2016 Ford Focus Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$17,225 to $24,425

Original MSRP

7.3
of 10

expert review

4.0

avg user rating

(18 reviews)
7.3
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
8/10
Technology
6/10
Performance
7/10
Safety
7/10
Form & function
7/10
Cost-effectiveness
9/10
2016 Ford Focus Test Drive Review summaryImage

The 2016 Ford Focus has improved in some key areas for 2016, but it’s still not perfect. It retains the title of America’s Best Small Car… for now.

For as red-hot and competitive as the economy-car segment is, success in this corner of the market is based on some pretty mundane variables. It comes down to things like fuel economy, price, number and location of cupholders, ride quality, and other items. It basically has to be economical, reliable transportation for the everyday commute. There are other nuances, such as the ease of use of its controls, but success in this segment requires automotive pragmatism at its best.

It's through this lens that we consider the 2016 Ford Focus. This 4-door, 5-passenger small car has been refreshed for this model year, building off the success of the third-generation car, which debuted in 2011. That was the first car under the “One Ford” plan, under which one car is sold on multiple continents in multiple markets with minimal changes.

The result of the plan was a car that was much more refined than the two generations before it and positioned the Focus for the past several years as the best American Small Car. That accolade is as much about the Focus’ refinement as it is about the deficiencies of American-made competitors, including the Dodge Dart and Chevrolet Cruze. A second-generation Cruze has recently been unveiled, but it’s still too early for us to render a verdict on that car. It is import rivals, such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Hyundai Elantra, that pose the greatest threat to the new-look Focus.

8/10

The best thing going for the 2016 Focus is its updated front end. It is the largest visual change and includes a new grille and new lower front fascia. It leaves the 2016 Focus looking like a downsized version of the larger Ford Fusion.

It's a great move for Ford, bringing the Focus into the brand’s family-style ethos. It also rids us of the front end of the 2011-2015 Focus, which was very “boy-racer.” It was meant to make every Focus look sporty, but its massive lower front grille generally made someone looking for a refined or mature small car look elsewhere.

The Focus is available as a sedan or a hatchback. We would recommend people get the Focus in hatch form. Not only is the hatchback more useful, but it looks a lot better. There’s something about modern car design that can make the rear end of small cars look super awkward as sedans. Unless you absolutely need a sedan, please go for the hatch. Your eyes will thank you.

Inside, the Focus has a refined interior that has been updated for the 2016 model year. Automakers around the industry have spent the last decade pushing the boundaries of interior design, with the result being interiors with controls that are far from intuitive. Happily, the industry trend has come back toward common-sense layouts. The Focus mercifully follows that trend, and the result is a more mature look.

George Kennedy
Published May 25, 2021 by George Kennedy
From open-wheel racecars to specialty off-road vehicles, George Kennedy has driven it all. A career automotive journalist, George has been a contributor, editor, and/or producer at some of the most respected publications and outlets, including Consumer Reports, the Boston Globe, Boston Magazine, Autoblog.com, Hemmings Classic Wheels, BoldRide.com, the Providence Journal, and WheelsTV.

User reviews for 2016 Ford Focus

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User rating:
by Justin J
Oct 14, 2024
Extremely fun to drive and reliable. I would own another Focus ST in a heartbeat.Oct 14, 2024
by Pat B
Mar 20, 2024
44 mpg, very manuverable, Quiet, strong 2Litre engine. Bought used in 2019 for $7,500 dollars. It was a wrecked total by the insurance Company. From a 40 Ford Coupe as a teenager in the 1950s to a Chrysler Imperial this Ford wins hands down.Mar 20, 2024
by Anonymous
Jan 14, 2024
This car is absolutely great. They run good and the engines are bullet proof. The transmission is what absolutely sucks. A automatic focus/fiesta 2012-2018 and the fiesta from 2011-2019 are garbage. The ST is a great can for either model because they have a manual transmission. The RS is great too but the RS to get is the 2018 model. The 2016-17 had horrible head gaskets. Jan 14, 2024

2016 Ford Focus Pricing

Original MSRP
$17,225 to $24,425
Price range
$8,471 to $9,177
Average price on CG
$8,500
YoY price change
$9,113 to $8,500

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brake width: 0.98 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.82

Exterior Features

Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: SYNC · Infotainment screen size: 4.2 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Programmable safety key: MyKey · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 18.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: front

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brake width: 0.98 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.82

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: SYNC · Infotainment screen size: 4.2 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Programmable safety key: MyKey · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 18.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brake width: 0.98 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.82

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: SYNC · Infotainment screen size: 4.2 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Programmable safety key: MyKey · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 18.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Sony · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brake width: 0.98 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.7 · Rear brake width: .43 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Keyless entry: keypad · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.85

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color with chrome accents · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: wing · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: SYNC · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: quad headlights

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Programmable safety key: MyKey · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 18.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Sony · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brake width: 0.98 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.7 · Rear brake width: .43 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Keyless entry: keypad · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.85

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color with chrome accents · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: SYNC · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: quad headlights

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Programmable safety key: MyKey · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 18.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 0.98 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.6 · Rear brake width: .43 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.06

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: SYNC · Infotainment screen size: 4.2 in.

Instrumentation

Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: quad headlights

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Programmable safety key: MyKey · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 18.7

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent

See all trims (6)