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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  Auto transmission blows! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By dmdavis - September 26 - 2:00 am

  As mentioned by many others, the automatic transmission on this car is horrible! Why cant these manufacturers leave well enough alone? The 6 speed doesnt provide any better gas mileage and makes the overall driving experience wretched. It hasnt left me stranded yet, but I expect that it will before too long. I like pretty much everything else about the car, although there are some "basics" (outside temp., auto headlights, etc.) that are missing. Will not buy again unless trans problems are fixed.

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  Ford has quality - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By Craig - September 25 - 2:00 am

  This is one of many fords I have owned. I am very impressed with the quality of the fit and trim. The v6 has plenty of power yet I am getting 10 to 15% better mpg than the sticker said I would. I average 21 city and on a trip from Boise to Lake Tahoe and back I got 29.6 mpg. The ride is smooth and the 12 speaker Sony stereo is very good quality. The dealer was outstanding in every way and honest.

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  Lots to Like - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By PeteCz - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a midsized sedan with a sunroof and manual transmission that was bigger than a Jetta or Civic. The Fusion is it. Plenty of room for my 65" frame. Power is adequate yet plenty of fun to drive. Smooth gear changes, but I wish 5th and 6th gear werent so close together. Shifting to 6th at 55 mph or so only drops the RPM about 200. Stereo quality is decent. I miss the dual tailpipes on the 2010 model.

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  Camry killer - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Ford Tough - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Just bought the 2010 Ford Fusion to replace a 2004 Toyota Camry. Test drove new Camry, Prius, Sonata, and Accord. Fusion beat them all hands down!! Car is very solidly built fit and finish is excellent! Ride quality is very smooth and cabin is quiet. Steering feel is much better than vague Toyota steering. Averaging 32 mpg in mostly highway driving Engine is perfect mix of efficiency and power. Very glad we bought this over another Camry! Its very nice to have a car with some character to it again!

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  My ride - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Jonny - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Pros- This car looks great and handles very well. With a 6 speed auto trans its not too bad on gas with a 3.0 in city i get about 22 mpg. Cons- Replaced Wheel bearing $300 bill at 38,000 miles and battery with two years of manuf. date, not too bad but they came at the worse time when money was very tight. Because money is tight i am selling my car but i hopes of one day owning another fusion this has been a fun, fast, sexy looking car from the start letting go is going to be one of the hardest things i do IF i can do it. I would highly suggest this car if youre looking for something all round these are here to stay. (did hurt my back at first tho) and the inside feels cheap

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  2010 Fusion - Worth a look - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By ronv - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I researched a lot and test drove about 6 other cars including Accord, Malibu, Mazda6, Altima. The car has great pickup with the V6. Seating is comfortable. Ride is very sporty without feeling every bump. The Sony audio system is great and the Sync voice-activation system is great once I figured it out. Storage space is sufficient. Fold down the rear set and you can haul an item over 7 feet long. Gas mileage is not necessarily as advertised. Im only getting around 14-15 MPG. But using the Flex fuel which is around 55 cents less than regular gas is a big plus. Rear leg room could be added as an improvement. But, overall I love this car.

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  2010 v. 2008 (both auto trans.) - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By SeanB - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Like another reviewer on here I had a 2008 Fusion before my 2010. I actually leased the first one. I had a 2008 SE with the sport package/sync, etc. I LOVED IT. It was a fun, sporty car. I was very impressed. The 2010 is not as exciting, albeit I dont have the sport package anymore. The car looks good, but Ford puts strange packages together. i.e. I wanted the monochrome pkg and sync, but it was no where to be found - it was one or the other. I opted for the moon n tune package. The car is good and economical, but the transmission lags terribly, no pickup at all, and hubcaps on a $26k car? Cmon Ford.

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  Solid car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Vancouver - September 6 - 7:16 pm

  Bought the car with 20,000 km, now have 50,000 km. No problems so far. Good interior space and good exterior appeal. Decent quality build and comfortable seats with good support.

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  Best Car EVER! I am on my second one! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By wendyinslc - September 4 - 10:53 am

  I bought a 2007 Fusion and LOVED it! I traded for the "new and improve" 2010 and I have had the BEST experience with it! The new features like SYNC, new 6 spd trans, versus the 4 spd, is a GREAT improvement! I love the aggressive design of the front end, and EVERY thing about this car! GO BUY ONE ~ you WONT be disappointed!

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  Great Car! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Ramsey - September 2 - 9:22 pm

  I am surprised on some of the negative reviews on the Fusion. Purchased my Fusion in March of 07 and now with close to 80,000 miles, have not had a single issue with the car. Change oil and go. Very roomy interior, not claustrophobic back seats like the Audi A4 and the VW Jetta. I like the car for what it is, a reliable transportation to work and for long haul trips with the family. Not an exciting car to drive, but has performed great so far. Thank you Ford for this excellent engineering and design.