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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  2010 Fusion SE Auto Sun+Sync - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By thom1486 - April 15 - 11:46 am

  Bought mine used with 22,500 miles in August 2010 now has 27,500. I love the car. The ride is comfortable, yet athletic. The stereo is awesome no mechanical issues, still a very solid vehicle. Easy to attain EPA fuel economy ratings. Have not had any of the transmission issues I have heard much about, hopefully they dont pop up. Great car, Id recommend to anybody. I chose it over the Civic, Camry, Cruze, and Malibu

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  Solid performer - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By jtice - March 17 - 1:59 pm

  Purchased my 2011 Ford Fusion SE after extensive research in December 2010. I went for the automatic transmission model. Now, Ive got 31,000 miles on the vehicle. I havent had the first problem with it yet. I was just told of a recall on this model due to trouble with the wheels. Vehicle is very responsive in turns, accelerates well, has a spacious trunk and comfortable interior. Ive gotten as high as 36 mpg on long flat stretches of highway, such as through Kansas and northern Indiana. Typical, 33 mpg. I wish there was a bit less plastic panelling and a more stylish interior. Of course, I could have gotten that with the SEL model for a few grand more. Overall, very pleased.

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  Great Car but needed a new engine at 1100 miles - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By tx_fcory - February 23 - 11:55 pm

  I purchased a brand new 2012 Ford Fusion V6 3.0L, on January 7th 2012. In the first 30 days, My engine starts ticking once it warms up, the radiator fan squeels when you turn off the engine and the back passenger window would take a long time to roll back up. I took it into the local Ford dealership and they told me I needed a new radiator fan, a new motor for the power window and that the factory installed the wrong lifters in my engine and they would need to replace them. (They called Ford Technical Advisors) I was a little concerned with the assessment but told them to go ahead and fix the issues. The next day they called and said I also needed a new engine.

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  Great value for the money - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By moxiedog - January 31 - 7:29 pm

  Ordered the 2012 S model optioned the way I wanted and waited 10 weeks. Picked it up on 1/12/2012 In most aspects this car is outstanding. The first tank showed 27.3 mpg in mixed city/ hi-way driving. Fun to drive, great handling and braking. Fit and finish are first rate Two very minor Issues: 1. The 6 speed manual shifter is a bit clunky. No speed shifting with this baby. 2. The C pillars are a bit thick creating a slight blind spot.

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  Watch out, bad transmission! - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By lizziebeth2785 - January 26 - 8:52 pm

  I bought this car in March 2011. The car was first into the shop 6 months after I bought it for shifting problems. They replaced the universal trans assembly. Then I get a postcard to come in to the shop for the lug nuts being recalled. So then I take it back. I tell them that it after starting it if it has been sitting for a while that I have to press on the accelerator pretty hard just for it to start moving. They told me this was due to the fluids needing to warm up! The car is not even a year old! So then I call a different Ford dealer for their opinion and was told that is completely false. I took it back and now they tell me its normal! Put in a formal complaint with Ford Corp

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  70,000 miles still fun to drive - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By jorgeh1 - January 18 - 1:02 pm

  2010 fusion SE automatic 2.5l 4cylinder 31 mpg combined. Bought the car used in 2010 with 20,000 miles for $13,000 vehicle now has 70,000 miles. I have had no problems with this vehicle to date. I drive 70 miles everyday about 30% city 70% highway and get 31 mpg very happy with the car fun to drive and economical. Oil change every 7k miles with full synthetic oil. have not changed spark plugs. Right break light went out $10 to fix. have taken several trips from DallasTX to EL Paso Tx 600 mile trip got 41 mpg vehicle not even rated to get 40 mpg exceeded my expectations was hesitant due to reading reviews about transmission have not had such problem.

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  So far not impressed. - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By usereks1187 - January 11 - 11:54 am

  Purchased a 2012 Fusion SEL V6 about a month ago so far not impressed with the reliability, has been to the dealer twice for two different problems in two thousand miles. Transmission had to be flashed because the transmission had very hard shifts, now the EGR valve is not working correctly causing the car to shutter and Ford does not know how to fix it. This has been the first Ford ive ever owed I wish I would have looked at other manufactures I picked this car for the high marks consumer reports gave it.

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  Low power poor transmission - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By buddyboy59 - January 10 - 3:02 pm

  made the mistake of buying the 4cyl over the 6,the 4cyl is adequate for about town,but merging on to a freeway is a white knuckle experience,trans shifts hard from 1st to second,been to dealer,supposedly fixed,same problem,comfortable ride,handles well,rotors warped at 5600 miles,not overly impressed at this point.

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  Ok people mover - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By buddyboy59 - January 9 - 10:42 am

  2012 Fusion 4 cyl,ok for general commuting,but 4 cyl a dog when merging on to freeways etc,transmission shifts hatd from 2nd to 3rd,otherwise a decent car,nice ride nice looks,would highly recommend driving and comparing the V6 before purchasing,also compare to sonata etc.

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  Very impressed so far!! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By benzcrazy1 - January 1 - 5:35 pm

  I just recently purchased a 2008 Fusion SE with 44k miles from the dealer that I work at. I own 5 cars already so trying to find number 6, I was going to be picky, this was going to be my daily driver but I wanted to have something fun, reliable but efficient. I am completely impressed with everything so far! The gas milage is great! so far its staying right around 25. It is so comfortable and fun and easy to drive as well! Amazing trunk space and such a smooth ride, almost as equal as my Mercedes! I am a huge Ford truck guy but never thought much about their cars, I am definitely converted! Great job Ford!! You definitely reeled me in with this one!