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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  Ruby Red 2017 Ford Fusion SE 2.0 Ecoboost-Wow! - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Redskins_Fan - April 27 - 5:08 pm

  Wow, what a ride! From the outside in, this 2017 Ford Fusion is a head turner and heart racer. I have purchased many cars over my lifetime, but hands down this the best car my family has ever owned. I have paid for cars that have cost more and I have paid for that have cost less. However, I cannot believe the overall cost and performance for this car. I have owned a number of Ford vehicles from 2005 to 2009 but left. However, with the Fusion I will be a Ford owner for life!

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  Get Real New Car Value - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Steve - April 26 - 6:38 pm

  I bought a 2016 1.5L Turbo SE Fusion with navigation in November and I was pleasantly pleased with the purchase experience. The car handles wonderfully and is comfortable both front and back. It is both economical and peppy, and really is a bargain vs. marginally more "upscale" vehicles. I have owned Lincolns, Acuras , Cadillacs, BMWs, ect. and this, in my opinion, is thus far, and by far, the best new car value I have ever obtained, even though may not be considered a "luxury " brand or model.

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  Happy Renter - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Happy Renter - April 26 - 3:55 pm

  I rented this car for a short trip, total 300 miles, in one day. The best part of this trip was driving this car. It is so fun to drive and comfortable to be in for long periods. The extras like the floor lights, and the ipod adaptor made my teenagers very happy. This car had amazing pickup and power. It feels like your barely moving when your going over the speed limit.Id love to own this car.

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  Great value - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By cj - April 26 - 5:14 am

  Much better than I anticipated for the price. Not overpowered/just right. I love the handling with a composed ride. Glad I got the V6, Four was noisy. Very good legroom.

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  This thing is a FORD?! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Kevin - April 25 - 10:00 pm

  My review title was the first thing that entered my head upon test driving my future Fusion S. Very well composed ride, handling characteristics, soft touch interior materials, and overall a feeling of a great vehicle. 6 speed auto started shifting a bit rough but now that I have some mileage on it and its gotten used to my driving patterns, its silky-smooth. Huge trunk for a mid-size. Alloy wheels standard on basic model. Returned 32 MPG on first tank of gas. First car Ive owned that didnt need to return to the selling dealership to fix something after the sale.

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  love at first drive - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Tania - April 24 - 7:10 am

  Ive had my car since the first of the year, and I still cant believe how in love I am. I love opening the moonroof on a breezy night and unwinding with the heated seats. Ive had many people comment on how "rich looking" the car is. Mine is tungsten silver with the black leather/black piano finish.

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  Great Car! Very Comfortable! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By owensry - April 23 - 6:29 pm

  It is the most comfortable car ive ever been in the seats are so supportive, looks great love the SEL and the V6 engine, great color "Vapor Silver" with the charcoal interior makes the car. Navigation is great!!!

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  I like it. - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By John - April 23 - 7:57 am

  Had a hard time deciding but finally went with the v6 Fusion SE. I have to say so far I am very pleased. The car handles particularly well and the braking is excellent. It is roomy inside even though it appears to be a smaller car from the outside. The 3.0 v6 has plenty of power although I can notice the difference coming down from a 3.8L. Ford appears to understand how to compete with the Toyotas and Hondas. I would rate this car with either of them.

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  Would buy another one! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By jwagen02 - April 22 - 10:46 pm

  Overall we have been very happy with our 2006 Ford Fusion. Until the air went out, we had zero problems in 84000 miles. Oil changes and tires and thats it. We are having to pay $600 to have a $10 sensor changed behind the dashboard, which seems outrageous! The car rides well, we get high 20s for mileage on the highway, and the car was a great price. The 4 cylinder engine has enough power but produces some noise in the cabin. I will probably buy another Fusion in a year or two.

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  1st new car purchase at 18 :] - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By megan09 - April 21 - 2:22 pm

  I bought this car brand new this month. Im eighteen & was thoroughly afraid of the whole picking what I want process. The fusion has it all & I will definately be stickin to FORD vehicles for a long while.