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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  Fab Ford Fusion - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Larry Schulz - October 2 - 9:41 am

  This is my second Ford Fusion. The 2015 is incredible. Has all the bells and whistles, except moon roof (which I never use anyway). The 4 cyl eco-Boost engine is really peppy. So far my mileage in city is 25.9. Have had no issues with the car at all. Easy access from the drivers seat with the memory seat function. Back up camera a plus, and the electronics in this car with Microsoft Sync is terrific. The Sony sound system is awesome as well. Truck space is great with the fold down rear seats has a lot of room. 18" wheels make for a commfortable ride. This is a great bang for the buck.

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  Be prepared for repairs - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Jason Lee - October 1 - 10:02 pm

  I purchased my Ford Fusion 2010 after reading the great reviews from Edmunds. After 5 years, Ive already had to deal with 3 repairs (replace engine fan, faulty belt tensioner, driver side door broken). The car has never been in an accident, driven 100% in Northern California where the weather is great (never falls below freezing) and garage kept overnight. I am extremely disappointed that the car has had these issues and its only been 5 years where as my 10 year old Mazda 3 has still yet to have any repairs.

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  Nuclear Fusion - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Frank - October 1 - 6:52 pm

  This car is the 2013 Fusion Titanium with the 2.0 Turbo charged engine and 6 speed auto transmission. The car has been trouble free, the only item which required service other than routine maintenance is a rattle in the area of the sun roof. The dealership located the problem, a loose screw and fixed it no problem. It currently has 29,300 trouble free miles on it. We have driven it in a range of conditions and it has performed well. It gets about 32mpg on the highway and considerably less around town as my wife is a bit of a lead foot.

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  Poor quality - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Minten - September 27 - 11:19 am

  Many recalls. 3 car rentals. 3 door latches broken. (one came open while driving with the kids in the back seat, another I had to hold the drivers door shut for 7 miles and the last one I cant open) Both center door posts where seat belts attach rattles. Both passenger doors rattle. Rear trunk rattles. Dash rattled when new and the defroster didnt work(broken vent) Ford sync does not work about 90% of the time. Lane departure works about 25% of the time on well marked roads. Most important safety issues still unresolved.

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  This is the best car Ive ever owned - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Keith - September 25 - 10:29 pm

  I bought this car at 34,000 in 2009. At the time I was a service technician and had to use my own car. Before the end of the 2 year mark I had put over 100,000 miles on this thing. I live in Ohio and drove this car to the Carolinas and Virginia beach annually, including a 24 hour straight drive to Texas and 24 hours straight back 3 days later and never felt worried about making it home. My point is, I beat up my vehicles and this has been a beast. AC failed around the 140,000 mark (didnt bother fixing it), I replaced the thermostat and drive belt at 150,000, at 210,000 the radiator and transmission cooler lines were replaced, driver side window regulator at 215,000 and now at 217,000 the transmission valve body needs to be replaced so Im reluctantly trading it in before I press my luck any further. I cant talk much about labor cost because I do most of my own work, but replacement part costs arent terrible (except the valve body). And even with the age of the car its still averaging 27mpg! My biggest cons are the cheap plastic door handles and the radio display has bad soldering causing it to blank out. Basically very minor things. Ford bought my favor back from GM with this car.

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  Never again - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Cheyenne chatmon - September 22 - 9:12 pm

  So I bought my brand new 2015 Ford Fusion from Maryland thinking I made a good decision I was wrong. To start as soon as I started driving it back to my home in NY I heard a loud whistling noise. Told me it was the air conditioning. Said that if I didnt have all my vents open it will do that. Sound a little fishy I had all of my vents open. A month later I hear an even louder noise coming from the rear end driver side. Took it in said they couldnt find anything wrong that its normal and I will just have to endure it.....excuse me? I didnt even have my first oil change and it already sounds like im going to break down somewhere. Im so upset its my first car and now Im stuck with this piece of crap. Thanks ford.

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  Not enough free time to own this car - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Justin - September 14 - 2:18 pm

  Nothing but problems. Axles breaking, stuff leaking, gaskets blowing out, muffler rotted from the inside out, etc. Overall terrible car. Would NOT recommend.

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  Excellent choice. - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Tall Rich - September 12 - 8:01 am

  Now have 15,000 miles on a car purchased new in early 14. Small (1.6L) eco-boost is plenty powerful.. Averaging 25.6MPG overall with mostly local driving. Nears 35 or 36MPG on the interstate. Im a big guy and have no problems entering or exiting or with interior space. SE model with leather and MyFordTouch system is perfect for me. The large screen for the rear camera and the avoidance tones are really helpful. Have spent up to 5 or 6 hours in the drivers seat and have had no aches or pains. The driver seat is infinitely adjustable and the power passenger seat is also a neat feature for those traveling with me. The instruments are also adjustable to just what I want to see. USBs and a SD port is also a neat feature. This car was bought to replace an 07 Fusion SEL and it hasnt disappointed at all.

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  satisfaction - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Tom Mlinar - September 11 - 3:42 pm

  I am very happy with my Fusion, only several minor complaints. One the information on the dash are very hard to see, too small of lettering, all though when dash lights are on and bright they are ok. But some of these electronics are hard to understand, but my main disappointment is with all these super electronics and safety features, why didnt Ford put rear windshield wipers as standard equipment.

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  was skeptical wow it made me a Ford man - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By oleander - September 5 - 4:25 pm

  Best car Ive owned in a long time. Last great car that I owned that just was a great driving car kwas a Mazda 323 in 89 . Friend of mine who manages a dealership helped me get out of a bad BMW 325i horrible problems with that car was probably a previous owner didnt take care of it anyway he said take the fusion it will treat you right wow....... it Handels great is super easy to keep interior looking good and clean. Ive put 100,000 on it only replaced a water pump and it Handels better than a few others of driven my son in law has a Honda civic and it was cheaper than his and compared to the way it drives mine is a luxury car