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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  What a joke. - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Bryan J - January 26 - 5:55 pm

  This foreign engineered, made in Mexico piece of crap is not only a huge rattetrap, its slow and depreciates around 8 to 9k from the sticker price in 3 months and less than 6k miles. If you enjoy searching for the cause of rattles and poor fuel economy, this is the car for you. Last. Ford. Ever.

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  Gotta Love It - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By ski - January 26 - 12:40 pm

  Picked up a loaded 2007 SEL AWD. Ablast to drive and comfortable too. Have NAV and sunroof. All in all love this car for the price. I get 21 mpg around town driving as fast as I can go in an AWD car. Pleasure to drive on the highway. Nice Job Ford.

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  Fun Driving - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By funguy - January 24 - 11:48 pm

  I traded in my Ford 2005 Taurus for the 2006 Ford Fusion SE. This car is the bomb to drive. Im extremely please with the drive ability, fuel savings, etc. I rate this affordable vehicle as "Outstanding".

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  Blast Off With Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By BobP. - January 23 - 6:16 am

  The Fusion is so much fun to drive you cant believe it! The handling is excellent. The acceleration is mind bending...what a "blast"! Total package is perfect for many different driving segments.

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  Great Vehicle for the Buck - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By mikeb - January 16 - 2:56 pm

  Wanted to get into the nicest vehicle for under $525/ mnth purchase price. I drive a ton for work, 24K/ year. The Fusion is easy on the eye, very well appointed, and the engine and transmission are great. Lots of room inside. Huge trunk. I got the all black leather interior. Two tone interior was goofy looking. I am averaging 21 MPG and I have been jumping on it for fun. This car compares well to the Acura TSX, Camry and Honda Accord. I drove the V6 Accord and it was really dull. The Fusion is a blast to drive.

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  1.5L SE with technology package great so far! - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Kevin Ricks - January 15 - 9:11 am

  Almost bought an Accord. So far, glad I didnt. I bought the deep impact blue with charcoal leather heated seats. It looks like a million bucks! The tiny little 1.5L EcoBoost is amazing. You think "really? This big 5 passenger car has a tiny 1.5L motor and it moves like this?" Plenty of power to pass or climb hills. Think it should be quicker? No problem! Drop it into sport mode and things get a little more exciting. Its not a Charger SRT but it gets the job done while sipping fuel. Its VERY hilly where we live and as long as you doing 60+ mph, itll take all the hills in 6th gear, overdrive. Slower than that, theres not much torque left in this motor below 1500 rpm. The seats a very comfortable. The heat on your lower back makes you not want to get out of the seats. Huge trunk, quite ride. My only nit pick is theres a really nice place for your smart phone under the stereo, but the USB port is in the console under the arm rest. Shouldve been up near the radio instead of having to deal with a lose cord. Duh! The old Sync 2 system isnt as bad as they say it is but Im sure the new sync 3 coming out on the 2017 Im sure will be even better. Love the digital display panels too.

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  Should have shopped around more. - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By DKARN - January 10 - 1:53 am

  I have owned this car for almost a month. I have been very disappointed. In town, I am only getting about 17mpg. On a recent vacation, we got up to 22 by the monitor, but we figured more like 27. When I first take off from a complete stop, there is some hesitation. The rear seat belts are very uncomfortable for an adult. The turning radius is not very good and makes it hard to get into a straight parking space. If I could, I would return it...this is my first new car. I wish I had shopped around more. Needs a digital clock. When the radio is off, its just a dark space. Plastic looks cheap.

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  Long Drives? - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Eric Smith - January 3 - 1:31 am

  Make many 2000-mile round trips for work. At 60 240 lbs., 05 Civic was cramped. Intended to get an Accord, but they werent dealing. Heard Ford was, so checked out Fusion. Have 11000 mi. almost exclusive long highway drives on this Fusion. Great combo of power, comfort, and fuel mileage. Doesnt seem to be geared to be peppy at low speeds (compared to Civic), but going 90 before you know it and handles very well on open highway. Noticeably less road noise than Civic. I cruise between 70 mph and 80 mph and get 31 mpg on trips. Seat adjustable enough to get comfortable with plenty of leg room. Same with steering wheel. Very happy with this vehicle - and wife really likes it too.

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  Head Turner - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By David - January 2 - 8:49 pm

  I have had Toyota and Honda drivers break their necks to check out my Fusion. 0 to 60 the Honda and Toyota may be a little quicker but, with the 6 speed tranny I would love to see the from 50 to 100 results.

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  great price, great car, very satisfied - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Moveforwarder - January 2 - 9:33 am

  i will feel guilty if i dont share my great experiences with you. Great price, great car and great dealer! Ford should tell the truth, instead of 23/31 MPG, i get 27/35 MPG for the first month and first 1000 miles. Yes, as the reviewers here said, I-4 is a little bit noisy when the engine speed is higher than 2000 rpm at local driving. However, when you drive it on highway, man, it is so quiet. I am a Ford lover. Compared to other Ford cars, you can see Ford pays a lot of attention on it and try to regain the No.1 position of family car! Taurus lost its No.1 in 1996. Fusion is very competitive from all aspects; compared to my Focus, it is worth to pay the extra money.