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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  190,000 miles - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By Marie - December 4 - 9:35 am

  I have only replaced one battery,tires and had my oil changes. Never left me sitting anywhere. I had a "check up" at 190,000 miles and all that had to be repaired was the brake booster. Im ready for another 200,000! And shesaid been driven hard. Extremely happy!

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  I Love It! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Scentual1 - November 28 - 9:16 am

  I have only had my car for 2 months. I purchased it used. It was just something about this car that I had to have. I even had the dealership go out and find this specific car. I must say I am very pleased with it. I love the way it feels and the way it drives. Not to mention, I get lots of compliments on this car. I love it!

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  Incredible - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Tek - November 13 - 1:50 am

  This car has excellent agility, a comfortable ride, quick acceleration, and very smooth shift.

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  Excellent value - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By mewilly - November 7 - 6:30 pm

  My Fusion has 3,000 miles on it. Fit and finish are excellent. The heater fan, in defrost mode, makes more noise than I expected. Otherwise, interior is excellent and quiet. Automatic transmission shifts nicely. 4cyl engine accelerates noticeably faster than my 6cyl Ranger at low and high speeds. Fuel economy averages 29+mpg with 35% stop-and-go city and 65% unimpeded highway (63-67mph)on cruise control. At each fill-up, I have figured the mileage manually to check the computer. The computer is accurate. On the highway, I have seen 33.6mpg on the computer at 63mph. Excellent value at an affordable price.

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  77,000 and still enjoying - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Bill B - November 2 - 11:17 am

  Still a solid dependable ride. Good handling and predicability under all conditions. Bought new, will keep will past 100,000 baring unforeseen issues. Dealer support is only fair and overpriced.

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  Fusion - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By BHagar - October 10 - 8:00 pm

  Just recently purchased a Fusion. Traded in a truck for fuel mileage. Family loves the new car and I love the savings. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  A good looking fun to drive car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By vince - October 8 - 12:33 am

  I like it. It looks good, has more than enough power and handles well. Its fun to drive. I dont like the rotary headlight switch, and I dont like that there is no gas access door lock.

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  I love this car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By ljb - September 12 - 4:33 pm

  I bought this car in November. I absolutely love it. It is fun to drive. The interior is roomy for my passengers. The ride is quiet. It handles very well. I am only averaging 18.7mpg at the moment. I drive mostly city though.

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  Way Better than Toyota Camary - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By jones86 - August 29 - 12:50 pm

  After searching for months, I came back to the Fusion. This car is a winner! The styling is unique. The V-6 is worth a little less MPG than the 4 cyl. - as it shifts flaulessly, is very quiet and has plenty of power when needed. By far the handling is the best. After learning the underpinnings are from Volvo, "no wonder!" I thought - as my last 2 cars were Volvo and this car handles like no other import car. The interior is fresh and simple - not gaudy like Camrys fake beach glass glowing controls and old folks boring "bisque" color scheme. Get all the options even if you think you dont need them - I did and Im glad - very good value.

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  Better than my 96 Camry, even after 1 year - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Stephanie - August 28 - 12:00 pm

  What a great ride. Drove from No. California to Vegas and it was awesome to get out on the open road. Tight handling is so much better than the looseness of the Camry I drove previous to purchasing my Fusion. I have owned a Honda, a Nissan, and another Ford model in the past 20 years and aside from my very first "new car" which was a Nissan, this is the best. I would definitely purchase this car again. Price tag is unbeatable. Only thing is I cant quite figure out what is up with the high beams. Not sure if I am operating the device correctly or if they just dont work. Need to consult manual or ask the next time I am in for routine service.