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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  Best Value on market - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Rob - October 22 - 9:58 am

  I can honestly say that this car is a tremendous value purchase. Traded in my 2007 AWD fushion, which was a great car that gave me very few problems, and purchased the 2016 AWD Titanium. Between the trade in and rebates I think I got a great deal for this car. What a car! Beautiful exterior and interior and lots of bells and whistles. Driving and handling are superb and it is an incredibly quiet cabin. Im pleasantly surprised by how much power the 2.0 Turbo engine has too. It has much more pep and is better refined than my old V6 sel model. Gas mileage for an AWD vehicle is very good with about 28mph so far. The sony sound system is top notch too! This car is a lot of fun to drive. I make up excuses to go on errands so I can drive around. A friend of mine recently bought a BMW 5 series for 55K and was stunned by the quality of this car. When I told him how much I paid for it he wanted to bring his back. I may sound like I work for Ford but I do not. I work in finance and I look for value when I make a purchase and IMO there is not much better pure value out there. If you are looking for a mid-size sedan you must test drive the fusion, preferably an SE or Titanium model. You will not be disappointed.

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  Awesome Car! - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By CK - October 18 - 9:38 am

  I Love this car! It looks great, handles, great - the ride is so smooth. Really good gas mileage. Overall awesome performance!

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  Better than the Accord! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Asheley - October 10 - 9:03 am

  I have always owned Hondas, but I decided to trade in my Accord on a brand new Fusion. It was a great idea. Instead of having to put aftermarket parts on my car to make it be appealing, the Fusion already comes with chromed-two tone leather-carbon fiber dash-and nice head and tail lights. I have mine in black with black and grey leather...it looks better and is just as reliable as any factory Honda out there. So why would anyone pay more for a Honda, my Fusion is one of the best ideas Ive had in a long time

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  My first new cae, ever! age 56 - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By jimmy - September 27 - 1:11 pm

  at lest check it out. I was not sure about buying a car with a 4 cyl. engine. I was blown away. More horsepower than my 2009 mustang 4.0. So far love everthing about it.

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  Fun to Drive - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By jimb - September 9 - 7:43 pm

  I recently traded in my 2000 Volvo S70 AWD for the Fusion S with Auto. I have not regretted this purchase. The car is extremely fun, very economical and tons of room. My best friend is 62" and has lots of room in the backseat. The trunk is bigger than my wifes 2003 Taurus and my old Volvo. I totally overwhelmed with the comfort and most of all the 24 mpg in town. This is my 4 Ford vehicle and the best I have ever owned. I recommend the Fusion to anyone who is looking for an economical car that has lots of room. Also, everything one could want for options is standard.

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  A really enjoyable car to drive! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By A.R. - September 7 - 5:56 am

  Ive got a long drive to work and put 40,000 miles a year on my cars. I tried buying used but got burned, so after A LOT thought I decided to buy a Fusion Sport. I think I made the right choice b/c this is enjoyable to drive, very comfortable, and reliable. I got the sport blue w/ black leather & Ive received more compliments on it than the BMW 3 Series I used to drive.

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  41 MPG - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By sharkbait - September 6 - 3:10 pm

  I purchased my Fusion Hybrid as a Certified Used from Ford. It has meet or exceeded all expectations. I commute 35 miles one way to work; I have averaged 41 mpg since I started driving the Ford. It rides well, the SYNC system is handy, and climate control works well. My car has blind spot monitors that come in handy; the body style limits some visibility.

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  Impressed by this midsize - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Robert - September 3 - 7:40 pm

  I recently traded in my Subaru and was intrigued by Fords new AWD Fusion. It looked like a good package overall, so I gave it a chance. Im impressed. The powertrain is quite refined, maybe not on the level of a Camry, but very good. Id love to see Fords larger 3.5 in this car. The transmission has been very responsive, and, oddly, I feel has gotten better over time (upshifting, "knowing" my driving style). Fit and finish is better than Ive seen in almost any car in its class. Ive been averaging about 21-22 in suburbs and some highway, but Im a fairly aggressive driver, so Im pleased. So far, I would definitely recommend this car.

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  big dog - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By tony coglione coglione - September 2 - 2:46 pm

  Reliability safety warranty Fuel Economy

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  Has Ford been holding out on us? - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By A. Former Hondaguy - August 24 - 10:00 am

  When replacing my wifes car we compared Altima, Sonata, Mazda6 and Fusion. The Ford won because of style, value, and fun. After quickly ruling out the Altima (too pricey), we were down to 3. We liked interior and exterior style of Fusion over Sonata. Mazda (like the other Japanese midsize contenders) was too pricey for the same features. We have just over 1400 miles and have really enjoyed the car. We debate whose turn it is to drive. Ford surprised us with the style, handling, and comfort of this car. We preferred the 6-cylinder Fusion, because the 4 seemed to lack power with the automatic.