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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  2007 Ford Fusion - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By fusion07 - September 12 - 7:16 am

  I love my new car! I was trying to decide between a Fusion and a Milan when I purchased, but I am very very happy with my choice. Im getting 29- 30 on the highway with a V6! The build quality is great, ride is great! Awesome job Ford! FoMoCo is back! Watch out Toyota, Fusion is a sign that Ford will not be denied!

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  A Fun Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Vincer - September 8 - 12:46 am

  Ample power, handles well, its a fun car to drive. I have driven all cars in its class - this one came out on top.

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  one great ford! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By fusion racer - September 4 - 5:16 pm

  Well I did it. traded in my 08 ford fusion. 4 cyl moon and tune sport package. sel. for a 2010 ford fusion 4cly sel. what a world of change. great new dash love it. no more 10 dollar dash. nice center tower. great filling to drive. more power. and a six speed trans. much better gas mileage.

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  Great deal! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By mwv - August 27 - 11:23 pm

  I was planning to buy a certified 05 Accord LX with 30k miles from the local Honda dealer to replace my trouble-free 97 Accord, but bought a new 08 Fusion SE instead. The Fusion has a lot more stuff - leather, alloy wheels, 6x CD, trip computer, etc. and gets as good or better reliability ratings. Gas mileage is already as good as the 97 Accord in daily commute. Couldnt get the Honda dealer to give much discount on the Accord, but got a great deal on the Fusion. With the incentive from Ford, it was within $1000 of the price of the 05 Accord. Easy decision.

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  Fusion Fun - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Crawl - August 27 - 10:33 am

  Got a Fusion for the features and found it very comfortable to drive and many cool features keep popping up. Audio input in the middle console, front passenger seat lays flat, etc. It just looks good sitting still as well.

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  A unified bond - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Steve Ferrari - August 24 - 5:50 pm

  Quiet and tight and everything is right!

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  Terrible transmission & warranty - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Kyle - August 23 - 5:16 pm

  I bought a 2014 Ford fusion, with 33,000 miles on it. Less then a week owning it & the transmission started slipping while accelerating & slamming into reverse. Took it to a Ford dealer & I was told it needed a new transmission. Instead of replacing it though, they replaced parts in it for 2 months.. Which never solved the problem. Ford kept calling & saying it was fixed, but when we would test drive it, the SAME PROBLEMS existed. Ford direct was of no help. After 2 months of Ford having my car, they finally replaced the transmission, but the slipping between gears STILL exists. The warranty on these cars is a joke.. Ford had replaced numerous parts to no avail, had engineering involved to no avail, and finally had a regional technician drive the car & order a new transmission. Dont buy a Ford. The time, the hassle, the inconvenience was NOT worth it. No one at Ford took responsibility for the delay and even said "weve never seen it take this long for repairs before.." but STILL took even longer. Completely incompetent company. The Ford regional service lady even got involved after 2 weeks, and promised to speed things along & keep me informed but again- she had no information, no solutions & the problem was still prolonged.

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  110k miles of trouble free driving - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Phil Humbert - August 9 - 11:34 am

  I purchased this 2013 Fusion titanium in July 2014 when it had 15,000 miles on it. Now in April 2016 it has 110,000 miles. Other than routine oil changes, tires, and a couple of minor dealer recalls the car has been perfect. Still on the original brake pads all other wear parts. Highly recommended. It is still quiet, solid, and drives perfectly. I drive about 5,000 miles per month for my work sales job, and average over 30 miles a gallon every tankful.

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  So far so good - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Patrick Sullivan - August 8 - 11:24 pm

  I have owned the car since May and use it to commute back and forth to school. Only has 30K and is three years old but still feels solid. Acceleration is slow with 2.5 but I got it for reliability and gas mileage and it has delivered on both ends. Highly recommend this vehicle to anyway.

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  AWD Fun - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By KPS - August 7 - 12:06 am

  This is a fun car. I have read some reviews where people say I wish it had auto on off lights etc. It comes with auto on off lights in this trim. Feels sturdy and secure, handles very well in snow and ice. Interior is fine but needs to be adjusted e.g. Nav system should be up higher so driver doesnt have to look down to see it etc. You need rear spoiler or else third brake light blocks your rear view.