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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  Sleeper/overlooked - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Scape2 - October 8 - 7:53 pm

  Purchased a loaded SEL with all options. Ford has done its homework with this sedan. Value is what this vehicle has over the other 2 main players in this segment. For the price I paid, you couldnt touch a like sedan with like options for this price. Granted, plastics could be a bit better on the interior. Quiet, comfortable ride. Road feel is minimal. Handles fantastic around curves. 221HP V6 is plenty for this vehicle. V6 costs same or even less than 4 cylinder models in like sedans. Tinted glass would be nice.

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  Get the 2.0! - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Jdogg - October 3 - 11:44 pm

  I have the 1.5 EcoBoost. The only selections in the drop down menu were 2.5 or 2.0. I have the Sport Appearance Package with the spoiler, rims, etc. For a "generic" mid sized sedan this car looks good! However, my main gripes are: Poor acceleration and bad gas mileage. I commute 100 miles a day all freeway. I an getting 29 MPG. In my 2016 Dodge Challenger with a 300 hp V6 that weighs more I get 27 MPG. If the Fusion got 33-35 MPG on the highway the power would be fine. This tells me that the engine is working too hard. My other big gripe is about the Infotainment system. The screen is small especially in a vehicle equipped with a back up camera. Ford has made it nearly impossible to replace the stereo unit. The stereo does not sound very good also. At least I can change the speakers. There is an annoying squeak in the back seat that started at 40K miles. I love the looks and ride of the car.

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  Chose Fusion Sport over Lincoln MKZ - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By JimHo - September 21 - 4:16 pm

  Oiginally considered a Lincoln MKZ, the same basic car but with fancier options, but it seemed too much like an old man car. Fusion Sport has almost all the same options with a sportier look. Got it with AWD and handling is great. I think I will tear up the factory tires for the next year and then splurge on some nicer ones. Engine has good pickup... doesnt really snarl like a true sports car but acceleration is effortless. In tuxedo black, the car turns some heads and the exterior on the 2010 is a big improvement over the previous Fusions. So far, Im really enjoying it.

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  Impressive power - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By TZ - September 20 - 9:56 pm

  Not only does this car look hot, it handles great and is very fun to drive. The 2.5 4 cylinder is very capable on the highway and not at all depressing around town. In fact I keep finding myself having to back off the gas a little after looking down at the speedo or getting a tap from the wife. Its that kind of a smooth sailing machine, if you know what I mean. Ford hit the mark with this one!

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  We Love It - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Julia R - September 13 - 1:24 pm

  Would recommend the Ford Fusion to everyone.

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  Drive a Fusion - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Lovemyfusion - September 10 - 1:26 am

  This is my 4th Ford. And I love this car most of all! I got smart with gas prices the way they are. I traded in my 05 Dodge Ram quad cab HEMI. Gas hog. I love my Fusion so much I cant stop driving it. At 65mph. Im getting 34mpg. That 25 more than my old truck. I love it. I think Ill get more when the engine gets broke in. It looks like A 30,000 dollar car for 19,000. The audiophile sound system is ear ringing and sync is so cool. And the black and red leather is a nice look. And the car handles like a slot car.

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  Surprisingly good! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By LarryH - September 4 - 11:26 am

  I rented one in Kansas City and drove across the state getting 30+ mpg on the highway. Very smooth through the back roads. Typical controls (thats a good thing), nice power drivers seat, big trunk, leg room for grown-ups! Good stereo. I like the no-cap gas filler. Total miles driven - 1500 in 4 days.

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  Fun to drive! - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Bill C - August 30 - 4:34 am

  I bought my Fusion new and have owned it for close to two years (22,000 miles). Love the styling inside and out. My main complaint is activating the navigation system with voice commands. I believe it should work seamlessly like Google Maps - "..directions to 123 S Main St, CityName". Not even close. I have demoed this to friends and it is so awful to engage the navigation - it is comical. It will not accept a generic command and forces you though the questions it needs. Takes way too long and frequently does not even work. The Sync voice command interface is inconsistent as well. I average about 27.3 mpg with mostly highway commuter driving conditions. I am pleased with this given the level of performance this car delivers. The car is a bit jerky at low speeds. Seems like a transmission design issue. This is not a huge distraction, but I hope Ford addresses it in the future. Huge trunk - seats fold down easily for additional storage when needed. Love the Rudy Red paint. Get lots of compliments. Overall, I am very pleased.

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  Wow Ford puts Fun back in Driving - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Drivin Happy - August 28 - 12:40 am

  Wow, the F in Ford finally means FUN! Test drove two of these just to be sure, and the Ford Fusion is fun to drive. I bought mine 3 weeks ago, and dont regret it. Comfortable seating position as well as seats, excellent handling in any traffic situation, great controls, excellent fuel economy, already getting 24mpg and the engine isnt even broken in yet, Looked at the Camry, but too boring and pricey. Got my fully loaded (every option on the list) SEL on the road for just around $25 grand, great price! THX sound system is fantastic!

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  HAPPY SURPRISE - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By HAPPY - August 25 - 6:13 pm

  After talking myself out of my 04 Lincoln LS and into a "gas friendly" vehicle, I have been happily surprised just how much I really like my new Fusion. It just sips fuel, regular at that. Smoother on the road than my Lincoln LS and surprisingly comfortable. Wind noise, forget it! Finally......... Good job Ford!