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:

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By JB - January 9 - 2:00 pm

  Its really a great car with fantastic handling, good fuel mileage, a peppy 4 cylinder, and plenty of room. After over 3500 miles Ive consistently averaged about 28 mpg with a mix of city and highway driving. This is a family sedan that is actually fun to drive!

• 

  New owner and loving it - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By SEi45M in Canada - January 1 - 11:16 am

  Just bought my Fusion SEI45M - picked this over a Focus, Mazda3 and Civic DX-G. No comparison. Much more room, better ride, quieter, more comfortable and just as fun or more fun to drive as either. Gas mileage is unbelievable - first trip saw 41 mpg imperial gallons!

• 

  Wow! I Love this Car! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By LAM in Michigan - January 1 - 3:33 am

  Have had my new Fusion for about a week and Im thoroughly in LOVE. Never thought Id love a car at this point in my life (female age 45). Great value for the money. I bought the Sport in Blue with the "funky" interior (blue perforated leather inserts). Even my staunch union, GM neighbor said "sharp car." I am a little sad when I pull in the parking lot at work after a 13 mile commute...I would like to keep driving it!! I hope this love affair continues...if Fords quality carries on as this car ages, Ill be a loyal Ford customer. (Just came out of a 2006 Saturn Vue that felt like it was falling apart!).

• 

  Very smooth Ride - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Jack - December 25 - 4:45 pm

  This is a very solid, comfortable vehicle. I love the instrumentation and the driving comfort. For a while I was making several 150 mi. round trips. In my previous economy car, those trips would wear me out- the car was so un-ergonomical. But making the same drive in the Fusion was a very pleasant experience which I could complete and still feel raring to go when I got back. very pleasant. The great sound system also added to my overall enjoyment. Plenty of room in the back seat, even for some of my more long-legged friends. And the trunk space is enormous. And, like another reviewer said, i too found myself often turning back to just take in the lines and lush style and beautiful color of this car.

• 

  Owners manual sucks. - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Harold Parks - December 25 - 12:17 am

  I really like the car. Too bad I cant find out any details about it. Car enthusiasts do like to know what they are buying. The manual and spec sheet are sorely lacking in technical details of the car and Fords web site isnt any better, and has no search function! The owners manual devotes half of its pages to "connectivity". It reads like it was written by a teenager thats nose is stuck in a cell phone for the same. The only way to figure out the touch screen instructions are to spend an hour in the driveway playing with it. There are features like "valet mode" which are mentioned twice in other contexts but never explained or listed in the index. Having written many tech manuals, this wouldnt pass muster.

• 

  Fusion wins out after testing 10 sedans - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Doug Harby - December 22 - 3:37 pm

  After testing and ranking all available midsized sedans in this class in order to replace my wifes 2013 Subaru Impreza we chose the a 2016 Fusion 2.0 liter AWD This was not my 1st choose as I preferred the Mazda 6 GT for its MPG, handling, and looks. However after receiving a sudden snow storm here in Montana we both agreed that AWD would be a must. We then test drove 2.0 liter with AWD and immediately realized that it matched the Mazda in handling and looks. We recognized that we would take a significant hit in MPG,( I own a 2013 F-150 with an eco-boost and have yet to meet the advertised MPG). After running some quick numbers the additional cost for gas will only cost us about $25 per mouth, not much to pay for the power of the 2.0 liter and the safety of AWD. Ford was really ready to deal and we paid about $8,000 below the MSRP. We have driven this car about 1000 miles so far and love it. It is very solid and the intelligent AWD results handling on par or better then anything test drove. During our break-in drive we went over several very icy passes and this AWD system out performed the Subarus we have owned actually pulling us around corners. The 2.0 liters performance and smoothness matched the V-6s we tested in the Camry and Accord and far out performed the 2.5 4cyl in the Mazda 6. Im 64" and must actually slide the front seat up a little to get comfortable. The rest of the interionic is very nicely done and competes well with the best of the class. The stereo upgrade is outstanding and the climate system is also very easy to use.

• 

  I drive a lot of miles - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Billy Landers - December 12 - 10:26 pm

  I drove a Taurus many years. This car has great trunk space and is all usable, as oppose to having a trunk with a lot of bumps that cause you to not be able to really get suitcases to lay flat. The power of the V6 is amazing.

• 

  Sweet - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By rvrichardson - December 11 - 6:43 am

  Walked onto the lot looking for a Focus for my daughter and then I saw it. Silver Birch, black leather red stiched and cloth combo, moon and tune plus sports package. The wheels and low slung look. I was in love. I would have liked Sync. I was a little concerned about the sticker fuel consumption, however I am pleasantly suprised for a 3L/6 it is not that bad. Driving from Jacksonville to Delray Beach the computer showed just over 30mpg. Average from Delray Beach to Dallas was 27.7 mpg. After 4000 miles I still am glad I bought it. If there was an SEL on the lot with the same package I would have considered that for the extras.

• 

  Fusion Meets the Challenge - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Ken Deken - December 9 - 2:43 am

  Surprise! Ford really means it when they say this car can beat the Camry and Accord. Dont take their word for it, give it a try. Eerily quiet, smooth, elegant interior with the leather package, smooth-shifting six- speed automatic, and decent fuel economy at 25 MPG in mixed driving with the V-6.

• 

  Fusion Stinks - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Jeff Dill - December 7 - 12:10 am

  I hate it, this car clunks around like cheap junk. The car makes so much noise when you go above 50 on the freeway. The interior details look nice and function well, but the durability is questionable.