2003 Ford Focus SVT review from North America

Nothing has really gone wrong with my SVT Focus, but there is a couple of events worth mentioning:

1. Ford released a Technical Service Bulleting requiring the "re-flash" or in other words "reload" of the computer module. The dealer at the first service stop fixed this and there was a big change in the engine performance for the better.

2. The same day I was taking the car for its first service I noted an unusual sound while depressing the clutch. I mentioned to the dealer and the whole clutch was replaced, no question asked, no problems ever since. Both events occurred at the same time about one year ago.

This is the American equivalent to Europe's ST170. I like the SVT looks much better.

Even though the SVT Focus is a very understated car, it looks really good. I got praise from the Valet Parking guy at the Mandarin Oriental in Miami. At first I thought he was kidding me. But no, he wasn't.

Full of amenities and safety features only available in much more expensive cars (i.e. heated seats, side air bags, traction control, etc.)

Power is amazing and is great to have it ready available at high speeds. It could use some more low-end torque, though.

The cabin is really nice, considering the Focus low budget origins. I especially like the leather and cloth seats. I will look for this feature in my next car.