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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  Not bad for a Ford - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Clayton - April 23 - 12:40 pm

  My Nissan Altima was totaled and Enterprise gave me a 2015 Ford Fusion for 2 weeks while the insurance company and I worked out the details. Overall, the car was pretty solid and I was fairly satisfied with it overall. Pros: Personally, I loved the climate control, backup camera, automatic headlights, and the bluetooth feature. Cons: There were definitely glitches with the "MyFord" technology, handling was pretty average, and my biggest complaint was that I believe there are some serious blind spots on this car, particularly on the driver side. Its difficult to explain, but switching lanes was not easy in this car because some unnecessary cosmetic plastic on the inside of the car. Lastly, the ceiling seemed a bit low and the two seats in the front were unnecessarily big. Feel like you probably will get more room in comparable Japanese full size sedans. Overall: I enjoyed the car, but I still think any comparable Japanese car is better (Altima, Maxima, Camry, Accord, etc). I think Ford is probably the best American auto maker, but I purchased a 2014 Altima and its definitely nicer. Regardless, the car was very smooth driving and you could definitely do a lot worse.

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  Poor gas mileage - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By MUSKIEFISHER - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, looks great, had lots of good comments on it. Was very road noisy on cement pavement. Tires really hum. Changed to Nito tires and much better. Gas mileage is terrible. 20MPG avg with most miles at speeds of 45 -55. Best I ever got was 24.6 on a trip all highway mileage. I do not pound the pedal so it is not driver abuse.

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  IM INFUSED WITH MY FUSION!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By mary jane licardo - April 23 - 1:11 am

  love the car,very sporty looking,silver with black spoke wheels. wow.

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  I Like It - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Chris - April 22 - 12:19 pm

  Im 67" and 270lbs and I fit just fine in this car. I could not have the sunroof, but I got everything else. I put lots of miles on this car and I have not been sorry I bought it. The 4cyl with a manual has plenty of power. Yah its nice to have 300hp like the Mustang I traded in for it but as I pass gas station after gas station I can live with the power it has. I used to drive Toyota and Chrysler but now Im a Ford guy.

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  Good car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By p48334 - April 16 - 8:37 am

  I am a Ford engineer. I have been leasing turcks because I was not happy with Ford cars in the past. I was determined not to buy a Ford car until I am satisfied with one. And I am driving Fusion V6 SE right now which I think is by far the best car in its price range ($25k). I would buy this one at end of the lease definately. I only wish I could have leased Licoln MKZ in the begining or the Fusion SEL w/ leader seats.

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  My Blue Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By myfusion - April 12 - 11:26 am

  I love the performance and handling, great pickup, almost shifts without noticing. The extras are another story, lumbar support broke at 5000 miles, sunroof leaks, brakes grab after letting off petal. Gas mileage is OK but not what stated. If you read the Fusion discussions you will see that there are many problems that need correcting. Overall I love the car but getting a little discouraged on something always going wrong. But 1st year out I guess I am one of the Beta Testers.

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  What a car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By daniel - April 9 - 5:10 pm

  This car is great. Handling, power, style, comfort, and the room. This car has more leg room than our sport trac. We have been getting 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Thats better than the posted numbers on the window sticker. Just to bring it to your attention look at what Chevy did with the new Malibu and tell me what car does it resemble.

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  Fusion to the Future - 2009 Ford Fusion
  By Jeff1949 - April 5 - 1:36 pm

  Perhaps the greatest thing about this car is that it does it for you. The ergonomics are such that you think that they built the car around you! The seat adjustments were perfect for me and support of my back was spot on! I guess the most important thing that I can say about this car is that the handling is comparable to a race car! I have driven race cars and this car is on par! This car goes through the turns like it is on rails! The feel through the steering wheel is awesome! I have been buying Fords since 1967, and I know quality. If I were you, Id buy a Ford!

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  Love this car! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By FusionChica - April 5 - 11:10 am

  I love this car! It is faster than my V6 Mustang was! I love all the options it is very luxurious but has the spirit of nascar. When you hit the gas, it goes! I love the sound of the exhaust. This is a super fun car.

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  Best new car I have ever owned! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By smily720 - April 3 - 11:20 am

  Ive only owned it about 3 weeks now. But have yet to find anything that I DONT like about it! Its an awesome car. Beautiful stylish family car. I actually had someone in a BMW at a red light next to me ask, "is that the new FORD FUSION"? He said, "awesome looking car"! I would recommend it HIGHLY!