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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  Unexpected Choice - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By M. Tillman - May 19 - 5:46 am

  Although I have driven just over a thousand miles, I am very impressed with the Fusion. Its quiet, comfortable, and fun to drive. The V6 with six speed automatic always seems to be in the right gear and the leather seats fit me better than either the Accord EX or Camry. The driving position is great with good forward visibility - unfortunately, vision to the rear is not as good due to the high decklid which adds to the trunk volume and probably improves aerodynamics. Steering is superb with no kickback; its difficult to tell its FWD. I started out to buy a Honda Accord EX but ended up with the Fusion - its that good.

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  Great Surprise! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Steve - May 18 - 9:16 am

  To be honest, this car wasnt my first choice. I was set to buy an Altima until the Nissan dealer pulled a bait and switch on me. I found this car by mistake...Thank you Nissan! Ive had my Fusion for a couple of weeks now, and cant believe I didnt find it sooner. The exterior is hip, yet not too hip for my age. Interior is comfortable for my 6 200lb frame, and can comfortably seat 4 adults or an adult and 4 teens! Sound system is above average, and the dash gets lots of notice. The sync system is outstanding and easy to use. Mileage so far is roughly 30mpg in mixed conditions. Car handled very well in recent snow storm. V6 engine is very spunky. Quiet ride.

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  Finally a car from Ford you can love - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By happywithford - May 14 - 9:03 pm

  Just bought my 2010 Ford Fusion with the Moon and Tune package. Drove it 400 miles in one night. Gas mileage is very high, 35-40 on the highway, 20-25 in town (who needs a hybrid?). The leather interior is soft and comfortable, the 4 cyl engine has surprisingly great performance and the ride is smooth and quiet. I have never had a car this nice before, and Ford has now spoiled me. You have to drive this car to really believe it, but have your checkbook handy, it will only take one drive to get hooked.

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  Great machine - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Jim - May 10 - 12:16 pm

  I drove 7 other cars over the same in a two day period over the same road and I chose the 2010 Ford.the equipment was exactly what I wanted and the seats were the selling point. When I sat in the drivers seat I told my wife this was the car. At first the front door wouldnt close until I opened a window that showed me the body had good sound engineering. Believe me I did my homework. The seven cars were almost identical in all dimensions. I was not going to buy a Fusion but one drive and I was hooked.

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  Ford Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By KB - May 9 - 6:36 am

  It is so fun to drive and is very comfortable. I love the Fusion, its my favorite car Ive had it years. Its like a sports car with room for my family. The V6 has a lot more pickup than the I4 which was kind of slow off the start. I love it!

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  [non-permissible content removed] ford - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Randy - May 2 - 3:57 pm

  Bought 2014 fushion se used with 20000 on it. Now 40000 miles and trans went out totally gone no warning nothing just started it and no drive.the sync system sucks. Its always doing its own thing. The air comes on when you want heat. Electronical nightmare. If i could go back in time i would not have bought this car and will never go to kunes ford in wisconsin ever again so rude people they promise you everthing until u sign then its all lies no one cares. They even said to me oh well you bought it its your problem now. Nice huh. Never again ford.

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  Love the Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Shanna - April 20 - 8:43 pm

  I traded an 03 Mustang for my Fusion, and I am very happy I made the decision. I love all the interior room, the look of the exterior; all around I love the car. At first when I bought the car I only planned on keeping the car until the bumper to bumper warranty was up but I have already changed my mind. I am going to keep it or trade it in for a newer model. Only thing bad I have to say is the view out the rear window.

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  A Breath of Fresh Air From Ford - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By RFree - April 20 - 2:23 am

  This car knocked my wife off her feet for the look and she had no brand preference while we were shopping. This review comes from her husband - a long time Ford owner. We purchased the 4 cylinder, 5 speed automatic which came out later in 2006. We love the vehicle! It is definitely an eye-catcher. It drives as well as any competitor car of the 5 others we drove. The front grill is the seller and the slick interior is awesome. Good engine pickup and stop handling, very tight turning and huge truck space. Pop down seats in the rear with arm/beverage holder a plus. This car drove as good or in some cases, better than any of the competitors. Overall, we are very pleased.

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  Great Car - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Mike - April 4 - 11:00 pm

  Great Job Ford, this car is a well built vehicle. It gets great gas millage and has a really nice design. Look out Toyota and Honda.

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  Right Decision - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Martinfromillinois - April 4 - 3:20 am

  Looked around for 6 months, drove em all, Camry, Sonata, Altima, Accord. The Fusion offers the best combination of ride, performance, features and price. Got the SE with sport package, ABS, side airbags and auto. MPG around 33 in rural area with a 25 mile commute each way. I think Ford got it right with this one. Only hope they dont overload the rental market and kill the resale value of this great car. I also have a Mazda 3 and love how the Fusion handles as well as the Mazda (not quite the Zoom Zoom) but still a great car. Dont believe the hype from the import dealers, drive the Fusion yourself (not just around the block) and youll see what everyone is talking about.