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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  2016 Fusion SE - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Don L. - November 29 - 4:54 am

  The 1st Fusion I bought new was the 2010 SEL and the car never gave me a issue 1 in 130,000 miles. I used it to commute back and forth to work 100 plus miles a day. Kept the oil changed when the car said to change it at 0% on the oil life tracking meter. Traded it for a 2016 Fusion SE and it will do the commute as the old one did 100 miles plus per day. I thought the trading-in value was very poor on my the 2010 since it was in excellent condition with not even a door ding, but you know the dealers always screw you on your trade anyway. I went ahead and traded up for the 2016 Fusion since Ford was advertising 0% for 72 months cause cant beat 0% interest. If the 2016 is as good as the 2010 model then Ill be back for another review in about 5 years. My old Fusion was a excellent car and the over all mpg on the 2010 all highway driving at 65 to 75 mph was 28.7 to 30.7. So far only have 1000 miles on the new 2016 and it is at 32.2 mpg so far as of this morning, so a little better than the old model. Hope it is as good a Fusion as my 2010 was.

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  So far, so good - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Steve - November 28 - 7:43 am

  I chose the V6 model because I wanted a balance between performance and fuel economy. So far I have really enjoyed the car. Acceleration is adequete, and it handles very nicely. The seats are comfortable, and the car is nice and quiet; this makes it relaxing on the way home from work. Ill agree with others and say that I dont like the placement of the climate controls. I also wish the transmission had an autostick option, or at least a choice of 1,2,D instead of just L or D.

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  Too soon to tell... - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Buyer 2017 - November 25 - 3:17 pm

  On reliability

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  Another happy customer - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Kevin - November 24 - 9:23 pm

  This car is fun to drive. It has the extra kick I was looking for without having to move all the way up to the sports car class. Also looks great, I still get plenty of comments.

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  Drive! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By cannon04 - November 23 - 3:16 pm

  Solid vehicle. An improvement over its debut 06. The new 2.5 is wonderful!! Interior dash is much better too! Car handles like its on rails. Quite, solid road feel. Ford is listening to consumers and it shows.

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  An Outstanding Vehicle - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By dezop - November 16 - 4:10 pm

  Ive owned this vehicle for just over a month now. Have already taken it on one long highway trip--got just over 30 MPG! The drivers seat is the most comfortable Ive ever sat in. The vehicle is extremely quiet on the road and seems to be put together very well. I look forward to experiencing the AWD when the snow flies.

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  *Great Car! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Sarah - November 15 - 1:03 am

  My new 2006 Ford Fusion SE 5-speed manual transmission is great, its very smooth riding and handles great. Great gas mileage and very fun to drive!

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Tom Z - November 6 - 10:13 pm

  I have been test driving vehicles for over a year now. I have been waiting for a car to wow me at a price that was equally as impressive. This vehicle did it for me. The only vehicle that drove better during my testing was the lexus GS 350 AWD which was $26000 more expensive. I purchased this vehicle with an x-plan including moon/tune pack and navigation for only 28300. It is an amazing car for the money. The car has tremendous quality inside and out. The tech features on the car are amazing, for example Sync will read a text message aloud in the vehicle and is very easy to use. The MPG could be better but wanted to have some power which the car definitely has.

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  5 SP SEL Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By R Bates - October 31 - 8:53 am

  So far the Fusion has continued to impress me. The 4 cylinder 5 speed SEL combination was hard to find, but well worth the hunt. The handling is very direct with a European flavor which I appreciate. Try the 5 speed before you fall in the automatic crowd, you wont regret it. So far reliability has been perfect without any hint of problems, rattles, etc.

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  my experience - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By joe - October 24 - 4:06 am

  This vehicle is so fun to drive, just looking at the interior makes you feel like youre driving a expensive car at a modest price. The outside is a sleek exotic yet elegant look to it yet the back lacks just a little more innovation. The front of this vehicle is completely redesigned but the back looks all to familiar on other cars which doesnt make it stand out much from the back visual part. Overall this vehicle is really impressive both visual and economically. I am really glad I choose to purchase this vehicle among the various choices I had to choose from.