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:

• 

  Great Car - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Dave - July 21 - 12:23 am

  Over the past 30 years I have purchased new cars made by gm (6), Toyota (1), Chrysler (2), Honda (1) and Volkswagen (2) 12 in all. I never even considered a Ford. Well this time I drove a new 2010 fusion sel with the new 4 cyl and 6 speed auto. What a car! Fit, finish, interior + quality and excellent ride and handling nery good power in the 4 cyl. I was impressed. This is by far the best new car I have ever purchased! I have waited to write this for a while because I wanted to get a true Gage on fuel economy. I get 26-27 mpg city and 35 mpg hwy anyone that has a Toyota Camry or any other mid-size should look at this car, drive the car and buy it! Thank you Ford building this great car...

• 

  Fords new hit in the Mid Size Market - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Mike B - July 17 - 9:43 pm

  Honestly, Ive been an import driver for the last 10 years owning mostly Acura products. When it came time to replace the aging car we were looking mostly at the Mazda line (3 and 6). We rented a 6 Hatchback while home for the holidays and loved the car but it was too small in the back seat and my father in-law was too tight back there. Knowing that the Fusion was based off the same chassis, we tried that out. Great car. Loved the interior room and the layout. Decent power with more than enough in most situations. Quick kickdown on the interstate from the auto tranny. Strong brakes and a great value for the dollar. Got mine for $20K with the SE Sport package, ABS and traction control options

• 

  Great car, nice technology, but some cons - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Zakareah Sikdar - July 13 - 3:47 am

  Switched over from a Lincoln MKS due to horrible Lincoln service and stayed in the Ford family due to having the Ford employee discount, but I am regretting it - a bit. The car is great! I have the SE Tech and luxury package - comes with all the bells and whistles - premium audio, leather, heated seats, etc. Fuel economy is good (fills up for about $35 with average of $2.30/gallon). Acceleration is not bad for a V4. My problem arises with the steering and Ford customer service. When the vehicle only had 500 miles it was in the shop for a vibration in the steering wheel. Ford, who didnt provide me with a loaner car, stated this was a "normal characteristic" and they notified Ford Corporate. I was told to drive another 2,000 miles as my tires have flat spots. Drove another 2,000 miles and problem still persists. Took it back to the dealer and was told, "this feels normal to us". Fine, took it again and was told, "the tires were majorly out of balance". After receiving it back, the problem continues. How ridiculous that a brand new car with only 8,000 miles is having such a problematic situation with steering that the dealer cannot even figure out. Also, sent NUMEROUS emails to Ford Corporate - but I do not ever hear anything back. Overall, this car is good - but service with Ford is garbage. Will probably be going back to foreign cars - Lexus is the best.

• 

  Trading in my dream truck - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Kevin - July 12 - 9:43 am

  While driving to work in my 2005 F150 Lariat and complaining about the price of gas I thought I all ready have a F350 how many trucks do I need. Went on Fords web page and looked at what cars they had to offer. Loved the looks and capabilities of the SEL awd. Went out and traded in my dream truck for a 2007 Merlot V6 awd SEL. Now 6000 miles later in 3 months I still love it. Im averaging 27.4 mpg mixed driving. Car handles like a dream. My 16 and 18 year old daughters think its a cool car too.

• 

  Excellent Car and Price! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Michael - June 25 - 7:00 am

  I was kinda nervous because Ford never had the best reputation, however this car is very awesome! I got the I-4 SE with the appearance package which has the best rims you can get (aluminum with painted inside pockets) and the black vinyl with red stitching and red fabric inlay. The quality seems very good, the ride is awesome and smooth, virtually no road noise. I am very impressed! There is a lot that is standard with this car, which is nice for a change.

• 

  Great Car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Eddie - June 24 - 7:33 am

  Ford has designed and built a great sedan. If they can get folks to test drive this car they will buy it. The Fusion handles great, has plenty of room, decent economy and is one of the most stylish vehicles on the road. This car can definitely go head to head with the Accord and Camry and come out on top.

• 

  Our Ford Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Hank Adamek - June 22 - 4:23 am

  We only have 2500 miles on it but it has been trouble free thus far.

• 

  Just got It! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By oneowner - June 18 - 5:13 pm

  Went shopping for a 09, ended up with a 2010 -it was that much better! Rented a 09 for 3 weeks because our car was totaled, and loved it. 2010 that much better. Fantastic fit and finish. Center console a bit "busy" with buttons. Very smooth on highway and seamless transmission. Too early for MPG figures, but looks good so far. Cant believe its a Ford, I have look at nameplate to remind myself. This is not your grandfathers Ford. Enjoy!

• 

  Like it except for harsh ride - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Andy - June 17 - 7:20 pm

  I like the way the car handles and rides on the highway. Unfortunately, the ride is very harsh on real streets, meaning on bumps, potholes, manhole covers, etc.

• 

  Blue Oval Rules! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Blue Oval Rules! - June 16 - 4:33 am

  After many months of research and driving other vehicles, I finally found the car that fit me! I have a modified 91 Mustang GT 5.0, so I like fast cars that handle great. The V6 SEL AWD Fusion does both! The 221 HP is great, and not near as sluggish as the Buick Lucerne V6 that I drove. Not to mention the racey grille and spoiler! The interior is awesome- I got the Med. Light Stone leather interior and the Audiophile stereo system which rocks! The exterior is black. Only change I plan to do is to have the windows tinted. I get stares and comments (good ones) from Chevy owners. Ford did a great job with this car! Blue Oval Proud!