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:

• 

  Paint, Paint, Paint - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By AJ - April 8 - 9:38 am

  Love the looks of this car...when I can keep paint on it. Comes off it big (postage stamp) pieces. Primer sticks to the back of the paint. Bare metal is exposed and you know what that means rust. Ford will not help. I have repainted both fenders and one door (stripped to bare metal with a razor blade). Now I have another door pealing. Guess I will trade. Inside door handles bubbling as well. 11th Ford probably will take a break after this one.

• 

  Pleased! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Daniel - April 6 - 9:52 pm

  I have had my Fusion for only a month now and I absolutely love it. From the ride comfort to the design. I needed a car that was good on gas, reliable, and safe for the new born and I found exactly that. The 6 air bags and 5 star crash rating sold me. Other people have rated that they were not happy with the sound... they are crazy. Its loud and clear! If you are thinking about buying a fusion, then think no more. Just take it for a test drive. You wont want to take it back to the lot. You Will Love It!

• 

  great ford - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By ELAW - April 3 - 9:04 pm

  I bought the vehicle in jan. So far its been very dependable I enjoy the SYNC, 6 speed transmisson, exterior styling 6 disc changer. I own a BMW so I was looking for something with power and the fusion has just that. (sel v6 )

• 

  Happy with fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By brad - March 19 - 9:00 am

  The fusion wasnt my first choice, it was a nissan maxima but I wanted to get a ford to make my family happy. Its a really nice car. Reliable, excellent "sharp looking" interior, a ton of options, a little sluggish with the 2.3 but you cant get a 5 speed with the 3.0 engine. I thought mileage would be a little better but Im not complaining. For a guy thats had audis and saabs my whole life. Overall easily a 8 out of 10.

• 

  The best car Id never considered - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Kung - March 16 - 7:56 pm

  Our 1997 Taurus finally had one too many malfunctions so we set out to look for a new vehicle. I ran across a review here on Edmunds stating that Fusions are fairly reliable. Further research bore that out and we bought a 2008 Fusion, 25K miles, I-4/auto, SE package, with warranty and other extras (backup sensors) for exactly $12K. We are VERY pleased. Ive only owned it a week, so reliability reports will be coming in the future but it rides VERY smoothly, accelerates surprisingly fast for a 4-banger, and fit and finish are definitely a notch above for Ford. Sound system (with 6-disc MP3 changer) is more than sufficient, and the car has plenty of cup holders. :D VERY satisfied.

• 

  Review - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Warren - March 15 - 6:33 pm

  I love the car except for the uncomfortable seats and headrest. I also have a Taurus and Ford Freestyle and have never had a problem with seat comfort before this. The head rest (for my height at least) creates an uncomfortable angle, have turned the headrest around but this defeats the purpose of having it. Tough on the back after about an hour of driving, great for short trips. Mileage in the city o.k. at around 22.

• 

  Great car - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Jeff in Dallas - March 11 - 2:25 pm

  I bought this car to replace a foreign sports sedan, and had a bit of trepidation because of that. However, the car has great pickup, handles well, and is extremely comfortable. I was pleasantly surprised about the amount of room inside - it is much bigger than it looks. The "SEL" series has enough luxury touches to make this seem like a much more expensive car. The only negative is that gas mileage (with the 6 cylinder engine) is not great - I average about 17 city, 21 mixed, 24 highway (although Ive been told I have a lead foot)

• 

  Excellent Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By LoveMyFusion - March 8 - 3:01 pm

  I have had my car for about a month now, and I just adore it. I had two cars before it that were unreliable and cheap, and this car is just fantastic. I honestly have no complaints. I would highly recommend this car to anyone.

• 

  2006 Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Ruth - March 4 - 5:16 pm

  Seems to be some defects on vehicle that Ford is not addressing. Already replaced turn signals lights~ 4 times, Replaced all 4 rotors. Inside handles are bubbling,not yet pealing. Biggest thing is the paint is starting to peel off the hood from the underneath with some bubbling around the underneath. Windows dont seal good enough, sounds like air coming in when going down highway.

• 

  77,000 and still perfect - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Rob3 - March 4 - 9:46 am

  I have had this car for 4 years now and have put 77,000 miles on it. Apart for standard maintenance, I have not had to repair anything on this car. I replaced tires and rear brakes at about 60,000 miles. I drive freeway mostly for work and I get about 420 miles to each tank of fuel. The trunk is huge, especially with the rear seats folded down. I love this fusion and when its time, I will purchase another one.