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 car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By howardcy - March 31 - 8:58 pm

  No problems, just a great car. Super sharp looking car in tungsten silver. I am averaging 22 mpg around town. 28- 29 mpg on higway trips.

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  Far better than I expected - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By ceooftnfya - March 28 - 9:53 pm

  Rented this car while mine was in the shop for one week. Initial reaction. No low end torque (read: no get up and go)but nice and responsive when anywhere past 20Kmph. Quick sporty feel, handled well. Very pleasently surprised with this Ford product. Compared to a seven year old Civic it rattles far more when the stereo is turned up showing, to a degree, overall build quality. Very enjoyable drive and I will miss it although it would be in tough competition when I buy next.

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  The Red Rider - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Stan Smith - March 22 - 11:38 am

  I got my 2016 Ford Fusion Titanium in April and Im enjoying everything about it. Im really impressed with the eco boost engine great acceleration. I have all the whistle and bells and still learning some of the sync system but a lot of fun. I love the 12 speaker surround sound radio, the heated & cooled seats. There are to many things to mention them all. I traded in my 2009 MKZ which I really liked.

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  Best Car Ive owned - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By 2lman - March 18 - 2:34 pm

  I originally had a 2006 Fusion but traded it in on the 07 because I wanted the side airbags and more features. I drive 80 miles (mostly hwy) a day to work doing 75mph. In the warm months Ive been getting 27-29 mpg 90%hwy, in the winter it drops around 24 mpg. It had a rattle in the dash doing 40-50mph at1600rpm. The dealer fixed it, they said there was a Ford service bulletin something on the firewall was the cause of the rattle. If you are in the market for this size car, I highly recommend it, good reliable, fun to drive, huge trunk, and plenty of power.

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  One of the Best! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Darryl - March 9 - 8:23 pm

  This car is one of the best vehicles I have driven. Over the past 27 years I have owned a large number of automobiles, and this one is outstanding in many ways. It is very comfortable, handles very well, and has good power. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a reliable and stylish ride.

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  love my Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Linda - March 9 - 4:13 pm

  I am absolutely in love with my Ford Fusion. People cant quite figure out what Im driving, Cadillac, 500? It handles well, is so comfortable and is absolutely georgeous! Im in love :)

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  Fun Car to drive - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Allen - March 5 - 6:40 pm

  This is a stylish comfortable sport sedan. I started out to buy the 4 cylinder, but after a test drive of the V-6, I was convinced it was for me. I am very well pleased with the overall performance of the SE V-6. It has excellent acceleration. The optional abs braking is wonderful. The ride is extremely smooth adding to the comfort for driver and passengers. It is one of the most fun cars I have ever driven.

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  Roadtrippin in a Fusion - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By roadtrippin - March 3 - 2:56 am

  Im a young working professional and after the first 1K miles, Im very pleased with the Fusion. Ive been a Jetta driver the last 6 years and this car has been a nice transition from import to domestic. I put a lot of miles on my cars and make frequent roadtrips, so I wanted a reliable sports sedan that wasnt a beast on gas. I opted for the SE model with the appearence package including leather-trimmed seats with red stitching, sunroof, fog lights, spoiler and upgraded tires and wheels. The ride is smooth, the styling is sleek and the overall quality has been quite impressive. The seats are extremely comfortable and make driving very enjoyable. Cant wait to hit the highway again!

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  Glad to see Ford can produce good cars - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Dillon - February 21 - 8:43 pm

  I am overall extremely pleased with my car, but there were 2 features that really took some getting used too. First was the rear window - not a whole lot of viewing going on back there, and second Im about 510" and I had to do quite a bit of seat adjusting to not rub my head against the ceiling all the time. I replaced the stereo because there was no iPod hookup, but the stock speakers are great. My car is fully loaded, and I mean fully. I bought it with every feature they had listed and I got a killer deal. This car is HOT! and I am proud to be an owner. Did I mention its maroon or dark red; however you view it, its like butter!

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  Have it almost one year - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By LeeAnn - February 20 - 2:12 pm

  I like the vehicle, but have had problems with a strange strong vibration when the car hits 50 - 55 mph. Had it back at the dealership several times. Other than that, I enjoy it, I drive approximately 80 miles a day 5 days a week and the drive is enjoyable minus the vibration. I used to have a Nissan Maxima, which lasted me 9 years and 250,000+ miles, hopefully the Ford Fusion will prove to be comparable. However, the Fusion is definitely a lot better in the snow than the Maxima!