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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  Let me count the ways - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Gene - February 28 - 3:50 pm

  Theres a lot good about the Fusion, but there are several things that have me saying, "I should have bought a Chevy". Economy, handling, appearance, all great. However, FordSynch is the dumbest piece of engineering Ive ever seen. It is redundant, confusing, and down right dangerous having to take your eyes off the road to keep tapping on that screen. Old fashion dials and sliders would be far superior. Engine noise: BAD. Wind noise: BAD. Seats: UNCOMFORTABLE (passenger seat vertical adjustment is an "option". You feel like youre sitting in a hole without it. Climate controls: HORRIBLE. (even the dealer had to tap the screen three times just to get vent air). To sum it up, I made a mistake.

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  Head Turning Caddy Killer! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Fusion-4-life - February 25 - 6:26 pm

  I bought this car 3 days ago after owning a 1999 Ford Contour Sport since new. I went to the Chevy, Pontiac, Buick and Ford dealers with no idea what I was looking for. My criteria was: needs to be a 4-door, front wheel drive, good on gas, under $25,000. I was very disappointed to see what the Big Three have to offer in my criteria range -- until I accidentally stumbled across the Fusion. This thing is beautiful to look at, Fun to drive, and very well appointed. Ive had people ask, is it a Cadillac? I opted for the SEL with leather and just about every option (I recommend the ABS and Traction control package). The car is both luxurious and sporty at the same time. It has appeal for anyone.

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  ups and downs, - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By nothing_n3w - February 17 - 1:30 am

  amazing car over all, a little to low of topspeed. but out puts so many cars 0-60

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  so far so good - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By dodgeguy - February 13 - 10:10 pm

  Solid, well made, well equipped. Excellent fit & finish. Lots of great options for the $$$. Except for a little tire noise it has a really nice smooth quiet ride. Not like a Lexus, but for 8-10K less theres not that much difference. Sony sound system is AWESOME, and the sync system for phones & ipods is great. Drawbacks....the cross-traffic and reverse parking assist features seem a little erratic. Sometimes they work good, sometimes not so good. For 29K there should maybe a lock on the glove box...and a lite inside it. All in all a great car. My first Ford EVER and Im more than pleased with it.

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  Gas Mileage Good - Comfort Poor - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By rthompson - February 9 - 12:30 am

  Ive driven a few hundred miles already in the fusion. Here is my take: - Gas is great. I drive mostly on the freeway and Ill get between 31 and 40 mpg on the freeway depending on traffic, speed and drifting. - Comfort is poor. Its small inside. Not for big guys (and girls). Not for tall guys (and girls). Your legs will be pushed up against the sides or your head will hit the roof. - Features are fabulous. SYNC is great. Radio, Ipod, USB, GPS, etc.

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  Awesome quality - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By ron - January 30 - 6:46 pm

  After washing and waxing this vehicle, I still have yet to find a defect. No dirt or flaws in the paint, fit and material quality are perfect. A super car inside and out, with feel and features not found in vehicles costing twice as much or more. A neighbor has an older model with over 150k totally trouble free miles, the reason I considered this car. In every area of feel, fit, finish and general satisfaction this car has improved. Sync is awesome!

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  fun and sporty - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By wesley - January 29 - 5:20 am

  This car is fun to drive and has a great look to it. My 5 speed transmission lets me feel like i am a "speed-racer" and it handles really well. It gets great mpg on both highway and city.

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  New Car Should Not Have Problems - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Brian - January 27 - 7:11 pm

  Rented this car from Enterprise with only 8,000 miles. Was driving it on the highway when a wrench light came on and the accelerator lost all power. I could only brake and was forced to the side of the rode. I let the car sit awhile and then started it back up without any problems. Unfortunately, the exact same thing happened a day later. This car clearly has an engine problem related to the intake or gas. There is no excuse for a brand new car to have any issues, especially related to the engine. I will never purchase a Ford.

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  Lovin it and only $16,000 for the S - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Schmitty - January 26 - 1:50 pm

  I opted for the Fusion as my first experience away from Toyota. I have owned a 2002 Tacoma, 2004 Matrix, 2006 Corolla, 2006 RAV-4 and 2006 Tundra. The Fusion was an amazing value at $15,977 for the Automatic S. I could not believe all the standard features on this so called "stripped down" model. Great Stereo, and awesome fit & finish. Added 18" Rims and now this car looks like a 25K luxury auto! Could not be happier with the peppy gas sipping 4-cyl. Ford did it right and now we are considering an Edge for the family SUV!

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  Great car for a great price! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Justin - January 24 - 10:16 pm

  This car is simply awesome! I just bought the 07 SEL V6 (sans AWD), and it will scoot! It feels like much more power than 221 hp, at least for someone trading in a 3.0 Ranger. The exterior styling is absolutely stunning, while the interior is elegant. The price is great as well. I simply took in my truck, told them what I wanted, where I needed to be in the payment, and drove off the lot a happy man. I would reccomend this car to anyone. Truthfully, one of the best values on the market!