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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  Economical and Reliable - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By dw1234511 - December 14 - 2:27 pm

  Ive been driving my 2008 fusion for about 2 years, purchased in Sept. 2010 from the dealer at 38k miles. It now has about 60k miles on it. I judge a vehicle based on number of maintenance issues. I have had 0 issues during my time of ownership, therefore the car has met my expectations. Its a very nice sedan and gets about 31 mpg on the highway. I would recommend the Fusion to a prospective buyer.

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  Holds up well in an accident - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By fusion5 - December 12 - 8:39 pm

  The vehicle was rear-ended by a Mazda CX-7 traveling in excess of 40 mph while stationary, waiting to turn left at a red light (traffic had backed up into a lane of travel). The trunk was destroyed and the front clip was beat up front impacting the car in front of me, but other than that car held up surprisingly well (the seat gave a lot, and the large head restraints prevented what should have otherwise been a serious case of whiplash).

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  2013 Ford Fusion S - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By flbntz - December 12 - 10:43 am

  Just picked up my 2013 Ford Fusion S last night. Traded 2011 Toyota Camry Base. Two totally different cars. Toyota was easy to live with, invisible. Not quite as reliable as I expected from a Toyota, but still not a bad car. Ford Fusion is smaller, sports sedan. Wow. Excellent build quality. Solid thunk when you close the doors, or trunk. I got white, and its a beauty. Find myself laughing when I drive it. Feel a little guilty. Havent had this much fun since I was nineteen. Home run, Ford.

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  Comfortable But..... - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By thekonz - December 10 - 9:43 am

  I purchased this car in September with 55K miles on it (SE fully loaded, Auto Trans.). I fell in love with the SYNC system, moonroof, and general level of comfort and build quality in the interior. About a month after purchase however, this car showed its true colors. It has had the stalling issue fixed twice, and still has intermittent issues. On left turns it makes a loud grinding noise, and on heavy acceleration the engine knocks. The rear quarter panel comes loose at high speeds and the headlights fog worse than london. I had to take out an extended warranty from my credit union in hopes of not being wiped clean financially because of this junk pile, hopefully it will get better.

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  Blew the engine... - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By darin4 - December 7 - 7:22 am

  Bought this car at a public auction four months ago. Car was mint, inside and out, you could have eaten off the engine. Consumer reports labeled it a "good bet". Dont be fooled like I was by consumer reports. The car had 98,000 kms when I bought it. Blew the engine at 106,000 kms. Replaced the engine with a new one. I now have 111,000 kms. on the car and this new engine is going through oil the same as the first one did before it blew. If you have this vehicle, keep an eye on the dipstick. Update to may last post, titled "Blew the Engine", which was last night. Guess what, the second engine has blown. Im gonna keep this short, STAY AWAY FROM THE FUSION. JUNK...Plain ans simple.

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  Ford Fusion SEL 2012 FLAWS - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By r5b - December 7 - 7:00 am

  I leased a new 2012 SEL Fusion in late August 2012. An unsavory neighbor got a hold of my keyless entry card. She has the master code. My car was used nightly by this woman as her hangout and smoke den. Ford told me you can change the codes and add codes BUT "the master code NEVER CHANGES" anotherwards some scum bag can always get in my car because she has the main keyless entry code. I had to pay 499.00 out of pocket December 6th, 2012 to replace the module and get a new code. Ford kept the old one??? and by the way the battery was virtually dead. Thankfully that was replaced under warranty free of charge. Talk about disgusted with FORD. The transmission sucks. Ford makes CRAP still!

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  DO NOT BUY This car with ecoboost engine - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By stayaway6 - December 6 - 9:38 pm

  I bought the 1.6L turbo SE engine with the Leather package. I had the car for one week and at 200 miles the car had and engine temp error message. I then found out the next day the car has been recalled for possible fire when engine overheats. There have been 13 fires with this engine. Do not buy a turbo engine from FORD. They have major design flaws. They recalled 15000 fusions and 80000 escapes and they dont even have a fix for it. I got a loner from Budget rental who Ford is paying and Budget keeps putting holds on my CC. Up to $307 in 3 days. Budget told me they would continue to do this.

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  My main problem is with SYNC I have had nothing but problems from the word go. Between Ford and Microsoft it one of the worst products to be in a car. I own a 2011 Ford Fusion SE and a 2012 Ford Focus and because of SYNC being what it is I will never buy - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By musicgeek - November 29 - 7:19 pm

  Car is good but Sync stinks.

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  Fusion SE with Ecoboost FWD - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By allcarlover - November 25 - 9:28 pm

  This car is the best car I have had so far. Had the car for two weeks and the MPG is so good. I average about 28 mpg, mostly city driving, some highway. I will say I drive like a race car driver some times and I still get the 28mpg. The comfort is great, and the power is more amazing. This care is fun, great room for my family, with 2 kids that sit in the back, and trunk space is more than I need. I would recommend anyone to buy this car, Ford has really done a great job and I know this car will get better in time. Thanks Ford! Hope this helps.

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  Expected Better MPG, but is fun to drive. - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By willyd65 - November 25 - 4:40 pm

  Ive had this car about 3 weeks now, and im pretty happy overall. The suspension system allows for nice handling, and it seems more agile than the car size implies. The power is decent, but seems like it could use another 20 horses or so. I expected some turbo lag, but its really not as bad as some of the other turbos ive driven. The car looks and feels as if it should be in the luxury class and seems much better than the Altima 3.5, Camry, and Jetta that i drove. In the few 3 hour road trips ive taken (90% thruway and highway), i averaged about 24 mpg - much lower than expected. I used regular gas and drove 74 and 64 mph. This car is too fun to drive making it tough to milk for mpg.