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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  Wow. - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By jdesmond - August 30 - 6:43 am

  I have never been a big car fan. They have always simply provided transportation. Something however happened when I looked at the Ford Fusion. When I got in it for a test drive, I was amazed by the comfort. When I put my foot on the gas, I was impressed with the performance. The features - that make it fun to drive as well knocked my socks off. Add to this a dealership (Paul Cerame, St Louis) and salesman (Tony L.) who did not mess with me and I couldnt be happier.

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  Great Experience with Leased 2013 Fusion - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By dmckay395 - August 29 - 3:36 pm

  I have had my Fusion for 5 months and it has been great. Drives well, good fit and finish, quiet, great sound system and electronics. Exterior styling is excellent and gas mileage is good (averaging 25.4 miles driving mostly city). MySync is good but has had a couple of hiccups that required taking it to the dealer to get a newer version of the software installed. Dealer did the job quickly and threw in a free oil change so I was happy. Highly recommend the vehicle.

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  2013 Ford Fusion SE 2.0 with luxury package - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By fordfan21 - August 25 - 5:24 pm

  Purchased my fusion after having a horrific 8 month long ownership with a 2013 Ford Escape 1.6. The fusion rides excellently even though it sports the optional 18 inch back rims. The car absorbs road vibrations and bumps well instead of the car jittering over road imperfection and crash over bumps like the escape. Although I no longer have myford touch I am more than satisfied with myford. I have put 1,900 miles in just over a month of ownership, which included a 1,000 road trip in which I average 31. 5 MPG going between 70-80mph, which was better than the escape. The stereo system is fantastic for just 6 speakers with good highs and surprisingly good bass. I am glad I gave Ford another shot

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  Dissapointed 1.6L turbo SE with prem pkg /nav - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By dizzaxter - August 15 - 5:40 pm

  I leased this car in Nov 2012 and driven 8k miles so far. The car has great styling and a comfortable ride, but the gas mileage and jerky transmission has been very dissapointing. I live in los angeles and drive a mix of both highway and local roads. My average mpg is 21.8 and that requires driving like a grandmother. My old acura 3.2tl got similar gas mileage but was much faster and enjoyable to drive. BTW, my ford touch stinks. its extremely slow, and can be distracting to operate while driving, it does not support any apps (ie yelp/pandora). On multiple occassions it has froze and required the car to be restarted to resume working.

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  Great Comfortable car - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By sonshineacres - August 13 - 2:03 pm

  My wife wanted a car with a sunroof. We found this car used with 3000 miles a few months ago. Heated leather seats, Sony sound system, sunroof and appearance package. What a great, comfortable car and fun to drive. We have the 3.0 V6 but it is not AWD and that option is not shown on the list. We love the car and the mileage. we typically get 22 around town, but have been up to 30 to 31 on the highway. not bad for a V6

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  Fusion 2013 SE (Lemon) - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By nyclorenz - August 10 - 2:40 pm

  Purchased Fusion 2013 SE back in Nov 2012. It was very exciting to have one of the newest cars in the market. At 3000 miles. Engine/ gauges would stop working. This is a electronic car. you need to coast to side of the road and restart. If the battery dies you need a jump to put in neutral. Car computer has been reprogrammed several times since then and battery changed. Car has stalled out countless times while driving on the road. We had contacted a lawyer and filed with Lemon Law in NJ. Ford has agreed to take back the car and paying all fees associated with car. I can only suggest everyone keep a running log of your car if there are any issues. Names,photos ,phone numbers and dates.

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  same old ford - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By gobama1982 - August 8 - 11:03 pm

  auful gas mileage ,16 city,16 hwy,can not talk when outside car due to engine noise,need a megaphone to communicate to rear passengers,no power,difficult to pass anything,so much road noise inside vehicle with windows up reminds me of grandpas 1955 ford 2 ton truck,id hate to see a new car worse than this one !!!!

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  love my fusion - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By kitman2 - August 8 - 4:34 pm

  I bought my 2010 Fusion used a year ago and only 1 issue happened and that was the power steering failed. My dealer was very help full in the cost adjustment as I had the car about 3 months at that time. I was told that was the first time they ever saw or heard of that on a FUSION. My only complaint on the interior is the controls for the air/fan/ heat etc are in an non convenient location as to ease of reach and adjustment while driving. I notice on the 2013 Fusion that the issue has been addressed properly. This is a very rewarding purchase for me as I have owned many other vehicles in my life and some sure sucked as to quality. That is usually found out after a person buys it! .

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  2013 Ford fusion se 2.0t - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By bryankuban1 - August 6 - 4:26 pm

  Overall I absolutely love this car! I saw a picture of it about 1 year before it was on the market and said I will own one and so I do. I still look forward to getting into it every morning going to work and when I get off work I look forward to driving it home. I have driven many supercharged cars and turbo cars. Although this isnt the most powerful one it still has plenty of power to get into traffic, pass someone, or get out of the way.

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  Wonderful Wheels by Ford - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By whitecloud7 - August 4 - 3:33 pm

  Im now a believer that Ford can produce a very competitive car to the Asian cars. The Fusion is beautifully designed with an attractive front grille. The performance is good but the mileage is below the average of 26 MPG that I expected. The seats are very comfortable, controls are easy to access and so far, the My Sync touch screen has worked fine. The sound system is first rate and I use a USB to play my recorded music. Trunk space is generous, and the tires ride smoothly. Overall, Im very pleased with the new Ford Fusion.