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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  My Car Is Crap! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Nesa - May 20 - 2:38 pm

  Make sure you test drive it a good 15 miles before you decide to buy it. I have had nothing but problems with mine. Some easy fixes, some not. Every time I get something fixed, something else seems to be wrong. If you can afford multiple problems, then buy it. If not I would personally look into something different. Coming from someone whom has only had there car 4 months!!!

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  Wow very Impressed - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Mike - May 18 - 2:30 am

  Ford has really gotten their act together with the Fusion, its a well built fuel efficient car. I love the new style for 2010! I looked at the Accord,Mazda 6, and the Malibu. The Fusion blew them all away.

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  A Great Ford Sedan - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Steve Blest - May 15 - 9:53 am

  After five years in an Escape it was great to find a Ford sedan that caught my interest. The Fusion is extremely smooth and quiet. Interior room is fine for my family of four. Features have high quality. It drives like a Passat.

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  FINALLY, IVE FOUND TRUE LOVE! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Nick Marchese - May 7 - 10:06 pm

  I never thought that when I could afford to buy a brand new car, it would be a Ford! I went to my local Ford dealership about a mile from my home to get my cousins 04 Mustang the 15k mile service. A salesman walking by the service area jokingly said, "Good morning, wanna test drive something while youre waiting?" I wanted to drive the 500, but opted for the Fusion. It was love at first sight! I have extensive back/spine deterioration and have to have a seat that is comfortable and adjustable. Add leather, heated seats, one-touch sun roof, 17 inch wheels, a whole lotta pep and six speeds ... WOW! Ive had my Fusion five weeks today, and the odometer has gone from 36 miles to 1,905 miles.

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  Fusion is a great buy - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Hot Wheels - May 6 - 10:46 am

  This is my first Ford and I am glad I purchased this car. Looks better than Accord, Camry or Sonata. Nice power, handling is responsive and fuel economy is great. Makes my commute to work every day a blast. Have gotten many compliments on this vehicle. Very roomy interior especially in the rear. Just wished they offered AWD in the 06. That would be sweet.

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  Impressed - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Matt H - May 1 - 8:06 am

  Overall, Im very satisfied with this car! While its a 4 cylinder, its zippy and responsive. The inside feels refined and is very comfortable to ride in. Its easy to carry 4 full sized adults in comfort. Its a great choice for a midsize sedan while still hanging on to the cool and responsive side of the world.

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  A sleeper that combines practicality with fun! Ger - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Brent - April 25 - 12:08 am

  Ford has stepped up their game with this version of the Fusion. The twin turbo V6 breaks the 300 HP ceiling with a 325 HP, 380 lb/ft engine with quick response & a flat torque curve. Zero to sixty in low 5 second range - the straight line acceleration is awesome for a 4000 pound vehicle. The 6 speed automatic transmission is a bit on the sluggish side for upshifts, but this is a car that is designed to be a daily driver that offers a bit of fun when open roads beckon, not a true performance car. Downshifts in Sport mode are a bit more crisp. The ride is pleasant in normal mode - quiet & smooth. In Sport mode it gets a bit more stiff and the active noise cancellation switches off, so you get a bit of induction noise from the twin turbos as well as a bit of synthetic sound piped in. It isnt the roar of a Porsche being challenged, but remember this is primarily a family car that is upgraded. The AWD keeps you firmly planted during spirited cornering, and the brakes are adequate though not awesome. The safety technology available on this model include accident warning with automatic braking, pre-tensioning of brakes when obstacles are detected, automatic following & braking with the Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Dampening of the suspension with electronic stability control, automatic lane departure monitoring with active steering, rear obstacle detection, and pedestrian detection with automatic braking. It is a vehicle with advanced technology that equals the best the Germans have to offer. All of this in a car that you can get out the door loaded for about 40 K, which wont buy you a similar German car stripped down. It is a great value! A practical family car that offers near BMW / Audi level acceleration & handling with good if not great brakes. If Ford can get a bit more road feel into the steering, add a bit more style (leather dash, please!) to the interior, and make the automatic transmission a bit more crisp, they will have an Audi slayer. As it is it is a much better value than the German comparables - you give up a little but get it at a price the Germans cannot approach for the same loaded vehicle.

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  Drive the Ford Fusion and youll buy it! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Virginia Volunteer - April 22 - 11:36 am

  Had read many reviews and heard about the Ford Fusion for months before I actually saw one or drove one. Test drove an I-4 (4-cylinder) SE with a 5 speed manual and really liked it, but wanted more options and to test a V-6 before buying. Drove a V-6 SEL in the rain ... got to try out acceleration and braking in less than ideal conditions. Wow -- knew this was the car I wanted. Waited for just the right color/options. Its an SEL with every possible option Ford puts in the Fusion and still only around $26K MSRP. People confuse it with an Acura until they see the big blue Ford oval! Very happy and I didnt have to pay $35-40K either. It turns a lot of heads and most cant believe its a FORD!

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  Solid Whip You Need to Drive to Appreciate - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By J Braun - April 17 - 5:10 am

  The older body style is considerably different that the 13 and newer Fusions and it tends to blend into the crowd. It isnt an eye catcher or memorable to look at in any way. It is however, a very solid whip which has a feel and driving experience of a much more expensive car. The ride is smooth and after getting used to the buttons on the center stack and steering wheel, the whip is a lot of vehicle for the money. Ford vehicles of 15 to 20 or more years ago had a bad reputation for a good reason. American car makers have come a long way in build quality and reliability. This Fusion, even with its "blend into the crowd" look, has a great driving experience. It has plenty of umph when you need to pass and the stopping power is very strong too. Theres a giant trunk for an airport pickup with piles of luggage. The backseat can very comfortably handle two with plenty of head and foot room. Theres the center armrest with cup holders. Up front, theres more of the ample head and foot room plus plenty of controls. After a few tanks of fuel I got used to all the buttons but initially, the ergonomics bothered me. It shouldnt be so hard to find the rear defroster or recirculate button for the A/C but it was. The steering wheel controls arent as bad as the center stack and allow you to control the vehicles sound, media choice, cruise control, and scroll through system information. The Sony sound system in this whip is outstanding. Crisp and clean with all the highs and lows you want. The seals and quality of materials make this a very quiet car as well keeping road noise to almost nothing. I love the transmission. The six-speed automatic shifts when its supposed to under load with no thunking drama on those upshifts. Under modest acceleration the shift seem barely noticeable. Theres also a manual mode allowing you to control the shifting without a clutch by using a slick thumb button on the side of the shift lever. The moon roof is nice with full open position or tilted up in the back allowing for good ventilation. Gas mileage is meh at around 24 or so for me. I do get stuck in a good bit of rush hour traffic which keep MPG low around town but I can get 29 MPG on a highway trip. Thats due to the 240 HP, 6 cylinder at the ready. Speaking of gas, no gas cap is no problem. Your pit stops are faster with some sort of trick valve allowing Ford to eliminate the gas cap. It was not something I found hard to get used too. For a heavy, mid-sided car, the 2011 Fusion SEL has the ability to [almost] feel like a Miata in the twisties and an Audi A8L for highway cruising at 90 in the left lane. If you dont mind your whip looking like a somewhat bland, run of the mill vehicle on the outside but want full blown comfort and accommodations on the inside then this is for you.

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  Initial impressions - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Richard - April 7 - 3:13 am

  The I4 is a little "raspy" on acceleration but not unduly so. Seems to have plenty of power even with four very good sized adults. Roomy and comfortable. The interior really seems exceptionally well thought out. The option did not include the automatic which we did get along with the leather seating which I highly recommend. We have dogs that shed. Seems to be quite roomy both in front and back and Im over 66" tall. At highway speeds normal conversations were highly understandable and I thought the handling was great. No complaints at all. Mileage right on the money at 28 mpg per the window sticker. Getting many compliments based on the light sage color. Styling is excellent.