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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  Love it but room for improvement - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By roy - July 4 - 6:31 am

  Great car - quiet at all speeds as long as Windows and sunroof closed. Not a good car for Windows down driving at highway speeds. Great gas mileage (had an explorer before). I get 30 mpg on highway at 70 mph w/ Cruise and low 20s in town. Strong engine but exhaust too muted - looking for aftermarket. Wish it was a manual stick. Interior is very nice - love SYNC and Sony sound system. Seats could be more comfortable but decent. Lots of people like the looks of the car.

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  I would definetly buy again - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By srpieman - July 3 - 11:14 pm

  We had 2009 Fusion that was a good start, very comfortable and never had an issue. Very good gas mileage, 24 mpg most of the time city driving and almost always 34-35 mpg free way. My wife decided got upgrade though. The Sync system was the main reason, which she loves and I like the usb port to play my music. They also upgraded the suspension so handles even better. Again great gas mileage. Went Oregon last fall and averaged 36 mpg on I5. Filled up in Santa Rosa, CA before we left and made it to Klamath Falls, OR and still had quarter tank left. As for comfort, I am 63 and is one the most comfortable rides I had. Many positions for seat, lumbar support and steering wheel is adjustable.

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  Great midsized car - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By SCOTTY - June 30 - 2:44 pm

  I recently looked and bought a Ford Fusion. I have been driving this car for about 2 months and the car has performed perfectly. The handling is firm and solid. I especially like the SYNC system. This car is one I will keep for a long time

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  Switched from an accord - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Pete - June 29 - 1:57 pm

  I traded in my 2006 Accord for this because I needed an automatic transmission (Accord was manual). Enjoying it a lot so far - very comparable to an Accord in feel and handling, quieter road noise, comfortable interior. Highway MPG is great - I was just getting 35 MPG (according to the dashboard) while driving this morning. City MPG is ok, but not great. I havent tried out the Sync yet, but hopefully it works well. Interior seems a bit roomier than the Accord. I also noticed the poor rear visibility, but it hasnt bothered me too much yet, as Im comfortable using all my mirrors.

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  Dont Buy - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Don Grant - June 29 - 9:54 am

  SEL 3.o 6spd Trans failed at 1500 mi. The repair was to rebuild the trans and reprogram the PCM. Now when you take your foot off the gas there is a severe down shift. This is robbing me of 4-5 mpg. Also the car does not perform the way it did before the reprogram. This is not the robust fun car I agreed to purchase and the downshifting is very irritating. Also I do not believe that it is safe to downshift on ice. Ford says that "it performs as designed". No it is performing as REDESIGNED and it is NOT acceptable! Ford customer "I dont care department" says "SORRY". How on earth is this "car of the year"? Save yourself some grief Do Not Buy This Car! Ford will not take care of you!

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  Seat belt comfort sub par - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Wiggin - June 28 - 2:33 pm

  My wife and I bought this car in may 2010. The car drives nicely. We bought the sel model fwd with charcoal black leather interior and sport blue metallic paint. We purchased the car with the blis system and the upgraded Sony stereo. The blind spot monitoring system is nice. A little sensitive but nice. The 3.0 v6 has good pickup and is quiet. I have two issues with this car. First, the fuel economy in city driving is abysmal. I only get 13 mpg in the city. The car only has 1100 miles on it though. The other issue I have is that the seat belt pinches my side when I buckle it. This makes for an uncomfortable ride. It is hard find a comfortable seating position.

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  Love this car! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Ford Fan 14 - June 28 - 11:59 am

  I love this car. I wanted an Escape, but test drove this because it was the color I wanted and immediately fell in love with it. It handles well in the curves, is a smooth, quiet ride, has a great sound system, and a very roomy interior without being a huge car. The Sync technology is great too. Gas mileage on the highway is awesome as well and for a 4-cylinder, I was impressed by its power. The only thing I dont like is that it has hubcaps instead of rims, but even the hubcaps are stylish.

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  Loving it! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Austin - June 25 - 11:21 pm

  To be honest I never thought I would have purchased a ford in my life. I just got this car almost 7 months ago and after driving a 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse for the last 4 years i was very surprised on how much I love this car. Not only does it drive better than Cadillac cts (less boat like), which I test drove before getting this, but you really get your moneys worth. Although I do miss having the speed and cutting the corners that my coupe offered, this car really handles very nice and looks sharp. I will never go back to Mitsubishi now and really feel that ford is making quite a comeback. Ive had no trouble at all. It is built strong and see it lasting quite a long time.

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  Love the fusion - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Gumer Cutino - June 22 - 2:02 am

  Purchased new for my wife. She drives a lot the car is solid. We havent had any problems, it has 49,000 miles and still no issues.

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  Never ever will I buy a Ford! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By wife of a police man - June 20 - 12:24 pm

  I bought my car with only a few miles on it. Fun looking, silver and loaded with black leather, sunroof, v6, very sharp! Rooters have been replaced, another part that i cant remember the name 250.00, and now my air conditioner has went out! it seems as soon as i get one problem fixed, its back at the ford company again! they all know me now by name and my voice over the phone! ugg! very aggravated!