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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  New Vehicle - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By kaysam - January 5 - 3:41 pm

  I find that the 2009 fusion is a great car in the summer. I have a long drive to work and only have to put gas in my car once a week. With my other car I was putting gas in twice a week. It saves me money. But if you have winter driving the gas mileage is not so good and it does not handle very well in the snow. I like the car but would like to see it handle better in the winter.

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  Extremely reliable, high quality - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Steve - January 5 - 10:34 am

  50,000 miles in 3 years and occasionally the passenger seat creaks. Thats it. Not a single lose screw, repair,rattle. Nothing. This quality is confirmed by Consumer Reports which for a few years has measured this car to be THE most reliable of any car. Its crazy - I bought the V6 for less than the price of a 4 cyl. Honda Accord. Yet, when it comes to resale, this car will be hurt simply because its a Ford.

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  Company Car - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By IndyOkie - January 3 - 4:13 pm

  My V6 SE replaced a 05 Ford Taurus, which replaced a 03 Ford Taurus. This is light years from Taurus in dynamics for handleing and ride control. Also for compairson, a Steller step from what I had with a 98 Ford Contour Sport. I drive this car hard and can only list dealer unable to balance new replacment tires ( same brand and size as stock ) as the only fault in 23 months and 60,500 miles...Quite a car and worth a look over a Camry or Accord

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  I cant believe I bought a Ford! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Steve - December 31 - 9:54 am

  I typically bought Audis, Bmws, VWs, I havent bought a US car for quite a few years. I test drived a couple of US cars and decieded to by this Fusion. I now have had it for 2 months and I am still impressed with it. I like the looks, the power, and the options it has. It handles very good. Even in the snow. Ford makes a nice car in the fusion. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  fun car - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By JMS61 - December 30 - 10:29 pm

  I just bought my Fusion and I absolutely love it. I had a Jeep and its great to have a little luxury again. Comfortable car except for the head rest. Was almost a deal breaker but found a way to tilt seat back so it is comfortable now. My young adult child also loved driving it.

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  Ford Fusion = A great car! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Wes - December 29 - 10:38 pm

  I got my Ford Fusion in May of 2009 and so far no problems. I think the car needs a little more horsepower, but I got the 4 cylinder for better fuel economy. Its a really nice looking car and the seats are comfortable. The Sun and SYNC package is great, and I love the Bluetooth hands free phone system, though Ive often had to reboot my phone to make it work, but when it works its great. Its not the fastest car, but it is comfortable. Im 64" and I fit comfortably in the backseat with the front seat pushed all the way back.

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  Impressive Midsized Sedan - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By bansko - December 26 - 3:10 pm

  After 2,500 miles I still love to get behind the wheel. It handles beautifully and my mileage with the 4 cylinder, six speed manual is far better than what the EPA estimated. Im getting 36 MPG on the highway and over 30 MPG combined. The 2.5 liter motor has plenty of guts and is surprisingly quiet - I cant even hear it at idle. The seats are very comfortable on long drives and the trunk is quite roomy. This car also feels and sounds like its very tightly put together, with no squeaks or rattles that I can detect. Overall, its a top-notch car. Ford has a winner.

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  Most reliable car Ive owned so far - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By mgoodwin16 - December 24 - 10:31 am

  I picked this up in Sep 06.I really liked the styling and still do. Since getting my D.L. 26 yrs ago, Ive owned 6 Fords,1 Chevrolet,1 Buick, and 1 Pontiac. I had at least 2 issues with each of them. 11 with the Buick.I have not had a single issue with this car after 51k miles. The OEM tires wear quickly.Softer rubber,better handling,means quicker wear.Replaced with Michelins.I believe, due to the Mazda 6 underpinnings,Ive noticed little, if any, difference in handling with the tire swap.I purposely chose the manual.More engaging in my experience and the manual with the Fusion is just as good as 2 others I have owned. Being a sedan manual is a plus. Great looks, dependable,and fun.

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  Conflicted - Love it but frustrated too - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Lucky One - December 22 - 9:07 pm

  06 Fusion V6 SEL - I have had this car 3 yrs now & I really love it for the most part however, I am very frustrated with all the little things that have gone wrong with it. I have had to fix the ac temp control, rotors, passenger grab handle, 2 interior door handles, trunk gas shocks & the headlights need replacing because they are yellowing & seem like they are cracking. The moonroof is rusting also & the windows dont seem sealed tightly. I dont like the tilt & the fact this car doesnt have the peddle adjustment as an SEL. Increased the tire pressure & it finally turns alot better. Gas mileage not what I wish it was. Very roomy & comfy overall with a husband & two growing boys.

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  Impressive fuel economy - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By TL - December 22 - 2:43 am

  I bought the S with automatic due to dealer promotion. In test drive, it drove better than 2011 Sonata and costs a lot less. Just had 1500 km on it, seems a fuel sipper on the highway. I got 6 L/100 km highway (~40 MPG I believe, I am in Canada so we use metric), about 10-11 local. Driving is very smooth, hardly any engine or wind noise, although the road noise can be noticeable at highway speed. Only time will tell the reliability.