Used Ford Focus for Sale near South Dakota

How much does the Ford Focus cost in today's market?

Used Ford Focus prices span a wide range depending on model year. Here's what the market looks like right now:

The Ford Focus's current nationwide average price is $7,855, and its year-round low is $7,756.21. That puts the model in a relatively accessible price band for shoppers comparing used examples across these years.

Recently, prices have come down for the 2016, 2017, and 2018 models, making now a good time to shop recent model years.

Is the Ford Focus a good car?

Yes — the Ford Focus earns strong marks from owners across its model years, and the all-generations owner rating is 4.26/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the Focus for its fun driving experience, great fuel economy, easy handling, and overall value for money. Across the model years, the car also draws positive feedback for its stylish design, comfortable ride, and modern-feeling features.

Expert reviews rate the 2014 and 2016 models among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs center on transmission concerns, interior space, and, in some versions, limited power delivery. Those are the recurring points to weigh if you want the Focus for its driving character and low running costs.

21.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Ford Focus models reliable?

Owners consistently describe the Ford Focus as a fun, efficient, and easy-to-live-with small car, and expert commentary reinforces its strong everyday driving character. Across the model years, the Focus is repeatedly praised for smooth rides, sporty handling, and respectable fuel economy.

• Owners rate the Ford Focus between 4.0 and 4.62 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk centers on transmission history, so a careful test drive and service-record review matter.

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

Across all model years, at 62.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: the available parking sensors and backup camera with virtual guidelines
• Infotainment: Ford’s Sync system with voice control and Bluetooth-paired smartphone access
• Fuel efficiency: 27 mpg city/40 highway/31 combined, 28/40/32 combined, and 42 mpg highway

Which Ford Focus trim should I buy?

The 2016 Ford Focus offers these trims:

• S: the entry trim uses the 2.0-liter engine and a 5-speed manual, making it the simplest way into the lineup.
• SE: the best-value trim adds the available 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine and keeps the Focus’s everyday appeal strong.
• Titanium: this trim adds the 6-speed automatic as standard equipment and suits you if you want the most upscale setup in the lineup.

What Ford Focus do most buyers choose?

The Ford Focus years with the most listings are 2015, 2017, and 2014.

Higher-volume years tend to be popular because they give you more inventory to compare, which can make it easier to find the right price, mileage, and equipment mix. They also tend to be the years shoppers return to most often when looking for a balance of value and availability.

What is the Ford Focus's resale value?

The table shows broad downward movement across the Focus lineup, which can work in your favor if you’re shopping used. The larger drops on some years create more room for value, while the smaller changes on others suggest steadier pricing.

The 2014, 2016, and 2018 model years have held their value best, with the smallest year-over-year price changes.

Is the Ford Focus safe?

• 2016: 7/10
• 2015: 7/10
• 2014: 9/10

For the safest used buy, the 2014 model posts the highest confirmed score of 9/10.

Should I buy a used Ford Focus now or wait for the next model?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2017 model is at −7.75% versus a year ago, and the 2016 model is at −4.41%.
• Deal availability: The 2017 model has 23.6% good and great deals, and the 2016 model has 22.8%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2015 model has the most listings at a current average price of $7,718. The Ford Focus offers a fun, easy-to-drive character that makes it appealing as an everyday used car.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: The base engine across the lineup is a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder that makes 160 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque, and the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine makes 123 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque.
• Tech: Ford’s Sync system allows you to access the stereo and a Bluetooth-paired smartphone, and the digital screen uses vivid fonts with a large typeface.
• Safety: the backup camera includes virtual guidelines that turn with the wheel, and the available parking sensors are great for parallel parking.
• Starting price: The Base MSRP of the 2016 Ford Focus is $17,225.

If you're buying used today, the 2015 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for 2019 inventory to mature.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.