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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  Cool car plus safety features - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Karen Maupin - November 26 - 3:43 pm

  I researched, looked at and drove vehicles for two months. Safety features like side airbags, traction control and anti-lock brakes were important to me. I did not want a mom van or a gas hog SUV. Toyota and Honda car models were very pricey. The Fusion has the power and smooth ride I was looking for without the expensive car price. It is fun to drive and gets lots of looks. The controls on the steering wheel are easy to use while driving. The back seat is comfortable for two kids.

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  Excellence in a Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Jerald W. Ozbun - November 25 - 9:56 pm

  Just completed my first month with this car. Best car I have ever owned. Superb handling and fit. Quality is near perfection. Very quiet at all speeds. Plenty of power. Seats are very comfortable. Beautiful design. Fun to drive. Intelligent lay out of dash board. Sound system like a concert hall. I love the 1950s analog clock in the dash. After driving this car I cant understand why anyone would want to buy a Toyota or a Honda.

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  Best American Steel I ever owned - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Kevin B - November 24 - 6:56 am

  Ive owned 10 new Pontiacs, 2 new Toyotas and this is my sixth new Ford and this one is the best of all. It does everything well, good performance, reasonable gas mileage for its size, and its comfortable. I like the style and enjoy driving it. The extra powerpoint needs to be outside the center console, its hard to reach even if the console were empty which is never the case. I would like to see a super sport edition with a V-8, some gas shocks and a supercharger. This would rival the Impala SS and still be sensible enough for adults. Fusion is fun with lots of potential. If it proves to be reliable over the long term, Ford has a winner.

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  First new car in 17 years - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By fredv - November 23 - 9:13 pm

  This is my first new car since getting rid of by 89 Mustang. Ive had good luck with Ford. No major problems. So well see how this one lasts.

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  european rival - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Bruce Levitt - November 20 - 6:36 pm

  Was very skeptical about getting an american car after owning nothing but Audis and BMWs,But after many endless nights researching (driving my wife crazy) and many test drives I went with the fusion and boy am I happy. The car drives great,handles superb,and looks real sharp, all for much less!!

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  top out - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Lee Scroggins - November 16 - 12:20 am

  This car has been great, good to drive and good gas mileage. Drives good on the highways and mountions.

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  My personal Batmobile - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Reggie T Davis - November 3 - 2:14 am

  I love this car! After driving my father-in-laws 2015 Fusion SE, I fell in love. At the time I was driving a 2015 Chrysler 200 Limited with check engine light (bought it brand new mind you) Chrysler was never able to fix the issue or figure out what it was. With it in the shop more than on the road I had time to learn his Fusion. I purchased my 2016 Fusion Titanium Fwd on July 25 with all the bells and whistles. It as a demo, so I got a pretty good deal on it. LOVE THIS CAR!!

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  Another winner from Ford - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Jean - October 30 - 10:10 am

  Test drove a bunch of cars: Kia Rondo, Hyundai Sonata/Azera/Genesis, VW Golf, Honda Civic. Fusion won out over all of them altho the Rondos hatchback is my fav style. Have owned 2 Escorts, Contour, and Taurus in last 20 yrs. Went to check out another Taurus, nothing on lot but the Fusion was a real surprise--plenty of room, great fold-down rear seat design, good power. Appreciate Fords handling & ABS brakes as well. Fusion was a much smoother and more polished car than the $38K Hyundai Genesis! Check into Fords service pkg: set price for all service maint to 100K/7 yrs. Its a great deal in high-cost labor areas.

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  Owner - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Mr. Mrs. Hulsey - October 21 - 4:13 am

  Best value for the dollar and fun to drive. Its good to have a 4 door with a sports car look. The only thing I worry about is the aluminum engine. Is it going to be a good idea to make an all aluminum engine?

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  nice ride - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By g mackey - October 9 - 7:13 am

  This car handles and rides the best that have driven in my 49 years of driving. Averaging approximately 29 miles to a gallon which is the best that Ive ever had.