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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  Fusion SE 2.0T Ecoboost - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By g0west - March 26 - 10:11 pm

  The Fusion has a smooth ride and a supremely quiet cabin. I am getting 29 mpg highway and 24 mpg mixed driving with the 2.0L Ecoboost. The leather seats in SE trim are styled differently than those in the Titanium but they are every bit as comfortable. I dont get the complaints about My Ford Touch -- it is logical enough and the Bluetooth works flawlessly. Overall, the 2.0 litre Fusion SE has been a very satisfying, fun car to drive. My last three cars were a Volvo S80, Volvo 960 and Porsche 911SC.

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  ok - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By cpletan - March 26 - 3:23 pm

  i average 27 both city/highway and its ok to drive. but the temp sensor is screwy throws engine lite.

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  mpg 24 - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By mquero - March 24 - 7:26 am

  one thimg i did notice the gas gauge drops quickly and the milage meter to empty drops quickly lost sync came back on next day my car has the 1.6 ecoboost

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  MPG - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By dmitrius - March 19 - 5:13 pm

  The MPG is horrible on this car. I have a 1.6L Ecoboost, and I dont even get 23MPG which is the minimum advertised, and I drive it gently. At the best I am getting 22.5MPG. I am really disappointed.

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  If only it worked - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By jessejames77_ - March 13 - 7:36 pm

  Bought it brand new in May 2012. Was great for a month, comfortable, great on gas, roomy and a great sound system. Then while on an 8 hour road trip I got a warning light "Advancetrac failure, Check ABS". Got home got it serviced and Ford couldnt find anything. They told me not to worry about it. A week later it went again. They kept the car for a couple of days, said it was fixed. A month later it went again, they kept the car for 2 weeks, told me it was fixed. Then one day my car just wouldnt start! Got it jumped and no warning lights for 2 months! But now last week the warning lights came back on AGAIN! And Ford wont do anything other then tell me to bring it again. Not impressed

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  DO NOT BUY - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By monikag2012 - March 1 - 10:52 am

  This is the worst car I have ever had. We bought a 2010 used and it had no apparent problems. A month later the throttle body needed replaced. Then we fixed that and the o2 sensors are out so we get 18 mpg. and now the power steering is out, and it has already cost 114 to reset the code because its hydraulic and It broke the day after fixing it with the same power steering problem, and now ford is charging 1070 to fix it. This car is junk. The throttle body and power steering are problems that are a big problem for this vehicle, yet no recall has been made. wish i had known that its such a common problem!! Do not buy if you want a safe and reliable car. i will not put my 3 month old in this

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  2007 Ford Fusion S 4 Cyl. 2.3 L w/auto 5 Sp. - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By automojo - February 27 - 12:27 pm

  Bought my 07 Ford Fusion new (30 miles) at Sunnyvale, CA Ford in late June 07, at way below MSRP and they also included a 24 month maint. service at no charge. Now nearing 57k without a bit of problems other than replacing the battery. It still has the original brakes and Continental tires, and continues to get a combined 30 mpg. Great car, much better than the 3 Series Beemer I owned and cheaper to maintain! The new 2013 Fusion looks great and considering buying one but my 07 still runs and looks new.

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  first impression-excellent - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By mtsman - February 26 - 9:36 am

  Bought used with 52k and #1 reason for purchase was SYNC. cold weather and first tank of gas is still averaging 28mpg! woo hoo! 4cylinder seems to have better low end power than up top. no issues with trans even when cold. very aerodynamic-gains speed easily down the slightest grade. seats have great support but headrest pushes my head too far forward. text function "not supported" for iphone3...hmmm? back seats have lots of room for tall people. had to adjust fog lamps way up...no idea how previous drivers actually found them useful. so far HVAC is good-fan is slightly noisy. not the refinement of a cadillac or lexus but GREAT value for contents. gauges easy to read.

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  Pieces falling off - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By asalvo15 - February 25 - 7:29 pm

  I was considering buying a 2013 Ford Fusion, so I went to the dealership to test drive it. I brought two friends with me, who sat in the backseat during the test drive. When we got out of the car, they told me the roof material in the back was coming off. To make it worse, we looked at another model (which was more expensive because it had the My Ford Touch options inside the car) and a piece of the exterior door panel was falling off. We mentioned it to the sales person and he went outside to check it. He hit it back into place and simply said, "We can just put some glue on it." SERIOUSLY?! Both cars are NEW cars and they already have pieces coming off? Imagine how it will be years from now

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  my 2010 fusion - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By cinwit - February 23 - 10:31 pm

  bought my fusion with 13k on it. had it now a little over a year and has 35k on it. love love love my car. the only issue i have with my car is how the front passenger seat shakes when no one is sitting in it, and how my rims fill with snow and ice and make my car shake so bad i sometimes have to pull over from getting sick. removing hubcaps should take care of that though. over all,