The 2002 model year brought better news for Ford's beleaguered Focus line, at least in terms of sales. Recalls continued to plague the line, as well as some headline-grabbing engine fires. Still, the Focus filled a market niche and for those lucky enough to get a model that came sound off the line, the fuel efficiency and affordability outweighed the bad press.

Trims on offer for the 2002 Ford Focus included the SE line, available in four-door wagon and sedan body models, a four-door LX sedan, and the performance-enhanced Z-line, which featured a two-door ZX3 hatchback, a four-door ZX5 hatchback, a four-door ZTS sedan and a four-door ZTW wagon.

Under the hood, the SE and LX models offered a 2.0 liter four-cylinder Zetec engine with a 110-horsepower output; the Z-line trims had a dual-cam version of the Zetec which clocked at 130 horsepower. The roomy interior and smooth handling continued to be popular features of the affordably-priced Focus line.

In addition to the standard models, the 2002 Ford Focus was available as an SVT performance car. The 2002 Ford Focus SVT offered a high-performance naturally-aspirated engine producing 170 horsepower and 145 lb.-ft. of torque. The SVT also featured a dual-mass flywheel and a six-speed manual transaxle, features otherwise found only on Ford's Mustang Cobra R.

The Focus SVT has a real cult following among reviewers and owners alike, despite its somewhat ambiguous identity as the family transportation that drives like a sportscar.