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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  Surprisingly Nice Car - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By undrgnd40 - December 19 - 11:26 am

  Traded in a disappointing 2005 F-150 for this nimble and comfortable sedan. Fits three child seats in the rear and still has a respectable trunk. I like the handling with the 18" wheels and tires. Car goes through snow fairly well. Interior is nice, I like simple controls. I even think the "boring" radio is nice. This car is more of a good value than the Accord and Corolla I had previously. On many occasions I have gotten over 30 mpg, even though it is rated at 29. My only real complaint is the lack of power. Acceleration is sluggish and noisy. Aside from that, this is a solid car and I hope Ford keeps improving it because I would like to buy another one in the future.

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  great car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By jdlutz - December 15 - 7:12 pm

  Highly recommend this car. Sleek design and reliability! The 07 fusion has been a very reliable car for me. The seats are very comfortable, handling is great and the sirius radio is a nice add-on. The only thing about the V6 engine is the gas mileage isnt too great. I drive about 300 miles per week and spend about $37-45 each week at an avg. of $2.89/gallon. Cost is pretty reasonable for this package!

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  Unbelievably IMPRESSED - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Celeste - December 14 - 3:53 am

  I am NOT a Ford person. I saw I drove and I bought so it must be great! Was looking at a BMW and saw a picture of the red with foglights, upgraded rims and tons of extras and for the price I couldnt beat it. The 4 cylinder outperformed better than I was expected, nice pick up for a 4 banger. Plenty of room, we think it has the Cadillac front end look and a Lexus rear end look. Classy and sporty looking for a sedan. Handles great, sound system is great. Gas mileage has been great especially since I have been driving my Honda Ridgeline 100 miles a day (good lord the gas) and now its like $40 a week compared to $100 - love it! Recommend to all. Inside isnt cheesy looking like I expected either.

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  2009 Ford Fusion SEL v6 - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By J - December 11 - 1:16 pm

  First off I love this car! The leather interior is very comfortable and soft. Seat warmers work great and the radio control with and without the sync system are easy to use. The ride of the car is fantastic. Its powerful yet nice and quiet on the inside. The engine can run a bit high on start up so allow some time for the car to warm up and settle down a bit. Gas mileage is ok, but I honestly expected a little more out of the car. The only bad thing I can say about this car is the 18" wheels. The wheels are extremely soft and trust me I have dented them already and not on a memorable pot hole either. The Goodyear tires have a soft sidewall and bubble pretty easily.

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  Older folks should buy this car - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Steve - December 6 - 1:16 am

  We now have just over 2,100 miles on our 2010 Fusion SEL. We took advantage of a cash reduction offered to Camry owners who traded, and paid about $24,000 for a 4-cylinder model with navigation, moon-roof, electric seats, leather seating, rear camera, side sensors, blind spot sensor, and Sirius radio (plus other gadgets). In addition, we received $1,400 MORE in trade-in for our 1998 Camry than the Toyota dealer had offered several months earlier on a $29,000 Prius. The car is well-appointed and the seat/steering wheel adjustments are infinite. There’s no problem in finding a comfortable driving position, or in changing it on longer drives.

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  Homerun - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Patrick - December 5 - 8:33 am

  Purchased the base S auto model for under $17k and must say nothing comes close to it for style, performance, engine/tranny, build quality and MPG. Add that you are also supporting an American manufacturer that didnt take a bailout money is icing on the cake. I have 09 malibu and a 10 honda accord and have driven the Camry/Altima several times so I have compared them extensively.

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  Fusion: Really Excellent Sedan - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By sunjet44 - November 29 - 12:26 pm

  I purchased a new 2009 SE 2.3L 4cyl 5speed auto in Jan09. Curently at 10,000 miles. This vehicle has had zero defects, and has performed exceptionally well. The fuel economy is remarkable for a vehicle this size. My poorest tank was 28mpg, and on long trips around 31-33 mpg. I have had numerous VWs , Saabs, and an Audi.This car does not have the cachet of those brands, but really does come very close in overall ownership experience. It is so much more reliable than those other vehicles, without all the added expenses. I am not normally a sedan driver, but this is a really good one. Im 58,and 6ft tall, and find it comfortable for 8-10 hours all day trips.

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  One Awesome Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Ben - November 29 - 12:14 pm

  We have only had this Fusion for a few months now and my whole family loves driving it. It rides so smooth, has minimal body roll and handles great. The steering is pretty tight too, but thats better than loose steering. Acceleration is very good, Id guess about 7.5 seconds to 60. Audiophile Stereo is definitely worth the cost, It sounds great.

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  Pleasantly surprised from a Honda family - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By lh - November 26 - 11:44 am

  I come from a Honda family. We own a 95 Civic, 04 & 08 Accords. My mother has owned three Camrys, including an 09. I regularly drive the Camry. The Fusion is right up there with the Hondas and the Camry. In fact, its quieter than the Hondas and the Camry. Totally trouble free with over 20k miles in the year+ Ive owned it. You would make a mistake buying a midsize care without checking out the Fusion.

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  dont buy a fusion - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By mathewh87 - November 26 - 7:49 am

  I have recently purchased this vehicle with 18000 miles and have had more problems with it than my other vehicles.