Ford Car Fans

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The 2016 Ford Focus has sharp steering and athletic handling that make it one of the best compact car performers, according to our analysis of automotive reviews and data that make up our rankings. From the base model to the top-of-the-line performance-tuned Focus RS, you get an engaging driving experience that few compact cars – especially American models – can equal. If you want engine power that matches the Focus' sporty driving dynamics, however, the base model's modest acceleration probably won't satisfy you. While it has decent power for driving around town, the ST and RS models have stronger engines that pick up the excitement quotient significantly.

Inside the Focus you will find attractive styling and material quality that feels high-end. You can equip the Focus with high-tech features like a SYNC 3 infotainment system that is easy to operate and offers smartphone-like features. The Focus' front seats are comfortable and supportive for long road trips, but adults will likely feel cramped in its back seats – a common complaint for the class. There are two body styles available: a sedan and a hatchback. While the sedan's trunk space is average, the hatchback's maximum cargo capacity is on the low side for the class. Fuel economy is average for the class, unless you upgrade to the available three-cylinder engine, which offers better fuel economy but less power.

The Focus is one of the most affordable cars in the competitive compact car class, and it comes with a standard rearview camera, which is rare for a car with its starting price. Its good safety scores add to its appeal, but its low predicated reliability detracts from it.

Focus Performance
Sporty Handling

Choose any Focus model and you get crisp handling, well-weighted electric power steering, and an advanced suspension that together create an entertaining driving experience. There's some body lean during turns, but the Focus still feels fairly stable. Despite the Focus' sporty nature, its ride is comfortable and quiet for daily driving. The top-level Titanium trim's sport-tuned suspension creates a firmer ride but delivers more dynamic performance. The base Focus has front disc and rear drum brakes. Upper trims have four-wheel disc brakes. All Focus models have great stopping power.
Decent Base Engine

The 2016 Ford Focus has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 160 horsepower. For the average daily commute or trip to the grocery store, this motor will be just fine. Its standard five-speed manual transmission allows for a somewhat fun drive. Upgrade to the available six-speed automated manual, however, and gear shifts are not as smooth during low-speed driving. Once on the highway, however, things are fine.

A 123-hosepower turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine is available and is paired with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic. This engine offers better fuel economy estimates than the base, but at the expense of engine power, so acceleration is sluggish.
Muscular Engine Options

If you're hungry for greater power, look toward the Focus ST or all-new Focus RS, which deliver performance that is rare among American-made compacts. The Focus ST is a hatchback that comes with a 252-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Its standard six-speed manual transmission is fast and slick. While the ST's performance isn't the most refined, it feels sturdy when pushed, and its power and handling make it incredibly fun to drive.  

The Focus RS has monstrous strength with its 350-horsepower turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. It comes with a six-speed manual transmission.
Average Fuel Economy, Unless You Upgrade

According to the EPA, the Ford Focus gets 26 miles per gallon when driving in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, which is about average for a compact car. If you opt for the available turbocharged three-cylinder engine, fuel economy jumps to 30 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway. However, with that better fuel economy comes slower acceleration.

Among gas-only compacts, the most fuel-efficient options are the Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla. The Mazda3 gets 29 city mpg and 41 highway mpg, while the Corolla gets 28 city mpg and 37 highway mpg. The Toyota Prius hybrid offers a whopping 54 city mpg and 50 highway mpg, but its starting price is about $7,000 more than the Focus'.