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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  2010 SEL 3.0 V6 with sport package - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By SCS - August 15 - 6:06 pm

  Before I purchased this car I looked at the Accord and Camry. Fit and finish I would say the Honda was a hair better but the Ford was much nicer then the Toyota, especially in design. Performance and driving were very close with all models but I found the ford more fun. I liked the idea of a V6 without having to go to the sport. Mileage was about 27mpg during the summer but Im down to high 23s this winter. My 3.0 doesnt seem to like the winter blend. The car is very fun to drive and with a manual transmission it would be almost perfect. I do have two issues, one is a high pitched wine from the fan motor and a clunk from the drivers side rear door. I will be taking it in shortly.

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  Good Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By skippyspaniel - August 13 - 10:40 pm

  I have the SE 5 speed AUTO. Its a nice car, looks nice and drives smooth. Takes corners very well. I am averaging 28mpg, better than my previous car which was a Focus. Wait for 07 model when 6 airbags will be standard.

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  3K Review - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Glen - August 12 - 11:00 am

  So far this has been "ONE FUN" car to own and drive. MPG averages 27.4 city/31.3 hwy. Look forward to driving it everyday.

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  LOOK OUT WE ARE COMING DOWN THE ROAD - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By BETTY ARMSTRONG - August 4 - 5:47 am

  I bought my car used, it is a beautiful car. Whoever ordered it before me, had the right idea. I have RED leather seats, highlighted with black dash -black exterior

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  Still like new - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Barty - July 19 - 4:36 pm

  Purchased this pre owned certified car from dealer for what I consider to be a reasonable price. Although it has 36,000 miles its in great shape and I bought the extended warranty just in Case! There is an annoying little rattle (more of a ticking) that seems to only happen when I drive...versus the dealer! Ha. The entertainment controls are cumbersome... And there are about four different ways to change the temperature or radio channel. I vote for simplicity over trending.

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  Vehicle still new - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By C G Stockton - July 18 - 11:00 am

  I have had the car for only one month but then that is as long as it has been on the market here in Houston. I am impressed with the acceleration, handling and for a vehicle in the economy class, quietness of ride. I had an 2002 Impala and I believe the car to be superior in most respects.

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  Fun to Drive - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By kerrie - July 16 - 3:16 pm

  After test driving the Accord, Camry and then the Fusion, we liked the Fusion much better. The leather seats on our SEL are extremely comfortable. The Fusion is fun to drive and makes turns so solid, you feel very little sway. We have 17" wheels so the turning circle is wide, which bothered me at first, but now I am used to it and it does not bother me at all. Also, it is much better looking than the Camry and thousands less than the Accord.

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  Give the imports a run for their money - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Nils - July 7 - 4:30 am

  I waited to review this vehicle, because I really wanted to try it for a month before giving my final impression. One thing that Ive like about what Ford has done with their cars has been the conservative design of the interiors. Nothing flashy, everything is in a place that makes sense, and the quality feels fine. Some people have complained about engine noise on the 4 cylinder, but I dont think its that obnoxious. Its a fun to drive car for a mid-size. Im impressed with the fuel economy, it gets about as good of mileage as the Focus I used to own. It makes my 30 mile commute to work painless, I enjoy driving with this car.

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  Fusion - a Great Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By BuckeyeDad06 - July 5 - 11:00 am

  This is a great car. Has somewhat of a Euro feel to it. Its fun to drive, and has a lot of passenger room and a huge trunk. At 6-1", I have plenty of headroom and legroom (even with a sunroof), and my 5-0" wife can move the seat higher and forward enough to drive it comfortably as well. All the controls are logical and easy to reach. With the 5-speed, the 4 cylinder engine is very responsive; No problems getting up to speed when needed (or wanted). I only have 3500 miles on it so I can only assume that reliability will last. This is the seventh Ford product Ive owned in my life and six of them have been very reliable. Realistically, I am getting 26-28 MPG, mostly city/suburban.

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  need physical therepy - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By j cat - July 1 - 9:18 am

  this is not a vehicle to use to drive more than 1 hour. the seats caused my legs to get numb.. drove this 2400 miles and I was sore for 2 days after I returned it. the good is MPG 32, brakes also. the bad directional control too high/road vibs in the steering wheel / stability on uneven hywy vehicle rocks side to side/ steering is too tight ,just a small movement causes the vehicle to move too much/engine is loud on loading up grades/transmission stays in high gear too long on slowing down/engine has not compression,low torque. the real bad , delay in acceleration when stopped .. when the power pedal is depressed at idle the engine is not engaging for about 1.5 sec.. not good when trying to get back on the road .