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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  Still loving this Ford Fusion V6 SEL - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Debbie - August 2 - 7:26 pm

  Well, Ive had my Fusion SEL V6 for almost 2 years now, and I still love it. It has been a great car, sweet to look and and very reliable. Maintenance has been a breeze, and the V6 pep is always there when I need it. Love it!

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  Great Car for the money! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Ginny - August 1 - 10:18 pm

  Traded an 02 Ford Windstar van with 100,000 miles. Wish we had started with Ford instead of checking Toyota, Honda, and Nissan...there is no comparison for what you get for the money with the Ford Fusion. We had a great saleman who got us a terrific deal. We have had our Fusion for almost 3 months and have about 4000 miles on it.....my husband and I are semi retired and we are loving this car. We get 25 mpg in city /31 on the highway. Fun to drive, with precise steering and great brakes. Love the look of the car and the comfort. How did we live without sync? Moon and Tune package great and so affordable!.. best car decision weve made. Drive it, youll love it too.

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  Really more than I expected. - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Bill - July 30 - 3:10 pm

  We purchased this vehicle used with 22,000 miles on it and we now have 70,000 miles on it 20 months later. The only thing we have done to it so far is to consistently service it, and put a new set of tires on it. The Fusion seems to do a pretty good job of combining decent performance, handling, gas mileage, and comfort. Although it has leather, it is not very good quality and the headrests seem to be bricks covered with a little foam pading and a little more leather. Everything seems to be very easily reached and other than the steering mounted temperature adjusting button has worked without flaw. Overall, this vehicle has served us in a way that we would buy another one in a heartbeat.

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  2010 Ford Fusion Sport - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Horton MD - July 30 - 8:40 am

  I have owned several Lincolns,two Jaguars and numerous Ford products over the years and the 2010 Sport is probably the best put together most fun to drive vehicle Ive owned in years. Not to mention the best in fuel economy. Build quality is a 10! I compare a new vehicle to something I have owned in the past and this beats out my 2006 JaguarS-Type for the ride,fun to drive and gas Mileage. Huge rear leg room and ample trunk. I cant say enough about the 2010 Fusion Sport.

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  Great Car - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Dave - July 29 - 3:59 pm

  Ive been driving a 2006 Mustang GT for nearly 3 years, primarily using it for commuting only. As fun as the Mustang is, the mpg was a killer in so I needed to find something fun to drive that got much better mileage. The Fusion seemed like a good alternative and after driving it, I was convinced. Although I have essentially half the horsepower of the Mustang, this car makes up for it in handling, the way it drives and substantially better gas mileage. I would recommend the Fusion to anyone that is considering an Accord, Camry or Altima. It looks better than the others and the build quality is as good or better.

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  Fun Car - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Chris - July 26 - 2:07 pm

  Bought a 2008 Fusion in May and have put approximately 2,200 miles on it. Bottom line its fun to drive, looks great, has a lot of room for stuff, and gets solid combined gas mileage (around 24 mpg for the V6). I cant argue at all. And for all the features, it still cost the same as or less than most of the other comparable mid-size sedans. If the quality holds up, it should be a great car for the next couple of years.

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  Impressive given its import competition - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By John Cain - July 25 - 3:33 pm

  I came off of a 2005 F150 Supercrew lease and had been looking at several vehicles. They included the Camry, Accord and Sonata. I also looked at the new Taurus. All fine cars. The Taurus is just huge when compared to the rest. I found the Fusion to be well priced given its features and reviews. Its quiet, well mannered, and generally a pleasure to drive. The gas mileage is better than rated but then again compared to an F150 almost anything car-like is. The old adage of "have you driven a Ford lately" really drives home the feeling I get with the Fusion. Try one, you just might like it.

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  Great car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Gary S. - July 25 - 6:16 am

  This is the first car I have owned in past 15 years. Always drove a pickup. Wanted something that would do well in the snow and be fun to drive. So far have not been disappointed. This car with AWD does great in the snow and is a blast to drive. Love the size of the trunk.

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  Love it! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By 2008 Ford Fusion 5A - July 22 - 8:27 pm

  Traded my 2007 Explorer, have owned this car about 2 weeks and everything has gone OK. The oil filter protector (under the car) got broken in the first 5 days of having it! I dont know how it happened but some how it got snagged by something and broke! Gas mileage is alright, Im only getting 20.6 MPG but being new and mostly stop and go traffic its to be expected. Other than that its fun to drive (love taking those curves at higher speeds) good build quality, though the black interior needs special care or it will dry out and look dry/sun bleached. Have the sport package and the bigger wheels and suspension makes everyday driving a little harder but its great for the value! Overall I love the car!

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  Nice value. - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By dambina - July 21 - 3:02 pm

  Honestly, we bought our Fusion because it was priced significantly lower than the Camary and Accord. With just over 4K miles, it has exceded all of our expectations. Weve averaged over 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, which is a bit better than EPA estimates. It drives quite well and handles very well in traffic and on turns. Our family of four just returned from a week long vacation and we were able to fit comfortably inside with all of our stuff! Weve had no problems so far, although SYNC has had bad voice recognition.