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 - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By saber1251 - January 25 - 5:39 am

  I traded in a 2006 Honda Accord EX on a 2009 Ford Fusion SE with Sport Package. The Fusion handles better than the Accord, has just as much power, and the build quality is just as good if not better than the Accord. In addition, the car is fun to drive. For the price you cannot beat the Fusion.

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  Got Fuel Pump - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Ford_Fan - January 24 - 3:43 pm

  I really like this car and have driven many Ford vehicles in the past. This car replaces a 98 Contour SE Sport. I wanted a Freestyle, she wanted a Fusion. We bought the Fusion in Merlot with side airbags and 6 disc CD player. Great car. Six speed hunts at times. At 3000 miles for the complimentary oil change. My FUEL PUMP died. In the dealership Friday morning; got car back Tuesday evening, back to dealer on Wednesday afternoon (left my wife stranded) for same problem, plus other sensors ruined from fuel starvation. Got car back Friday morning. Car is running great now. Hope I did not get the lemon of the lot. That would stink.

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  Disapointed with Ford transmission again - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Nick - January 24 - 8:13 am

  The ride is firm but comfortable,steering is taut without being overly so, vehicle corners well and the interior is a class act, but unfortunately all this is marred by a transmisson that takes all the joy out of the driving experience. I purchased a demo w/16000 miles on odo. Clearly I didnt take the vehicle for a long enough test drive. When going down hill or coasting to a stop when speed drops to about 40 the transmission down shifts & slows the vehicle so quickly you end up having to give it more gas. This vehicle is supposed to have a CVT transmission which is supposed to shift smoothly. Well apparently no one at Ford got that memo. This is my third and last Ford.

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  Quality & Value - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By bpayton63 - January 23 - 3:53 pm

  I have been very disappointed with the quality if this car. I have had to replace a front wheel barring not 2 months after purchase and have had transmission problems this car does not have the power you cant pass unless your going down hill or have plenty of room it does not feel safe on the interstate. The battery terminal went bad and that had to be replaced too. The interior is cheap and the seats are already separating (I weigh only 125 lbs) and the trunk doesnt say open. As far as design and comfort I love it that is why I purchased this model. Unfortunately youd better love it because there is no trade in value my $16,000 car is only worth $7,600 depreciated 1/2 in 8 months.

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  Best Car I Ever Had - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By KD - January 21 - 11:39 pm

  I drove several brands and decided to try a Ford last of all as I wasnt really convinced I would want one. The dealer cash incentives were too big to ignore however, and once I drove the car, I fell in love with it. The SYNC is just amazing and I love the traction control and 4 wheel disk brakes. The acceleration is smooth and the braking firm. The Fusion has the best handling I have ever driven in a sedan and it looks really sharp in the driveway. 5* crash ratings and a 10.0 from JD Power for reliability sealed the deal. No other brand has anywhere near the bang for the buck that Ford does currently. As good as an import, has SYNC and costs thousands less.

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  Ford is back - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By brett65 - January 20 - 9:50 pm

  I have stayed away from Ford for a few years and have been driving a Mazda 3. Decided to go up a size and looked at the Mazda 6 first. However, I could not beat the price on the Fusion with all of the features. It was no contest. Once I test drove Fusion it sealed the deal. Definitely the best car I have driven in a long time. Hopefully others take note and give Fusion a chance before sticking with Honda or Toyota.

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  Certified Pre-Owned - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By jandpwags - January 17 - 12:10 pm

  I bought my wife an 09 V6 SEL. I bought it with 7,000 miles and it is CPO. I got the car cheaper than a new one with all the rebates and employee pricing, but more importantly, it is under warranty for 6/100 K. Because the vehicle has only been in use for 6 months and 7000 miles, that leaves us with 66 months and 93k miles on the warranty. The car is fun, looks great, and my wife really loves it. She had an 06 EB Expedition and did not think she would like the car, but her mind has changed very quickly.

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  Great car - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By guy salt - January 11 - 9:42 pm

  Traded in a Lincoln LS for a smaller car. This unit was a surprise. More rear leg room,about same size trunk, only deeper. Im 6 and no problem at all. Ordered without sun roof and with the heated seats. The heating and air are simply fantastic. Quiet, comfy, great on gas, roomy and great on both highway and city driving. Would not hesitate to recommend

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  Love My 09 SE V6 - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By virioncr - January 11 - 12:05 am

  I bought a blue ink 09 v6 se in late Dec 08 with sync and I love the car, and sync. I have about 500 miles on the car and have no complaints at all. The car handles very well after two fill ups i am avg about 20 mpg in combined driving. If you are on the fence about getting SYNC get it. SYNC is amazing and hands free driving is nice as well as being able to use your ipod with the SYNC feature. Take a look at this car if in the market for a similar car.

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  Outstanding Value! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Fusion Excels - January 10 - 8:50 am

  Delightful and well thought out describes the Fusion. Road handling and braking give this car a Euro feel and provides enough power for secure driving. The value of the SEL w/4 cylinder pulled me away from the perrenial favorite of this class - the Accord. Dollar for dollar and overall build quality has my family all smiles about this car. Driver visibility is outstanding and the car maneuvers through turns with ease. The sporty and aggressive design is supported by the cars performance. Smart features from seat fold down to custom stereo features for driver or passenger and SYNC make this car a worthy investment!