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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  Good car, not good mileage - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Chris - February 16 - 7:30 pm

  Wanted a mid-sized car, 4 cylinder engine, manual transmission, and good fuel economy! After driving several Fusions as rental cars (albeit with automatics), liked them enough to purchase. After 2 months, the only complaint is the sunroof has a small rattle (will take back to dealer) and fuel mileage has been low even without hard acceleration/stops.

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  Great Car, EXCEPT - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By urnews - February 16 - 5:50 am

  Our 2007 V6, 6-speed automatic transmission AWD SEL Fusion is a fantastic car EXCEPT for the horrific in-city gas mileage, a pitiful 13 mpg after 1,800 miles. Our terrain is flat as a fritter. The climate is mild (56 degrees on Feb. 27) and we are both conservative, gentle drivers. The car did, however achieve 26.5 mpg (going) and 24.2 mpg (returning) on a recent 360-mile trip. Its the in-city, stop-and-go travel, 95 percent of our driving, that is the killer. I find it incomprehensible that a 3,300-pound, mid-size car would have such terrible in-city mileage in the year 2007. We enjoy everything else about the car. Ford has a winner here. But the mileage situation needs to be addressed

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  Hate My Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By JaxFL - February 15 - 5:33 pm

  This car is not what I was told when I bought it. If you have kids, buy another car. The price is great, but the cup holder built into the seat with cloth velour seats is crazy. I was told by the dealer to just buy seat covers. Well, guess what, there were none available anywhere for about one year. Then my car has no adequate storage inside, because it has a lot of "little" compartments, but none large enough to actually store something in, especially the glove compartment. I have owned a Ford since 1999 (SUVs) but with the cost of gas. I hate my car. The inside doors cannot be cleaned when dirtied by a seven year old. he bottom rides too low, its too long, etc. Wipers stink.

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  Bought for wife - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Marlboro - February 12 - 7:50 am

  Boring family car. Little road feel and doesnt have enough power. Key competitors have safety items like side curtain airbags and stability assist as standard equipment but these are options or not available on the Fusion. Is it built to last? The warranty is only 3 years with only 5 years rust through protection.

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  First Ford in Decades - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By TheStains - February 9 - 2:03 am

  We just purchased our Fusion SEL V6 last night. What a blast to drive - the number of stares we are receiving was totally unexpected. We thought it was a nice looking car but didnt think so many others would agree as well. We havent pressed it too hard (yet) but we know it can fly. What we are enjoying is the quiet ride and tight suspension. We test drove a Camry LE V6 and SE V6 and thought it OK but not great. The Fusion we thought was by far a better ride. I hope Ford has turned the corner and continues to build solid cars.

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  The Best car i ever had - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By Kamiesha Woods - February 7 - 8:33 pm

  Around this is a great car i love every thing about this car gas, Bluetooth, sunroof, power,

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  FORD - the acronym fits... :( - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By The Canadian Fellow - February 7 - 7:50 am

  Well, bought it in October, and since then I have not had it for more than 2- 3 weeks at a time without taking it in for service. 4 - 5 times I have had to bring it in for air locks (gurgling in the cooling system) Even in my rental too... Head gasket has been relplaced, there was also coolant in one of the cyliners. Timing belt was out by 7 degrees, this was the dealerships fault, but still another issue with a Ford. High pitched squeal coming from the heater, which has been fixed. Sync randomly cuts out on me as well. The car would also nearly stall when I turned the ignition, then catch itself and roar to life. So, as of right now I do not recommend it

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  Go test drive one - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By tommybot - February 6 - 7:46 pm

  Get the appearance package. The faux leather seats fool everyone and are quite comfortable.17"rims,lower profile tires are well worth the extra price. Rear spoiler is subtle, not a big wing. Spoiler has led lites. 6cd mp3 radio is very good. No need to upgrade unless youre an audiophile nut! Handling. This is where the suprise is. It is by far the best riding and handling $20K car out there, period. Even more expensive cars cant compare to the ride. My wife says its just as comfortable as any BMW. Getting 29 mpg mixed driving when driving like grandma. 35mpg all highway with cruise set at 65. 25mpg when driving like a typical NJ/NYC person.

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  Ford won me over! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By 2008 Fusion sport SE - January 29 - 4:50 pm

  I test drove 6 cars before making my choice. Mazda 6, Mazda3, Honda Civic Si, Honda Accord, Fusion I4, and Fusion SE V6. The sport package added to the SE version of the V6 Fusion was absolutely smooth and responsive. Granted the Accord is a great car, but the 08 version is just to big for my taste.

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  2006 SE V6 Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Andrew - January 29 - 10:33 am

  95 % commuter driving - car is very quiet, comfortable and gets 21 mpg in surface street commuting. 5 % highway driving - car handles 80 mph cruising effortlessly, very stable at speed, very responsive when need to pass, and gets 27 mpg