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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  Ex Ford racer retires but still likes performance. - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Bill Tarpy - August 24 - 11:00 pm

  As a twice previous winner in the World Ford Motorsports Drag Race Challenge and now retired, I needed a car that would do as I asked. This 2016 Fushion Titanium Turbo does just that. Anytime I ask. I have had 10.00 second e.g. cars and this at times is as much fun without the cost. I would recommend this car to anyone with heart. I will never sell this one.

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  Fusion, a really complete car. - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Alberto Castro - August 18 - 10:26 am

  I really liked this car even though it just appeared in the market. It seems really good, and even though reviews in this page say its not powerful enough against its competitors such as the Toyota Camry, for me 221 HP is more than enough power in this car. Here in Mexico its just like $1,000 dollars more expensive but everything in this car is worth it. This is not only a family car, its a sports cars and the SEL version gives me all the luxury I want in this type of car. Its of the best cars I ever bought; compared to Chrysler Concorde I had, it complies with I wanted in a these type of sedans.

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  Love it! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By rsto10 - August 15 - 5:30 am

  Perspective: Bought this car after driving a 2003 Honda Accord V6 w/Nav for the past 7 years. Wanted all the things I loved about my Accord, but with AWD and some driving fun. Fusion fit the bill. 1200 miles into it the car is very fun to drive and impressing me everyday. Corners great and accel. is equal to/better than my Accord (but Fusion is AWD) Quiet cabin but enough engine noise to feel sporty. SYNC=Amazing. I have Nav screen and love every feature. BLIS/cross-traffic/back up cam work great. Stereo Rocks! Just missed the last snowfall, so AWD review will have to wait. Im an Average Joe who needs to haul two small kids safely in WI, but want to have fun doing it. So far, this is it!

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  Transmission is horrendous - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Stephen Rust - August 8 - 4:18 pm

  I have had this Fusion back to the dealer 5 times for transmission problems. It sometimes slams into gear, stutters between gears, revs high and fails to upshift, seems like it gets confused between gears and can’t decide what gear it wants to be in. Each time the dealer says they can find nothing wrong. Give me a break. I wrote to Ford and they sent a factory technician to the dealer to check the car. Of course they said nothing is wrong. Now I am stuck with this car. I can’t sell it, since whoever buys it is going to definitely have the same problem. Never again will I buy a Ford.

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  Ford swayed me from Imports - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By FindlayFusion - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I admit it. Im an Import car man. I have always liked the European and Japanese way of making cars. Tight, solid, good handling & performance, decent styling. However, Ford won my heart with this car. I looked at everything available from every manufacturer and in my opinion, nothing came close to the Fusion for value. I love my cars styling. Its striking whereas to my eye, the Japanese and European cars have all the same styling excitement of a toaster. The fit, finish, and build quality is excellent. The ride & handling, standard features, options and comfort of this car is really very very good. I am 42 and finally I am truly excited and proud of my new American car!

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  Best Car - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Tyler - August 4 - 9:13 am

  This car is by far one of my favorite cars. We currently have a 2014 Cadillac CTS, 2014 GMC 1500 SLT, 2011 Subaru Outback and a 2011 Subaru Impreza Outback. Let me tell you this car drives better than all of them. The car is just as quiet as the Cadillac and has a lot of pep on the go. Forget about those ugly Chevys, too me they didnt even come close. This car is really only used to go to Allentown and back and it has a better fuel economy than my 2013 Ford Focus hatchback (which I traded in for this one). Every one comments on it and loves it. I have customers coming in my business every day and ask about it all the time and how great it looks. Great car, if you are even consider looking at one make it one of your top choices, you wont regret it!

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  Ford Fusion 2006 - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Jen - July 29 - 9:36 am

  I just bought my car last week and I love it. It handles great and has a lot of features. I have the SEL and it is well worth the money. The interior has a lot of room. The extra features I got are great especially the Traction Control. Handles pretty well in the snow and ice.

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  Better than average - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Alan - July 28 - 2:11 pm

  I purchased my Ford Fusion at the end of August and have driven 9500 miles since. I drove a company provided VW Passat before making my purchase. I test drove the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Mazda 6, and my Fusion. I am in sales so each of my cars over the past 21 years have been fleet vehicles. Personally my wife drives a Toyota Highlander. During my test drives, the Ford Fusion had the most comfortable seat. I am very happy with the comfort of the seat, and power seats are standard on the SE. Each of the cars I drove in my test were 4 cylinders; my Passat was the diesel. From a acceleration point of view, the Fusion is as good as any I have driven. I need acceleration from 60 MPH to 80 MPH for passing cars and I am comfortable with the Fusions ability to get me around. The parts of the Fusion that are average in comparison of those that I have driven are the "Sync" feature for the hands free function, and noise that is created by the design on the side of the Fusions body. On my Toyota and VW, the connection when a call is coming in and the ability to end the call is instantaneous. The Fusion has a 3-5 second delay for each. And there has been times when the Sirius Radio gets stuck. It wont change the channel or allow me to change to standard radio. Regarding the noise created by the design, both sides of the Fusion have a groove the length of the car. It creates a sound that is similar to a ribbon being tied to an antenna that is flying tight and it creates a rippling effect. Similar to a kite flying in the wind, too. It is very annoying. If you chose to test drive one, turn the radio down and accelerate to a speed of 60 or more for period of time. I have sales colleagues who drive Fusions and love them. The overall features and handling of the Fusion are satisfactory for my long travels. I also own a 1999 Ford F150 that has been an extremely reliable second vehicle. The reliability of my F150, plus Zero % financing, influenced my decision to purchase the Fusion.

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  another poor design by grandmas at Ford - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By jman - July 15 - 8:26 am

  I purchased this car and at first it had that cachet that made me buy it. I should of taken it for a longer test drive. Every time I got into the car something else would be missing on it. A cover, or cap. This car feels very plastic; something my son should be driving around in my front yard. The nimble effect it had when I first bought it turned into mushy handling.

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  Ford home run - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By was - July 11 - 10:36 pm

  I enjoy driving this auto; it is very stylish and performs very well. It gets excellent fuel economy and has a roomy well designed interior.