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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  Awesome Job Ford - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By SAC - May 19 - 9:26 am

  I bought this car looking for something stylish and sporty, but I drive 100 miles per day. I had not considered this car because I was looking to increase my average by at least 10 mpg over the 25 mpg I was averaging with my old car. When I test drove this car which was rated at 32 mpg highway I watched the computer on the dash, with the cruise set at 65 mph, climb to 36 mpg. Sold! The car is tight. It is a little underpowered with the 4 cylinder, but that is the trade off for the gas mileage. One of my other car is a 2004 Corvette, so that my have a little to do with the power issue. It is a great value for what you get on the car. This is going to be a great commuter car.

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  Fusion = Fun, Function, & Style - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Tom Reece - May 16 - 3:53 pm

  Glad I happened to stop by the Ford dealer after shopping the usual far- east candidates. The Fusions design, quality, and finish and on par with the competition and a quantum leap from my wifes 04 Mustang. 4-cyl motor and five speed auto trans are a good combination with decent power (25 mpg), and are smoother and quieter than the powertrain of my 06 Honda Element. The chassis delivers a combination of great ride and sharp handling. Highway speeds are quiet, and the sound system delivers subtle symphony notes to my 50 year-old ears at 70 mph! Styling is classy and distinctive-I really like just looking at it! Price plus incentives make the Fusion by far the best value in the segment.

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  Should changed no gas cap problem free!!! - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By marc - May 14 - 6:52 pm

  I live in a state that requires a yearly inspection to renew my tag. Every year I have to spray WD 40 and clean and clean and clean out the no gas cap area to get the service engine light to turn off so it can pass inspection. It was a useless idea of Ford to design a gas tank with no gas cap! For what purpose? All kinds of dirt n crap can get in the gas tank! This year I had to buy a gas tank plug with a key and the service engine light went off and it passed inspection. One week later the service engine light reappeared. I am good til next year but what will I do then??? Its a 2012 Ford Fusion SE other than that I love the car. But Ford needs to own up to their mistake and recall and fix it for free!!!!

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  Ford cant build or fix their cars! DONT DO IT! - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By McGovern - May 10 - 7:33 am

  I have brought my brand new vehicle in at least seven times(probably more) in roughly two years. That is absolutely unacceptable for a new car. I have outlined the major issues below that Ive brought my vehicle into the dealership for. I cant trust this car to be reliable in the future, would you? At this point, I am fed up and on the verge of trading this car in and I will never recommend Ford to anyone. The regional area managers keep referring me back to their dealerships and they cant seem to correct the numerous issues with their product. All Ive gotten from Ford is a Premium Care Extended Service Plan for 5yrs 75k for all of this....thanks for nothing! Theres obviously issues with Ford and their designs/quality. The 635f transmission on this especially look it up it shouldnt even be out there but shows how much they care. Heres the list of my troubles with this: On February 5, 2015 - My vehicle was leaking transmission fluid at 6,412 miles. The front axle shaft assembly needed to be replaced. February 21, 2015 - Transmission was making a grinding noise, shifts rough randomly usually 1st to 2nd, flares shifting when cold, slams into gear from park to reverse randomly.(said couldnt reproduce problem) May 16, 2015 - Weather stripping on rear door was loose and the p/s wheel well cover was loose due to missing pins. June 16, 2015 - Light sensor was inoperable at 9,255 miles. (had them check transmission for same above...same answer) July 11, 2015 - Brought vehicle in for power steering recall. Mileage display faded in areas when hot inside (had them check transmission for same above...same answer. Now also cant replicate mileage display problem....) Feb 20th - Rear headliner hanging down.The audio speaker on the passenger side makes a vibrating noise during certain bass frequencies. The dealership disconnected it and then plugged it back in and they were not able to correct the issue. Reset ACM for trans helped for about one week...... May 7th - Passenger side speaker now sounding consistently terrible when wet and cold. Speaker was replaced. (had them check transmission for same above...same answer. Now also cant replicate mileage display problem....) I may have forgotten some of the pointless visits but as you can see 7 here that are legit things that had to be fixed and Im at around 16,000 miles and I still have issues lingering especially this jerky transmission they say is fine. Says it all....

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  Transmission and starter problems - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By AL - May 10 - 7:03 am

  At about 1000 miles the automatic transmission started slipping. Ford does not know how to fix the problem. At about 2000 miles the starter motor at times does not engage the engine and at times it will not disengage after the engine starts. A Ford representative suggested trading the car in. The car now has 2600 miles and my wife is scared to drive her new car.

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  Sweet With Some Glitches - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Dennis Toomey - May 10 - 6:25 am

  First of all, the car looks great. Performance is sweet with the 2.0 Turbo with 240 horsepower. No trouble passing. I love not having to take the key out of my pocket to start the car, open the trunk, or lock the doors. Negatives: Im 6 ft. tall and bang my head when I get in. Not a good design for a family sedan. The glove box is poorly designed. You have to move stuff around just to shut it and its not very big. The Ford Touch screen sucks. Turns on by itself, and very distracting and frustrating trying to adjust heat and cool up and down by pointing your fingertips on a + or - sign. Give me old school round knobs that I can turn left or right. The trunk is long but not high enough to make loading any amount of luggage or cargo practical. Thete are no daytime running lights and a rear window wiper would sure be nice. All in all a decent car but Ford needs to think of driver ease and practicality a lot more.

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  Did my research - picked Ford again - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By William Crites - May 5 - 5:10 am

  I do a lot of research before I buy anything, usually spend more time on the internet reading reviews and visiting car sites than I do at the dealerships. I narrowed my search down to the Audi A4, Mazda6, Hyundai Sonata, and the Ford Fusion. Drove them all, ran the numbers, and the Fusion came out on top. So far (its been a month), Im really happy with my decision. Things I love about the car: unbelievably quiet and smooth ride; interior details like the navigation and entertainment console; comfortable seats; the exterior design is awesome , white platinum paint, and great leg/head room for a 63" guy. Its really a fun car to drive too, plenty of power, but again, its the quiet smooth ride that sold me. Things I like about the car: fuel economy (about 31 average right now), perks that come with the Luxury package. Things I wish it had: the a/c and heater controls are up/down arrows - but everyone keeps trying to use the radio knobs to adjust the temperature. Also, the seat heaters require you to reset them each time the car is turned off - my other cars retain the seat heater setting until you change it, or turn it off yourself. I also would have liked a push button start; auto lock/unlock via the door handles like the Titanium version. My sons Scion has those features - come on Ford! That should be part of the Luxury package. But all things considered, I would have bought this car again without question. I got a better deal on the Ford, and my family loves it as much as I do. I think the SE is a better deal than the Titanium, you seem to get almost the same options, just at a better price.

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  super reliable and zippy - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Robert - April 27 - 3:19 pm

  Ive got the 2014 econoboost / turbo and its been super reliable. Ive only changed oil and tires (once) with 70k. No hiccups. Zippy with the turbo, sporty looking and fun to drive. If you like a super plush ride, this is not your car. If you like a sportier ride, this is it.

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  Fusion is a solid car aside from F&F - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By DualFordOwner - April 22 - 7:36 pm

  Just got my 07 SEL V6 leather Fusion and like it a lot. Sharpest car on the road and the Redfire paint and spoiler are awesome. Extremely smooth transmission and the V6 is as powerful as Id ever want/need. Love the lines on this car but not quite sure about the rear tail lights yet, but theyre growing on me.No interior rattles and am amazed at how well this car corners with no roll. Only issues I have so far are with the fit and finish in some areas. You get a lot of car for the money so maybe I shouldnt be complaining about the fit and finish?

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  No resale value - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Ralph Conrad - April 22 - 6:09 pm

  I love the fusion but after 1 year of ownership and only 7k mile on the odo, the car I paid 32k for is only worth 16k. Truly, fords dont hold their value