I have 46K miles on my SVT Focus. The car has been very reliable. It's happy at 7,400 rpms all day long. The only problems I have had are a rattling cat heat shield and a valve cover gasket that was replaced when the car was brand new.

The factory "tune" in my car did suck though. I have a custom tune and the car is a blast to drive now. Also, read some old reviews on the SVT Focus. It was universally praised in print and held its own. That's why I bought one and I don't regret it one bit.