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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  Great upgrade from the Titanium - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Ken - March 4 - 3:28 am

  Having upgraded from my 2013 Titanium, I am well pleased. I find there is little to be displeased about in this car. I am a big Apple fan, but I find I prefer the Sync 3 to CarPlay. Since the bluetooth is available for music, podcast, etc., I dont find using the CarPlay directions that important, expecially since I live in Montana and am often out of cell range when traveling in the mountains. Its a great car to drive, handles very well in the mountain curves and terrain. Being 57", the seats are perfect for me, I sure for taller individuals it could be frustrating. The interior of the car is very impressive. I love the small improvements to the exterior (LED lights) and the front grill. Thank you Ford, for a great car!

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  Ford build a car to compete in Europe - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Bill Stammers - February 28 - 1:30 pm

  As an Englishman living in Canada, having to travel 80k to work 5 days a week, after a lot of research I settled for the Fusion, my wife had a 2004 Focus Wagon and that was really reliable so that influenced my choice, test drove a used Mazda6 which I found really good but had rust problems. The Fusion is excellent the gearbox a delight, the engine so,so flexible, comfort superb, only fault is the special spare which are really useless in rural Canada, we have to cover such vast distances they are impractical at certain times. I have not got SYNC but really pleased with the 6 CD changer and sound system, up to my move to Canada, I have always driven Volvos, this Fusion compares favourably

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  A real nice better Accord - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Tom - February 18 - 6:10 am

  I had a 2004 Accord EX V6 coupe, with navi and my Fusion is equipped the same way. It has every available option. I love it! I am 63 240 and have plenty of room while driving.

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  Another great Ford - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Al - February 17 - 6:00 pm

  I love this vehicle. It handles well, gets good gas mileage, and looks great. Sync is awesome! Ambient lighting is nice also. Getting 22 mpg in the city, which I think is good for an AWD vehicle.

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  Quietest car we have ever owned - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Marc - January 21 - 6:56 am

  The car is my wifes and everytime I get in it I cannot believe how it rides, handles and functions. She loves it too! We have recently owned Hondas and this car takes no back seat to them in any area. Great job Ford!

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  Impressive Vehicle - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Musikbxs - January 18 - 7:46 am

  The quiet ride of this 4 cyl SEL is impressive. Acceleration is more than adequate and the fuel economy is better than published EPA estimates. The 6- speed automatic transmission is seamless and provides extremely smooth performance. I like the reverse sensing signal/warning and find it a big plus when parallel parking and backing out of tight spaces. The Sony 12-speaker sound system is awesome. I have the Sport Suspension on my Fusion and find it to be a little too stiff for my liking. It definitely magnifies every bump in the road. I opted for the dealer installed remote starter and think it is a fantastic addition. The 1000 ft range is unbelievable.

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  Much nicer than I expected - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Steve - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I was totally surprised at how well the car handles and how quiet and comfortable it is during normal hi speed . The six speaker sound system with Sirius and Sync sounds great.The controls are perfectly placed (to me).The Michelin 50 series tires are great and the fuel lie-ometer is reasonably accurate. My first tank of fuel hand calculated at 27mpg. I was a little suspicious of the most important performance function (brakes) until the first time I did a hard stop. When you press on the brakes HARD it stops hard and fast. If you buy one, test it out with no one in back of you. An unexpected goodie with the Sync was the ability to use a 16gb thumb drive on the USB port.

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  Smiling from ear to ear - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By dderube - January 15 - 2:40 am

  Wow. I got my SE V-6 Fusion a few months ago, black with tan leather interior. Coming from a guy in his 20s, I think the car looks phenomenal. I definitely get a lot of looks on the road. I like the style of the interior too (especially the offset-color stitching in the leather seats & carbon fiber in the dash). Plus it handles great and is a ton of fun to drive. The quality of fit and finish -- interior and exterior -- is very high. Ive got 7k miles on my Fusion so far and I couldnt be happier. Good value for the money spent.

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  All show and no go - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Sam - January 8 - 1:11 am

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  This is a Ford? - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Klaus VB - January 8 - 12:03 am

  I am a long-time Hondaphile. Have owned Hondas for years. If not a Honda a Toyota. This time around I decided to try a Fusion because of a test- drive offer at the autoshow. HOLY COW. Quiet, smooth, fantastic transmission, very cool design both inside and out. Out went the Accord, in came the Fusion. Driving one would make you a convert too. It really out-Hondas the Accord. Imagine a quieter, smoother Accord and this is the car. The price point is very good too. I saved thousands over a comparably equipped Honda. Lastly, it is a recommended car by Consumer Reports and the reliability ratings have been stellar. I am happy that I tried out a Ford dealership.