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:

• 

  terrible shifter - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By Dennymah - November 17 - 1:51 pm

  Bought this car new, and now with 61,000 miles on it, the transmission is still the worse part of this car. I have not had any issues with the car other than the lousy shifting, sometimes feels like it is slipping transmission. When I first bought this car, the dealer service department told me that they get complaints all the time about the transmission. I recently test drove a 2013 Ford Escape, and it too had this lousy transmission so I didnt buy it. I have owned a lot of Fords but this will be my last unless they get rid of this tranny.

• 

  What I needed - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By jorge - November 16 - 11:48 pm

  Bought 2010 Ford fusion in 2011 with 12K miles. It is now 2015 and vehicleh has 160,262 miles on it running strong no check engine light. Oil changes every 7,000 miles (save $) spark plugs not required to be changed until 90K miles (saved $) break pads not changed until 130K yes! 130,000 miles still had plenty of life to them only changed them because I had bought everything already. Getting 29 avg mpg and 32 on the highway. Not all is perfect 1 tire air pressure sensor went out at 80k chose not to fix it. Valve cover seal replaced at 120k cost me $60 and 45 minutes of my time. 87 octane fuel (cheapest $) my Ford fusion is what I need. I also drained&filled transmission fluid at 100K &150k. A/C still perfectly cold for this Texas heat. I forgot to mention the "check fuel inlet" message common problem fixed it by cleaning area and placing a $15 gasoline locking cap.

• 

  Good Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Samantha - November 16 - 9:11 am

  I purchased my 2006 ford fusion about 5 years ago with 60,000 miles on it. The car got me there and back a few places in Michigan. The only thing I have replaced on my car is tires, breaking, window regulator and oil changes. My check engine light comes on but i never had any problems with the car. The shifting in the car when it takes off fast because not coming to a complete stop it jumps or when it is cold. I have noticed that the 1st gear RPMs go to about 4 or 5 before shifting to 2nd. I have one slow oil leak that i have been putting Pennzoil high mileage oil in it to keep the leak slow. I changed the transmission fluid and it still seems to run the same. With Michigan weather good tires would be good to have but it gets through snow alright with cheap tires. The door handles are cheap and break and peal. My mileage now on my car is 135,000 and it still brings me there and back to different places in Michigan. It is a very good car that doesnt need much maintenance besides oil changes, tires and breaks. Very good car.

• 

  Great road car. - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By Buckbean - November 11 - 12:34 pm

  I am 6 240. Drive 1500 mile trips weekly every month. Often PA, WV, and TN interstate mountain driving. Fusion awesome road car for these long trips. Typically cruise at least 75 mph. Without cruise, going 90 before I know it. Handles great, even climbing and curvy mountain driving. Have never driven a luxury vehicle, so cannot honestly compare as far as road noise. Fusion seems very quiet to me. Have had noisy cars in past. On long trips simple solution is cotton in ears. At 80,000 miles, the worst I get on my trips is 32 mpg. Very roomy front and back. Huge trunk. Other than tires, and brakes, and religious oil changing, Ive never had to put a penny into it. I am far from a techy, so its lack of all of these fancy cameras and computer screens and other such crap is only a plus to me. Best performing and most reliable road car Ive driven.

• 

  Was Inlove - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By Brittany - November 7 - 6:21 pm

  I only had the car a year unfortunately but I absolutely loved it never gave me a problem not a peep starting at 50k miles and only putting 10k more on it. Heart breaking to see it go and even harder to find something to compare. ( I averaged 22 mpg and I drove mostly city took a good highway trip and it averaged 27mpg )

• 

  The best car Ive owned, if only for a short time - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Chris - November 6 - 5:21 pm

  Unfortunately someone decided red means go at an intersection and totaled my 2014 Ford Fusion Titanium after I had purchased it about 40 days prior. But heres my take on the car. This is an absolutely fantastic vehicle. The 2013 was a nice redesign but the engine reliability ratings took a hit compared to the 2012, which receives close to perfect scores across the board according to JD Power. I was coming from a 2011 Chevy Malibu V6, which I ditched because of engine problems and poor gas mileage. This, by comparison, is a DREAM to drive. The steering is responsive and the cornering is excellent for a mid-size sedan. Theres plenty of power in the 2.0T engine that puts out about 240hp. The fuel efficiency in the 2.0T is still decent as I averaged about 25.3mpg combined hwy/city driving. I put about 2,700 miles on it in the 40 days I owned it because I drive a lot for work and decided to drive from Seattle to Spokane and back, which put on several hundreds of miles in one weekend. But everything about this car was incredible. I hope the Fusion can continue to climb the fuel efficiency charts as Ford is starting to make very good engines and building quality interior/exterior parts to compliment them. In terms of value, its hard to beat a Fusion in the mid-size category. The crash experience that totaled the car showed me that this car is built very well. I was t-bones at about 35 mph and you had no idea I was hit looking at 3/4 of the car. The doors on the passenger side of the vehicle were toast and it would need extra body work and probably frame work which is why the car was totaled, but should 5 passengers have been in the car there wouldnt have been any injuries other than some whiplash or banging of hands/legs against the door or other parts of the car. The Sony 12-speaker system is fantastic compared to much of whats out there in a 6-speaker configuration. Theres plenty of power to satisfy drivers even with windows down. The low-end performance could use a little bit of help as the speakers overdrive a bit on heavy bass tracks that feature sustained low-end tracks that also have some kind of low-end attack/punch (top-40 hip hop artists like Wiz Khalifa would be a good example of what Im getting at), so youll have to moderate the bass EQ to prevent the OD, but thats also only at about 75-80% volume. To be honest, youd be crossing into enthusiast/audiophile territory if you had any more power and any better bass response, so youre getting quite a bit out of this system. The touchscreen interface takes some learning, but its quite capable and just a little laggy for pressing on-screen buttons - nothing that will frustrate you though. If youre considering buying this car used, its a good buy, especially once the 2014 has been out for 2-3 years as youll find the Titanium packages for under $18k - a steal for the options youre getting. The car is also pretty comfortable and will surprise anyone riding along that hasnt been in a newer Fusion yet - I got a lot of "oh wow this is really nice" comments from people because it looks good on the outside and feels great on the inside. Im 6 2" and it offered plenty of room for me and usually worked out well for people sitting behind me too.

• 

  Great car for a great price - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Vincent Nicotra - November 5 - 7:19 am

  I have owned this car for two and a half years now. It is a great. Extremely reliable. It is fast and has great control in the snow and rain because of the all wheel drive. Would buy again 10/10. It looks cool and sleek and I always get compliments.

• 

  Buy something else! - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Carly - November 4 - 8:36 am

  I bought this car( brand new) after doing my homework... Thought it would be a great investment. So I got it fully loaded seeing that I planned on having it a long time. Well two months in the problems started... Fuel system was failing. Replaced it. Then recall after recall they kept showing up. Needless to say I was starting to get annoyed. Then the horn and speaker died and check engine light kept coming on. Car only had 15,000 miles on it. Finally the damn transmission started acting up... Shifting so hard I felt like I was driving a stick shift. Took it in. They reprogrammed it.... No change. Took it in again before it started getting cold (drives even worse then) and they gutted the transmission replacing everything and fixed MORE recalls. Then the doors wouldnt lock because of bad wiring. Didnt chance it took it back. The car drove nice for all of 3 days before the hard shifting started again...not even 20,000 miles on it. Just a shame. Dont get stuck paying for this lemon people... Ford can take it back.

• 

  I dont like Ford .. - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Ken H - November 3 - 11:55 pm

  I purchased the fusion for fuel economy and a good price. 3 weeks ago I was hit from behind and pushed into the vehicle in front of me. I walked away with no injuries, no neck or back pain. Today I am back at the Ford dealer looking for a replacement vehicle

• 

  Fun Fusion - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By David Zier - October 31 - 9:02 pm

  First, I will start with the bad. The gas mileage is not great. I average 22 overall. I do drive aggressively. I get mid 30s on highway going 60-70 mph. City is mid to upper teens. Those are honest numbers. Consumer reports and motor trend and auto week experienced the same thing I do, probably all driving aggressively. Other than that, this is a great car. I have owned 3 Audis, and this car drives and rides like an Audi. The ceramic leather interior reminds of of my vanilla interior of my Audi A6. I took a very long test drive, and I could not believe it was a Ford midsize. This was as expensive car. With options, the MSRP was 38,775. I did not pay that, but this car has virtually every option. It competes well with cars costing more. I have driven 12,000 miles in the 7 months I have owned it, and it is phenomenal. I am just as happy, if not more so, than the day I purchased it. The SONY sound system is fantastic. Better than BOSE systems in others cars I have owned. My Ford Touch is so much easier to use than reviews have stated. I have never even looked at the manual. With all of the electronic gizmos we have these days, I suspect the reviewers I have read cant even use a cell phone. The 4 quadrants are straight forward, and the voice commands are not complicated. I have not had any issues with this car. With all the technology and everything that could go wrong, I am shocked. I am also impressed with how smooth the 2.0T is, and how well the automatic transmission works with it. I have seen mixed reviews on that, but my experience is that you dont have to floor the accelerator at all. it just goes when you press down on the gas. Great car ford. I love it so much, I bought a new Ford Flex a few months later with the 3.5 ecoboost engine. My experience with the Flex has been the same. That is a great SUV, but it really is an oversized tall wagon that rides nicely and feels like a rocket when you hit the gas.