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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  Sweet Car... - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By tykuen - June 15 - 1:19 pm

  I love this car! Its sporty, fun, and practical. The only problem ive had with this car is the clutch went out at 90,000 miles...bummer, but ill get over it. This car is pretty quick off the line considering what its made for. This car is 100% in every way.

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  Transmission is junk!!!!! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By seanm7454 - June 11 - 8:06 am

  Had my 2010 Ford Fusion 4 cyl SEL for 9 months now. The transmission is the worst piece of garbage ever to come in a car at any time in history. It has been reflashed 5 times, had new valve body and been completely replaced once. It is still flaring and shuttering every day. It has spent a total of 47 days in the shop just for the transmission problems and another 7 days for the BLISS system failures. This care is a joke and for will not own up to it. Lemon Law here we come.

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  Nice Auto - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By fusion99 - May 25 - 12:52 pm

  Purchased vehicle new and its a nice riding car. Smooth and hugs the road well. Took a while to obtain the mileage. After jsut over 5K miles its now getting 34-35 mpg. Seating is very comfortable and remarkable pick-up for a 4 cyl engine. Fully loaded with rear view camera and blind spot sensors-these are great!. Also has SYNC which is very useful and safe considering I drive 700 miles per week.

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  Best car Ive ever had but..... - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By matt2010 - May 14 - 1:35 pm

  This is my second AWD Fusion , had a 2007 ,the car probably saved my life with its 5 star crash rating as some one ran a red light at high speed and hit me in the drivers door (didnt even break the glass or door panel) Went out and purchased a new 2010 AWD SEL , best car Ive ever had . So far the only problem Ive had is the recall for transmission reprogram , but last few days the 6 speed transmission has been slipping or jumping when heavily accelerating , has even popped into neutral once ,it is scheduled to go into dealer in a couple of days any advice ?

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  Dont buy 2006 Ford Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By ccron79 - May 2 - 2:51 pm

  I LOVED it when I first bought it @ 49k miles.....when I got close to 90k I started having issues with it jerking when accelerating onto on a highway or so....NOW the transmission is SHOT @ 94k miles I have seen so SOOOO many complaints on this & people have sent these to FORD....so why hasnt FORD recalled the 2006s? I should not be having transmission problem on a car thats only 5 years old & the 2006s were the 1st Fusions. When they have recalled other models/years 2007-2010... I WILL NEVER buy another FORD in MY LIFE I was always a Toyota girl & wanted the fusion bc of the look...Biggest MISTAKE I MADE

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  Bad BAD customer service!!! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By driveon9 - April 22 - 9:19 am

  Bought a new 2010 Fusion with a 6 sp auto trans. Nothing but problems with this trans. Had enough and sold the junk. Stay away from this model and Ford.

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  A Believer... - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By the_fusionator - April 21 - 4:36 pm

  I was a raised a die hard chevy boy. But as you get older and more mature you become a little more open minded when you get away from home and start to become your own person. I am only 21 but i have had 3 GM cars and loved them all and i still do have a pontiac. My wife needed a new car so we started looking and she said that she likes the fusions styling. And i agreed i have liked the fusions since they have came out and the 2011s are awesome. So i broke down and bought a loaded out SEL last weekend and so far i do not regret it we average 31 mpg mixed driving! I bought the candy red mettallic with 17" wheels and the chrome grille and its definetly a big head turner wherever we go.

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  Great car - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By timmy3104 - April 8 - 6:55 pm

  I have 72000 miles on it. I have only had one problem with it in 72k with was the Alternator went out at 50k. It was covered under my bumper to bumper so I only had to pay 100 bucks to get it fixed. I get 28 MPG with the ac on doing 75 to 80. I put Michelin energy saver tires on and am hoping that gets even better. The SYNC is the best use it everyday so easy to use. The V6 is great put your foot to the floor and it goes. This is by far the best car I have every driven.

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  Bought it for the SYNC - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By jb3600 - April 7 - 9:48 am

  I was very excited when I saw the commercials for SYNC. I love using my iPhone, and I was very excited to see that Ford promised integration with it. I couldnt be more disappointed with how poorly it works. It drops my phone all the time and the voice features stop working completely. The solutions recommended to me by Ford were to take the battery out of my car. That made it work for a week, then it crapped out again. Needless to say, this is not a working solution for me. If youre buying for the SYNC, expect to have constant problems with it with no help from Ford.

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  Born to Be free - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By ybbaw - April 4 - 5:06 pm

  Recently purchased a used Ford Fusion SEL. my first impression is that the quality of the ride is good. Heated seats are nice and duel control air works well. Im sure as we put a few miles on it and situations change Ill have more to say about the car. But, for now its a nice ride for the money.