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 value - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Fusionator - March 18 - 6:23 am

  This care is absolutely one of the best deals around for the price. The rebates Ford gives right now are amazing, I got $3500 back. It may not have the interior of a BMW, but it doesnt have the sticker either. The car is absolutely wonderful, shifting is very easy and smooth. Looks like a luxury car, drives like one too.

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  Disappointing Performance - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By GingerDay - March 17 - 11:04 am

  I have used the car to commute 50 miles to Boston everyday. I anticipated the lack of power from my Olds Intrigue, but nothing like what I have experienced. The car has difficulty shifting our of first gear when its cold (engine cold, not weather cold). When slowing from 65 miles an hour to negotiate toll boothes, the speed up is jerky and loud. When braking on exit ramps and having to merge, the same performance, it chokes on acceleration. I drove a Mazda 6, also a 4 cyl 5 speed, and its pep and response far outweighs the Fusion. Im afraid to take the car far from home, it randomly just wont shift out of first gear easily when you need power to move forward from a stop.

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  Great Buy! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Jay - March 15 - 10:53 am

  This car has put the word fun back into driving especially for a family mid-size sedan. I love the way it handles. It has great pick and go. I normally lease cars and have leased 8 different cars (both domestic and foreign) over the last 12 years and this is by far the best vehicle I have driven in the mid-size category. Ford has made a great mid-size car and its about time. I purchased this vehicle and plan on keeping it.

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  Best in Class - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Eric - March 13 - 7:50 am

  The Ford Fusion has it all, well almost. The car has sleek lines and handles like it. The 6 speed automatic is flawless and never searches for gears. The car is very quiet on the open road, very little wind noise at all. Compare this car to the others in the mid-size segment and it is a winner! You cannot go wrong with this car. I love it as much now as the day I bought it. I chose options such as ABS, heated seats, traction assist, and leather interior. With X-plan pricing and a rebate to boot, I couldnt go wrong. Neither can you!

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  Raving Owner - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By tonyb - March 12 - 6:40 am

  This is my second Fusion in 4 months. The first Fusion I purchased was in an unfortunate accident which totaled the vehicle. The good thing was that I was safe with no damage done, with the exception of the car. I liked it so much that I went out and bought another one.

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  My 2006 Ford Fusion SEL V6 - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By XMan - March 9 - 4:30 am

  A great fun-to-drive car for the price. It has been so comfortable for me as I travel a lot for school and work. The styling is very nice and stands in a class of its own.

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  Ya Baby - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By MGSoldy - March 8 - 2:58 pm

  Weve owned the car since November and continue to be impressed with it more as time goes on. Fun to drive, plenty of power, front seats are excellent, built tight, looks great, lots of extras, terrific value for the money. At 50 years old, Ive owned well over a dozen vehicles in my life and this Fusion is my favorite by far. Its a welcome suprise after all these years.

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  Solid vehicle - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By cannon03 - March 7 - 11:29 am

  My Fusion is as solid as the day I purchased it. With just over 45,000 trouble free, squeak and rattle free miles. It drives nicely and has a solid road feel. Ford did a great job on this vehicle. I plan on keeping this vehicle for a while. I am very happy with its performance/quality/fit/finish. I strongly recommend to anyone.

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  Recent Purchase SE V6 - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Big_O - March 4 - 10:43 pm

  Spent 4 days shopping and comparing to the Camry, Altima and 05 Civic. Not even close in terms of features/performance for the price. V6 for the same price as others charging for 4 cylinders. Fun to drive! DO NOT recommend Fusion 4 cylinder. Styling is great both inside/out, ride is surprisingly smooth/quiet at highway speed. Turns heads on the street and I had a couple of folks even make a comparison to a Mercedes or Caddy! I am 6 1", 235, still fit comfortably driving or in the rear. Managing a decent 22 MPG city, even in stop/go Houston traffic. Ours included the Safety and Security package (side airbags, alarm) as well as the SE sport (6 disc CD, etc.) package. Happy Wife + Easy on the Wallet = hubby happy!

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  My honest opinion - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By StrikeEagle - March 4 - 5:50 am

  I bought the Fusion without ever seeing one in person and I really love this car. Gas mileage has been up to and over 30 MPG from the beginning. I also dont have any problems getting started from a full stop of punching the pedal to get out of a tight situation. The reports of slow response to gas pedal input just arent as bad as they are made out to be. I am also 64" tall and have zero issues with leg and head room. I also have no problems with the turning radius. My previous vehicle was a Ranger which had a larger turning radius, so the Fusions tighter turning is a nice change of pace.