeed with all respect please look up the specs on a 2000 ZX2 S/R Edition. It wasn't a Focus at all, it was the Escort ZX2, a 2 door coupe. They only made 2,000 of them. 1,000 yellow ones like mine, 500 red ones, and 500 black ones. It wasn't the same as every ZX2 just as the SVT wasn't the same as every Focus. It came factory equipped with a list of performance upgrades. Anyways, I know what I'm talking about so I won't even argue the point. Good day.

[@Loulovesspeed]

@@markb3756 - I'll end my comments by saying both cars were an attempt to make a sporty package in the compact line. The Escort ZX2 RS was really a compilation of after market parts, not specifically designed to be used only in the Escort, and definitely not designed by a dedicated high performance division of Ford. The SVT Focus was designed and built by SVT Engineering Division to utilize all the upgrades in a balanced, cohesive manner in conjunction with Cosworth Engineering who did much of the engine work, especially the cylinder head. The SVT had more high technology in the engine and drive line than the Escort had in the entire car! Put both cars on a road course and watch how the SVT will completely humiliate the Escort in speed, handling and braking. Wouldn't even been close! So my point is, to say "they were very similar" is an absolute fallacy! See ya!

[@COYGunners]

This has to be one of the best Fords ever

[@carculturenation2166]

loved these when they came out. had my buddy buy a terminator in 06 and his girlfriend i talked into buying one of these. 2 of best svt ever. European trans and and great handling for the time. cobra having irs was what made the terminator along with the supercharged dohc 32 valve 4.6L v8 that was the only mustang that could ever handle pretty damn good until irs came back

[@bbb12345]

Awesome times for a 2002 pocket rocket.

[@supra6t9]

These are gonna skyrocket in value, currently nobody gives a crap about them, get one while you can and hold onto it.

[@jarredmccary5895]

So true my engine is fully restored I manged to snag a sonic blue focus in 2020 spent the last year rebuilding the entire top end.

[@ndawg79]

My mom bought one of these brand new. It was fun to drive

[@jonnykromps9836]

Love these retro reviews! Come out with more of them!

[@JS-yh7kw]

I second that!

[@breakawaymotorsports]

Love my 2004 SVTF.it's a 2dr all black Euro model. The Euro spec interior was solid black with Recaro seats and not the two tune interior. I'm amazed how my 18 year old "econo" car does on track against the much more powerful cars built today.

[@iTrustDoubt]

I still look for a clean low mile SVT

[@isaakwelch3451]

a lot of the surviving ones are clean and low miles. Most of the people who bought these were enthusiasts who got them as second cars.

[@jtreu107]

I've got a clean stock Silver/blue 02 SVT focus with 121k miles. Florida car.

[@RafaelV6]

Owned one for 3 years. It has an incredible suspension and great interior.

[@michaelwendling3573]

I had an 01 ZX3 Power Premium with 4 wheel discs, AdvanceTrak traction control, and a crank sunroof. A few years later, I bought a low mileage 02 SVT 2769 of 4788. It came without a sunroof, heated seats or traction control. Both were rare. Still think of that SVT, it was a sweet little car.

[@jamesruiz4005]

I remember seeing big groups of traveling zx series or svt focus . All young drivers back in 2008 around Arkansas

[@stangzone9630]

I had one of these in Sonic Blue. Put 178k miles on it and the only problem it ever had was the coil pack going out. It was fun to push through curved onramps getting onto the freeway. Surprised a few unsuspecting drivers as well! It needed more development though as there were many quirks to deal with. Could have been better but Ford seemed to rush things to market then and still does.

[@Loulovesspeed]

@Stangzone - I'm curious as to what you mean saying it needed more development, and many quirks to deal with??

[@RemnantSRT440]

I had one! I loved it! Fun zippy and at times very utilitarian. If you have one of these. It is highly recommended to change your timing belt at 150K miles or sooner. I payed the price for mine. I miss mine. Blue is my favorite color they came in

[@Loulovesspeed]

@RemnantSRT440 - Actually Ford recommended changing the belt at 90,000K. Being an "interference" engine, you risk destroying pistons, valves and possibly the entire engine. I had mine from new in 2002 and put 100,000 miles in 12 years before I sold it.

[@shaka7594]

Ford recommends 100k then change, had mine done early at 63k cos it was 10 years, i'm 11 years into this one with 130k on the clock, had few issues nothing major, coil pack twice, the usual wear and tear parts, owned secondly from 2005 and still love my 1.4 lx focus mark 1😊 and still on its first clutch, gearbox

[@jbar_85]

These Focus ST hatchbacks still ride around South Florida. I remember this body style stayed the same for so long. My friend had a four door Focus back in 2007.

[@curtiswritt8474]

I always wanted one of those

[@aidaaliten8817]

Video: 1 minute ago Comment 3 minutes ago

[@austinfrazier7325]

@@aidaaliten8817 lol

[@elizabethpeterson1644]

I had a 2005 Ford Focus ZX5 SES trim level. I had it for almost 7 years. I was in a bad accident on March 7th, 2012. It did rolled over. I broke my left ankle in that accident. Luckily that I was wearing my seatbelt. It kept it shape during the accident. One side view mirror was damaged and even the front grill as I remembered seeing the pictures of it. The jaws of life did a little bit more damage towards the passenger side doors and the back window was smashed in.

[@MikesAutoWorld]

Hopefully there's a review of the SVT Contour deep inside of their library of tapes and recordings

[@stevend3753]

This is as quick as a new turbo Civic Si.

[@madness198648]

Huh? Not even close

[@stevend3753]

@@madness198648 You’re right. Motor trend says new Civic Si turns a 0-60 in 7.1.

[@Youcallthesebagels_]

@@madness198648 you’re right, this is much faster

[@midnight347]

@@stevend3753 lol

[@Loulovesspeed]

Whether it is or isn't faster than the Turbo Civic, I'll guarantee you the SVT will easily out handle it on a road course!

[@kyledavidjohnson6975]

So that “tick” at idle was there even when new. I thought I was loosing my mind. 0:59

[@julioibarra7156]

Love small cars. Focus hatchback and mid 90s civic 2drs were legit go karts!

[@epicraptorman]

Love these early 2000 sporty cars

[@lglg4151]

Great job From Argentina 🇦🇷 Keep it up

[@dohc1067]

Definitely a better generation of Focus and this version is the best. Great looking package. It was simpler. 4 speed automatic was available with the standard Focus.

[@MitchZero9]

Last generation of the raw lightweight analogue hot hatch. Next gen of everything in the segment gained weight, then the following generations all got 'digital' with multi-mode stability controls ect.

[@midnight347]

@@MitchZero9 you sir need to try out the 14-19 fiesta st. Very cool car. I owned an 03 svt my 16 fiesta st is very similar in size basically the newer version of the same thing. It's pretty raw for a newer car. They're both amazing cars.

[@midnight347]

These svt were 6 speed manual only just like the newer st and rs models.

[@dohc1067]

@@midnight347 I know this version was a manual only. That's the reason why this generation. This generation of Focus also used the 4 speed automatic and it was more reliable than the dual clutch junk pile Ford put in the last generation.

[@isaakwelch3451]

they didn't make a single SVTF with an automatic, what are you talking about?

[@TheOfficialCaseMade]

Always loved these and the Contour SVT. Almost had one of these SVTs last year for $1500 and I REALLY wish I could've gotten it.

[@RippednBuff]

2000 Ford Contour SVT was my first car. Had some fun in that one.

[@jayda1k_]

When Ford divisions put a lot of thought into their hot subdivision and onto what sold- I mean, this car sold right in between the first 2 Fast and the Furious Films. A time to have been alive

[@MitchZero9]

Well as a teenager and avid gamer in the early-mid 00's, in the last week Motorweek have released Sentra Spec-V now the SVT Focus. My mind went straight to Need For Speed Underground 2 🤓 Which obviously F&F influenced games like Underground and others at the time.

[@jayda1k_]

@working_country ___ just a reference point no need to bring back those horrible memories.

[@Loulovesspeed]

@@MitchZero9 - Interesting to note that in ALL magazine road test/comparisons, the usually highly rated Nissan placed dead last in ALL magazines ratings! One even quoted as saying "Anyone looking for more than a vehicular hairpiece will be disappointed with this car." The Sentra SE-R Spec V was a disaster!

[@mike479]

I’ve always wanted one of these. I currently own a Contour SVT which is also a ton of fun and a great driver.

[@garrycowan4747]

My first one was a 2001, i had 4 Ford Focus overall, just great cars 👍

[@jackfishcampbell6745]

I had a 04 zx5 . Even though it was 130 hp an auto , I still really liked that car . It had a good comfortable ride with the independent rear end . And it had nice hydraulic steering . My friend had a Cavalier pretty crappy , then a 08 Cobalt , that was quicker but in my opinion , felt like it had a cheaper feel . I'm envious that the folks across the pond have had a good selection of various Focus models to choose from . This SVT looks like a car that I'd like todsy , though lacking all the safety nannies .

[@dimaslopez-dejesus2371]

Ford SVT Focus has a 2.0L 170 hp and 145 lb-ft up to 40 more power and 10 more torque with a 6-Speed Manual.

[@nandernugget]

Now you’re really teasing me. I need that Mazdaspeed Protege video

[@tgamirov]

I still have a set of these wheels collecting dust in the basement. Used them on my old 2000 Cougar. One is bent and vibrates on the highway. $200 picked up. Tires are old but have enough tread. Let me know if interested.

[@stangzone9630]

haha I have a set of the EAP wheels for when I had mine too. I should craigslist them this summer

[@palebeachbum]

These were nice little cars back in the day. This SVT seems very appealing to me even now. I can't remember the last time I saw this generation of Focus on the road. From my understanding they were quite good cars, but mostly young people bought them and neglected and beat the hell out of them. Typical of affordable cars.

[@isaakwelch3451]

I see them all the time, where are you that they're rare?

[@Loulovesspeed]

@@isaakwelch3451 - I have a hard time believing you "see them all the time" as they only made a comparative handful of them between 2002 and 2004. You're probably seeing the same one or two over again! Lol

[@isaakwelch3451]

@@Loulovesspeed they made almost 11k of them, and yes I do keep track of them when I see them. Theres 5 in my town, mine included, of a population of around 10k. When I drive cross-country I usually see one or two during my trips. For a low volume car they've had a fairly good survival rate. They were well made and most owners take care of them. They're very hard to find in junkyards, I've seen two in total over 5+ years of junkyarding, and I have spare parts off of both in my collection.

[@Loulovesspeed]

@@isaakwelch3451 - Did you buy yours new or used? The trouble with these very cool cars, just as they came from the Ford SVT Division, is that younger go fast kids tend to want to modify them and usually end up doing little more than shortening the life of the car! Just curious as to what city you live in?

[@isaakwelch3451]

@@Loulovesspeed my father bought it new. I've had it since 16 and made a point to keep it stock and nice.

[@DailyDriver.]

I loved the first gen focus . Such a neat competitor to the neon which was also a decent econo box

[@mtutechy10]

Looks like the MotorWeek team did a quick spray of flat black paint when they showed the front rotor without the wheels. Studs, hub, and some of the rotor were coated. Must have been really rusty!

[@pbfloyd13]

God I remember driving this car in the Ford Racing 2 video game. It was like my favorite car to use in challenges cuz it handled so well.

[@dtwd9043]

Still a great and fun car to drive even today 👍🏻 Hopefully there’s a retro review of the Contour Svt 😈 🐐

[@MarkMeadows90]

The MK1 RS should've came to US. I still like that Focus to this day,

[@TheDealer6373]

I think the us will never see another rs ever again. Seems everything is going hybrid or electrical. Kind of like the STi not coming out or the mustang mach E.

[@MarkMeadows90]

@@TheDealer6373 that’s unfortunate

[@victoryepik487]

this car is one the best hot hached for cheap they do have a good power easy to modify and reliability and also its way underated than other hot haches

[@PiroFyre]

Winter package that includes traction control?! Man, those were the days when even traction control was an option lol.

[@chrisdooley1184]

One of the great Ford global designs. I’d buy one today

[@kebabaluba]

In Europe you could get RS version, with turbo engine and 200+ horsepower

[@DustinRZR]

The paint is absolutely beautiful on it, svt missed the mark though not installing a Kenny belle supercharger on it to pump the horsepower up the upper 200’s closer to 300. Either way that’s one sharp car 20 years later.

[@fijitears]

So cool there’s a shop a few blocks from my house w Mustangs, Vettes, SRT, and trucks they also have one of these suckers in grey.

[@Planetary13]

I have a ZX5 SVT for 4 years. A fantastic little car.. Very fun with excellent handling. A good tune helps.

[@Loulovesspeed]

@Planetary13 - Sorry, but you don't have a ZX5 SVT - no such thing. What you have is a 5 dr. SVT. The ZX Focuses were not even close to the SVT model, not even close!

[@Planetary13]

@@Loulovesspeed yes of you want to be pedantic, 5 door SVT with 6 spokes wheels and xenon lights. Tuned and I love it

[@Loulovesspeed]

@@Planetary13 Has nothing to do with being pedantic, it has to do with FACT!

[@Planetary13]

@@Loulovesspeed thank you for resorting order in the internet. Excuse me I have to go drive my 5 door ST170 now.

[@2THXTRM]

Can you do the contour svt next? Loved mine

[@KevinCruz-pu2ue]

It's crazy how this thing put up faster 0-60 and 1/4 mile times than the Roush Stage 2 Focus, which had a 50HP advantage and forced induction.

[@jonwilliams1710]

Had a nice example up until last year! Sadly it just broke so often and repairs and certain parts are getting really hard to get.

[@isaakwelch3451]

What broke on yours? The only parts I've had trouble finding are body panels, and those only break if you wreck it. Everything else and either the parts stores have it or 5 Acre Focus does.

[@touncy1533]

hv an '02 red SVT totally stock, my daily for years & years

[@michaelw6277]

I really slept on this one back in ‘02. I bought a WRX then and honestly I probably should have gotten one of these, I’d probably still have it.

[@TheDealer6373]

Would love to drive one and compare to my newer focus. These old cars are fun being so lightweight. My 2017 focus is around 3500 pounds and you can feel the weight around corners.

[@Loulovesspeed]

@The Dealer - That's almost 800 lbs. MORE than my 2002 SVT!

[@codyC423]

I wish they made a 4 door SVT Focus in this generation

[@johnjohnmcclane1818]

They made a 5-door SVT.

[@donaldwilson2620]

Ford didn't make a 4 door SVT but they did make a sporty 4 door version from 2005-07 called the ZX4 ST. It had the larger 2.3 L 160 hp Durtec engine that was used in Mazda3 and Mazda6 and the 1st generation Fusion. It also had a sport tuned suspension with stiffer springs and dampers, a larger exhaust system, four wheel disc brakes, and was available only with a 5 speed manual, no automatic. It was only slightly slower than the SVT hatchbacks, but it was the closest thing to a sporty Focus sedan that was offered at the time.

[@codyC423]

@@donaldwilson2620 I never knew that, that's pretty cool

[@Loulovesspeed]

@@donaldwilson2620 - To correct you, Ford did indeed make a 4 dr. (or 5dr. if you count the hatch?) SVT Focus. It came out in '03.

[@MitchZero9]

Sentra Spec-V now Focus SVT? First cars on Need For Speed Underground 2 anyone?

[@P71ScrewHead]

Oh yes..lol Lil kids now don't know shit about how great those games were.. The 1/4 mile track was a blast to tune cars in, my fastest car is the 240sx, I still have the game n the ps2..lol

[@TyEiraMarieMorrisonOsteen]

My '03 is named after the Spiderbait song 😂

[@aaryeshg.6526]

This particular Focus also made its appearance in Midnight Club LA too. And just like NFSU2, it was a starter car there for Tokyo career. Edit: Also forgot to mention, it was prone to flipping when turning sharply because of the high COG, but lowering ride height helped a bit. 😅

[@sharpfalcon6196]

@@aaryeshg.6526 The Focus SVT also appeared in Ford Racing 2 and 3.

[@Loulovesspeed]

In real life, the Sentra Spec V was lowest in the rankings of any competitor.....dead last in EVERY road test from the 4 major auto mags. Surprising as Nissan has had a pretty good rep for quality, just not with the Spec V.

[@typedrew]

Thanks for this. I’m 15 again

[@user-ho1ih1uj6w]

Man they love Manual transmission when they show retro reviews

[@Kingsoupturbo]

Fun to drive! quite an upright seating position, but motor pulled pretty well as I remember, Some odd bolt pattern wheels and a somewhat quirky clutch to replace as I remember, great styling though.

[@Loulovesspeed]

You say "odd bolt pattern" wheels. By that I assume you mean 4 bolt vs 5 bolt? The Focus WRC cars that were raced all had 4 bolt wheels - never a problem.

[@yanny2007]

There is a 2002 focus svt on sale near where I live and I’m looking into buying it. It’s got 200 000km but the body looks brand new and it comes with a set of brand new brakes and tires. Do you think it’s worth it?

[@RS-ft7nv]

I had a zx3 and was dreaming of an svt back in 2002

[@The_1982_EXPert]

Sweet! Can you upload the SVT Contour video next please?

[@KardiFan2000]

Does anyone have the even-rarer 2005-07 Focus ST that was only sold in North America? I do.

[@isaakwelch3451]

I don't think they're even rarer. They certainly aren't nearly as good as the SVT. My brother had one when I was in high school, made me glad mine was an SVT and not the ST.

[@isaakwelch3451]

Found the official production numbers for them. Ford produced a total of 14,464 Focus ST's over 3 years (9329 in 05, 2419 in 06, and 2716 in 07), and a total of 14,003 Focus SVT's over 3 years (4788 in 02, 6158 in 03, and 3057 in 04)

[@KardiFan2000]

@@isaakwelch3451 I stand corrected...I took a peak at those numbers a while ago and thought that the ST was rarer (the production numbers are almost dead-even anyway). Yeah...the ST isn't spectacular by any means, but I'm happy with it for now. I'm planning to get the Subaru-style spoiler that was a dealer option when they were new.

[@Carguylogan]

I had a nice silver 4 door one. Handling and braking was great, shifter was amazing and high rpm power was decent. My complaint was this engine was gutless below 3,000 even for a small 4 cylinder. Combine that with the tall gearing and it started to piss me off how slow it took off unless I revved it up a lot.

[@Loulovesspeed]

@gtdrummerdude - You apparently have no experience with 4 cylinder engines as far as knowing how to offset their inherent low end lack of torque. This specific 4 cyl. engine will work fine at the low end, but you need to utilize the high rev capability it has. This has always been the case with 4 bangers. The problem is, some don't like high revs much. The SVT will rev smoothly, strongly up to 7,200 RPM. That coupled with the close ratio gears with some overlap will give you a more than capable launch.

[@Carguylogan]

@@Loulovesspeed I am an ASE master tech with a degree in automotive. As far as 4 cylinder cars I have owned a Miata, SVT Focus, ZX3 Focus, Matrix XRS, Integra with a B20/Vtec and more. The SVT Focus was particularly weak at low rpm. My Focus ZX3 with the same basic Zetec engine had way more low rpm power. When I was at high elevation (7,000 ft) I had to keep the gas pedal floored and modulate the clutch to leave stop lights. In order to do a 0-60 run without bogging I had to launch at 5,000 rpm. That's excessive. None of my other 4 cylinder cars were like that.

[@Loulovesspeed]

@@Carguylogan - Interesting, but I didn't hear you mention anything relative to the SVT's strong mid range, which several test drivers commented on. If your 0-60 issue was at ground level and not 7,000 feet, then your car had an issue. I had no problem at all in breaking loose the front tires on mine from a dead stop and I didn't have to rev the snot out of it. I understand that you are a master tech but your experiences with the SVT pretty clearly tells me there was a problem with yours. I'm sure you know Four cyl. engines are inherently low in bottom end torque. They have always required higher rpm in the lower range to help offset the typically soft torque levels at low revs. I also know that manufacturers have found ways to reduce that in recent years. I hung right in there against a couple of turbo Saabs, but in all honesty, much of that was probably due to the driver not really knowing how to get the max out of his car. I also really enjoyed the Getrag 6 spd. with dual output shafts - first, second, fifth and sixth with one ratio, and third, fourth and reverse on another. There was enough overlap between gears to minimize rpm drop and power loss. Felt just like the old close ratio 4 spd. with 2 more gears. The SVT's strong point was its handling capabilities. It outhandled all of its competitors in each magazine road test/comparison. One writer/tester said "This is the Lotus of the group." I believe Automobile magazine said "This is as coherent a driver's car as you will find this side of a BMW M3. A car's total package is far more important to me than just how quick it is 0-60. A top speed of 135 mph is pretty damn strong too for a normally aspirated 4 banger! Sorry you didn't enjoy yours as much as I did mine, the 73rd one built. I put 100,000 care free miles on it in 12 years and sure wish I still had it! It was the best all around Ford I have owned in my 73 years!

[@mikep.5517]

I really miss small, simple, lightweight (the FSVT had a curb weight of just 2750-lbs) cars like this.

[@anthonybelton-ford3124]

Is this the ST170 we have in the UK?

[@isaakwelch3451]

Pretty similar, I believe the engine is the same. Was the ST170 offered with recaro seats and a 6 speed getrag?

[@ChrisG-gl5st]

Can you please post the first review of the focus from 2000?

[@epicraptorman]

I'd rather drive this than a modern ST or RS

[@karmatose]

Always liked the Focus SVT. Shame they were all gone or beat to hell by the time I was actually able to get my hands on one.

[@Loulovesspeed]

@Eric Dawson - You're right, and I am grateful that I was able to order one new in 2002. SVT even included a signed certificate by SVT Director John Coletti showing what # build your car was. Mine was the 73rd one built the first year, 2002. It was the best Ford and best overall car that I have owned in my 73 years on this planet!

[@blairwilliams136]

Still a cool looking spunky little hot hatch !

[@soldieroftafari]

Use to want one of these so bad! Got a contour svt instead.

[@jasonwheeler8996]

I’ve got a SVTF and always wanted a SVTC.

[@emilianocruz11]

we need the 1998 svt contour retro review ´pleaseee

[@theowl2044]

This first generation of Focus was the only one to have independent suspension on all four corners

[@mrdjsubz]

all the Focus's have 4wheel independent suspension right? the new fiesta does not, but all focuses do