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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  So Far, So Good - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By WestTenn - October 9 - 1:03 pm

  Ive owned my 2010 Ford Fusion Sport for nearly 4 months and I have no regrets about my purchase. I continue to enjoy the power of the 3.5L V-6, crisp handling, and quiet ride. Its a nimble-enough of a car in-town and a smooth performer on open highways. The leather-upholstered seats are fairly comfortable. I have found the EPA fuel mileage estimates to be very accurate for both city and highway driving (21/26 mpg). Its an attractive car; my friends really like it and strangers have come up to ask me (in a nice way) to find out what kind of car it is! The main "disappointment" would be the brakes -- they could be a bit more resolute.

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  In love - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By 250sx - October 3 - 12:36 pm

  I bought my Fusion after test driving the 4 and 6 and the awd. I settled on the awd v6. It felt that it drove through bumps and didnt hop like I felt the fwd does. The v6 is almost too much for stop and go, and the brakes are super sticky. Im not too fond of the tall back end. Im 62" and have a hard time backing up. Also the drinks are right under your shifter or your arm. And the window is so tall I cant put my arm on it.

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  Pic me ford - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Michelle Guilfoyle - October 2 - 8:06 am

  I have had my 2014 Ford Fusion for 2 yrs now . And maintenance cost yet high in cost only had to have it in garage once so far for a electrical issue.

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  Transmission issues - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Shelly - September 29 - 5:24 am

  I have a 2014 Ecoboost Fusion that I love! Two things I dont love are really bad in rain & had it in twice for transmission problems! Yikes! And its not even 36 months yet!

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  Love It! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By TinaJ - September 27 - 2:46 pm

  I love the choice that I made to purchase a Fusion. The ride is very smooth, it has plenty of storage, and everything is easy to operate. Most of all, it is very good on gas.

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  Great Car - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Dave - September 26 - 1:00 pm

  Have enjoyed two long trips in the car to New Orleans and the Catskills. Trunk is huge. Rear does not bottom with two men in back and full trunk of luggage and tools. Short trip town mileage is 20-21 mpg and highway is 26-27. The V6 moves the car easily and highway passing is great. Love the progressive pressure brakes. Car is exceptionally quiet. I love the fit and finish. Sound system is great with the 12 speaker Sony. My Sterling Gray Metallic is the most beautiful metallic Ive ever seen.

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  great car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By david j. catlin - September 20 - 11:40 pm

  This car is a pleasure to drive, comfortable, quiet ride, build quality, color exterior and interior. The economy is very good. The transmission should have a lockout for the overdrove. Trunk space is another plus.

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  Slightly Tinted Windows - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By VCD - September 18 - 11:56 am

  Ive been a loyal for over 16 years and Ive always had SUVs and this is my first car and I really like this car. The design is what attracted me to this car. Great Job Ford!

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  Hard To Beat - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By No More GM For Me - September 5 - 10:53 am

  This is one terrific car. It is easy and fun to drive, handles well, does well on gas, is very comfortable, and best of all IT DOES NOT HAVE ONSTAR. That alone is what steered me away from GM. Do yourself a favor and request the brochure from Ford online and youll get an extra $750 off. With rebates, incentives, etc. I got this pretty well loaded car for about $5,000 below sticker price. Great buy on great car. If GM finally gets around to introducing more new cars than new CEOs AND offer what people really want without useless nonsense like OnStar they might start to get it right.

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  NOT for use on gravel roads!!! - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Kris L - August 29 - 3:16 pm

  This car is probably great if you never drive on gravel roads. Unfortunately, I drive on gravel everyday. This car sits very low to the ground. I have even had trouble with scraping the bottom on sudden rises when driving in town. On gravel, I have to be extremely careful not to drag the car when driving over ruts or potholes. Even worse, this car is very prone to getting gravel stuck in the rotors, causing a loud, irritating, screeching noise. This started for the first time when I had around 400 miles on the car. I now have less than 3000 miles on the car, and I have had this problem several times since. A week ago, it got so bad that I finally had it checked out because I was afraid there was something more wrong with the car than just a rock stuck in the rotor. I took it in to the dealer and, sure enough, there was a piece of gravel stuck in the rotor, causing the car to screech. I had the rotors cleaned, at my own expense, as the warranty wouldnt cover it. Today, one week later, I hopped in the car and guess what, its screeching again!!! Very frustrating to have to deal with this with a brand-new car. I dont understand what it is about this car that is causing this problem. I have always driven on gravel roads daily, and I have always done so in a car this size or smaller, but have never had problems like this before. If I had known that I would be listening to this car screech before it had even had its first oil change, I would NEVER have bought it! If you live on a gravel road, keep shopping!