2004 Ford SVT Focus

The people at Ford's Special Vehicle Team, a.k.a. SVT, have worked their hot rod tricks on Mustangs and F-150 pickups. What we have here is the runt of the litter, an SVT Focus that just might be the most pure fun to drive of them all. Notice, that's not the fastest; the Mustangs that SVT has sent out into the world are certainly faster. But the concept of fun to drive means a car that's quick enough, and matches that quickness with nimble and responsive handling, a great feel and a blend of performance that's useable on a day-to-day basis.


Now, we realize there are those who will be satisfied with nothing less than the fastest thing on the road, but a more modestly powered car offers some definite fun-to-drive benefits. Take a really fast car out for a weekend spin, start driving it enthusiastically, and pretty soon you're going so fast that the consequences of a mistake become huge. But with the more modestly powered car you can enjoy an enthusiastic and brisk drive without having to terrorize the countryside or the populace or, for that matter, yourself. It's that kind of driving enjoyment that makes the SVT Focus a real favorite.

The SVT Focus is the kind of driving enjoyment that makes this enthusiastic performer a real favorite.

So, just what does put the "SVT" in the Focus? The 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine gets pumped up from a normal 130 horsepower at 5,500 rpm to 170 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, and torque goes from 135 lb-ft at 4,500 to 145 lb-ft at 5,500. Instead of a five-speed manual transmission, or optional automatic, the SVT Focus has a six-speed manual only, made by Getrag. The suspension is tuned to enhance handling, at some expense of ride. The brakes are four-wheel discs, vented in front, with ABS; on the regular Focus the brakes are discs in front, drums in the rear, and ABS is optional. The SVT Focus rides on 17 x 7.0-inch alloy wheels, mounted with 215/45ZR-17 tires.


There is also a European Appearance Package option, which has been available on the three-door SVT Focus but for 2004 will also be available on the five-door. That package includes the Audiophile Stereo System, a 290-watt stereo with premium speakers, a six-disc in-dash CD changer and eight-inch subwoofer with amplifier. The Winter Package has traction control, heated seats and engine block heater, plus unique 15-spoke Dark Argent alloy wheels, leather trimmed Recaro front seats, unique rear seats, door inserts and rear quarter trims, and a choice of Screaming Yellow or Competition Orange paint.


A pleasantly nice aspect of the Focus we drove is that it exhibited a very high level of fit and finish. Everything lined up properly, everything felt solid and well assembled, all the materials appeared to be of a commendable quality and going down the road, around corners and over bumps, dips and Bott's Dots there were no rattles, shakes or shimmies. It's a nice piece of work.