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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  Three hours a day commute - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Jerrie Marie - December 26 - 11:56 pm

  Since I spend a lot of time on the highway, the little things really affect me. First off, the 6 speed auto trans is smooth, but the Fusion gives me no feedback or control over what gear it is in. When punching the gas (6 cylinder) to pass someone there is a pause while the engine revs up and the 6 speed fumbles to find the right gear. This seems fairly unsafe to me. I would like to have a control to send the transmission into lower gears. Also, while the cruise control is on, if I increase speed with the gas pedal, the transmission fumbles around too much. I can see the results on the tachometer. Otherwise, WOW! What a lot of car for the money!

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  Transmission Stinks!! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By mod463 - December 25 - 10:46 am

  Bought my Fusion in mid-late August 2009. At 3,000 miles the water pump went out. I heard a lot of squeaking and the more I drove it the worse it got. I took it to the dealership and the they said the water pump went out. Took a week or so to get parts and fix it. On March 8th the transmission just about went out completely. Took it back to the dealership and they said the clutches and valve body need replaced and the parts are on back order for a long time. They got Ford to give me a rental car. Also there is times the starter sticks and the car will not start, will take 4 attempts for the car to start. I think I have a LEMON!

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  No - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Tom Mulkey - December 14 - 10:35 pm

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  Happy to be back with Ford - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Mike P. - December 3 - 10:10 am

  Handles very well. Smooth on the road. Tires are rated 44 psi and they had 40 when I drove off. A bit choppy so I dropped pressure to 34 PSI and it made a nice difference. (Door sticker states 31 psi) I have an SE model but it is nicely equipped with optional sun-roof and spoiler. I love the style and the crisp handling. Gas Mileage seems to be in the 30s avg. but I do a lot of highway. Well see as it breaks in more. Very happy with the purchase. Fit and finish is excellent.

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  Surprising Upgrade - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Damiacci - November 24 - 1:09 am

  I had a 2010 Ford Edge that i traded in due to it getting a little long in the tooth. It was a base model which I was fine with. Anyways, I went down to the Dealership after doing an online app and after a pretty interesting buying experience, I took home my Ford Fusion SE w/tech package, in Black on Black :) My favorite part of the car is of course the styling and the LED daytime headlights which look soooo cool when the sun is setting. It was a pleasant upgrade to the Edge with the Technology. I like SYNC 3(not love) and I like the clean look of the dash. Now I do have a few gripes I hate to mention but I have to be honest with other buyers: SYNC has been glitch only twice, in the 4 months I’ve had it. There was one small occasion when I got in my car and my music would not play from my phone…But it worked eventually after a restart. My 2nd week having the car, my windows did a funky ghost thing where they would go up and go back down to where I had it originally sitting. Was very annoying, had to take it to the dealership and they told me the motor was bad and has to be replaced. Now Ford did do a good job of getting me in another vehicle and getting the window motor replaced quickly. My only other gripe(not sure if this is even something to mention given the class of the car) is the powertrain. i personally dont like the engine or transmission and I guess this may be coming from the fact I came from an Edge with significantly more power. But i feel the engine could be slightly more powerful and the transmission could be a little more smoother. But again, as mentioned,this is a base engine so i guess you get what you pay for. Also, the gas mileage is so so.... Otherwise, i really love my fusion, i truly hope to have many awesome years with my car, despite the fact that I am racking up miles like a truck driver. I absolutely appreciate all the cool features, touch screen, trip computer and the black on black is so very sexy with the styling of the car. Although, it has room for improvement, I am very happy and grateful for my car. I look forward to getting more Ford products in the future. :). thanks for reading.

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  This is no toy car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Don Casey - November 9 - 6:33 am

  This is a car for driving enthusiasts who enjoy quiet comfort in a performance car. This is a car for experienced drivers. When you hit the gas you can burn rubber to your hearts delight. Acceleration is fast, very fast. Passing other cars is a breeze. Road noise is non-existent below 40 MPH or so. Over 40 MPH and you only get the tires bumping over road defects. If not for those there would be no noise. The car is simply beautiful. Fit and trim inside and out is perfect. The interior is stylish (not the same old plastic imitation burled walnut) and the doors and dash are a unique leather design. The Monsoon stereo with the 6 CD in dash in is simply awesome. To drive it is to buy.

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  Dissapointed - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Zapataro - November 8 - 7:25 pm

  I do a lot of car research. I rather enjoy it. So when I bought my 13 fusion I was fairly confidant. I hate to say that Ive been rather disappointed. I bought the fusion because I drove long distances and needed good fuel economy, comfortable ride and good connectivity. One out of three is not good enough for me. Ive never reached over 27mpg on the highway. My V8 Genesis would do over 30! The sync system is incredibly aggravating. Ive spent hours in the car trying to get it to work with my phone and I dont know how many times Ive just given up trying to use the voice control. And then there are the noises. The rattles, the tapping and the creaks. I think it might be worse then my old Jeep Cherokee. I would have expected that if the car had 150k but I bought it with only 4k! I will say that the ride and handling are quite good, it goes nicely through the canyons. But the power is only meh. Maybe my expectations are to high but Im ok with that. I will be trading this in as soon as I can. Too bad its not worth much.

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  Great Car Great Purchase - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Paul - November 5 - 1:34 pm

  This is a review of my so far experience with my new 2016 Fusion Titanium AWD. I have just shy of 1,000 miles on it and as expected with any brand or model of new car it should be flawless still at this point. I am happy to say that my Fusion is fitting that statement quite well. Time will of course be the deciding factor of my feelings for this car in the long term but at this point I am very pleased with my choice.

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  Type S Slayer - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Steve - October 23 - 5:43 pm

  We traded in a 2008 Acrua TL Type S for the 2010 Fusion Sport. No regrets, its a better value. Love the Sport. It runs and shifts smoother, is more quiet, is much more comfortable, and drives better. We liked the Acura a lot but this Fusion Sport is a much better car. This Sport has all the features the Type S had like Navi, back-up camera, plus, blind spot info and back- up warning sensors.

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  An Affordable Luxury - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Doyle Hughes - October 17 - 8:06 am

  The 2016 Ford Fusion SE model with the luxury package is what I purchased. All controls work well and are well placed for me. The center console sits too far back when my girlfriend drives it, but considering that shes a bit short, its to be expected. The air conditioning works OUTSTANDING for East Texas heat and humidity. My only complaint about this car is the onboard navigation. It is not up to date with current roads and is a bit outdated in its style of use. Other than that, Im very well pleased with the car.