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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  All around good car - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By robert172 - March 30 - 8:27 pm

  This car has everything a person could want for under $25,000. I dont understand why the 3.0 engine is considered to be "down on power" considering it goes 0 to 60 in just over 7 seconds. The 3.0 engine is just what is needed to avoid an engine that is noisy and underpowered, but easier on gas than the 3.5 engine.

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  Big problem with manual transmission - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By mike18040 - March 28 - 7:54 am

  The previous review I wrote about problems with the manual transmission have been resolved. Ever since I got the car back from the dealer it drives fine. They did not replace the entire transmission, but said that something in the transmission was not machined correctly at the plant and had a small lip on it, causing the shifting problem. They replaced the part and so far, so good. Overall, great car for the money.

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  Great Car, Amazing deal, Ford is Great!!! - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By crnadaney - March 26 - 9:34 pm

  Just got the fusion sport and have and it for a week, its amazing. Its totally loaded, all the options, from AWD, to Nav. The seats are very comfy and all the controls are in easy reach. The take off power is great, and the exhaust sound great when you take off. BLIS is great to have for those blind spots and reverse camera is great on the nav screen. The black color looks so nice in the sun with the sparkles, and the black seat w/ the white stitching makes the inside look great to me. All around great car, I had a VW Jetta wolfsberg 2.0T, which I really like until I got this. I recommend this to anyone, but I really thing the sport is the way to go for better performance, handling & fun.

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  Dont buy a used 2006 Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By danoct24 - March 22 - 9:08 pm

  I personally loved the car until I became victim of the 50k + transmission defect. There is a big problem with these transmissions. The car becomes outright dangerous to drive. Symptoms include, violent jerking when trying to accelerate to pass, followed by loss of speed. At times the tranny with simply drop out of gear, as if it went into neutral while cruising along on the express way. Thats always fun when there is a semi on your tail. There are ALLOT of complaints to Ford and government agencies, but they refuse to do anything about a known defect in certain transmission that is extremely unsafe.

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  2011 ford fusion sel 2.5 l 6auto - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By nedman3940 - March 22 - 1:06 am

  I leased a 2011 fusion feb 2011, my initial impression of the vehicle was very good. The car drove nice and it seemed that it was well made. The second week of I noticed that the car would rev when trying to accelerate when the vehicle was cold, this only happened once. This past weekend I didnt drive the car for two days, when I got in the car on Sunday everything seemed fine . I started vehicle and tied to acclerate out of my development into traffic, I pressed the accelerator about halfway, the car revved to almost redline and it then engeged into gear after almost getting rearended. Now I feel like I have an unsafe vehicle. Please do some reserch before getting this vehicle, bad trans.

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  Awesome Car! - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By mdh2003 - March 21 - 3:53 pm

  We bought a 2011 black with black leather Sport. Love it! The engine is really smooth and definitely has some get up. The transmission shifts very smoothly. Havent driven much at all in manual mode. Seats are really supportive and comfortable. Great finish and quality with the interior. Love the leather trim on doors. Car gets lots of looks. We parked next to a 3 Series the other day. In the reflection, the Fusion by far looked better than the BMW. Looked much more expensive. Overall, its been a great experience with this car so far. Hopefully many miles to come!!!

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  6SPD AUTO TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By soccerguy48025 - March 20 - 9:35 pm

  Beware!!! A simple internet search will reveal tons of problems with the 6F35 auto trans in the 2010 Fusion and Escape. My car is experiencing problems with frequent shift flaring, which will then be followed by a hard shift and forward jolt. This jolt caused me to hit another car in front of me thus damaging my chrome grille. The car will also shift into neutral by itself at times creating a dead spot in acceleration. After software reprograms, new valve body, and complete overhaul including new clutches, my car now drives significantly worse. The trans now struggles and is very sloppy overall. Now, my transaxle shaft seal is leaking fluid and clutch material has been found in the fluid.

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  2011 Ford Fusion SE AUTO - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By jmonahue1967 - March 14 - 6:56 pm

  averaged 19mpg until the car hit 3k miles and now its 24mpg combined. interior is excellent, tons of storage, pretty comfortable, good quality of materials. BAD: at 3200 miles, the car is hesitating, surging, and performing very poorly. will update after seeing the dealer this weekend. no other problems except the weird misfiring and poor performance lately. its not bad gas either. the car definitely does not get 29mpg on the highway. i took it for a 350 mile hwy trip and it averaged 24 mpg.

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  Not what I expected - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By pnoyes - March 12 - 11:18 pm

  I bought my fusion new, while trading in my 05 F150 for it to obtain better fuel economy. The biggest thing i cant stand about the car is winter driving. The traction isnt as good as any other front wheel drive cars ive drove, and the windshield wipers rest below where the defrost blows on the windshield (causing them to freeze over when not in action). The 2.3L engine is very underpowered, and doesnt really get the gas mileage that it suppose to. The last problem I have with this car is that the whole "best resale value" is a lie. I cant get out of the fusion into a truck again, even after paying on it for 3 years. All that aside, I have racked up 48k with no major problems.

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  Big problem with manual transmission - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By mike18040 - February 17 - 9:08 pm

  I bought this car brand new and had it for a few days when, on occasion, it would not go into first gear when stopped. When it would finally go in, it would grind very badly. I took it to the dealer with only 428 miles on it and was told they are replacing the entire transmission. Besides that, I love the car. Aside from the problem with first gear, it shifts extremely smoothly, has good acceleration, and handles like a dream. I hope the transmission problem does not turn out to be a recurring one.