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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  Great Car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By FordFusion - October 30 - 5:56 pm

  I have owned my fusion for a little over a year, I bought it used with 30k miles on it. Right now it has 69k. I have never had any engine, brake, and transmission problems. Here are the things I had to do: change the oil, alignment, tires, and new battery. There has been nothing wrong with this car. Im also 64", I still have leg room and passengers have it also. I would recommend this to first year drivers, college students, and people look for a reliable car. It also rides that a dream hugs the road well on sharp and quick turns. If you like to take road trips this is the perfect car. I live in Houston and can go to Dallas on half of a tank. Thats approximately 200 miles.

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  Fusion: I love it! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By nygiants44 - October 30 - 11:32 am

  This car rocks!Ford has a real winner on its hands. Love the performance,a really nice,comfotrable and reliable ride.

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  Excellent Value - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By nondriver - October 29 - 3:23 pm

  The thing about this car is value. I compared dozens of similar cars, but for the price, none will give you the features (SYNC, stereo, trim, engine), quality and ride this will. For comparo by price/size it was 2006 Altima (0felt cheap, no options) 2007 Chevy Malibu (just junk) 2006 Charger (nothing special in the SE) 2006 Camry) 2005 Accord and 2005 Passat. None of the above came close to the 2008 V6 SEL Sport Package I picked up for within a few grand of those and so far, I am very happy. Give American cars a chance to surprise you -- I actually got this as a former rental from Hertz in great shape and drove it for 2 weeks before I bought it-- free. Fr what it is its a great ride.

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  Extended Review for 2009 Ford Fusion SE - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Novice Editor - October 29 - 11:50 am

  I was resistant to get into this car because I thought it was low end vehicle but I was pleasantly surpised by its handling and styling. The car gives cues of a Lexus sedan, especially the front. Mine is equipped with Sport wheels and low profile tires and makes a tremendous difference in handling. 5 speed trans is good once it gets going in the higher ranges. Gas economy is great on pure highway I got up to 42 miles p/gallon and its not a hybrid. My usual commute is 60% highway and 40% local,traveling 100 miles roundtrip. Im averaging 27-29 miles per gallon. Not bad. Trip commuter works well and the SYNC system is a real tribute. I dont like the cartridge filter design too messy.

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  Great Car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By viking - October 28 - 2:50 pm

  I have been unfortunate to have my 2006 Ford Fusion hit at 40 miles per hour while the car was stopped. The car that hit the Fusion was totaled but my car drove off with minimal damage. It took the hit well as much as the car is a joy to own it is safe as well.

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  luv my Fusion - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By b - October 27 - 6:49 pm

  great car, I4 with manual trans is tons of fun. Fuel economy is great ~34 mpg hwy. Very quick. I was looking at a used 07 A4 for 26000 and found this new 08 Fusion for 14 and change. What a value. Ford is back.

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  Excellent Vehicle! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Don Schwinn - October 25 - 12:02 pm

  Gave up on Audis and decided to help out Detroit. My V6 SEL AWD Fusion has 5000 miles now and Im totally satisfied. The Microsoft Sync system is terrific. The car handles as well as my former Audi and with all the bells and whistles was 1/2 the price of a new Audi. Sure I had to give up memory seats and mirrors, auto up-down of all windows, poewer passenger seat, homelink and cachet but I still got awd, nav, heated seats, Michelin tires, alloy wheels, reverse sensing, leather, metallic paint, fold down rear seats and premium sound. If youre looking for an American brand mid-size, this one is a winner.

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  Great Car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By jwinn44 - October 21 - 12:07 pm

  I love this car! It has a sleek look to it(Sporty yet elegant). Great sound system. Havnt had any maintenance issues after 50,000 miles. Really good handling(I had to swerve sharply on the highway once and the car was very responsive and easy to control). Very comfortable and plenty of space(even in the back seats). Great car for long comutes.

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  4 a good buy - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By R. Cornish - October 19 - 2:10 pm

  We researched several different manufacturers and ended up going to the local car show. It was there that my wife drove and liked the car. When we got serious about the purchase of a new vehicle, a month later, we knew that was what we wanted. While we have less than 500 miles on it we constantly talk about all the features it has for the price. The only thing we had to adjust to is the rear window visibility being less than our other car, especially with the spoiler.

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  Great Car for a 19 yr old - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By DanoTheMANO - October 19 - 11:03 am

  I was lucky enough to have my parents buy this car for me to replace a vehicle that I actually out grew! I am 6 foot five. I find this vehicle to be very comfortable for my long body. I love the style of this car so much. People often think I am driving a Caddy. I dont get exceptional gas mileage, only averaging close to 25-26 mph, but that is driving back and forth to college going over a lot of hills and mountains. So it probably isnt too bad. I think i have a pretty amazing ride for only being 19 years old. Buy the slush mats, they are like 90 bucks but they keep your carpet protected!