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2016 Ford Focus Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Why Buy a 2016 Ford Focus?

Should You Buy a 2016 Ford Focus? Here are the Pros and Cons

With its new 2016 Focus lineup, giant automaker Ford continues its long tradition of making vehicles with a commonplace wide appeal. New 2016 Ford Focus 5-passenger compact car returns in either the 5-door hatchback or sedan versions.

Each of these two versions comes with the standard array of options, features and drivetrain choices, a decently designed cabin, and very sharp handling prowess. The total package comes at a competitive MSRP of $17,225.

Fundamentally unchanged from the 2015 version, the Focus 2016 sedan returns to the market in three models: base S, option-featured SE, and the Titanium top-shelf trim levels. The Ford Focus hatchback is still available in the flagship Titanium SE and entry-level trims as well as the sporty ST plus an Electric variant.
 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2016 Ford Focus – The Pros

1. Performance and Powertrains

The 2016 Ford Focus has earned praise from reviewers for its nimble handling. This has made driving it to be fun. The Ford Focus has been designed with the goal of appealing to everybody in the car market globally.

In a performance test, the Focus is reported to have accelerated to 60 mph in 9.7 seconds hence providing a first-class and comfortable driving experience.

2. Acceleration and Power

According to automotive journalists, the base 2016 Ford Focus engine supplies sufficient power for your typical daily commute.

  • Your driving becomes more enjoyable with the manual transmission quick shifts.
  • It provides rapid and smooth shifts once you are underway.
  • Fuel economy return is excellent.
  • With the EcoBoost during the launch, your Ford Focus is never out of breath.

3. Braking and Handling

No matter the chosen model, reviewers like the way the new Ford Focus handles.

  • Many test drivers have praised its strong brakes, sharp steering, and agile handling.
  • The ride remains comfortable throughout.
  • It’s ever secure and stable without compromising your ride quality.
  • It stays remarkably quiet and unruffled during everyday use.

4. Economy, Style, and Comfort

If you have come to the car market in search of the compact fuel efficient car, the 2015 Ford Focus then deserves a second look. This car comes with an extra dose of:

  • Technology
  • Style
  • Comfort

5. Interior Designs and Features

For an ‘economy car’, unexpectedly, the 2016 Ford Focus brings you a very upscale cabin. The design of the dashboard is aesthetically quite pleasing. The new model of the Focus comes fitted with impressive features.

  • For example, the 2016 Ford Focus has been equipped with a newly introduced SYNC 3 infotainment system to replace the MyFord Touch infotainment system that was heavily criticized.
  • Reviewers have indicated that the SYNC 3 is not only faster but more user-friendly.


6. SYNC 3 system

Auto reviewers concur that the new SYNC 3 system on the Focus has an interface that is very user-friendly and one which can be operated through the same pinch and swipe gestures similar to a smartphone.

  • The SYNC 3 is command responsive.
  • The controls are easy-to-use and straightforward.


Reviews agree that the SYNC 3 brings added value to the 2016 model of the Ford Focus.

7. Cargo Capacity

Test drivers have been impressed with the cargo space of the Focus hatchback. Some have noted that the rear seatbacks 60/40 split-folding make it easier to load long items.

8. Seating Capacity

The new Focus carries five on seats made with leather upholstery.

  • Front seats are heated
  • It also comes with a driver’s seat that is power-adjustable.
  • Material choice is excellent and offers seat comfort.


9. Safety Ratings

The previous Focus models of 2015 have garnered 5 out of the possible five stars in safety tests carried out by the government for overall car crash-worthiness. 2015 Focus was given the 2nd best score by the insurance industry, and it would be expected that the new Ford Focus 2016 will carry on the safety tradition.

10. Reliability, Warranty, and Recalls

Reliability data on the car is still unavailable, being a comparatively new model.

  • The 2016 Focus has not been subjected to any recalls due to safety issues by the NHTSA.
  • It comes with a 36,000-mile/3-year bumper-to-bumper product warranty
Powertrain warranty is for 60,000-mile/5-years.  

Reasons Not to Buy a 2016 Ford Focus – The Cons

1. Driver Experiences

Current Focus owners have complained that over long trips, the seats can get a little uncomfortable.

They also report that:

  • Somehow, the cabin has a low-end ambiance.
  • The 6-speed automatic transmission is inclined to producing disconcerting jerks and shudders.


Some test drivers are of the opinion that the 3-cylinder Focus engine isn’t correctly geared for driving when you want low-speeds.

2. 6-speed Automated Manual Transmission

The 6-speed automated manual transmission, unfortunately, does not always come as smooth compared to the standard automatic when at low speeds. Auto critics have commented that the automated optional manual transmission of the base 2016 Ford Focus doesn’t seem to shift smoothly when you are cruising at leisurely speeds.

3. Seating Arrangements

Although test drivers have reported that the front seats are supportive and roomy, the rear seats of the 2016 Ford Focus are somewhat lacking in legroom when contrasted against some competitors.

How It Stacks Up. The 2016 Ford Focus vs the Honda Civic vs the ’16 Mazda Mazda3:


Being of the same vehicle class, it is possible to compare the 2016 Ford Focus against Mazda Mazda3 and the Honda Civic 2016 models.
  • Performance-wise, at 8.5, the Ford Focus is above the Honda’s 8.4. The two are below the Mazda3 rating of 9.3
  • The Ford Focus has Automatic Transmission w/Manual Mode, unlike the two other makes.
  • The Focus also has Flexible Fuel Capability unlike the two.
  • The MRSP for the Focus ($17,225) is lower than the Mazda3 ($17,845) and the Honda at $18,640

So, should you buy a Ford Focus?

Should I buy a Ford FocusThe 2016 Ford Focus has the capacity of delivering a sophisticated experience for your day-to-day driving that's a certainly big deal when it comes to compact sedans. Look out for the arrival of the 2017 Focus in dealer showrooms during this Fall.

Once again, it will be facing off against it perennial rival Mazda in an M3 that is similarly equipped, the ever popular Honda Civic, the value-packed Forte from Kia and the Euro-refined Golf Volkswagen.The 2016 Ford Focus is still a very smart choice if you are looking for a small hatchback or sedan.