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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  Try it youll like it - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Mark - February 9 - 4:34 am

  Live in the snowbelt of Northern Ohio. Needed a new car, test drove everything in this class with the exception of the Fusion. Decided to buy an Impala but the deal was not to my liking. Went to the local Ford dealer and test drove the AWD SEL and bought it as soon as I returned from the test drive. Mind you I bought it during a snow storm and was very impressed with the AWD system. I drive 70 mi a day and love driving this car. Great seats,audio and climate control. Averaging 26 mpg on highway and 22 in city and I am an aggressive driver.The interior absolutely beats all otheer cars in this class. Love the seat warmers!

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  Great Car! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Happy Owner - February 6 - 6:54 pm

  I would recommend this vehicle to whomever wants to be pleased with their purchase and price. I have had no problems with this car and love driving it. Ive gone on a few long trips and had a nice, comfortable drive. It rides very smooth. I get really good gas mileage 25 in town and 33 on the highway. Go out and get this car if you are questioning it.

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  Awesome Car! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Allan - February 2 - 1:12 pm

  Ford has built a great car. I also own a 2005 Honda Accord, and the quality of the fusion is the same or better. You get more standard equipment for the price compared to the competition. Definitely consider the Ford Fusion if you are in the market to purchase a mid-size family car.

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  Thanks Ford - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Mark w. Todd - February 1 - 7:10 am

  Looked at several cars. The Fusions sporty looks, ride, and handling stole my heart.Wife came out of a Impala and is very impressed. MPG and ride very competitive. I drag race a 6 second car and think it has great power considering, Im not putting it on the dragstrip. Plenty passing power. Lot of car for the money.

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  Ive only had this car for 1 week! - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Sarah - January 31 - 9:27 am

  When you sit in the car it snuggles you in and prepares you for a smooth ride. Acceleration is quick and smooth. The hum of the engine sounds similar to the Mustang. I really like this car. Ive owned a 2000 Camry, 2004 Dodge Stratus & 2004 Nissan Sentra--none comes close to the sleek and smoothness of the Ford Fusion. I look forward to buying a new one when this one is paid for! The Ford incentives are great right now. Dont let this car slip by you!

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  Excellent Choice - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Allan Gardner - January 30 - 8:43 am

  We checked several other possibilities, but kept coming back to the Fusion. We have found that it is very comfortable, it handles well and amongst other things the 2.5 engine has more than adequate power both around town and on the road. It is also a fun car to drive. For us it was an excellent choice!

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  Great New Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By taylor_DTW - January 29 - 1:30 pm

  I bought this car in SE/I4/manual trim, two weeks ago, and Im very happy I did. Its fun to drive for a family car; in a whole different league from Malibu or Camry. The suspension and brakes are especially well done. The I4 is not overpowering, but it revs high and the manual transmission works great...feels good and the gears are tightly spaced. I also think its a beautiful car (on the outside...average on the inside), and it was inexpensive to boot. I always said if a US manufacturer builds a car that was good-looking and fun to drive with a manual transmission, I would give it a chance. Well, this is that car! Im very happy and would recommend it to anyone.

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  The base model isnt really a "base model" - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Jake - January 29 - 5:11 am

  Ive had my fusion just a little over 2 weeks and Im in love with it. Even though it is a base model, it still has a lot of cool features and it really isnt a "base model"

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  So far so good - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By John - January 27 - 4:55 pm

  Bought my first new car after nearly 40 years behind the wheel to take advantage of bargains. Found the Fusion to be a good fit when gussied up with a moon roof. Very well handling as two deer can testify in my first week of driving it. I expected better gas mileage than 22.5, but it gets 30 on the interstates. Overall, this is a reason I will go to Ford first when buying my next car. My previous experiences with GM and Chrysler had me looking across the ocean for my next car a serious problem for a union man and economic nationalist.

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  First car in 20 years - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By brb923 - January 27 - 4:19 pm

  After 20 years of regular cab 2wd trucks, I could finally buy myself a car. Ink Blue Fusion with the Blue Suede package,4 cyl, 5 speed and Sync. At 1500 miles its fun to drive, laid out well, gets 29 mpg on the hiway and is just plain comfortable to be in. Everything feels tight. It handles well and the suspension is firm enough without being rough. Drove 780 miles in a single day and never hurt anywhere or really had to stop other than for the normal reasons