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.

[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.

[AshyGrn]

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

[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.

[studiotime]

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!

[juiceboxjenny]

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

[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. 😂

[ButBut]

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.

[CTjacob]

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.

[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.

[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.

[quentins]

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.

[xbone]

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

[dayneeastman]

The song is genius, the bulletpoints were spot on, this is the best automotive channel on YouTube.

[gault]

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.

[suprat]

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

[djweetos]

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

[forglewitts]

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

[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.

[MikeHernandezjett]

Here I am in 2024 considering buying one of these. I looked up videos of SVT Focuses and this video more than any other is going to be the reason I get it.