Used 2016 Ford Focus for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2016 Ford Focus cost?

Prices have softened 1.98% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,175 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2016 Ford Focus a good car?

Yes — the 2016 Ford Focus earns a 4.62/5 user rating and a 7.33/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its smooth ride, great fuel economy, and sporty handling, and they also describe it as reliable and packed with modern features. That lines up well with the Focus’s everyday-practical mission as a 4-door, 5-passenger small car built around commuting, value, and easy-to-use controls. In a crowded compact-car segment, that mix makes it appealing if you want a sensible daily driver with a more refined feel than many rivals.

26.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there are still worthwhile opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2016 Ford Focus reliable?

Owners rate it 4.62/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback points to a car that feels reliable, dependable, and suitable for everyday use over the long haul. The expert evaluation also emphasizes economical, reliable transportation as the Focus’s core mission, and it notes that the car is livable as a daily driver. The cost-effectiveness notes reinforce that ownership should stay manageable, especially if you choose a sensible trim and powertrain.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure you avoid a neglected example, since condition and maintenance history matter more than the model’s basic reputation.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Ford Focus?

At 60% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle-history report and then prioritize a close inspection of bodywork, panel alignment, and signs of prior repair. Because this model is bought as practical transportation, condition matters a lot: focus on how the car drives, how the controls work, and whether the cabin and mechanicals feel well cared for. If you’re comparing multiple listings, favor the cleanest example over the cheapest one.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Focus is available as a sedan or a hatchback, and the hatchback is the more useful and better-looking body style. The cabin is described as refined and more mature, while the base setup is the most stripped-down choice.
• Powertrain: The lineup includes a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder with 160 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque, plus an available 1.0-liter EcoBoost 3-cylinder turbo with 123 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. The 1.0-liter can return 28/40/32 mpg with the automatic, and the manual version can reach 42 mpg highway.
• Safety package: The backup camera includes virtual guidelines that turn with the wheel, and available parking sensors can help with parallel parking. Large side mirrors with inset wide-angle mirrors also help reduce blind spots.
• Infotainment: The digital screen is small, but the fonts are vivid and easy to read. Ford’s Sync system adds voice control for the stereo and a Bluetooth-paired smartphone, though the main screen would ideally be bigger.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.0-liter automatic returns 27 mpg city/40 highway/31 combined, while the 1.0-liter automatic returns 28/40/32 combined.

Which 2016 Ford Focus trim should I buy?

The 2016 Ford Focus is offered in 3 trim levels: S, SE, Titanium.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the entry point, and it gives you the basic Focus formula with the standard 2.0-liter engine and a manual transmission. It makes sense if you want the lowest-cost way into the model, but it is the least equipped choice.
• SE: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the sweet spot of equipment and flexibility, including the available 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine and the option of the automatic. It also lines up with the hatchback recommendation, which the source says is more useful and better-looking.
• Titanium: This is the most upscale trim, with the automatic standard and the most premium positioning in the lineup. Choose it if you want the most comfort-oriented version of the Focus and are willing to pay more for it.

The safety content highlights the backup camera, parking sensors, and wide-angle mirrors, but it does not point to a trim-specific safety package beyond those features.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Ford Focus?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 26.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,175 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.98% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 60.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $8,058, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Ford Focus's resale value?

The current average of $8,495 sits slightly below last year's $8,666.

That softer pricing suggests the market has cooled a bit, which can help you as a buyer today but may limit upside if you plan to resell soon. If you buy at a strong price and keep the car in clean condition, you should be better positioned than someone who pays near the top of the range. The fact that the model still draws solid shopper interest helps support future demand.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.62/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Ford Focus safe?

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

The safety content emphasizes practical visibility aids rather than a long list of advanced driver-assistance tech. The backup camera includes virtual guidelines, available parking sensors can help with tight maneuvers, and the large side mirrors with inset wide-angle mirrors do a lot to reduce blind spots. That said, the small screen makes the camera less convenient than it could be, so you should pay attention to how easy the system is to use during a test drive.

Should I buy a 2016 Ford Focus or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 26.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 60% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.98% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.62/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The refresh improved refinement, styling, and everyday practicality.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $7,623, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $8,495 average.
• It offers a more sophisticated, European-influenced driving feel.

The bottom line: If you want the better-looking, refreshed version with strong owner satisfaction and a still-reasonable price, the 2016 is the better default choice. If your budget is tighter and you want to save money up front, the 2015 is the value play, especially if you find one in excellent condition.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.