Used 2016 Ford Focus for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2016 Ford Focus cost?

Prices have softened 1.78% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,148 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare on price and condition.

Is the 2016 Ford Focus a good car?

Yes — 4.62/5 from owners, and it earns a 7.33/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise the Focus for its smooth ride, great fuel economy, and sporty handling. They also tend to value its reliable feel and modern features, which fits a small car that is meant to be practical, economical, and easy to live with.

In everyday use, the Focus is aimed at you if you want a compact car that balances commuting comfort with a more refined character than many rivals. The market also shows 28.7% of listings as good or great deals, which supports the case for shopping carefully and comparing examples.

Is the 2016 Ford Focus reliable?

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

The owner feedback points to a car that feels reliable, dependable, and trouble-free for many drivers, with praise centered on its smooth ride and everyday usability. The expert evaluation also frames it as economical, reliable transportation for the daily commute, which reinforces that it is built around practical long-term use.

Ford’s Sync system and the car’s generally mature, easy-to-use layout add to the sense that this is a car designed to be lived with, not fussed over. For used buyers, the main ownership risk is making sure the specific car you choose has been maintained well and does not have unresolved transmission or drivability concerns.

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

At 60.6% 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 pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has had body damage or shows signs of uneven wear. Focus on how the transmission shifts, how the engine responds at low and highway speeds, and whether the car feels as composed as it should over bumps and rough pavement.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base S trim is the most stripped-down version, while the SE adds more everyday usability and the Titanium brings the most upscale equipment. The hatchback is the more useful body style, and the source recommends it over the sedan if you do not specifically need four doors with a trunk.
• 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 deliver strong low-speed acceleration and better fuel economy, but it can feel noisy on the highway.
• Safety package: The backup camera includes virtual guidelines that turn with the wheel, and available parking sensors can help with parallel parking. The wide-angle side mirrors are a notable standard-strength feature because they reduce blind spots.
• Infotainment: The screen in the SE test model was small, though the fonts were easy to read. Ford’s Sync system adds voice control for the stereo and a Bluetooth-paired smartphone, but the main screen is still on the small side.
• 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. The 1.0-liter with the 6-speed manual can reach 42 mpg highway.

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 makes sense if you want the lowest starting price and are comfortable with a more basic setup. It gets the standard 2.0-liter engine and a 5-speed manual, with the 6-speed automatic available if you want it.
• SE: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it balances price, equipment, and flexibility. It can be had as a sedan or hatchback, and it is also where the available 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine appears.
• Titanium: This is the most upscale choice, with the 6-speed automatic standard and the highest trim pricing. It suits you if you want the most polished version of the Focus rather than the cheapest way into the lineup.

The safety content highlights the backup camera, parking sensors, and wide-angle mirrors, but the small screen remains a limitation even on better-equipped versions.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you have room to shop, but the best examples still deserve quick action.

• Deal availability: 28.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,148 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.78% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 60.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $8,057, 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 $8,531 sits slightly below last year's $8,686.

That softer pricing suggests the market has moved a bit in buyers’ favor, which can make the car easier to purchase now but may also limit upside if you plan to resell soon. If you buy well and keep the car in strong condition, the current price level gives you a reasonable entry point relative to recent market history.

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?

The 2016 Ford Focus earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

The safety content emphasizes the backup camera with turning virtual guidelines, available parking sensors, and especially the large side mirrors with inset wide-angle mirrors that help reduce blind spots. Those mirrors are a practical safety advantage because they improve visibility without relying on extra technology.

The main caveat is that the screen used for the backup camera is small, which makes the camera less convenient than it could be. If you are comparing used examples, pay attention to whether the car has the available parking sensors and make sure the camera display is easy for you to use.

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:

• 28.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 60.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.78% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.62/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 refresh brings a more refined look and feel, with improved controls and a stronger everyday-practical focus.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $7,620, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $8,531 average.
• It offers a more sophisticated driving character and a European-influenced ride.

The bottom line: If you want the better-refreshed version with stronger market support and a more polished presentation, the 2016 is the better primary choice. If your priority is spending less up front and you are comfortable giving up some of the refresh benefits, the 2015 is the more price-sensitive path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.