EDMUNDS.COM 2004 FORD FOCUS SVT
Find, Buy, Review, Make offers on, and View more vehicles like the 2004 FORD FOCUSSVT new at UsedNewCars.com!
Click Here For More Reviews On Edmunds.com
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
One of the best all-around sport hatchbacks you can find, and for less than $20,000 to boot.
Pros
Impressive powertrain, near perfect blend of handling and ride comfort, roomy interior, low price.
Cons
Past reliability issues, minor interior design idiosyncrasies.
What''s New for 2004
The European Appearance package is now available on four-door models, while both two- and four-door models receive new 17-inch six-spoke Euro-flange wheels. Sonic Blue is added as a color choice, coupled with blue seat inserts to tie in the interior. The 100,000-mile powertrain extended service plan is now standard.
Overview
Introduction:
To the uninitiated, Ford''s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) is the in-house team responsible for turning standard Ford cars and trucks into exceptional performance machines. The team''s first projects were the ''93 Mustang Cobra and a high-powered F-150 pickup dubbed the Lightning. SVT''s latest project was the most surprising to date -- taking the Focus economy car and turning it into an extremely capable performance car for less than $20,000. The first model was a revamped ZX3 two-door hatchback, but the lineup has since grown to include the ZX5 four-door hatchback as well. Both cars feature a Cosworth-developed 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard as are a sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, 17-inch wheels and tires and slightly revised interior and exterior styling. Although it''s still no king at the drag strip, the SVT Focus is an incredibly adept car when it comes to handling twisty blacktop at high speeds. The compliant, but responsive suspension makes it easy to push hard into corners without fear of getting in over your head. Heavy steering makes for great road feel, and although the shifter can be finicky when it comes to finding the right gear, the broad power band makes winding it out worth the effort. The brakes are especially impressive, as repeated hard use never degrades their ability to provide short and shudder-free stops. Even more surprising is the fact that this SVT-tuned Focus can deliver such heightened levels of performance without compromising its practicality. The ride quality is still comfortable on city streets, and the sport seats remain soft enough for daily commutes. Interior room is impressive, with enough space in back for two adults on shorter trips and up to 28 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded. Although the non-traditional dash design is a love-it-or-hate-it proposition, the addition of auxiliary oil pressure and oil temperature gauges give it an enthusiast-modified look that reinforces the hatchback''s status as a true enthusiast''s machine.
 |
For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The SVT Focus is offered in two body styles: a two-door hatchback and a four-door hatchback. Standard equipment on both models includes remote keyless entry, power locks and windows, satellite stereo controls, leather-trimmed sport bucket seats, stainless steel sport pedals and fold-away power-heated outside mirrors. Options are limited to high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps; a sunroof; an Audiophile package which upgrades the stereo to an in-dash six-disc CD player with six speakers and a subwoofer; and a Winter package that includes an engine block heater, traction control and heated seats. Or, all the above options can be added, plus black leather-trimmed Recaro seats, by ordering the European Appearance package.
Powertrains and Performance:
In contrast to a regular Focus hatchback''s engine, the SVT''s 2.0-liter power plant features stronger connecting rods, lightweight pistons, a higher-compression ratio and a freer-flowing cylinder head. The intake camshaft timing is variable, which helps to improve low-end torque, and a dual-stage intake manifold helps to bolster high-end power. The result is 170 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 145 pound-feet of torque at 5,500 rpm, with redline set at 7,200 rpm. An exclusive six-speed manual transmission adds to the driving excitement, while 17-inch wheels, oversize four-wheel disc brakes and a sport-tuned suspension keep it glued to the road.
Safety:
For safety, the Focus has standard four-wheel antilock brakes and side airbags. Traction control is available as part of the optional winter package. In government crash testing, the three Focuses earned four out of five stars for driver and front passenger protection in frontal impacts and side impacts involving the front occupants. Rear side-impact test resulted in an unusually low one-star rating for two-door models, while four-door models earned four stars. In frontal offset testing conducted by the IIHS, the Focus has earned a "Good" score (the highest possible).
|
For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The SVT Focus is roomy for its class, offering generous accommodations for its front and rear passengers. Some may find the asymmetrical dash layout odd, but the sturdy controls and correct ergonomic placement should overcome any aesthetic faults. SVT upgrades include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, brake lever and shift knob, while the climate control dials and pedals get metallic trim. Additional seat bolstering provides solid comfort and support during high-speed driving. We particularly like the easy-to-read and stylish white-faced gauges.
|
For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The SVT Focus offers above-average handling ability, with surprisingly quick, fluid and responsive steering, with plenty of feedback from the road surface. The four-wheel fully independent suspension allows for some body roll while cornering, but the SVT Focus stays planted and inspires confidence. Power is soft down low, but once the engine speed builds there''s plenty of mid- and upper-range power.
|
For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
[ UsedNewCars.com ] [ Information Index ] [ Site Map ]
[ FORD Information Index ] [ COUPE/HATCHBACK Information Index ]
|
