Has it really been almost 20 years since this video was recorded? It’s wild, but evidently, true. MotorWeek, the long-running automotive news channel once reviewed the then-new 2004 Roush Performance-prepped Ford F-150 and Focus sport compact for a segment airing November 16, 2004.
In it, we get an up close look at the then recently updated F-150, that packed a Roush/Magnuson blower strapped to the SOHC 5.4L V8, bumping power to 405. A body kit, 20-inch wheels, suspension upgrade and exhaust system all went into the mix of the Stage III Roush F-150. Plus, the Roush interior treatment and much more. It offered truck buyers that needed the utility of a pickup, a way to get some additional flair and attitude for the street. Available in 2WD or 4WD, it checked the boxes of those who needed it all.
For the younger buyers who were smitten with the Fast and Furious/tuner lifestyle, Roush teamed up with Ford on the Focus ZX3 hatch. Offering buyings an A la carte type options experience, what we see depicted here, is an example that had the full array of performance and styling upgrades from Roush for 2004 — including a turbo kit. The boosted 2.0-liter engine cranked the Zetec up from 130hp, to 220hp, when paired with the required performance exhaust and custom tuning.
While both vehicles were stuck in the 15-second range in the 1320′, it does give you an idea of how far we’ve come in the last two decades. Some younger viewers might scoff at the horsepower levels and performance figures today, but we have to keep in mind, that if not for vehicles like these, we wouldn’t be where we are at now with today’s Coyote and EcoBoost-powered vehicles.
Rick Seitz is the owner and founder of AutoCentric Media, and has a true love and passion for all vehicles; GM, Ford, Dodge, imports, trucks — you name it! When he isn’t clacking away on his keyboard, he’s building, tuning, driving or testing his current crop of personal projects!
