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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  Not sure about this car yet... - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By jmon1 - August 1 - 8:16 pm

  I bought a 2010 Fusion new and it has 26,000 miles on it. Everything was fine until the 3 year warranty expired. In the last week I have had the A/C manifold replaced, the transmission throttle (scary when the car dies going 70 mph) and had a tire blowout. Thank God I bought the extended warranty as it was well worth the extra $2700. I also bought the road hazard protection warranty, both good for 60,000 miles with a $100. deductible. I would have already spent in the thousands getting this car fixed, but with the warranty Im only out $200. Personally, I think the car handles and rides OK and the MPG is not bad. I think its hard to see out of the rear deck though..

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  2013 Ford Fusion - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By mummer1 - July 30 - 9:34 am

  I traded in my 2005 Honda Accord EX for the 2013 Ford Fusion , I HATE it, the gas mileage is terrible I do all city driving and am lucky to get 19 MPG. Have had minor problems with the driver door panels already!!!! Ford has a long long way to go to compare with Honda. Wish i had my old Honda back

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  same old ford - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By gobama1982 - July 28 - 10:48 pm

  exceptional ride,very smooth,looks good.the bad is AUFUL gas milliage,17-18 city @ hwy,dealer says put over 10000 miles on it @ it will improve!thats not what they said when they sold it ! Slowest thing I have at my house ,soo much road noise need a meggaphone

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  Never Again - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By cnvrtdchevygrl - July 26 - 10:05 am

  Purchased a 2008 Ford Fusion for my daughter for her 16th birthday. Have had the car 3 years and were now working on tranny #3! Contacted the dealer and FMC with no help from either. Was actually told that the Fusions are "throw away" cars and that most people only keep them for a year or two before trading them in. Drove the car to work because mechanic said it was "drivable" and from 1st gear the car revved at 4000rpms before kicking into 2nd gear. The interior is very shabby, the drivers wheel is cracked and the door handles are peeling to the point where we cut our hands on them. Had to use duct tape to cover them so no one else would get hurt.

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  6 Month Update - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By cruzefan1 - July 25 - 2:29 pm

  I purchased my 2013 sterling gray 1.6L ecoboost Ford Fusion on January 25th so I wanted to give a 6 month update. So far I have absolutely no regrets with my purchase. Next to the Mazda 6 and Hyundai Sonata I find this the most stylish mid-sized sedan on the road today. It has a very smooth and quiet ride. The seats are also very comfortable on long roadtrips and theres plenty of leg and head room. The only negative thing I have to say about the car, which is a very small critique, is that it needs a little more power on the highway and the fuel mileage could stand to be a little better, especially in the city driving. Im averaging 26-28 MPG on a tank of gas in combined driving.

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  Fusion SE 1.6 six speed manual tranny - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By freder1 - July 23 - 11:38 pm

  Fantastic car. I built this car and loaded it up. Got 36-37plus mpg on 2000 mile road trip. Drives like a European sport sedan. Handles great, fun to drive, very hi tech. Manual tranny is smooth as silk. Car is gorgeous and turns heads. Great bang for the buck.

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  BEST BANK FOR YOUR BUCK!! - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By itenjo0318 - July 22 - 1:05 am

  Just purchased a 2013 Fusion. Honestly the best bank for your buck is in the se Luxury and Tech package with a 2.0L ecoboost. It comes equipped with just about everything you want out of the titanium minus the unnecessary features. It performs like a German vehicle for the cost of a domestic car. Ford has come a Long way and they continue to step in the right direction. The quality of the materials are excellent for the price. Its no bmw material quality but more Quality = more $$$ this makes the cut in every department. get the fusion!

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  What I expected - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By donalp - July 11 - 1:52 pm

  Great car, I work at a fords plant so ofcourse I bought the car with my A PLAN. I bought the 1.6l EcoBoost. I have achieved at the greatest 39.9Mpg on highway so far. On an average day I get 35-36 with cruise control on going 60. And in town I get about 22mpg, 20 at worst. The only complaint I have with the car is the Sync is a little glitchy, rarely, but sometimes. And the cup holders are close to the gear shift and its a little uncomfortable if youve got like 2 44oz drinks in the cup holders and wanting to autoshift. But besides that it has been a great buy for me atleast.

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  Great Auto Design - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By whitecloud7 - July 3 - 10:07 am

  I bought the SE with the luxury package, including the leather seating and power seating. The entertainment systems sound is really excellent and plays FM, AM and Sirius is wonderful quality. I also opted for the 1.6 liter engine which produces 178 HP. Overall fit and interior finish is very good, with no rattles or loose parts. The seats are comfortable and adjustment is very easy. I have not achieved the estimated average mileage of 26 MPG, but the average has been closer to 24 MPG. The My Ford Touch screen is a great gadget but very distracting. I went to a dealer sponsored seminar on how to use the Sync system and the touch screen, but still find there are problems using it.

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  Overall Rating for Beginning - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By fusionowner07 - July 3 - 12:22 am

  Problem 5yr period Shock cheap replace front in first year $100 plus, Fuse blow-out cigarette light local under drive not glove box $3.69FYI, Radiator leak where transmission meet $900, widow switch replace $18.00 ebay, tire tube cheap $2.00 cost of flat all four $200.00, 40,000 mile tire are cheap,too, control lower bushing cost $52.00 mazda part,labor $100.00, alignment $100.00, now orielly have it, car have not pass 100,000 miles. total rating overprice ford should refund for all cost. I will give them a do right company. If not buyer take no deal over $10,000 not 16,000 or 21,000. replace brake pad front Autozone cmax. ok feel now at 88,000