Overview & Reviews

At its debut, the Ford Fusion was nothing less than a landmark car for the company. With the Fusion, Ford once again had a strong midsize sedan contender, something it hadn't fielded since the first-generation Taurus that debuted back in the mid-1980s. Savvy consumers have taken notice of the Fusion's spacious cabin, responsive driving dynamics, solid build quality and attractive styling.

In addition to its family-friendly features, the newest Ford Fusion provides a sporty, involving drive -- a rare quality in this segment and one that most folks can appreciate. Although we've been understandably even more impressed by the most recent generation, any Fusion should be an attractive choice for anybody wanting a comfortable, well-equipped family hauler.

Current Ford Fusion
The Ford Fusion is a midsize four-door sedan that's available in three trim levels: S, SE and Titanium. There are also the Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi (Plug-in Hybrid), which are covered in separate reviews.

The Fusion S and SE come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 175 horsepower and matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. For the SE, there are three additional engine options. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four with 178 hp comes solely with a six-speed manual transmission. A turbocharged 1.5-liter four, also with 178 hp, comes solely with a six-speed automatic. And for maximum performance, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four makes 240 hp and only comes with the six-speed automatic but adds paddle shifters. The Fusion Titanium comes standard with the turbocharged 2.0-liter and an automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard across the board, while all-wheel drive is optional for the Titanium.

Standard highlights on the S include air-conditioning, the voice-activated Sync audio/cell phone interface and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and a USB/iPod interface. The SE adds alloy wheels, a power driver seat, a rear seat center armrest and access to additional options, while the Titanium comes with a sport-tuned suspension, keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear parking sensors/camera, the MyFord Touch electronics interface and an upgraded sound system. Major options include a navigation system and an automated parking system.

In reviews, we've been very impressed by the latest Ford Fusion. The European-flavored driving experience we enjoyed in the previous generation is fully intact, meaning the current Fusion boasts a comfortable ride along with engaging, composed handling. The steering furthers this impression with its sharp, communicative nature. Furthermore, it's hard to go wrong with any of the Fusion's engine choices (not to mention the hybrids), but as expected the turbocharged ones deserve extra credit for their ability to blend spirited performance with impressive fuel efficiency.

Used Ford Fusion Models
The current, third-generation Ford Fusion was introduced for 2013. Compared to the second-generation car, this Fusion boasts more dramatic exterior styling, more fuel-efficient engines and the latest in electronics and features. These Fusions are identical to the latest version with a few minor exceptions. Specifically, the 1.6-liter was the only small turbo engine available and could be had with an automatic transmission. Also, inflatable rear seatbelts, a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats were unavailable.

The second generation of the Ford Fusion was produced from 2010-'12. Compared to the original Fusion, it sported refreshed front and rear styling as well as more powerful engines. Apart from a few minor updates, such as blind-spot mirrors, a manual-shift feature for the six-speed automatic and one-touch up/down front windows, there were no notable changes during its run. As it retained the many attributes of the first Fusion while addressing its few weaknesses, this Fusion stands as one of the top used car picks in the midsize sedan segment.

There were four trim levels -- S, SE, Sport and SEL -- while engine offerings consisted of the base 2.5-liter four (175 hp), an optional 3.0-liter V6 (240 hp) and, for the Sport, a 3.5-liter V6 (263 hp). A six-speed manual transmission could be had on the 2.5, while optional for that engine and standard on the rest was a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive was standard across the board with the exception of the SEL V6 and Sport, which had available all-wheel drive.

Standard feature highlights for the S included 16-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, air-conditioning and a stereo with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. The SE added 17-inch alloys, automatic headlights, a power driver seat and an upgraded audio system. The Sport included sport-tuned suspension and steering, 18-inch wheels, exclusive styling cues, power front seats, leather upholstery and the Sync multimedia voice control interface. The SEL also featured leather seating as well as heated seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. Options (depending on trim) include remote starting, a sunroof, a rearview camera, reverse park assist, a blind spot detection system and a navigation system.

This second-generation Ford Fusion had a nice combination of responsive performance and well-balanced handling and ride dynamics. Inside there was plenty of room, quality materials and handy features. The Sync system was a great feature, allowing easy hands-free operation of cell phones and portable MP3 players. The only notable downside to the car was its V6, which was rather ho-hum in light of other models' V6s that provided quicker acceleration and fuel economy.

The first-generation Ford Fusion was produced for the 2006-'09 model years. Initially offered only with front-wheel drive, the Fusion was offered in S, SE and SEL trim levels. The standard engine was a 160-hp 2.3-liter four-cylinder. When paired with the standard five-speed manual, this engine was peppy enough, but with the more popular optional five-speed automatic, the Fusion struggled to get out of its own way. The SE and SEL could be optioned with a 221-hp 3.0-liter V6 paired to a six-speed automatic, which improved the Fusion's thrust considerably.

However, both these engines were underpowered for the class -- especially the V6 -- and neither was particularly fuel-efficient. Inside, the Fusion had a more cohesive look than older Ford sedans, thanks to its crisp lines and coordinated textures. Build quality was solid and the seats were well-shaped and supportive, even for taller folk. Unfortunately, the quality of some plastics was still a couple steps behind the import-brand competition.

The following year brought changes that included standard front seat airbags, side curtain airbags and an auxiliary audio jack. Options like navigation, satellite radio and all-wheel drive were added to the options sheet, along with more standard equipment on the SE and SEL models. As such, we'd stick with this model year or later. For 2008, Ford's Sync system became available, although it was sullied somewhat by the Fusion's outdated standard stereo head unit. Antilock brakes became standard that year and more optional equipment was added, including the Sport Appearance package that included 18-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and special trim. For 2009, stability control became optional on all Ford Fusions (we recommend finding one so equipped) and traction control became standard on V6 versions.

User Reviews:

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  New owner - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By M.S.A - June 15 - 6:01 pm

  I dont know much about these cars. I just recently purchased a 2016 fusion se. I liked how it handled when I test drove it, the ride is smooth and its sharp looking. Anyway, I have only had the car for almost 4 weeks and noticed going downhill the rpms run high and the car slows down a bit. Is this normal? Ive already had a couple problems with it and have had to take it back to the dealer which is a 45 min trip one way and Im just tired of dealing with them

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  They hit the Nail on the head - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By BlueEggBoy - June 14 - 6:43 am

  Wow. Having had 3 Tauruses since 98, I didnt know if this would have the true reliability, low cost of operation, and general "fun to drive" characteristics as the Taurus; it does. Looking forward to the offering of the new 3.5 VVT V6!

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  Great Car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Otaku - June 11 - 6:20 am

  This is my first new car, purchased for college and expecting 15k a year. So far Im impressed with the car - its comfy with a nice ride and its quiet. Its practical with lots of room for people and things but also fun to drive thanks to the great handling. I purchased the awd model due to where I live - we get snow; in fact the day I bought it I drove home in snow very confidently, car has lots of grip. Only things I can think of needing to be addressed are build quality (just a bit) fuel economy could be better I think and the engine could be better which I hear is on the way (but even that engine now used in the MKZ isnt so great). Mine was loaded except for navigation system. I paid $24,000.

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  Fusion I4 - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By BillS - June 10 - 12:30 pm

  This car replaced a Dodge Charger SXT 3.5. I read many of these reviews about the great I4 performance and see a few really have the V6. The performance is not good at all, with many up and down shifts during a typical Chicago rush hour commute trying to keep up. With just a choice of D or OD, you cant even help it along. The fronts seats are also pretty hard and even though multi-adjustable, I cant get a good position. The build quality is very good and wish I had the choice of getting the more powerful motor (company provided car). So far, I am not even getting great gas mileage at around 25 mpg for the 1st 2k miles. I have a 3.2 Audi that bests that by 4 mpg & S550 that matches it.

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  American Convert - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By phaaqua - June 1 - 12:20 am

  I never thought Ford or any American Auto Maker would be on par with a European or Japanese Maker. I got the spirited 3.5L sport engine to the detriment of fuel efficiency. I do not regret it, the car is fun to drive and rock solid. The fit and finish inside and out is very good. The center console is button happy, plastic surfaces look good except for the glove box. Do not care much for the tiptronic transmission. Sync system geared towards native English speakers. I have to anglicize too many Spanish names when searching. The outside is muscular, at times the cars seems to begs for speed. A bit much chrome on the front grill. Good suspension. It takes road abrasions with aplomb.

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  The Best Car I ever had! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By H. Hamood - May 29 - 8:40 pm

  My previous vehicle was a 98 F-150. So it was about time to start looking for something else.I Started out looking for an SUV of some sort thats not so thirsty on gas.While in the ford lot I glanced over at the Fusion, took a closer look at the sticker. I noticed the abundance in features it had. Next, I took a test drive.Thats all it took. I purchased a black SEL loaded with the sport appearance package.Leather seats, moon + tune package, the works! The sporty red accents on the seats are awesome!My 12 yr old son loves the car just as much! Ford did their homework on this one. The only gripe I have is better all- season performance tires for summer as well as winter driving wouldnt hurt.

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  My Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Alexander Garcia - May 25 - 6:13 am

  Upon laying my eyes on the Fusion, I had to have it. I am proud to say that it was an excellent choice to say the least. The look and performance of the vehicle are both simply awesome. The engine picks up almost as quick as my V6 2005 Mustang. The body and design of the entire vehicle make it look classy and tough (especially with black exterior). The 5 bar split chrome grill, the chrome tail light housing and fog lamp housing make it even more than beauty. The comfort of the interior is the same as an Audi A6, and has many extra frills of comfort. I added a set of 20 chrome rims and tinted the windows in back. It totally set this car off even more.

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  Taurus or Fusion - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Roger Anderson - May 14 - 6:33 am

  I currently own a 2011 Taurus and I was looking for another one. Then I started seeing these Fusions on the road, I really love the way the front end looks. The rear could use some work though. I only drive about 8 miles per day so it wasnt a huge sacrifice on comfort not getting a Taurus. So I bought a used 2014 w/1.5l eccoboost and its very responsive, that was my main concern. It still is very comfortable for the size and has a nice quiet cabin. Test drive one and see.

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  Border line luxury car that gets MPGS - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Carguy87 - May 14 - 3:30 am

  I can whole heartedly say that I’m proud to own this Ford. It blows the competition away in its driving dynamics, mpg, value and luxury. I tend to pick everything apart and I can say after driving this car for over a month it’s practically flawless. I’m amazed at how well this vehicle is put together. It’s solid no chatters creaks or rattles anywhere. Its road manners are unbelievable. It’s incredibly smooth, quiet and remains settled over the north east roads I drive. Around town it’s nimble with precise and tight steering. On the back roads it handles the curves extremely well. On the highway it’s planted smooth and super quiet. The 4cyl lacks nothing mated to the 6spd auto. A+++ Ford!

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  transmission or motor - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Diana - May 12 - 2:32 pm

  The transmission and motor are both unreliable and poor after a certain amount of time and the air bag light with out a reason