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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  Ford Fusion is a great surprise - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Marcos - December 3 - 3:50 pm

  It seems that you are driving an European car made to excel in windy roads. It gives you uncompromised power and still great fuel economy.

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  Very satisfied - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By jr - December 1 - 5:43 am

  This is a great car! Nice snappy exterior styling. Great gas mileage - 30+. Great handling. Probably a bit underpowered with the I-4 but with the mileage worth the sacrifice. Lack of good rear window visibility will take a while to get use to but probably not unlike other cars. Light colored cloth interior is nice but I have concerns over durability and stain resistance.

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  Premium sedan feel for an affordable price - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Andrew - November 16 - 11:18 am

  Overall I enjoy driving this car. I drive this about 70 miles per day with my commute and have driven on long trips also. Its a very good driving car. Visibility is good and acceleration is ample for merging and passing, etc. The AWD works perfect in snowy conditions along with proper snow tires. I always get compliments on the look of the exterior and interior. My biggest complaint is the functionality of the headlights. Even with the Titanium trim, halogen lights are standard and do not believe HID is an option. Headlights are not bright and do not project well, at all. I always have the fog lamps on to supplement the lack of light. After purchase I did replace the OEM lamps with Sylvania Silverstars to help. Test drive this car at night to be sure you can deal with this problem.

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  Great car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By John - November 12 - 12:46 pm

  This has been a great car so far. Love the interior styling with the two tone color. Its surprisingly a solid car. The only downfall is the mileage we have seen is 25mpg in city and on the highway with the 4 cylinder and 5 speed manual. Hoping it will rise to the 31 highway as advertised when summer is over and we dont use the air conditioner. Its peppy for a 4 banger but very comfortable inside even with four 6 foot tall adults inside.

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  Ford Fusion - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By J - November 10 - 5:35 am

  I love my ford Ive had it for almost two years I have a slight knock in motor but it has never doubted me easy to fix someone smashed my window and it took about a half an hour to reinstall oil changes piece of cake overall great car hasnt let me down yet only weird part is my back seat let down button is in the trunk

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  My First Ford... - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By BAC - November 5 - 2:06 pm

  Owning many other cars (GM, Toyota, Honda) over the past 30 years, this is my first Ford and Im impressed. Traded in a 07 Pontiac G6 hard top convertible as it was coming out of warranty. The Fusion Sport looks good, handles great and has very good acceleration. Its a great sporty, family car. Ive had for a month and put on 1100 miles, including 400 miles over Thanksgiving. Very comfortable for 4 adults and good trunk size. Getting 18/25 MPG. Considered Mazda6 with some extra features, but the look and feel of the Fusion Sport won me over. After one final back-to-back test drive between the two, the decision was easy. Purchased with Moon/Tune pkg. and rear assist sensors.

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  Better than expected - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Leo - November 2 - 8:23 am

  I have been waiting for this car since April. It is better than I expected; comfortable ride, great gas mileage (waited for the I4 SEL automatic), steering controls are great. A family car that doesnt sacrifice styling.

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  My dream car! - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Mike N - September 24 - 3:00 pm

  I love this car! I had to start with that. This is a really nice car. I had previously rented a Ford Fusion Titanium and I instantly fell in love with the way it drove and the really cool features it had. I was sad to give it back, lol! So I decided to get one myself. This car rocks! The Ford Fusion is a midsize, but it feels bigger on the inside. It handles like a smaller car. It has a very confident feel in the way it goes down the road. On the highway, its like a luxury car. Very quiet and stable. I have the Titanium trim which has the 2.0 Turbo four. It pulls like a V6. The interior is also very nice. Nice soft touch plastics, an awesome sound system, and a great navigation system, make the interior a very inviting place. You also change the color of the mood lights. I have no worries that itll be reliable and hold together for a long time. It feels like itll last for a long time. **Update** Its been a year since I bought my Fusion and Im still excited about it! I still get gitty walking to the car every time I drive it. It really is an enjoyable car to drive. I do a lot of highway travel and this is the best car Ive owned for long distance travel. The seats are very comfortable, the ride is awesome. It is on the firm side of comfortable, but still very compliant. I havent had any issues over the past year with it. It has been very reliable. Im not planning on getting a new car for a while, but when time comes to get a new car, I would love to get another Fusion. It really is a great value and fun car to drive.

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  Ecoboost made the difference - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Tony - September 20 - 4:21 pm

  2013 fusion se with 1.6 ecoboost. Great gas mileage. 36 highway with a fully loaded car.transmission is shifty at times but mostly great. Very comfortable fir long trips and commutes.we loved our fusion.test drove it with a friend 6ft 5 in the backseat.plenty of leg room.

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  Great little car, keyword...little - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Larry - September 17 - 10:04 pm

  Great looking car, ride is decent for a small car. Getting in and out is the reason we traded into an Escape. That and the seats will cripple you on a trip. Highly dependable and we had only 2 warranty issues, both with the outside mirrors delaminating which the dealer took care of quickly. The 2.5 engine is more than enough engine for most drivers but its no hot rod. Gas mileage for us was 24-26mpgs town driving and 38-44 hiway. Seems like 65 is the best speed for gas mileage for ours. That would be in Texas heat and rolling hills. Brakes were great but the car has more than expected road noise. On course asphalt you cant hardly hold a conversation and for a modern car, thats no longer acceptable. Trunk space is limited as is the back seat area. This is not a crowd hauler or family car. For the wife to go to and from work, it did the job but after sitting in traffic for an hour, she couldnt hardly get out of it due to the seats and the cab forward design which makes it hard to get in and out. While I wouldnt exactly call it an econonbox, its not much of a step up from a Focus which was her previous car.