Regular Car Reviews: 2003 Ford Focus ZX3 SVT 

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.

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

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.

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. 😂

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.

Owner of the black Focus here. "Like any good car, it's faked." Nail on head. I swapped SVT headlights and wheels on because they're OEM SVT stuff. They look right. People HAVE asked me if my car's an SVT, even though there's no badging (wheel center caps aside)...but then they usually follow up with, "WHAT THE HELL IS SVT?!" Also, I salute The Roman for the song choice. Matchbox Twenty is quite excellent, sir.

I 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!

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

Thank you for doing a Focus! You guys nailed them on the head. Been driving mine for 11 years . Wonderful cars which are a blast to drive with a few upgrades that epitomize our highschool years.

I finally found one to look at. Drove 1.15 hours to see it. It was sold by the time I got there. 2.5 hours of driving for nothing.

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

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.

Best review you've done in a long while!

Subtle nod to Courage. Excellent!

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.

One of the BEST videos you have ever made.

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.

I'm so happy you guys finally did a focus

this is better than top gear.

The song is genius, the bulletpoints were spot on, this is the best automotive channel on RU-vid.

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

Granted this video is a few years old now but I’ve owned this same car as it’s my first (only difference is its an 02 model). It’s definitely not a crazy 0-60 car but it’s extremely fun around corners and turns. I love how the torque will sneak up on you which is probably my favorite part about this weird looking car. Definitely a car that I’ll never forget about and one to always respect.

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

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

Great video you guys as usual

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.

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

I just bought one a few days ago (2004 SVT), and so far every word of this is true. Thank you Mr. Regular.

Keep up the great work chief!

The two things I wait all week for the weekend are, watching a new episode of Top Gear if they decide to air it, and regular cars.... I think there could be no higher praise.

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

Aw man I used to have a 2001 ZX3. It was my first car! It was cool to see it reviewed

This is the Roman's best song to date! Great episode!

Great reviews 👌🏼🍩

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.

Good intro song! Nice review.

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.

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

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.

I like the new added cliffhanger

Focus ZX3 was my first car and it drove from MA to AZ. And it's possible naughtiness occurred. Eerily accurate review.

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

i recently bought an 05 Focus ZXW (the wagon), 73k miles, one owner. it's surprisingly the best car i've owned since my 91 CRX back in college. it's practical (racks for my kayaks, plenty of room for camping gear, and i can sleep in the back in a pinch), and to my surprise, it's really fun to drive. handles really well, it's good in snow, and while it's not fast, it's fast enough when i need it to be. doesn't hurt that it's in mint condition because the only other owner was an old lady in CT.

One of my fav cars of all time.

Awesome video dude Focus SVT rules!

Man, you are a good writer!!

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.

Got 3 of these ( UK model / non-ST ) First was a blue 1.4 Focus CL which started singing its swansong at 180k miles on the clock. Second one was a facelift model ( 2002 ) 1.6 but previous owner did not look after it, engine was on the brink of failing shortly after I got it home. Have got another 1.6 now which is the last of the mk1's, 2005 model which I've retrofitted with angel eye projector headlights, chrome Lexus style rear lights and currently waiting for LED bulbs for brakes/turn signals/reverse/front & rear fog lights and a replacement aftermarket HID kit for the projectors, And high power LED h1 bulbs for the high beams. The car hasn't missed a beat yet, very reliable motor for the age in my experience.

I was really hoping that you'd do this car! Bought mine a year ago, but it's not the EAP. It's just a regular Ford Focus ZX5 SVT MTB ABC ORV UTE. Anyways love this car, handles great even in the snow (and this was the winter to prove it [MI]) and it gets great gas mileage. Just got 32 MPG on a road trip to Ohiopyle, PA.

Just what I needed to start my day off work.

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

The pen holder next to the E brake. Good shot!

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

just brought one best idea in a long time

Love the nauuughty reference 👍🏼🐶

I had the '00 Kona model back then and with just the 1.8 and a 5-speed, it was lots of fun. I learned that the governor keeps it from going above 109. In 2007, I bought a 2003 ZX5 with a 2.3 and an auto 4 with OD. It has 190K miles on it, and most of the time it doesn't rev above 2250. It's not as fun as the Kona, but it's a great car. It's rarely in the shop. OH! and I put a Mini-Disc player in it.

wow awesome video and review, glad i discovered this

Please do a regular car review on the Acura Integra!

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!

The new Focus ST seems to have fallen off the radar of most general car-enthusiast blogs/websites/RU-vid channels. It was so hyped before release, but now it seems like nobody is talking about it outside of Ford/Focus forums. Definitely interested to see what you think about it, Regular.

Next week, the new ST! Wooo! Be nice to it, okay? I really love mine. You were already pretty nice to the Fiat 500 which I also have. "It's the joke. You know the joke. You know what FIAT stands for? Fleee ehhhh neeaa tyrooo" These are seriously my favorite videos on RU-vid. Thanks for making them. I found out about them through Jalopnik.

I have always wanted one of these

Please review the Infiniti G37 coupe!!

If RCR comes down to NC, you could do a part 2 on the SVT! I have a supercharged doppelgänger to the yellow one you just reviewed that I'd love to let y'all review! Or a stick shift e90!

the roman has been on fire with the music recently.

I tuned up my Escort ZX2 to be just like the SVT focus. It was a fun time in life

The last statement is very true , I still have that feeling after 16 years with the car

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.

Not that my interest in these ever faded, but this helped renew my excitement for these cars. In fact, I'm going to look at a 2004 SVT in a few days, hopefully going to come home with it!

Please make a vid of a 2000 Honda Civic Si

Need to do a review of the Terminator Mustang

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.

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.

Love this little car!

Well job done.

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.

Roman did a really good job on the song this time!!

love the out-take song

OH god what is he going to say next week about my ST. O.o Love this review also BTW.

I'm so excited for next week. I own a Focus St. I want to see Mr. Regular trash it out of endearment.

He finally reviewed my car, albeit mine isn't svt, but close enough for me!

Had one of these in college, it caught fire in my parent’s driveway when I drove down to visit them

I drive one of these, They aren't very fast but they handle like they're on rails. Fun as hell to drive

Awesome review, you should do some exotics :)

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

Right after I bought my F150 (because 19yo me thought he needed a truck) I was at a dealership with a friend who was looking for a car. I clapped eyes on a ZX5 SVT and had to drive it. Towards the conclusion of the test drive my friend slipped out "bet you're sad you just bought that truck." Salesman looked upset but truer words have never been said. I never forgot that experience and I just bought a Focus ST. Only took 13 years to get the car I fell in love with. Funny how cars can evoke so many emotions.

You SOB your up in my area in reading pa wow I feel so honoured

the pen holder sold me. i want one

I almost bought one of these. Other than being wrapped in the old Gen Focus body, the cat had some great aspects. The engine was fun, Recaros felt great, and the handling was well controlled. It was a fun car, albeit slightly showy as you had to wind out the motor to get power, and the exhaust wasn't exactly subtle for an OEM.

I live across the street from the Wayne michigan ford plant that made these. from 2000 until about 2004 they used to have the next year model on a rotating platform and huge Christmas signs every year. at that time they sold like hotcakes. in the detroit area everybody had these. you would really have to look hard for something that wasnt a ford. in 06 my mom got an 02 focus and had it running fine until getting rid of it for a newer model in 2015

Like getting ambushed by a birthday song at Red Lobster.... freaking lost it on that one hahaha

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

a friend of mine had the first one of these in town. He then dropped a massive stereo in it and then had it repossessed

I am waiting to see if you guys will do a 2006 Dodge Stratus SXT

Wow that's so cool I live a few blocks from the pagoda if you see a red RSTI with a red carbon fiber hood that's me!

Any chance you could do a video on the Mercury cougar from around this same time? It's rather similar, really, but you get a slick-revving V6 for your troubles. Not to mention, they're often dirt cheap these days. Though you can't really expect the same fuel economy as the focus.

you must live close to me because in your videos you reference places that are near me.

"All my front and rear lights are HID" SO TRUE

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.

You should do a review of a 1998 VW Golf GTI VR6