Turbo Ford Focus ZX3 -One Take

Matt runs Rambla Pacifica and Piuma Rd. In a turbocharged Ford Focus Hatchback. This car never came turbocharged from the factory, so this one has an FSWerks turbo kit, roll cage, lots of suspension upgrades, and is pretty much a tarmac rally car.

[@RegularCars]

Loved this! SO cool. I love the 1st gens.

[@samuelperez3194]

Love your channel!!!!!!

[@RegularCars]

Samuel Perez Thanks Sam :)

[@Xmvw2X]

Celeb status. :p

[@kz1000ps]

RegularCars OH EMM GEE Mr Regular commented over on TSM!!

[@jszipzp]

I LOVE the beans video....... oh no.

[@Elephant_Thoughts]

THUMBS UP IF YOU CURRENTLY OWN OR HAVE OWNED A FOCUS ZX3 OR SVT!

[@Elephant_Thoughts]

Yeah you can._.;;

[@davekal]

haha owned a 2003 zx5 and currently a 2009 mk2 ses =)

[@minimumtrade]

ST170 owner here

[@Elephant_Thoughts]

Currently driving 2003 ZX3, my daily~

[@dodgerslove951]

SVT all day. 😈

[@09FordFX4]

Got to love all the focus haters. Obviously never driven one. These first gen hatchbacks are killer cars. super fun in the corners even on stock suspension. toss a turbo on the motor and you've got a really light, nimble car. quit you're crying, this was an awesome video, of an awesome car.

[@AndiKravljaca]

Right on. The chassis of a Mk1 Focus is so well put together. The weight, the steering, the brakes... fantastic. What a build, what a car.

[@SaleenFocusS121]

I had a zx3 , went to SVT , then got a Saleen now I'm in an ST . LOVE LOVE LOVE THE FOCUS ALWAYS!

[@sweeeptheleg]

New drinking game. Watch smoking tire, take a shot every time Fiesta ST. Won't disappoint.

[@kz1000ps]

And the best part for me is that every time I hear "ST" I think back to that Top Gear episode where they have a female audience member explain what ST stands for.

[@FalconXE302]

Great comment...LoL... I bought a Fiesta ST because of reviews like Matts... and it hasn't disappointed. If I play your shots game, I will die...!!!

[@TexasRigged]

People bash the focus till they drive one. Real car enthusiasts know that the focus is just as much an enthusiasts car as a WRX or an SI.

[@harryfp1494]

That is true but you know they really gave the euro-market the awesome Fords and they just left America to rot

[@charlesdavis5803]

I had a 2000 Focus. The most durable, fun car I'ved owned. I would DEF do it again!!

[@drzflyest4]

@@harryfp1494 this is what it is mostly

[@stenjer3142]

Bro the focus zx3 is an incredible car. I own and and everyone that gets in it always has smiles and laughs when I let her really scream in the pipes. 😅😁hehe get one bro

[@StanielP]

I love mine I think it could do 1 million miles if I drove more.

[@FalconXE302]

Also Matt... don't listen to the haters. This series revolving around your everyday guy, or girls (hopefully a few will get in touch)... car, and what they can do with it is very interesting. We can find super and high end cars reviews ad-nausea-um on the net... but this everyday stuff is great. Keep up the good work... and as suggested, see if you can some girls to let you drive their cars. Here in Perth, Australia there are plenty of hot cars being driven by... dare I say it... hot chicks...!

[@TheSmokingTire]

FalconXE302 I'm open to all suggestions, automotive, male, female, or otherwise.

[@chadbeatydop]

I recall my brother's 2.3L PZEV ZX3 taking on a Porsche Boxster in the twisties of the Sierra Nevada Mountains... I loved that car. Love the vids! Thanks for all the time and work that goes into them!

[@themechanic345]

Nice to see some Focus love, Matt! Love my 2004 SVT Focus!

[@mustanggt31]

The 1st gen focus is such a hidden gem. Anyone who has a negative comment for this review clearly hasn't driven one on a good twisty road. The svt focus especially was such a great car right out of the box. If it came with a bit more power it would have been perfect. I can't think of a better car for ~$5000

[@malcolmgray.5913]

Mk1’s are still my prefered daily lol. Cant give them up and enjoy everything the car offers, down to the stock radios. Been pretty reliable!

[@marcofantone5078]

Associate at work just shared this. I know Raffi at FSWerks and they produce solid hardware. Turbo Foci owners are a rare breed and I'm happy to say I'm a part of it. Definitely more exhaust note on this example than mine but aside from that, a lot of similarities. And yes, these are highly underrated cars especially when it comes to the chassis. Thanks for the review.

[@ravesilly]

Never expected a focus to sound this good

[@jcotty7]

lol

[@MWobb]

Most people don't.

[@kanaric]

almost anything can sound good with the right exhaust and manifolds

[@ravesilly]

***** But it's a straight pipe, which is why I'm surprised

[@MWobb]

ravesilly I like the sound of mine with a straight pipe, haha

[@Patrick94GSR]

Seems like Matt has had more fun in this car than any other One Take viewer car so far.

[@MrNicholg]

For good reason, it was clearly a well-sorted car with the right proportions but with more flair than the Golf or BRZ.

[@TheSmokingTire]

Patrick94GSR Most cars I review are kind of a) what I expect or b) what I remember from when I drove them in the past. You get the best reactions when the car is drastically different from either of those.

[@gracilism]

Never would have thought someone would drop that kind of time and effort into this generation of Focus, but I'm glad he did. Its cool to make a performance car out of a grocery getter.

[@Kevin-vs7xc]

effort? fswerks.com sells the complete set. Turbo(also selectable from them, garret gt28 difference between models for higher output), injectors, FMIC, everything short of upgraded fuel pump for the increase demands for the fuel. Honestly they are practically bolt on. The intake I can't seem to find, but im looking into parts for the 2.0 zetec more. The set they give you is everything you need and can take a weekend to install if your somewhat knowledgeable. I am not 100% on the 2.3L but the 2.0L I have heard will run upto 250whp without breaking and being reliable and streetable. Closer to 300 just like the 1.8t audi/vw engines the connecting rods start breaking. The kit he bought can run a 2.3L to 260whp on completely stock motor.

[@thoughtsfromaidiot5928]

The focus has been a popular tuner car for a long time.

[@MrChrisproductions]

For all you people hating on this guys car. Sure it may not be the most expensive or the fastest. But this dude is a car guy forsure, who has a lot of time effort and energy into his car. Who cares if its not what you like. If your gonna hate then leave the channel. Props to Matt for not just favoring high end cars. - Big turbo SRT4 owner, and Lexus ISF owner

[@gonedeep43]

282k on my 2000 ZX3 with the 2.0 litre Zetec, it's been a great reliable, fun car ever since I bought it in March of 2000. I also have a 2006 ST and a 2015 ST. You can say I like the Focus, and it started with the 2000 ZX3.

[@scorpionwins6378]

Thomas Whitmore Any issues with the clutch, transmission, motor mounts or electronics? I hear these are failure prone on the mk1 focus. Even in good care many sources have stated these parts will destroy themselves prematurely.

[@SPLEclipse]

I have a 2003 ZX3 w/ 215k on the odometer. Can't comment on the manual trans, but the autos have a known solenoid problem. It's an easy fix and isn't too common. The entire transmission is really easy to swap if you have the space and tools, so I'd image a clutch job isn't hard. The driver's motor mount is prone to failure, but again - it's an easy swap. Takes an hour or so. As for the electronics - the factory Blaupunkt radio would loose the left channel on occasion, the interior lights that come on when you turn on the headlights go out sporadically (problem in the headlight switch). the wipers have problems (wiper relay is bad), but that's it in my car. All of the electrical issues are common and have easy and inexpensive fixes.

[@eddiecanis]

mistah, my 2000 focus (used) 140k , no problem except idiot before me broke the gear shifter. Very fun car. Car transmission and Motor mounts fine. all electronic fine execpt radio which i replaced.

[@scorpionwins6378]

@@eddiecanis I failed to do my research before driving my Focus. I did not know the gearbox was equipped with a reverse lockout ring that had to be pulled upward to put the car in reverse. The first few times I drove the car I assumed it had worn synchro-mesh and forcefully put it in reverse when I needed to. It wasn't until after reading the owner's manual that I was aware of this feature. It could have done some damage. I'm guessing the previous owner of yours didn't know about it either. That could have contributed to gearbox wear, or they could also have been slamming the gears around like an idiot.

[@eddiecanis]

yeah my not a gear box, it was the plastic mount that held the gear shifter. It has 4 legs and the forward left one was broke , which made getting into reverse hard(cause the cables where off alignment) . The only way i can see that happening is he/she must of slammed the gear form 1 to 2. I almost did not buy it cause i could not put it in reverse at dealership til the dealer show me the lift ring up and down. Only downfall, per tire guy the 40 k tires need replacing at 25 k, yeah i getting second opion, I do squeal a bit (so so easy to do in that car) but I think i good for another 5-10 grand out of them. After that i getting good year eagles or something better then the cheap tires i put on at 1st

[@Darren.G]

Once i saw the poll last night i was excited & today I Watched with a smile from ear to ear. Glad we got to see a low end model really jazzed up. At a walking glance or not really paying attention, to the average joe it looks like a plain focus sleeper, but man does she sound amazing, and looks to ride and handle amazing. I bet the faces you see from people trying run with you is priceless. Didn't see the duratec coming, was hoping for the 2.0 zetec (just cause that's what I've got) Great video once again!!! Best car series keeps getting better!

[@przybylason]

love these one takes with more attainable cars. i feel like the majority of this audience are dreamers as opposed to owners just yet. it give us practical things to know about and aspire to

[@rfouR_4]

I can honestly say best one take yet. This Focus is awesome. :)

[@romac1314]

One of the most undervalued and underrated compact cars made in the past couple decades. Really enjoyed this video!

[@squarepantsist]

Really enjoying the these vids Matt, took me a while to 'tune in' to them but it's really interesting to see what the locals there have to offer and your take on the cars always seem balanced and is of course well informed. Thank you for your efforts; always enjoy spending 10/15 mins watching these.

[@Hearsesrock427]

Lighter, grippier, quicker, louder, and more powerful! That's the way a Focus should be. Easily the best sounding straight-piped I4 I've ever heard. Very cool car, something I'd be proud to drive! Need me a nice Focus ZX3 wagon to build now. Probably easier to find compared to an '88 to '91 LTD CV wagon or Grand Marquis wagon too.

[@83FB7]

+Hearsesrock427 ZX3s are hatchbacks. Wagons are plentiful though. Although finding one with the 2.3 and manual combo is tough.

[@felacsvt]

KUDOS BRO i had a 1st gen Focus and i absolutely LOVED IT i embarrassed a lot of people with that car i always wanted to turbo i but never got the chance to props tho man love that car!

[@MotorsportCreative]

Hey, that’s my car now!

[@adambills2793]

That was way cooler than I was expecting. Nice work Eric

[@KrisprzGarage]

Thanks for showing us around the car more.

[@Jordan-ql8pv]

This makes me miss my supercharged 2.0 ZX3. Had SVT suspension in it and good rims and tires which made it one of the best driving cars I have ever been behind the wheel of.

[@carlosgalvan7980]

I just bought a 2003 Ford Focus ZX3 with 87k man I love it 😍

[@formula1facebookfan]

Your general reaction and manner says it all Matt.

[@Jjones24680]

TheSmokingTire Loving this new bit Matt, really cool to see what different people do with their cars, good or bad. *Thumbs Up*

[@jonmy357]

zx3s are so underrated, had a 05 with the 2.0 duratec and loved it, wish i would have gotten a loan to upgrade it instead of getting a loan for a new car... i miss that car :(

[@JDMricist]

This series has such potential! Keep it up!!

[@loganprisk]

Videos like this make me love my 09 focus so much. Haven't had the money to turbo it but have but a lot of supporting mods and have turned every bolt. I can't wait to be able to put my own FSWerks turbo kit in my focus.

[@KristoferOlsson]

love this one take style of videos. Nice work Matt.

[@SlayerStevie]

Love this video, have a 04 zx3 she my daily 😍💨

[@Rusty0869]

Keep up the good work, these are great fun reviews of grass roots cars.

[@Stuka87]

This video made me miss my old ZX3.

[@BigDubstepFan]

I owned a Focus ZX3 Hatch, lasted me 14 years, changed nothing, not even the bulbs, normal oil changes, tires and brakes. Miss every single bit of it, I regret these new cars. Long live, Focus.

[@HelterSkelter199]

I'm really glad the focus won the twitter poll, i really love the late 90's early 00's slow fast cars(contour svt and first gen dodge neon dohc ect) as stupidly cheap fun cars to beat on some back roads or autocross.

[@davekal]

Matt, thanks for driving a fofo! Love my 2009 mk2 ses! Almost the exact same car as the mk1 just a different body style. I'm sure the whole focus fanatics community is hyped off this one

[@EvanMoon]

Because Racecar! even if u don't like the man's car, or think it is any good, you have to respect that he has gone full racecar. Full cage and nothing behind his seat. and 270+ at the wheels is impressive for what that car starts out at.

[@Subbanfan11]

I must say, the drivers in California have great etiquette.

[@Rockit181]

Well, that's certainly a unique car. Looks set up for proper track use as well, nice to see something different.

[@baseball1441]

Love this series.

[@M-F-CORGI]

"Thats good shifter" lol.... That is a brilliant line.

[@MarcoPiperr]

Love Eric's shirt! Oakland baby!!!

[@edgarreyes5396]

Just purchased an 01 focus zx3 5 speed manual with a messed up timing belt for $500 :D junkyard rescue with a clean title. I'm gonna go nuts with this thing.

[@derekgardin1512]

Edgar Reyes I know this is old but if it's the Zetec motor, it's non interference so engine will be fine even if it broke at 7000rpm. my buddy got a steal of a deal on one with a broken timing belt. owner figured engine was cooked. Got it for $400 and later that day we drove it by the guy's house, should have seen the look on his face. knowledge is power !

[@carlshneebly7136]

Man, that guy put in some serious work on that car.

[@ChristiancETA]

Matt, You got a winner with this new series. This what we all want to know, hows does that guys car drive?.... Looking forward to all the interesting cars your going to report on. Oh yeah, thanks for the Fiesta St review, loving mine.

[@mzondi1970]

always wanted one because I am hatch fan. It is so cool to see the porsches and bmw's parked on the roads there. Nothing like that in the midwest

[@HerbsmanRevs]

Nice motor Eric and good vid Matt, cheers. Matt, I'm enjoying these One Take vids so keep 'em coming buddy. If you're ever in the UK I'd love you to drive my car, it's not one you get in the States.

[@ET_Videos]

Nice video and of course nice car! Good to see something different and done rather nicely!

[@phillipg1331]

I have the same car! Just got it as a tow away for around $2300. I'm looking forward to doing this type of work on it.

[@PLindsey725]

This makes me miss my 2 old mk1 Focus hatchbacks, they are great cars.

[@FalconXE302]

Great series Matt... and you can keep on mentioning and comparing cars to the Fiesta ST... as you do in every video... :-) Because of guys like you, Mike Musto etc and your reviews of the Fiesta ST, I bought a Fiesta St and after 3 months... I still have that stupid Fiesta grin all over my face. Kudos to Eric for a nice Focus build.

[@TheSmokingTire]

FalconXE302 You cannot possibly understand a Fiesta ST until you've driven one in furious anger, or walk a 911 on a canyon road. Then you immediately get it.

[@tuolumne9]

Wish I still had my W8 Passat so Matt could make a video....that car was legit.

[@brandonbales9474]

Thank you for doing an MK1 review. I now own my third MK1 ZTS 4dr 2.3 duratec and am currently building it as a fun daily. Planning to turbocharge it. If your ever in Florida your welcome to review it

[@LancelotMooreYorke]

Awesome review Matt, keep doing these reviews please. there's alot of idiots around that hate, but you're doing something right and many enjoy it weather its a euro,jdm, or usdm.

[@archerdog1]

In California I guess everyone does California stops at stop signs.

[@pumpkinpot672]

you know it

[@pretty00lights]

Those look soo similar to NC stops!

[@jlwk9727]

Except for those of us who've been caught doing it and been ticketed :P

[@DaMePaz]

These videos are awesome

[@crazzy88ss]

nice video matt.

[@donraggo77]

I love this car, like a little pocket rocket !

[@CopelinsCorner]

Another fun vid, thanks!

[@TurboLag23]

Get this man a set of fender flares!!! Haha aside from the rubbing, this car looks fantastic. Quite different and unique, and quite potent as a performance car.

[@rikkatheconure2395]

I've been looking for one of these ever since the RS came out. Seeing the new focus re kindled my love for the mk1

[@Kashusr]

Good job Eric!!!

[@randabuffer6562]

Very nice build

[@MrMakehi]

I have a first gen focus stw as a daily driver and just love the handling, especially on the snow. Greetings from finland! ps: paid 1000€ for mine

[@CharlesFlahertyB]

Another great video! Hey Matt, if you ever find yourself in NW Georgia (doubtful, I know), you welcome to drove my 2012 Boss 302.

[@superextremelaser]

this thing is rad, i want one

[@dnlpark]

Nice to see one of these modified!

[@RailfanBobbyFocusMk208]

I seriously want to add a turbski to my 08 MK2 and build the heck out of it . Your Svt is dope , I have always loved the mk1 body style .

[@cristianguerrero9683]

Awsome im planning to turbo my zx2. Hey! It's that Ford love man. From my old galaxy to today. Fords love to breath!

[@AlexBr37]

9.23, sure as hell hope you're gonna review that beautifull 2002 there!

[@CairnieR]

Looks like it is a superb little Focus, and it hasn't been changed in such a way to ruin it unlike some of the same era Focus' over here in the UK(most of which are the base model) which I've seen going round with huge exhausts that you usually expect on a teenagers 90s Civic as well as the occasional horrendous front and rear bumpers...

[@ChrisZTheMan]

I love my first gen zx3. Wish I had the duratec but the zetec is amazing when you turbo it. :D

[@158158cow]

Makes me proud to own my SVTF!

[@dperez1044]

Matt I'm building a turbo Honda Prelude, I'd really love you to drive it in a couple of months when it's finished.. also an LA native. I enjoy these Fan ride videos, best thing ever since The Smoking Tire came out!

[@YoShImUrA53]

Always been a fan of 1st gens. We actually got some interesting versions here in Europe (ST -170hp- and RS -230ish-) and styling hasn't aged as bad as second gens IMO. Such an original build. Kudos to the owner, and thanks for sharing, Matt. Sounds great too, but hope he fixes the rubbing... hurts a bit to hear!

[@gt_grandtouring]

wow I've never seen someone do up a first gen! It's pretty sweet!

[@fromthegods78]

I have a 1.8 for 6 months now, the thing is a bullet. Left foot braking gets the back out really easy on these. Super fun. Plus sounds like a mini V8 😁 Only drawback is the transmission gear rollover making rattling and grinding noises. Im going to try a thicker trans oil. Might turbo it one day 😁

[@MrNicholg]

Even the base model was surprisingly good in the basic chassis, brakes, and steering. We had a few in the rental fleet for only a couple months until Ford bought them back for more than the original price.

[@hasley84]

Sweet Focus!

[@GrussimoGarage]

This reminds me of the first few cars I owned..... sub compacts that I could afford, all the power adders I could muster via the proceeds of overtime, and in the end I had a $20K three thousand dollar car. BUT, I had some of the best times/learning curves doing it....

[@mattk798]

awesome gonna get this kit for mine

[@mattleonard5268]

it is cool, its like a track car for the street

[@eladiohernandez1257]

awesome i just bought 02 zx5 for $250 i changed the tires plugs and it has a 2.0 ztek engine its really a god little car iwill tune up i love cars i owe a laramie hemi truck but been in this little toys its fun

[@chevyguy7129]

very cool car

[@booob8]

I saw this car on instagram and have been watiting to see it!

[@TinkoMollov]

please do a full video on it! it's a great car and it desirvs it, pleassseee

[@toycarfoushboy]

I currently own a 2004 ZX3 and a 2000 SE. ZX3 has 417k on it and still purrs like a trash talking kitten, the Se I'd like to do a 2.3 transfer into, but would like to have whole front clip before such a project starts. Four door sleeper. But yep live my Focii!

[@Pressed_For_Time]

I used to have a 2004 ZX3 manual. with a 128K and i traded it for a 96 integra ls special ed. with 148K. The decision I made still haunts me to this day and it was like 4 years ago... Better MPGS then the teg. slower yes, but not really by much at all. (chirped 3rd gear every time the integra never chirped past 2nd.) I miss that car every day :( Was truly a fun little versatile car..

[@d.j.9961]

I have a 03 fucus se. 2.0 zetec (automatic) 201k miles & it. will still squeal tires.So,for longevity, I switched it 2 full synthetic the other day.im amazed this car is in such great shape 4 it's age & mileage!!!! NEEDS A TURBO OR SUPERCHARGER BAD! (I'M SAVING UP 4 TURBO)

[@lowslo9287]

D.j. B lol mine has 177k on it lol

[@jesseplascencia4114]

Very kool ZX3.. Love mine. Soon to be turbocharged. #Duratec2.3lPowa

[@linkmiles1235]

Trying to find reverse will making a three point turn in the middle of the road, nice driving!!

[@H1TMAN930927]

nice car man, ignore the haters.

[@NinaMango789]

Watching this now after driving a similar build, 1st Gen focuses are fuckin awesome

[@iantownsend5480]

My mate used to have a ST170, not the fastest car but looked good plus I lived the wheels

[@iantownsend5480]

The Mk 1 Focus still looks good

[@KeepoHdee]

I kinda like how it looks but everyone I know thinks its ugly lol I feel like once u start getting into cars u start liking ugly cars

[@AyeSupQT]

I miss my focus, honestly. Had the 2.slow but it was a lot of fun. Drives like a gocart