The Shortbus

2003 Ford Focus ZX3

Engine: 2.0L Zetec | Transmission: MTX75 5-Speed Manual

Every car has a story, and P3, affectionately nicknamed "The Shortbus," is no exception. I purchased this bright yellow 2003 Ford Focus shortly after my honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy and my move back to San Diego from Virginia Beach. At the time, I was commuting 60 miles one-way to work, and my 2007 Silverado—though great in many ways—was absolutely terrible on gas. Pair that with rising California gas prices, and it was clear I needed something more efficient (and less painful on my wallet). Enter this used Focus, a practical choice that quickly became anything but ordinary.

What started as a sensible commuter car soon transformed into a rolling experiment in personality and performance. "The Shortbus" earned its name thanks to its bold, sunshine-yellow exterior and its knack for standing out in traffic. From ambitious mods to moments of questionable decision-making, this little Focus was an adventure in every sense of the word. It was loud, unapologetic, and just impractical enough to keep life interesting—exactly what I needed at the time.

So, join me as I take you through the journey of P3, the quirky Focus that kept me moving, kept me learning, and made the daily grind just a little more fun.