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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  2007 Fusion - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By jph315 - September 5 - 11:54 am

  Overall I am very pleased with the purchase nearly 3 years later. I still get compliments on the cars styling. For a purchase price less than $25,000 the car was a solid value.

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  Great car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By yuwan - September 1 - 9:20 pm

  While I only have 2,000 miles, the build quality is excellent, design and styling exception for US designed car and general thought behind car is above the rest, including Toyota and Honda. Have every option but navigation, however, there are a couple of design changes needed. The area visible once trunk is opened becomes a catch all for dust, dirt, etc. here in the desert. A better/redesigned seal on trunk is warranted. Plastic louvers are below windshield wipers needs to be improved, as it is a catch all as well. Headlight illumination could be improved and gas mileage is very poor in city stop and go driving (less than 20mpg); however, highway is approaching 30mpg.

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  Boring Car - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Ron - September 1 - 12:42 pm

  Im 26 and my parents bought this car for me in the gorgeous blue exterior color while I was living abroad. The interior and exterior of this car really looks luxurious and the comfort of the car is unmatched. But thats pretty much where the positives for this car end. Mine is the old carry-over transmission (which I guess is good because the old transmission has received very high reliability ratings), but its extremely slow, so slow that its frustrating at times. It is in fact the slowest car I have ever driven (even my very first car a 2000 Mitsu Galant drove better) I absolutely hated driving this car and so did my brother. The gas mileage sucks too - I used to get 20 miles a gallon in mixed driving. When I compared this to my brothers Hyundai Sonata, the Sonata lacks behind in interior quality and comfort but overall is a much much better car as far driving dynamics, fuel economy and etc... After owning this car for a year, I gave it to my dad and got a Mustang.

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  Surprise me Ford! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By davisjpcdj - August 31 - 2:16 am

  I purchased my 2007 Ford Fusion SEL used in October of 08 with around 24k on her. I had read many reviews on the car before my initial purchase and was willing to take the leap. I also hated my 2003 Liberty, and refused to purchase a GM or Chrysler product again. I had never owned a Ford product before, and was a bit nervous. However, I have been greatly impressed with the vehicle thus far. I love the leather seating, although it does not seem to have the quality of other vehicles. A little premature cracking, etc. I have experienced some odd cabin noises, various creaking and such, mainly from the passenger seat and console. Get up and go is fair, gas mileage could be better.

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  ooops... - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Ryan - August 26 - 8:24 pm

  I have had my Fusion now for 3 1/3 years. The blinkers lights are always going out. Last year the the AC went out right in the middle of the Texas Summer. Some sensor was out, was still covered under the warranty so didnt cost anything. A year later (the next summer) my check engine light comes on. Yes, I take car in for its regular checkup always. Anyway the car starts to putter act like it doesnt want to go when I hit the gas. I opted to buy the extended warranty. Turns out the fuse coil is burned up and seems to have short someplace, still in shop. Not at all happy. Suppose be fairly new car to have these problems. May not be covered under the extended warranty.

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  Bargain Audi A4 - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By MB - August 25 - 10:16 pm

  I recently decided to trade in my Mustang GT for something more practical and better able to handle Midwestern winters. I looked at the Subarus but they seemed chintzy and kinda ugly (have you seen the new Legacy?), and Hondas (no AWD except for their SUVs). The Fusions AWD is a rarity in this class and along with the big V-6 and iPod integration I couldnt find anything better out there. I have been extremely pleased with the Fusion so far and it has handled Chicago snow without any problem. I hope it continues to impress!

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  New Ford Fusion a winner - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By rodonn - August 25 - 9:00 pm

  Really a great car and Ford should do well with it. Very quiet and smooth running vehicle. Easy to get in and out. Very comfortable seats. The audio system is awesome and the climate control system is great. Really a well thought out car and my wife and I love it. There is a little annoying rattle and my dealer has promised to fix that.

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  Aside from a few flaws, I love the car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Dave - August 24 - 9:47 pm

  I owned my Fusion for two years. Purchased new in 2007. The car has had its issues (most of the headaches were caused by the dealership), but overall, I am happy with it. The handling, the leg room, quiet interior are a few highlights. The one feature that stands out is the AWD. It works, and it works well. A few bad winters with the standard package of snow, ice, freezing rain, slush, and the occasional ham-head soccer mom with her 23 passenger SUV sliding backwards in my lane did not hinder the cars ability to make it to point B, and back to point A. The location of the auxiliary input is also a plus. Located in the center console with an extra 12 volt DC outlet was an excellent idea.

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  Great Car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By UCLAUSMC - August 24 - 10:56 am

  I bought my Fusion used and immediately loved it. I hadnt planned on buying a Ford and was really looking at the Camry and Accord but I fell it love with the Fusion after the first test drive. It looks great. It rides and handles great. Its not a sports car but I have no problem passing on the freeway. I have been getting 27 MPG with mixed driving. The few small complaints I have about it have all been fixed in the newer models. My car was totaled by a drunk driver while it was parked in front of my house and the only car Im considering to replace it is another Fusion. Just a great car that is well made and thousands less than any of its competitors.

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  Hidden secret - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Michael Drake - August 22 - 8:43 am

  How quiet of ride for front wheel drive, roomy insides, the underside with a full belly cover under the engine, and a vent going to the alternator in the back of engine to keep it cool.150,000 mile tune up, no timing belt. The head lights at night are very good design for road coverage.