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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  Get this car! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By aarondhead - May 21 - 1:31 am

  I have had my Fusion for 3 months now and I absolutly love it! Even with the 4 banger I have to pay attention or I will look down and see that I am cruising at high speed. I ave 22-26 mpg (depending on how much I am paying attention). I even stepped up and got the Sport edition, 18 inch wheels, spoiler, leather trim, moon and tune (sun and sound whatever you want to call it) with the 6 disc indash and the sound system that you can hear no matter what speed you are going. I am a Mustang guy but could not get one because of the size (I need 4 doors) but I am in no way ashamed of this car. I have had 5 grown (6 ft+) men in it and we were comfortable. Just drive it I know that you will love it!

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  Good car for a great price - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By ODay - May 20 - 4:31 pm

  For never being a Ford person I was very skeptical even test driving this vehicle. After test driving the fusion and seeing all of the extras available I became a believer. I did my research and found this to be the best car for the price I wanted. After having this car for a while I have absolutely no regrets. I am just as happy as the day I bought it. I was suprisingly happy with the highway gas milleage as I am getting on average 31 MPG. Adding in city driving I got just under 27 MPG average.

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  Its about time domestic - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Marco - May 18 - 11:03 am

  Tried the Fusion after my bad experience with my 04 GM SUV and also for better gas mileage. I was hesitant in purchasing used but was good value for the money. It had 59k on it but runs and feels like new. This is a gas saver with a full size ride and feel. I have cut my gas bill in half. So far the best used car I have ever purchased. Ford finally got one right. Dont be afraid to at least test drive one. Things are finally getting better for us die hard north american suporters. Remember build it and they will come. Thanks for restoring my faith in North American!

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  Fusion I-4 SE - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By mikeyda17 - May 18 - 7:32 am

  I love my Ford Fusion. Car is comfortable and fun to drive. Plenty of room inside front and back, huge trunk. Im getting 30 MPG on the highway. The only drawback on this car that I can see is that the initial pick up is slow. Once you hit 40-50 mph pick up improves but initial pick up from a stop position is lacking.

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  Great value/fun car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By T - May 16 - 7:56 am

  This is the best Ford that I have ever owned as far as quality and satisfaction are concerned. We chose it over the 500 and Escape mainly for its tight feel and zip. I wish Ford offered a stick shift in the V6, I would have jumped all over that. The only negative I see is the analog clock in the middle of the dash. Oh well, great car!

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  Solid performer - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Doc - May 14 - 12:56 pm

  Have driven many vehicles, get new cars frequently through Ford lease program. This is definitely one of the best I have driven. Good suspension, road holding, engine is responsive, steering is exceptional for a sub-$20k car. Engine is a little noisy, and the turning radius could still be tightened, but you will never think of that. Much better looks than other family sedans, inside and out. Trunk opening is wider than average, so the ample space is actually usable. First car/truck I have driven where the front seat could go too far back - recommended for the long-legged people among us (I am 6ft.).

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  Fun to drive, missing some key things - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By cedartree84 - May 6 - 1:31 pm

  The 2006 Fusion is a solid car and fun to drive. Furthermore, it is really good on gas (I average 25-26 MPG mostly city driving, 32-33 MPG on the highway). I have yet to have a problem with it. Unlike other Fords I have had, it is built pretty well. The only thing I dont like about the way it drives is sometimes it feels like there is a second delay in when i hit the gas and it starts moving.

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  Happy! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Lou - May 2 - 6:26 pm

  Having just come from driving an 8- cylinder Ford Explorer for the past 5 years, I was a little apprehensive about moving to a 4-cylinder vehicle. With gas prices being what they are, it seemed like the thing to do. I purchased a red Fusion (pretty color), SE package, leather seats, 6- changer CD with a Moon & Tune package. Im much happier with the car than I thought I would be. Its roomy, its comfortable and its got plenty of power. Its never going feel like a V8, but its more than I need to get back and forth to work. The Fusion made downsizing bearable without paying the Honda or Accord prices. I got much more for my money than I anticipated.

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  Cant go wrong with the Ford Fusion - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Betz - April 30 - 11:33 pm

  2007 Ford Fusion SEL (4 cyl. 4dr sedan) Ill be honest, I never thought Id own a Ford vehicle that wasnt a Mustang or a truck but the Fusion has changed my mind. My husband and I purchased our 07 in May of this year and weve loved every minute of driving this vehicle. The Red Fire Metallic with the Charcoal Black leather interior turns heads and my Dad who has always driven Audis thinks this car is extremely impressive. We drove it from NJ to KS on our family vacation this year and couldnt believe how comfortable it was. Do yourself a favor and get a Fusion. You wont regret it. We plan on purchasing a second Fusion in Spring of 08 for me.

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  Love This Car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Sara B - April 25 - 1:09 pm

  I love this car for the most part - there are very few things I would change about it. This is the first car I ever purchased brand new and I wish I had waited for the AWD to become available. I also wish my ex (who went to pick it out once we decided on the Fusion) had held out for ABS - I definitely miss having ABS!