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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  I Love this car! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Carl K - August 19 - 7:06 am

  I had an AudiA6 4.2 that went out of warranty, so I started looking to replace it. While the Fusion is no Audi, it also doesnt cost over $50k. The "step down" I thought I was taking, is not a step down at all. I love this car. I love the mileage, the looks, the regular gas, and all of the premium type appointments -even the stereo- which has long been weak in Fords. I bought SEL V6. I truly love it. If it didnt say Ford on it, I would never believe it. It is a winner all around. No other car that I looked at can give all of this for this price. Leather etc. put a Camry into the $30s. No brainer for me. I only wish it had Parktronic rear sensors. Other than that, I am very very happy.

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  Miss my Audi - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Jo Ann W - August 6 - 3:14 pm

  Grateful for this car. Due to BC my interest rate is sky high but I still have a car so I am very grateful

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  Fuel economy let down - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Mike M - August 1 - 1:13 am

  I have the 2016 Titanium AWD 2.0. Sticker says 22/31 mpg. Mine gets 16 city and 19 combined. Pretty poor. If I knew the actual was so far off from the claimed I would have passed on this car. Other than the mpg its a really nice car. A bit tight in the rear seat though.

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  I love this car ! - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By taylor - July 30 - 10:20 pm

  This car is amazing! After showing to my family members i think we can all agree on how comfortable the car is to be in for any sized person. It drives so smooth, and is just an all around good car. I commute to college and being in a car for almost 2 hours a day, Ill never get sick of getting into my Fusion. I couldnt be happier with my purchase. Justin and the Freehold Ford dealership made my experience buying this car a great one that i know i wont regret it.

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  Fusion Flaws - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Cheryl - July 18 - 2:07 am

  Purchased 2015 Ford Fusion in December 2016. It was a lease with 38k miles. Shortly after, the car would not start after putting gas in tank, putters like it wants to cut off at red traffic lights, occasional rocking motion at traffic stops, makes a moaning sound in the gas tank area and jerks when excellerating. I took it to Tom Holzer Ford and a faulty purge valve was diagnosed. The warranty does not cover it and the dealership quoted $430. I found a licensed mechanic that will charge me $150, including parts & labor. Nevertheless, I am disappointed having to come out-of-pocket at all.

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  Impressive - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By lawfin - July 5 - 1:46 pm

  So impressed with this car. Numerous times on the drive back from the dealer I would say, "This is so much fun to drive, I cannot believe this is a Ford." Mine has the voice-nav, and I love the huge 8 display. Sync is wonderful, and it is just a treat to drive. I enjoy getting in a car again and driving. My MPG is up to 17.5, but the oomph from the 3.5L duratec is phenom. The sport suspension takes turns like no other. So happy. Sirius Sat radio is another plus.

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  Going Back to Honda Soon - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Jeff - June 21 - 2:53 am

  Disappointing fuel economy (not as good as window sticker indicates), dont be fooled by Fords deceptive advertising! Most of all the cool new features of this car come from Sony, Microsoft, visteon, etc. Etc. Disappointing quality, this car is jam packed loaded with electrical gremlins (reverse sensors & air bags), transmission flaws, cheap parts, and engineering/design flaws galore. At 4500 miles door latches are starting to break. Has anyone noticed the totally useless sun visor that blocks the entire view of the road when folded down? Overall level of refinement is extremely disappointing and lagging when compared to rivals. Why so much money on advertising Ford? Poor dealer treatment

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  Disappointed owner - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By jeanne morrison - June 19 - 9:03 pm

  I fell in love with Fusion and at first the car delivered style and a great ride. However, after only 4 months the transmission was a problem and I was told the car was not safe to drive. It has been out of commission and on the dealers lot for over 2 weeks with no return date. In all fairness, Ford Motor Co. has been trying to be helpful, but this is a disappointing experience. I bought a new car to have a safe and reliable vehicle and this car wasnt.

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  Infuriatingly User Unfriendly Electronics - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Paul - June 5 - 1:40 pm

  TINY icons on the dash and steering wheel make it infuriatingly difficult to see / find / turn on / adjust the cruise control, the heater and air conditioner, etc. Unintuitive power window controls. I got stuck in a restaurant drive through unable to figure out how to lower the drivers window after the window controls somehow got locked up. Key FOB has nearly illegible icons that require a lot of concentration to find and figure out. Many times I hit the anti-theft siren alarming the whole neighborhood and then it took minutes to figure out how to turn off the alarm. Never had these problems when renting Toyota Camrys / Hyundais and Kias.

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  Fun to drive...if it will start. - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By rsto10 - June 5 - 6:23 am

  I do not recommend buying this car until Ford addresses and fixes the batter drain problem with this car. Numerous times, after sitting in my work parking lot for the day (8 hours), I return to the car to go home and the battery is dead. There is a bug with this car that my dealer, and according to the increasing complaints on the forums, most other dealers cant diagnose and fix properly. Ford has been silent about the problem and has yet to issue a fix to its dealers. Do not buy this car until the problem is fixed at the corporate level. That being said, if a fix is found, this is a really fun car to drive with great tech. With winter tires this AWD car is really, really fun in the winter. The only thing I dislike about this car is the MPG. Not the mileage Id like or was used to with my 2014 Ford Fusion 2.0 Titanium AWD.