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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  A little disappointed - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Mary A - January 6 - 6:06 am

  We traded a 2003 Ford Explorer for a 2006 Fusion to obtain better fuel efficiency, however this was a big mistake. We are only averaging about 19-20 mpg with the Fusion, but have sacrificed a significant amount of space. Our Explorer was roomy and held 7 passengers. The Fusion is small and even with buying the V6 SEL loaded, it is missing some of my favorite luxury features. Also, we purchased the fusion in May 06, then in July 06, Ford offered an extended warranty to all the 2006 models purchased after mid July. What a slap in the face to those of us who took a chance and bought Fords first year model Fusion!

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  Beautiful car! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Gardenangels - January 5 - 1:06 am

  Plenty of power in this red beauty. Ive been through all kinds of weather conditions and the car is safe and reliable. Lots of looks and compliments for this car.

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  LOVE IT!!! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By jmm - January 4 - 5:03 pm

  i just bought a 2009 ford fusion and i have already fell in love with it!! its such a great car. i always thoguht ford wasnt that great but once i sat in one and drove it i just knew i had to have the car. it get decent gas milage. i would tell everyone to get this car. the outside looks sweet and the inside has a lot of space and is very confortable. A+++++ for sure.

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  Not a bad little 4-banger - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By spocklives - December 28 - 3:52 am

  First of all, this is a 4cyl, and its going to shift like a 4cyl. The difference is in the EcoBoost engine. When getting on the highway, this thing really has a lot of pep and get-up-and-go. The ride is so comfortable Ive had people say it rides like a Merc, very smooth, very nice. My one major complaint is with the SYNC and Bluetooth features. Theyre not 100% reliable and dont work properly all the time. Mine has a tendency to get "stuck" after reading a text message and I have to switch the radio on and off again to reset it. It doesnt always hear my voice properly when telling it simple stuff like, "call dad".... did you say, call vet? Call dad..... did you say, call Frank? I dont have a funny accent either... I speak perfect English. Defeats the purpose of hands-free when I have to stop and look at my phone to find the contact I want my car to call. Yes, were spoiled, 5 years ago this didnt exist. The transmission sometimes has problems finding the right gear to sit in on inclines, but its active assist on the descent saves your brakes and makes up for it. My husband is 61" and 250lbs, he fits in the front seats very comfortably, not so much in the back though. I feel bad when I have to stick him back there in favor of my mother. :) You can literally fit 9 bodies in the trunk, dont ask me how I know that. Im not 100% comfortable with an electronic parking brake, if thats one thing I could change on this car, that would be priority.

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  So Far Toooo Good - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By bdalepa - December 20 - 9:10 pm

  Looked at the Toyota, Honda and Cadillac. Much more "Bang for the Buck" with this car. Great ride, great look, great mileage. Only time will tell, but so far so good.

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  An all around fun and ergonomic car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By MP - December 19 - 3:53 am

  I have only had my SE with the 6 cylinder auto for a little over a month. I am coming up on 3000 miles. First of all, I would like to comment about the car having an all aluminum engine. Nascar is using the same all aluminum engine, but bored and stroked to the maximum. If it can take that abuse, I know that my abuse would be nothing to its engine. I love the way that it rides, and am replacing a Mazda 6S auto with the Fusion. It handles better then the Mazda. I love its acceleration and have always owned foreign cars. I am averaging about 25-30 on the highway and 25 in city. I am now " talking " Ford.

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  HOME RUN - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By LEE - December 10 - 12:00 pm

  Ford has finally listened to the people and built a very competitive car.The car is beutiful and drives great. I bought the I4 with the 2.5 engine and I believe it has plenty of pep with good gas mileage.

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  Fusion Summary - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Arthur on the Bay - December 9 - 2:50 am

  Im a person who buys a lot of cars to try them out and compare. Ive found that the Fusion hits a sweet spot for me with a combination of performance, handling, and economy thats hard to beat. I like to drive hard and the Fusion is very responsive. The inline four winds out nicely, the understeer is predicable, and the brakes are good. Its truly a hoot to push on a country road. Fuel economy in evenly mixed city and highway driving is 23 mpg when pushed and 25 at normal acceleration. The comfort level is high; its essentially a Mazda6 in American clothes. Only the Accord is better and its slightly higher refinement is not worth the higher price to me.

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  Excellent for the price - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By heatstroke - December 5 - 2:20 pm

  Ive been driving the Ford Fusion Sport for a week now and I can say that Im very very with my decision. I was leasing a 2007 Mazda MX5 (Miata) for two years and needed something to replace it that was more practical but had go fun factor. For the price, this car is hard to beat. I test drove the CC as its nearest competitor and for the money, you just get A LOT more car with the Fusion. Its quick and relatively quiet. It also has a nice luxury feel. Ford did a great job and I look forward to holding onto the care for about 6-7 years.

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  Fusion Melds Tech, Performance and Safty - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By TPC IN PVB - December 1 - 1:42 pm

  Mine is 2013 ford Fusion Titanium with econ boost, Has all the tech packages available. long list including Adaptive cruise control letting you set how many car length you want to stay behind car in front of you. Car will brake if vehicle in front slows quickly or stops etc Lane assist is like car provided "road rumble" steering vibrates. Then a very slight push toward the center of the lane. Great once going over 35 mph and on fairly straight roads as it is not going do more then 10% turn. I attempted to drive with hand just placed off the wheel to test car got a beep and notice on dash saying" keep your hands on the wheel" very cool You can easily disable or change sensitivity and amount of feed back you receive.The rumble can be more intense. Icon showing steaming cup of coffee, Cool feature if car detects your tired it will ding and a display will show "cup of steaming coffee "are you ready to get refreshed" This can happen if you change lanes quickly or fail to use blinker.