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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  Best car I ever owned - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Fuad - July 17 - 11:30 am

  I have owned this car for 2 years now. I must say this is the best car I have owned so far. Very durable car, reliability has been top notch.You wouldnt believe the punishment it took over the last two Canadian winters and over the pothole infested roads.I have the 5speed and trust me it makes a big difference compared to the automatic.The engine is pepy but you will notice significant power loss on very hot days.Shifter is very smooth. The suspension is one the things that I like most about this car,it handles beautifully.Trunk is big and the backseat is nice and roomy.The stereo is pretty good.I highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a frugal & very well thought through car.

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  My First Ford...Again! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By ScottH - July 15 - 10:28 pm

  The quality of my 2009 Fusion has been extremely good so far. The ride is very nice and the performance is great. Fuel economy on my I4-SE has been slightly above what the sticker stated and I do not drive like my grandfather....although I use the cruise consistently. The more I drive this car, the more I like it. I know that sounds corny, but I drive a miriad of vehicles and the Fusion is my favorite. We looked at several other makes and actually decided on the Fusion because of price. After getting the car, driving it and feeling the quality of the ride, I am totally happy with the car. I think Ford hit a home run with the Fusion.

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  Good Family Sedan for Daily Commute - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Chuck - July 14 - 8:58 pm

  I bought my 07 Fusion w/ 30k on it last year, and it is a great, all-around commuting car. It doesnt have the acceleration and power that I prefer, but it more than makes up for this as far as ride quality is concerned. It is one of the SMOOTHEST riding cars youll ever have. I literally keep falling asleep while driving due to the low wide noise and smooth ride. The interior is very nice and neat, and of course the exterior meets a tame middleground between sophistication and sportiness. The seats arent the comfiest, but theyre good. So, if you have kids and a tight budget, and youre not a speedster, this is a great car. Its reliable and doesnt feel cheap.

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  Great Car - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By fordsman00 - July 14 - 7:40 pm

  I would recommend the V6 fusion to anyone looking for great gas millage and performance. I went on trip from Southeastern Arizona to Provo Utah and back! Traveled through desert and mountains for a total of 1841 miles! I averaged 28.8 MPG. This included 196 miles of city driving. All Mileage Hand calculated We love are Fusion. I would consider myself an aggressive driver and think more moderate driving could achieve better results. We have 14,000 miles and many to come. We have had no issues so far and love to drive it. The only thing that could use some improvement would be road noise from rear of vehical. Well put together car and can feel the quality when driving. Rate it 9 out of 10

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  CPO, The Way To Go - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By Dan A. - July 14 - 5:34 am

  Extremely happy with my 2013 Ford Fusion Titanium that I purchased as a Certified Pre-Owned car with about 26,000 miles on it. I bought it to replace a 2007 Ford Five Hundred that got rear-ended and was totaled. The Five Hundred was roomier with a huge trunk and was a pleasure to drive on long trips. But the Fusion is very comfortable, still has plenty of space, and has much better acceleration and handling than the Five Hundred. I find that I am more engaged driving the Fusion than I was with the Five Hundred especially on longer trips. While I love my Fusion I do have some minor annoyances to point out. First, under hard acceleration from a stop, the front end jumps and loses tracking and pulls hard to the right...it gets a little squirrely. Second, the "engineered" lug nuts are a disaster and whoever thought that was a good idea has obviously never changed a tire. After I had new tires put on and rotated a few times the lug nuts, which are not solid metal start to break down and eventually you cannot get the off the car with just a lug wrench...it takes an air gun, wrenches, and a chisel. I highly recommend replacing the OEM lug nuts with an after market solid metal lug nut from someone like DP Accessories LCB3B6HC-CH04020 as soon as possible. Third, the trunk lid supports seem to wear out faster than I think they should and dont hold the trunk lid open with a breeze or on a slight inclined hill (like my driveway). I replaced a worn out set shortly after I bought the car at around 30,000 miles and now, at 67,000 miles they are worn out and need to be replaced again. Other than these things and a few other minor nits (mostly technology related) I really do love this car. I will also only ever buy another car through a CPO program...its like getting a new car with the initial depreciation accounted for.

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  Very Impressed, Stout well built vehicle - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Ryan R. Z - July 13 - 6:20 pm

  First of all im a former Japanese car buyer. Owned many camrys and accords.. My Fusion has 46,500 miles and it has been very solid. I am in town alot along with some highway.. I can get about 19- 22 depending on how i drive it in town and on the highway close to 29. These numbers are with the ac blowing hard. I accelerate very aggressively also. My accord had tranny issues back in 02, my camry was falling apart with 95k in 05 so hopefully this will be a good ownership experience.

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  Fun, Economical Car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By md13485 - July 8 - 4:33 pm

  I have had my fusion almost 3 years and I can say that this is by far the best car I have ever had. Great gas mileage, comfortable ride, plenty of nice features for a lot lower price than other brands. I have heard so many bad things about 4 cylinder engines. Ok people it is possible to pass someone in a 4 cylinder. JUST LEARN TO DRIVE. Thats all the problem is. Even with the 4 cylinder this car is peppy.

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  Former Honda owner! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Amy - July 6 - 6:00 pm

  Wow! I am really impressed with this car. The two things that I disliked liked about my Honda Cr-v - this Fusion has answered! The comfort of the seats and the quite ride! My Cr-v was so noisy on the highway and I was always trying to get comfortable in the hard seats. This is a classy car and the price is great at 2 years old with only 34k miles on it, It still smells new! I would recommend anyone to take it for a drive and see if it doesnt impress you!

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  Love The Ford Fusion - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By SabrinaA - July 6 - 1:34 pm

  This is my first Ford Ive ever owned. I got the V-6 SEL. I looked at many imports, and none of them compared to this car. It drives like a dream. I feel very safe in it. It has front, side, and curtain airbags. I get 21.6 mpg out in the country. Im sure it will get more on the expressway. I love the pick up and go it has. It can really zip through the city. My teens love it, especially the stereo system. Its a great family car. Thanks Ford for a great car!!!!!

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  Great Car Ford is back - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Bob - July 2 - 10:52 pm

  I purchased my new Fusion in January after driving the Focus and I4 Fusion. I miss my Ranger but I love this car. I fell in love with the handling, interior design, great looks during the test drive.It has many nice features, including the heated seats ,that my wife loves, and the dashboard storage and sunglass compartments. I drive 75 miles round trip to work and I am averaging 27 MGH week in and week out. I love the way it handles. It hugs the road. The V6/six speed is very responsive and smooth shifting. For those of you who are considering a mid-size foreign car I highly recommend you test drive the Fusion before you decide. You wont be disappointed