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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  Very nice car for the $$$ - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By dghott - February 5 - 9:21 pm

  This is my second Fusion having "crossed over" from my Honda Accords. I upgraded to and AWD version because of the winter we have been having in MN this year. The AWD system is seamless and makes driving in snow a snap. No buttons or anything to screw around with. As with my last Fusion, I cannot recommend highly enough the sync system. I upgraded to the Nav system to get the touch screen and marvel at how high tech it is all the time. The 3.5l V6 in the sport has a lot of grunt and it is nice to have the power at your disposal, but the combination of a smaller gas tank and worse MPG is a bit of a bummer. Especially since I was getting 32-34 MPG in my 2.5l 4 cyl. It is a trade-off I guess.

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  What a car. - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By cotto19 - February 1 - 7:51 pm

  We leased a 2009 Mercury Milan. I was impressed with that car. Now we own a 2011 Fusion. Ford has built quite the car. Ford made tremendous improvement over an already great car. In the differences from the 2009 to the 2011, you can tell that Ford is not standing pat. They are improving the car each year. The interior is even more quiet than the 2009. The new 6 speed transmission offers smother shifting. The car handles great. If you are one of many that said you would buy an American car if they were more reliable, better quality or equivalent to an Accord or Camry. Stop waiting. Ford has it figured out.

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  Awesome - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By memphisrn - January 31 - 12:27 pm

  Bought a 2011 Fusion at Christmas. 2,000 miles later I still love it! Took a trip this weekend at got 31 mpg. Averaging 28 in the city. Handles well, climbs steep hills without hesitation, rides well, sound system is awesome. No issues the first month of ownership. Will report back the end of the year.

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  Just a bad Ford experience, never again! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By reverence - January 23 - 8:19 pm

  The car had a number of problems, every manufacturer will have them but its how the company handles them, Ford failed miserably. The most serious was the transmission, it did not shift properly, it slipped, and it made whining noises. I got nothing but a run around from the dealership and from Ford. I see where many others are having the same problems. The car had a build date of 6/10 which was suppose to be after the factory fix but obviously they have not figured it out yet. This went on for 6 months and finally I had enough and sold the car for a major lose. I laugh when I see the Ford commercials now about quality and commitment.

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  2011 Ford Fusion Sport (FWD) - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By superchargers - January 22 - 6:49 pm

  Check out my review here, since this site limits me to only 700 characters, which is not enough for a car review: http://autos.yahoo.com/2011_ford_fusion-reviews_user/_ylt=AntLmUq8GdsB3JfNdNDvgZgEc78F_ylv=3

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  Good Car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By andrewland2003 - January 20 - 12:53 pm

  I bought my used 07 Fusion in July of 08. Its been a very good car, except for the times that Ive had to take it in to the dealership to have the control arms fixed, several times. No problem though, I bought the extended warranty when I bought the car, which has cover all but $100 of my expenses, and my local Ford dealership (Bartow Ford) hasnt given me any problem with getting a loner car. Ford has really won me over with this car, and their customer service.

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  6 Speed Manual - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By mnfusion - January 12 - 10:37 pm

  I bought my Fusion 8 monthes ago and have already racked up 26,000 miles. So far I have had no problems to speak of. Gas mileage with the 4cyl. manual has been between 26mpg and 32mpg. Overall very nice vehicle. It runs quiet and smooth down the road and gets up and goes well for a 4 cyl.

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  Fusion Avis rental - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By carman14 - January 11 - 3:25 pm

  Just thought I put my two bits in. Just rented Ford Fusion from rental company for business. car rides on rails and pick up is fast . Overall quality is there but interior design of dash needs some work. Buttons for us baby boomers need to be legible and readable. Also HVAC controls are confusing and near bottom of stack (hard to read and reach). Dash is not impressive and tach and speedometer look like it belongs on a go-cart. Door sill not finished and cheap looking. Overall car rides great and has appeal.

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  Love the car...hate the hubcaps! - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By duseldb - January 11 - 2:30 pm

  I have owned 3 Focuses...I really enjoyed them! I stepped up to the Fusion because I needed more cabin room. The styling and performance are great...for the 2010 model year...some nitwit at Ford decided it was a bright idea to replace alloy wheels with a cheapo plastic hubcaps...on a $23000 car. Oh well, they look nice...but they are junk! The first month the paint began flaking off. I had two replaced and need 2 more replaced. Its cool because Ford is paying for it under warranty...but a pain to go into the dealer to have them replaced. Fords solution...tough sh*t...live with it. I offered to pay for alloys if they credited me for the junk. Last Ford for me...all over junk hubcaps!

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  Distant Crush to Committed Relationship - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By hummingvogel - January 4 - 7:32 pm

  Ive been coveting the Fusion from afar for some time and have stopped everyone who had one in parking lots to ask if they liked theirs. Always got a resounding yes. I finally bought the SEL. I have to say Ive gone from having a crush to a committed relationship with plenty of spark! You get a lot of car for the price. Im actually disappointed when I arrive in my driveway because I want to keep driving it. Ive outlined some drawbacks, but I honestly would buy this car again and again.