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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  I want to love it again! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By mom2de - January 31 - 9:35 pm

  We bought this car 10 months ago after searching for 4 months for a car we liked and could afford. I read the reviews and saw the tranny flags go up!Take extended warranty. About 5-6 months ago I called the dealer to say our car was dry on oil.I wont even get into that dealership on here. Last week my car was bucking and shifting hard! Powertrain/transmission light came on and went off. Got it into dealership! 5 oil leaks! Needs a control arm as well. Thankful we took out the extended warranty because it now sits at shop with expensive repairs. Dealer says thats why it was bucking. Well we will see when I get it back.I am told by people oil leaks wont cause transmission to buck! well see

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  Follow-up on gas milage after 1,000 miles - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By flbntz - January 27 - 3:52 pm

  14.5mpg back and forth to work 1 1/2 miles each way. Down a hill there, up a hill back. Also, cold here, let car warm up until tach drops below 1,000 rpms before engaging transmission. 30s on back roads, and highway. Not unhappy with car, just surprised. Very satisfying car to drive. Beautiful to look at. Solid. Enjoyable. Engine winds out with a performance-oriented sound. Auto trans well suited to 2.5l engine. Winds out right to redline.

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  Favorite vehicle I have owned! - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By wagner29 - January 24 - 11:28 am

  Lots of people have been complaining about MPG on their new Fusion. I am getting around 24 average MPG, and live in Minnesota where it has been below zero every night since I bought the car! I went from a F150 with ecoboost to the Fusion because of the bold design, AWD, and did not have the use for the truck anymore. People need to give their new car a little more time before it starts producing the rated MPG. It doesnt happen in the first tank of gas.

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  good car good mpg - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By cde5151 - January 14 - 11:28 am

  Nice car for last 3+ years, never been in shop, except for tires I change my own oil, fan is loud but normal for fusion. good ride .. tires all wore out by 36k, now have Nexen tires, they seem ok at 55k. I did just put in battery also. MPG average 28 with 70% hwy and 30% city

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  2013 Fusion 1.6L Ecoboost MPG - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By ozarkfusion - January 13 - 6:31 pm

  I just purchased a 2013 fusion 1.6L ecoboost that is rated at 36mpg on hwy. At best I can get 32. Took a trip to SC and back to MO and averaged 32. Ive had 5 new vehicles (none of them ford) in the past 10 years and all of them got what they said they would. How are others out there doing with their MPG-specifically the 1.6L ecoboost engine?

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  Fusion Crusin..Mobile Heaven - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By ivleague98 - January 9 - 8:36 pm

  Hands down the best car I have ever owned or driven. I have worked in automotive advertising for over ten years, walking into showrooms of every make and always "window shopping". Never before have I purchased a vehicle for my mobile career in which I enjoy every mile. From the interface to the handling, sitting in the drivers seat, this Ford Fusion delivers. What drew me in was its sleek design and luxury muscle grill. The room in the backseat, and the extra options I did not realize I would really use or enjoy make it hard to believe Ford could price this car so affordable. Only cons are the Pings and clangs after motor shuts off (dealer said normal with 2.0 Ecoboost), no sunroof.

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  Dangerous stalls - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By omg2010 - January 4 - 10:38 pm

  My son was driving this car at night and started stalling until he pulled over. Gave me a call and went over to switch car. Drove it for about 10 minute when it started stalling. Turned it off and back on and still continue to stall. Waited a minute then turn it back on and continue to stall-turned it off and waited another minute and finally it ran fine. Had heavy rain during the prior weeks and there is no gas cover for this car to stop water from entering. Nice car when running and not stalling.

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  Awesome!!! - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By sacred007 - December 31 - 1:09 am

  This is my forth car. And i really enjoyed driving the car. With maximum power, comfort and reliability and falling in love with my car. The stereo system is superb. The build quality is appreciable. Ive reached 0-120kmph in under 12s which is very good from my point of view. The ambient lighting gives me a fresh look inside the compartment. I drove around 1000 kms a day once, which i couldnt feel any tiredness. Microsoft SYNC is also a good feature in which i can call, change music while am driving.

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  2012 fusion built as well as the 1959 fairlane - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By dvenesky - December 28 - 2:23 pm

  this car is of the same build as the 1959 ford fairlane 500 that i owned years ago. but it has updated technology that makes it a great buy in the market today. very limber on curves for a 4 dr serdan and very quiet. traded my malibu ltz for it and glad i did as it rides much better on long trips and handles better as well . no a lick of trouble in 10 months . love the car

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  1.6L ecoboost engine recall and fire - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By stayaway6 - December 18 - 6:08 pm

  Let me begin this has been the worst car puchase of my life. I had the car a week and it got recalled in a week for engine fires Sept 7 Ford recieved a report of engine fire Sept 24th Ford recieved another report of engine fire. Oct 22 Ford recieved a report of engine fire Between Nov 8th and Nov 29 Ford recieved 5 additional On November 29th Ford issued recall 12S41 I purchase my car on 11/23. If I would of know of the issues above I would of never bought the car. Ford offered 1) 2500 Trade assist - not enogh for dealers trade casue about axtra $3000 because of taxes he should offer $4500. 2) The would make one car payement 3) ESP Warranity 75000 miles