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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  2006 Ford Fusion SEL I-4 - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Mark - August 27 - 2:20 am

  Just bought a new Ford Fusion I-4 after trading in my Expedition. The gas mileage is so good on the Fusion. I average about 22-25 mpg in the city. The interior is comfortable (w/standard cloth seating). Everything is nice and accessible. The controls on the steering wheel (for the climate control and radio) are so nice to have. Love the console shifter and the Automatic Climate Control. I wish the SEL came with standard automatic headlamps. But besides that, the Fusion is a great car to own.

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  Lovin the Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By ajever1 - August 25 - 12:06 pm

  Since owning this Fusion I have found it to be very reliable, stylish and FUN! I average 23-24mpg (mix hwy/city) at 60-70 miles per day. This car handles great (takes corners very well)! It is a light car & tends to be pushed by strong winds in open, higher areas. Rear visibility is difficult to get used to.

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  Great car for the price - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Htein - August 23 - 4:46 am

  I had a choice between going with 07 SEL w/ leather & spoiler and a 08 SE for the same price. I went with the 08 SE since it had better safety ratings. The car is beautiful on the outside and inside. The only few points off is: 1) the plastic inside look somewhat cheap, especially noticeable at the fan grilles. 2) the phone bluetooth button does not work without sync, which I did not know otherwise I would have bought a model with sync. (I never asked) The maintenance is nice, oil schedule is every 7500 which is a plus from every 3000 miles that Im used to. The car handles and rides very smoothly. Its power output is definitely better than our other 4cyl Saturn.

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  Nuclear Fusion - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Traveling Man - August 22 - 2:01 pm

  This car does it all. It even parks itself. After having a Camry and a Beamer I never thought a Fusion would be better. It is! The 2.0 has a much better response than the Camry and it rides just as good as the Beamer. It stickered at just over 36K but after some discounts I gave 32K including fees and taxes. The fit and finish is superb and no orange peel. After purchasing I used it on a 9 hour road trip and after a long day driving I still felt relaxed. The Camry always made my back ache after 2 hours. I have put 11K on the odometer and cant find anything to complain about. Ford has shown me that they can build a car that deserves top ratings.

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  COMMUTER CAR TURNS INTO FAMILY CAR! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By 2006 SEL V-6- - August 7 - 10:50 pm

  We bought the Fusion to replace the 2003 Focus as a commuter car. Wanted the cheapest model but on Sunday trip we stopped to look at the fully loaded black and loved it. We bought it for wife to commute in approximately 126 miles five days a week. We liked it so much we gave our daughter our 2004 Toyota Solara and sold her 2003 Monte Carlo. With me retired we found we didnt need three cars in the family. Everywhere we went on weekends, like Lake Tahoe, we take the Fusion and love it. If and when we need another car we might just buy another Fusion.

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  What a disaster!!!! - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By David M - August 2 - 8:40 am

  The 2017 Ford Fusion Sport is AWESOMELY fun to drive and is as comfortable as it is agile. I like the active dampening compared to my 2015 Ford Fusion, but oh how I miss that car compared to this one. Ive called Ford Roadside Assistance 5 times in less than three months to deal with electrical issues with my vehicle, which has less than 3000 miles on it. Finally decided to take it into the dealership yesterday, couldnt get a loaner, and sat there for several hours. But alas! The problem wasnt the battery as I suspected but instead a measly fuse that has been causing unwarranted drain to serially kill my battery. Great! Until I hop in my car this morning and it wont start... What a joke! Shipped from the manufacturer with a lemon of a battery or potentially worse - electrical problems. The dealer claims they cant replace the battery until it fails on the rotunda, and they say it has "passed" their specs. Whats truly troubling is how much I love driving this vehicle but what use does a car have if it sits in your driveway without being able to turn on? Dealer wont fix it in a timely manner or to customers satisfaction. I likely wont be purchasing another Ford again, and I certainly cant recommend the brand to any of my friends or family.

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  For Once Rightly Done - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Ariuss - July 31 - 1:53 am

  Have only bought Japanese cars in the past. Drove the SEL and fell in love. If you had told me a year ago that I would be buying a Ford, I would have said you were insane. Ive been proven wrong.

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  Love this car! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Kim - July 20 - 11:10 am

  I researched this car long before it was available. The minute I saw it on the showroom floor I knew I had to have it. Not only is it a comfortable, sporty car but it is a blast to drive.

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  Warning - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Nebraska - July 20 - 1:30 am

  Got the car in April...2700 miles later the transmission is already broke. A sensor is also shot...While covered by warranty--be careful buying one of these.

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  214,000 miles in 6 and a half years, great car! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Pdavidsoncycle@gmail.com - July 10 - 1:49 pm

  Been great to me, I generally put 150 highway miles on each day. Comfortable and good technology as well as smooth ride for a budget car. My only complaint is that the glove compartment doesnt have a light. I would surely buy another one of these. Getting ~30 mpg for most of the time, now down to about 27 mpg.