Regular Car Reviews: 2003 Ford Focus ZX3 SVT

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.

[@SpacemanXC]

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.

[@Oneshotup]

Jesus man, get out while you still can!!!

[@SpacemanXC]

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!!!

[@Oneshotup]

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

[@SpacemanXC]

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.

[@Oneshotup]

SpaceManDawn epic man. Epic. Best laugh I've had today.

[@ButBut500]

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.

[@rorfvonbun]

Always catches people off guard, that torque from the front wheels is something.

[@Daddychill945]

So they have torque

[@moonease4173]

Nice Mac Miller pf

[@bacotell5505]

I learnt how to drive with my 02 zx3 svt, I still have it today and still love it more than anything else

[@mr.polarbear7825]

Dude same here

[@Dailyfiver]

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. 😂

[@stripiervirus2863]

Drew Dobransky my pencil has been sitting in there for two years

[@mazza_salad3753]

Good to see I’m not alone👍

[@ddalzell509]

I keep a tire pressure gauge there. Fits perfectly.

[@tjlovin247]

I always know where my pen is

[@leorickt.9604]

Ive always had a pen in there and have never used it

[@juiceboxjenny3925]

Ford Focus: The official car of The Cat in the Hat

[@robertetzcorn8613]

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

[@RockinJason360Productions]

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 👁👄👁

[@scrustle]

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.

[@cbcsmithers]

You're right. About as American as the Mexican F-150

[@LOLHICRONO]

Was the F-150 engineered by Mexicans?

[@twoquickcapri]

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.

[@jamesm4042]

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.

[@rogerhenry3481]

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.

[@AshyGr33n]

It was also used as Ford's WRC car, btw.

[@studiotime6671]

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!

[@AlbertoGomezSE3P]

studiotime same, i have a 2002 zx3 with 184,000 miles and a 2006 rx-8 but i still want me that svt 😭

[@bacotell5505]

I have a 2002 zx3 svt and I enjoy driving it more than my 2020 f150, go out and buy one right now 😂

[@VincentBalestriere]

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.

[@LifeInThrShadows]

I got a ZX3 with SVT wheels and an airbox. It's ssssweet.

[@StickMechanic]

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.

[@RegularCars]

Tenoutta tenn Thank YOU for watching :)

[@drewseph95]

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!

[@StickMechanic]

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.

[@LookitszTral]

just got one for my first car!!! super excited. :)

[@StickMechanic]

+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.

[@xbone4138]

" it ambushes you like a surprise birthday at red lobsters" 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@fgagaerhjhjyfyjfyyjkf]

lmao

[@marlo916]

this is better than top gear.

[@rndmzr153]

mmmm... Not sure Abt that New top gear definitely

[@logmegadeth72]

UUUNNNNGGGHHHHHH Where's the bikes?!? This is RegularCarReviews, I demand to see more motorcycles, dammit! hehe

[@keiraverwoerd6989]

Where's the lawnmowers?

[@IknowWhatsgoiNgGon]

Keira Verwoerd love you Keira

[@dcinhere]

Wheres the Honda Ruckus?

[@Shintsu2]

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.

[@logmegadeth72]

Shintsu2 The lack of understanding sarcasm is strong with this one.

[@Gizmo2k5]

"European appearance package" yet it looks nothing like the european version. Figures.

[@scottjs5207]

1964 1/2 Mustang "European Styling" yet it was very much Americans thinking they knew what European styling was.

[@televisionandcheese]

Especially how the one without the """European appearance package""" actually looks more like the european version!

[@clintwhite4372]

It seems like the Focus brings light back to a dying American auto industry. But in reality we have Europe to thank for the Focus. Not America. Just like with the Civic Si of the same vintage.

[@Millermacs]

Clint White Agreed

[@nomadben]

aaaaaaand now it's gone :(

[@DrewLSsix]

@CSXRockford thats.... exactly what he said.....

[@Flargenyargen]

Subtle nod to Courage. Excellent!

[@RegularCars]

I knew you'd get it!

[@DecayedPony]

RegularCars Thanks for the nightmares. Now I got that fuckers creepy ass music stuck in my head.

[@alexkuhn5078]

I almost missed that

[@Karmy.]

Stupid dog

[@fatherhate889]

Flargenyargen so....naughty

[@CTjacob13]

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.

[@djweetos]

A winking candle of American exceptionalism. (designed in Köln, Germany;)

[@inudude15]

Well, so was the moon landing and that's accepted as American exceptionalism, so meh.

[@benanderson89]

All of Ford's small cars are European, mostly from Ford UK. The next Fusion will be a rebadged European Mondeo, too.

[@agsilver2009]

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.

[@555Gear]

Need to do a review of the Terminator Mustang

[@davidsoave9287]

555 Gear iii

[@ibladesi]

I have one they can review

[@Tool0GT92]

Z is after V in the alphabet so therefore ztech beats vtech

[@robertetzcorn8613]

I think you're confused haha, but I get what you mean :P

[@jakobpowell1321]

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.

[@pk4490]

And on top of that, I can beat on my SVT and still return 32 mpg

[@StickMechanic]

+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.

[@Ivan.Nismo0018]

Please review the Infiniti G37 coupe!!

[@karter151]

Next week on Regular Cars: ohh man, Ohh Man, OHH MAN

[@cad5359]

Which ST is next? Hopefully the Focus....

[@QuickQuips]

Looks like a Fiesta. Either way, I'm eager.

[@jamesm4042]

Has to be, the Fiesta doesn't have the blacked out grill supports.

[@angrybuddha8]

James M Causing an untamed errection

[@pdasch0]

I think it's Matt Farah's stage 2 Fiesta

[@LHpitcher44]

Undoubtedly, the Focus ST

[@ImmortanDan]

Love the interior (AND exterior) styling on those things. Love it to bits.

[@DuallyDieselFord]

Courage the Cowardly Dog!

[@meecmills]

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.

[@AmesiesCorner]

You guys need to review a Saab Sonett!

[@AmesiesCorner]

And a Saab 9000..

[@aMoldyUsagi]

and a 9-3 Viggen or SE if you can't find one.

[@AlexStalin-ph2do]

Lol watching in 2020 this dude funny

[@jayamd3579]

oh you guys never got the mk1 focus RS either LOL here in Britain we have 40 years of Ford RS models ;)

[@LeeVai666]

our ford models in the states suck. i watch old episodes of top gear and think. wait but its our brand why do they get all the good models... same goes for the mad diesel's you guys get, id love to have a diesel audi or bmw. so sad.

[@jayamd3579]

you said it man, we got Ford Rs Escorts, Sierras, focus, Capris proper cars that where factory built street race cars, i disagree with your diesel parts our diesels suck compared to your big cummins and duramax, i want a diesel to below black smoke but our laws say no :(

[@ThaMythbuster]

LeeVai666 hey, idk if you realise.. But you had the Mustang. That makes up for all the RS Fords, or all Fords full stop that you didn't get over there... Ok, maybe apart from the Sierra RS Cosworth and the Capri...

[@jayamd3579]

no you never got the Sierra RS Cosworth (my dream car) you got some shitty merkure that was like 20% the car

[@LeeVai666]

ill trade you the rustang for the sierra cosworth any day of the week.. not enough turbo AWD cars here. i live in ohio where we get pretty crazy snow so a RWD V8 muscle car is out of the question.

[@Hondeer]

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.

[@stav1578]

Love that you guys represent Reading, PA. In this review. Where are you guys from? I grew up in Fleetwood.

[@kmac720]

The SVT Focus WAS the MK1 ST. They are mechanically identical, just slightly different bumpers...

[@supra6t9]

Love mine. Bought one for a grand and brought it back to life. The hot (lukewarm) hatch of my dreams

[@SilverScarletSpider]

Why are Villianova kids so weird? Their favorite colors are always either green, yellow, or purple. And they never give direct eye contact. What are they hiding?

[@kipamore]

So good. I know a lot about cars, but I know nothing about English major geekery. But I like it when I DON'T get the references.

[@Revitalyzed]

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.

[@-Wraith]

Found one of these in my town in absolute mint condition for $6k, 106k miles and its fully speced out, should I go for it?

[@toybox5576]

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.

[@NFS4LFE]

No Amber turn signals; no true EAP

[@Damonnanashi]

It does have amber turn signals...

[@NFS4LFE]

Not the tail lights. photostand.co.za/images/99r6s0mt6ffch2wwq9ws.jpg

[@originaslpyderxta]

That is an ST170. We didn't get the amber tails in the US

[@NFS4LFE]

I've actually seen someone with amber tail lights by my house once. I imagine they just wired it up like that and not actually import a euro Focus.

[@Millermacs]

NFS4LFE I have an 04 Civic Si and the "appearance" is far more European or Japanese than this Focus. It has amber turn signals, plus side turn signals, separate parking lights and 4 separate side markers.

[@revman383]

All I see are Honda fanboys trying to defend their Civic's reputation now.

[@dag247932]

When I saw this i started jumping up and down and screaming like a pre pubescent teen! I love my 2000 ford focus zx3! : D

[@DJlobo702]

Is how I felt when I saw his Daytona 675 review xP

[@GingerThembo]

Tumbleweed Folf my friend has an svt and a speed triple

[@jakobpowell1321]

I have got a 2000 ZX3 as well :D Best car I have ever owned. My Dad owns a 2002 SVT in silver. Focus's are awesome!

[@AlbertoGomezSE3P]

I have a 2002 zx3 ❤

[@ronandeavie6069]

i know those controles they bug me every day , and its the ugliest dash ever

[@eins2001]

Too bad this car broke down so much. Typical Ford!

[@roachezmo]

This guy is fucking POETIC. I love it.

[@gault9411]

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.

[@lptomtom]

Is that reference to the Afghanistan/Iraq wars serious or satirical? I can't tell! It seems a bit exaggerated to call that a "meat grinder", though...the US probably had less than 10K casualties, a lot less than Vietnam (which was arguably a meat grinder) within a relatively similar (if not longer) time frame. Not trying to flame or anything, just genuinely curious about the way it's seen in the US now.

[@inudude15]

Well, our "Mission Accomplished" (thanks George Dubya) didn't result in a lot of fatalities, it resulted in a lot of injuries. To me it's arguably worse, but we had more of our men and women in uniform come home in pieces, courtesy of the good ole IED. Even in Nam the U.S. was killing far more Vietcong and NVA than it was losing U.S. military but the damage physical, psychological, and social was too much to sustain. I think the current wars are the same, our M16 operates at almost twice the range of the AK47, we have drones that are operated by people nowhere near the combat zone; our heavy weapons include fighter bombers, tanks, artillery, stealth bombers, APC's, gunships, drones, and ship fired missiles and rockets all up against old machine guns mounted to rusty pickups. And yet our soldiers are still coming home torn to shreds by a brick of Semtex, some nails, and a rigged up detonator. Sounds like a meat grinder to me...

[@RobRandomVids]

As someone from England it sounds so weird hearing the letter "z" pronounced "zee" rather than "zed"

[@DrewLSsix]

It's always seemed weird that you folks choose one letter from that alphabet to go Greek with. Why don't you pronounce other letters in a similar fashion?

[@forglewitts]

I really don't care that much about cars but RCR still provide some amazing monday morning entertainment. Keep it up guys.

[@colj001]

"I really don't care that much about cars" leave.

[@forglewitts]

colj001 why so negative bro

[@colj001]

Forgle Witts joking

[@mjbrome]

Not as goofy or funny or witty as the earlier ones....

[@abstractism]

I found one of these last week. its got about 75k miles. not bad for a 2002.

[@codyiscody]

At 0:50, that's the Pagoda in Reading, right?

[@originaslpyderxta]

Indeed it is. First time I had ever been up there and I lived in Reading for a year.

[@codyiscody]

Salvatore LoPresti Nice, I live two hours away from it. It looks like a sweet spot to take some pictures.

[@EliteHotRodSniper]

Anyone spot the modified Honda Integra at 3:13? Coincidence perhaps ;)

[@Gaunai]

God I miss my old SVT.

[@christopherlopez7253]

Please make a vid of a 2000 Honda Civic Si

[@TheMrjw7991]

I have the beautiful ZX3 S2

[@alexflosho]

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.

[@L3giT_Hax]

I come here when I'm sad

[@alexflosho]

Me too. This car was a huge part of my childhood and looks like a blast to drive. Too bad they're so rare and apparently were exclusive to Washington.

[@quentins8165]

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.

[@noise117]

They didn't one-up Honda, Honda just never sold any of their top line cars to North America. The Honda Civic Type R in 2003 made 200+ hp, depending on it was bought in Japan or Europe. One could also buy the Acura RSX Type S, even in North America, (designated Honda Integra everywhere else) with the same 200+ hp engine. Ford did not one-up Honda.

[@xellyxbellyx]

compairing cars out of class. if that were the case then you would have to do ford focus rs and that does kick the shit out of the type r. you lose again.

[@reit0156]

Base price for '01 type R- $35k Base price for '02 SVTF- $18k

[@TurboDiesel-zf8ph]

noise117 exactly they never sold the type R in the us so when it comes to USDM which this video is based on the Ford did beat out the Honda and Ford is beating Honda today with the focus RS

[@SoloDallasII]

The Focus was the first compact with a multilink rear suspension.

[@casualagent7250]

Mk1 Ford Focus RS (Rally Sport) Honda, pah

[@DrTaurix]

eh not sure if they beat Honda at their own game. I mean for you guys in the us maybe but that same year the dc5 and the ep3 type r were being produced with 220hp for the jdm dc5 and ep3 and 197 for the ep3 in the uk. They were both 2 liters and NA

[@DrTaurix]

To add to that the b16b engine which is a 1.6 was produced in the late 90s.. it put out 187bhp, NA too :-D

[@web]

RagingOrb now let's check the torque numbers. Just for lulz

[@DrTaurix]

118 lb·ft.. that's about as much as my Lawnmower, but that's not the point

[@benanderson89]

RagingOrb Of course its the point. Torque is the actual thing that drives the car. Horse Power is calculated from Torque and Engine Speed. So without Torque you either need to rev to Stupid RPMs in order to generate those figures or put a lower number in the brochure. With low torque also comes pathetic in-gear performance (the true marker of performance). Its why rolling starts are NA Honda engine's forte and why you need to rev the nuts off of those old NA Civics to make any brisk progress.

[@DrTaurix]

You couldn't be more wrong. Torque is the actual thing that drives the car? So if I get a torque wrench and set it to 80ft·lb im exerting 80 ft·lb of torque on a nut or whatever im tightening. Well here is a more simple way to explain it but how much horsepower am I making, 1? Nope less. Think of two guys moving bricks, one dude moves 5 bricks per 30 seconds the other guy moves 10 every minute, both manage to move the same amount of bricks overall. The reality of it is torque vs horspower is a really stupid topic when in reality they are both working together and you can get the gearing to compensate for a lower torque engine. Watch Engineering Explained videos he explains it quite well.

[@MicrosoftPowerBoost]

you NEED NEEEED to make a Honda Civic Regular Car Review

[@RegularCars]

Mau Solórzano Wong It will happen

[@theogbeandip8259]

Why that car sucks.

[@zakk2209]

The Og Beandip says the guy with a thunder chicken pic

[@jjnaron1]

The Og Beandip How many old cougars with smoker's cough and 10 lbs of hair spray can you fit in that sweet firebird, bro? I bet you're pullin' every granny in town.

[@theogbeandip8259]

Many, and second thunder chicken?! Hahaha. But nothing against stock civics, it's just where I live there's so many civics with the annoying fart cannon and owners always talking about there Vtech.

[@monkeyRL]

Again, RCR. I've got an all original 04' Ion Redline. I know no one cares, but it's ripe for a proper review. The first "hurrah" that the big three made at combating the deluge of "hot" compacts on the American market. No love...I guess.

[@MrNicholg]

Saw a Saleen version on the road recently... a dilluted yellow only fit for a baby diaper. Seriously, that body kit was factory? Mmmm...square bumper ground effects...

[@KGisthename]

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.

[@idoraparkbill]

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.

[@whyausername3]

Even thought the Civic SI had 160 hp in 2003, the RSX Type S of the same year had 200 hp so I wouldn't say Ford beat Honda ;) Btw you should review a RSX!

[@Millermacs]

whyausername3 Agreed

[@ekscalybur]

That Type S also stickered for quite a bit more, so yeah.

[@Coopscoop99]

He mean in the category of n/a hot hatchbacks Ford beat honda

[@vonstrong92]

Had a zx3 for 7 months then shit gave me hella problems I sold dat shit no more ford American cars for me next is my fav brand car honda baby last longer n less problems

[@danteeightsix9069]

I hate the term "ahead of it's time", but this car when I first saw it in 1998, I thought was ahead of it's time. No other cars to me looked like it, having the triangular headlights and came in just about any form a car can. 2 door hatchback, 4 door hatchback, 4 door sedan, and 4 door wagon.

[@blueburaq]

review the tercel at 1:38

[@Towel1e]

Too bad most of you american's don't even know what Europe/EU is and what it means to be a part of it. But these videos are still awesome.

[@lioncelica5170]

Towel1ePlease explain.

[@ernie_und_brrt]

+TheLonleyBiped The EU has absolutely nothing to do with the USSR! The EU is just a bunch of "representatives" who love to suck uncle sams and the big CEOs dicks.

[@francisj4058]

my 2007 ZX3 has a Duratec engine so ..... would it be called a DX3 instead?

[@NathanaelNaused]

He's just wrong about the Z thing. It's still called a ZX3 even with the Duratec engine.

[@TuningJunk]

spit fire no still a zx3

[@SilverScarletSpider]

The recession and subsequent limp economy really hit Ford Focus ZX3 owners badly.

[@OffGridInvestor]

3:34. HOW IS IT "American Exceptionalism" if it's a European Ford??? Overused phrase. American egos are already the biggest in the world with the exception of the French. Yet you build Chryslers..... a company that is likely to see its SECOND bankruptcy in my country.

[@ZX2Fast]

Uhh, Ford beat the Civic Si with the Escort ZX2 S/R in 1999 and 2000. The S/R was also faster than the ZX3 SVT and ran better slalom times. But Bill Ford had a hard-on for the Mustang so the SVT version of the ZX2 (which made 210 hp with a turbo) was scrapped so that people would actually buy the Mustang GT. The ZX2 still got the suspension and brake upgrade that the SVT had, but didn't get the power output. The ZX2 S/R had a power output of 143 (up from 130 for the standard ZX2) but due to a curb weight under 2500 pounds, still was faster than the ZX3 SVT and put up one hell of a fight against a Civic Si. It sill cornered better than both of them. Ford only built 2110 of the S/R cars. Oh well......

[@thomasrunge1151]

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!

[@AeroStance]

I like the new added cliffhanger

[@TheNeoCreations]

I don't know about the SVT, but the lower spec Focus of this generation is one of THE WORST vehicles I have ever had the displeasure of driving. It's the only car that has made me literally sick to my stomach while driving. Not to mention it is one of the ugliest cars of the last two decades.

[@ThaMythbuster]

Yeah, first gen looks retarded. My parents have a silver diesel wagon... With a silver bit in the dash/center console thingy... It's litterally the worst interior I've ever been in. Litterally EVERYTHING apart from the pedals, gearstick and steeringwheel is JUST out of reach. Steeringwheel is nice and small and it doesn't feel very worn for 186,000 miles of neglect. I'll give it that...

[@Mile30]

Mine IS retarded... look at the avatar. The face is gone.

[@inudude15]

Really? I actually found the driving experience of the Focus was perhaps its only saving grace. It was actually a half decent looking car, for an American econobox, when dressed up a bit and it actually handled better than pretty much anything else wearing a Blue Oval at the time. The interior was cheap, everything broke on it, the paint swirled horribly, and for its size and displacement it was good, but not great, on gas. The rear deck was too tall which spoiled an otherwise excellent parallel parking experience, and in the case of the car I drove the automatic trans actually suffered from Down's syndrome. Kickdowns were random and overly aggressive, and resulted only in a burst of torque steer, an immediate upshift, and no actual increase in velocity or foward movement. But it did actually handle okay. It leaned a bit but it could hug a corner or two and the steering feel was actually quite good. The wheel itself was too, small and meaty, and fast lock to lock.

[@dbateman9053]

I have had a couple rental Focusus (Focii?) and they weren't bad cars. You sat up high but they handled really well. Power was adequate but nothing great. Much better than the base-model Jetta that was my last rental.

[@Beth9228]

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.

[@greasysteve5671]

Is it bad that I wanna put SVT parts on my focus wagon?

[@infidel900rr]

Another great one. you always bring us something th-pecial!

[@Skidracer21]

Hey, the Reading Pagoda! I'm gonna be headed to the Hillclimb on the 17th!

[@keithfreeman470]

ahhhh my first car... miss it so much I'm buying a focus st this weekend for a commuter

[@EVERYDAYJOSEE]

Awesome!

[@robertetzcorn8613]

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

[@paulblouin6955]

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.

[@elizabethpeterson1644]

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.

[@alyssagriffin5781]

First car!!! Well, I have an 04 SE sedan. BUT Focus for lyfe!! It is still in the car park. WAS gonna give it to my sister. But she drives a 02' chevy Silverado. Sooo this lucky little silver spitfire will be in someone else's possession soon. I loved it. It was my dream car, and I got it. I turned down a plush Jetta for it and I NEVER REGRET IT. The street cred is real. Good times.

[@robertetzcorn8613]

Darn cool chick! I'll never forget getting ZX5 in '03, I wanted it for 2 years before I got it as my graduation present! I still have it, still love it. I'll never forget how many girls drove them around when I had it, I was actually worried a little at one point because guys would speed up just to look in my window lol ... didn't help I had long hair XD

[@BigJohninJunction]

Had a 2002 svt focus in 2009-2011 Fun car. But for quality sucks Had a bunch of problems the 2 years I owned it. Went to Honda again. Never looking back Currently have a 2011 civic Si

[@TommyboyGTP]

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 :-(

[@robertetzcorn8613]

At least you had one! Good memories are a close 2nd ;)

[@jeepinbanditrider]

I had the ZX5 (non-SVT) and thought it was a great little car. Handling was fun. After I found out about the SVT I really wanted one.

[@robertetzcorn8613]

It's not too late Josh! I have an '03 ZX5 and an '03 SVT ZX3 EAP! I still love them both, ZX5 gets better mileage and carries more stuff and takes me on dirt roads, SVT is more fun to cruise in and rides a bit nicer on the highway.

[@d.j.9961]

man i wish my fucus se made 170hp!!!! simply adding a pod filter livened it up!!! I have done ALOT of work to my 03 fucus 2.0 dohc zetec vin 3. eventually I will add a turbo kit & im working on a badass system

[@castironbandito]

If Mona from the WarioWare series wanted to trade her scooter in for either a Kia Spectra5 or a Ford Focus ZX3 SVT, she would most definitely pick the Focus. The 1999-2004 Ford Focus is one of the best used cars for under 5 grand and it's good for a first car. However, I wasn't a big fan of the 2005-2007 North American Ford Focuses or even the 2nd gen Ford Focuses sold in North America, because I liked the 2nd gen European Ford Focus a lot better.

[@Owen-zm6sq]

3:27 everything he just said sounds a lot like right now

[@GeoStreber]

Can you make one about the european Escort Mk7? That's the car I grew up in.

[@mrdjsubz]

FOCUS POWER!!!

[@zobius9191]

So my 05 ZX4 was a car I didn't really want. It was the best option, but still a boring autotragic mess. Coming from a 07 Passat, 99 Vette, and 03 Hyundai Accent, all manuals, I described this car as a "Rolling Wedge" or "Metal Condom" for its shape, but its ability to surprise me and others redeemed itself. I recently raced a 2020 Veloster on a 2 lane entrance ramp and WON. I was so blown away that my rotted out shitbox with shotty suspension and snow-tires could out corner and out accelerate a 15 year old newer car...

[@CTjacob13]

I have a 2006 Focus ZX5 SE automatic. It is unsuspectingly quick. I once beat a PT Cruiser Turbo. I don't know how to feel about that but.... It did. Its gears are so long. 2nd gets me almost to 70mph. It is an amazing handling car to.

[@ZImpresive]

Review 00 SVT Contour, people must know this car existed! I have one, it's real. 200hp out of 2.5L displacement! Amazing right? No turbo! Juts plain done right engineering marvel.

[@3v4761]

LMFAO...they did not one up Honda..this car was a failure...kept burning holes thru the pistons all was the same only lightly ported heads...civic si was quicker and faster in every way..integra gsr has same hp..type r had more..prelude made 200hp..you can't one up a company with one car that can't outperform itself

[@dbateman]

I've always sort of liked the SVT Focus, but the numbers weren't there for me. Much happier with a Mazdaspeed3. But the Focus has a sunroof, not an option for the MS3. :(

[@TangoR34]

EAP=European Appearance Package. Looks nothing like a European counterpart. The turn signals on the front grill and there's no reverse and fog light at the lower rear bumper...

[@TheRedCap]

...can someone do a half-decent review of the 2005-2007 focuses in america? They're shit compared to the Euro models but still...