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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  Rear Window - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Leonard Peters - November 1 - 11:56 pm

  Limited viewing of rear window. The safety light in the middle is too high and distracts for visibility.

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  One of Fords best cars yet - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By akirby - October 30 - 10:26 am

  So far Ive had 5000 trouble free miles. The V6 has plenty of power for a FWD vehicle - its as quick as my V8 Lincoln LS. The steering is nicely weighted and very precise with a Germanic feel. The handling is superb but not too harsh. The interior is one of Fords best to date. The exterior is striking and really stands out. Tungsten grey is one of my all time favorite colors. In the sunlight it almost looks like granite. The audiophile stereo sounds ok but not fantastic, even with 8 speakers. Rear visibility is hampered by the tall rear deck but that also gives you a huge trunk.

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  Fusion S - Great Car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Fusion S - manual - October 22 - 11:38 am

  I bought this car recently and absolutely love it. The ride is smoother than any car I have ever been in and the steering reacts very well.

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  20087 Fusion is surprising - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By ss100x - October 15 - 10:13 pm

  I downsized from a Lincoln Town Car to get better gas mileage. The Fusion 4 CYL with the 5 speed auto gets me 33MPG on the highway - 5 more than the EPA rating. It is quiet, sporty, excellent build quality and has many surprising features that you dont expect on a car in this price class

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  Excellent value - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By clement - October 13 - 11:19 pm

  I was hesitating to buy a Audi Quattro A4 or the Ford Fusion V6 AWD. The Fusion costs $10,000 less and has better reliability. Therefore I bought a Fusion (and put an additional $10K for retirment). I like this car very much, specifically the body stiffness in sharp turns. I also like the "straight forward-no gimmick" Ford style.

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  Great Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By hillbillyJoe - October 12 - 10:56 am

  This car has been put through a serious road test, including an 9K mile round trip journey to Alaska and back. It has performed flawlessly.

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  Fusion is a great decision! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By debswebworks - October 9 - 7:17 am

  I absolutely love my Fusion SEL V6! The power and acceleration is great, I get good mileage on highway and around town, theres plenty of interior room to drive around my daughter and her friends, and I love the leather seats. The trunk has ample room, and they really thought out the interior features. I am so glad that I got the moonroof, but of course it comes standard with the SEL. I can see myself keeping this vehicle for many years, and giving it to my daughter when she is ready to drive, so I plan on purchasing the extended warranty. I am proud to be seen in this vehicle compared to my old Accord and Camry, this is my preferred car.

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  We love this car! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By PND - October 8 - 11:29 am

  We used to be Toyota fans. The last two cars we owned were Camrys Our 96 would die on hills with no warning and had a clunk when shifting. No one including dealerships could figure it out. Our second 02 at 80K had the tranny go out. Our friends bought a 07 Camry we bought the Fusion. Runs perfect, sporty, fun, comfortable, we just love this car. Our friends just replaced the engine block and seat belts on the new Camry. Not one prob with our car. We are so glad we chose the Fusion.

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  Ford = Fun On the Road Driving - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By ACDII - October 7 - 7:00 am

  I went from a 2009 Camry Hybrid to the Fusion Sport, I couldnt put up anymore with the Toyotas poor quality and lousy ride. The Sport is a fantastic car, ride, comfort, fit and finish, all above par. Power is great, handling is great, 31 MPG on the highway from the big V6, and the car is quiet, something I could not say about the Camry Hybrid. This is the first car to put a grin on my face when I put my foot down, and its a family Sedan! The Bluetooth is superior to the Toyota, I can actually have a conversation now. I love the SYNC. I will never go back to a Toyota. I am a true Ford man, this is my 7th Ford, and I LOVE it! Thanks Ford for making a car I Like again! I still have my F350 Too

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  Ford Continues to Impress... - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By MyFirstFusion - October 7 - 12:20 am

  Im not very bias when it comes to Ford vs Chevy vs any other car company for that matter. I know what I want, and shop for that. Living in VT and traveling as much as I do, I needed a AWD vehicle. I had a 2001 A4 2.8Q, which was a great car. Once it was time to put it out to pasture, my buddy suggested the Fusion (he had an F150, which I thought was another great vehicle), so I test drove it and was instantly impressed. So much to love. Im glad I bought it, and dont miss my Audi one bit.