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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  My first four-door sedan in 10 years! - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By paulsnj - January 12 - 2:26 pm

  I replaced my aging and heavy Chrysler Pacifica with this Fusion, knowing that it shares its engine and platform with the Mazda 6. Hondas and Toyotas are too expensive to buy used, so this was a good option. I drive about 35,000 miles a year so brand new is out. The four cylinder is suprisingly powerful and smooth wont win any drag races but the six-speed seems to find the right gear to suit the situation. Seats are a little hard on the bottom cushion but supportive. The interior has a little too much black plastic but fits together well, and all controls have a nice soild tactile feel to them. Leather seems to be of the "harder" variety which means it should be durable as well.

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  Has been excellent - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By cayman6 - December 31 - 1:39 pm

  Have had the 2010 Sport 3.5L AWD (with Nav) for over 5 years now. No problems other than battery replaced under warranty. Has been very reliable, not even a squeak or a rattle. Ride and handling fine.

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  So Far So Good. - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By vkmaxima - December 31 - 10:53 am

  My brother went from his 96 Taurus to a 10 Fusion SE. He decided to buy one after I got my 12 SEL. The cars has 85k and its been great so far. Occasionally the cap less fuel door has to be cleaned otherwise it triggers an error. The car is still very solid, but does have an odd rattle from the exhaust. No performance problems though. My brother also likes the SYNC system, and finds it easy to use. The car achieves about 18-22 mpg city, and 24-29 mpg hwy. He has a VERY heavy foot, so he doesnt quite get excellent economy, or close to what this car can get. I however get about 22-24 mpg city, and 27-31 mpg hwy. Were both happy we made the right choice with the Ford Fusion.

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  terrible MPG - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By fusion15 - December 18 - 1:06 pm

  Im not a lead foot driver and 22MPG is my average. Note that I drive 70% on highway. Its my first ford and Im terribly disappointed at their faulty advertisement. I got the full options thus its a fun car to ride but I dont see myself keeping the car for a long time especially when as gas price goes back up to $4.

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  Ford Fusion SE 1.5L Eco Boost - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By w1ngs - December 16 - 10:56 pm

  Bought my Fusion about 2 months ago and so far I am not happy with it. Biggest complaint is the gas mileage, according to the sticker was supposed to be 26 city and 35 highway well in city driving I am getting about 21.9 mpg and on the highway about 28....have talked to dealer about and they have no answers....very unhappy for what I paid for car and bad performance....

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  limp mode - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By fisheye3 - December 14 - 12:58 am

  I did not learn that the engine powering this car is well-documernted for going into limp mode. This means you suddenly have no throttle response, just steering and brakes to get you to the side of the road. Ford dealer replaced the throttle body-3 days later, same problem. The service advisor informed that that nothing more would be done, since they couldnt replicate the condition, despite having found codes (they didnt say what codes). Bottim line-I have to pay off this car and buy another. Hopefully, I wont get screwed again.

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  2014 Fusion and the Fog - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By csfusion2014 - December 8 - 12:33 pm

  Purchased 2014 Fusion February 2014 and we absolutely loved the car. Great looks and loved the blacked out rims. Color is Dark Side. Summer was great. Come heating season the windshield constantly fogs up. Starts at the bottom and works all the way to the top. Ford Says this is normal. I tend to disagree. Completely poor answers from ford service advisors and regional service reps. The truth is I love the car but may have make a move to another competitor.

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  Excellent Initial Quality - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By herman15fusion - December 7 - 3:35 pm

  Just purchased a 2015 Fusion SE last weekend on a great deal! After a week, I absolutely love it. It is comfortable, the ride is smooth & quiet, and it is so much better than the 2012 Focus I traded. I got the 1.5L Ecoboost engine, and it is fantastic. I do mostly city driving on my daily commute, and am getting 26-28 mpg. Not bad...The only negative is the sound system. Perhaps I could do some tweaking on my end, but the sound is fairly weak compared to the 2008 Fusion I owned a few years ago. Overall, I highly recommend the Ford Fusion!

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  2013 AWD Ford Fusion Titanium - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By andgan - November 29 - 5:13 pm

  Overall this is a very reliable car. It performs well in all kinds of conditions. Once you figure out the cars quirks, they are not that bad. I am a sales rep and drive about 55,000 miles per year. I have had my car since June 2013 and it has over 80,000 miles. It has the original brakes. The original tires needed to be changed at 50K. The car has push button start. It is the only thing on the car that failed that I would consider outside normal maintenance/wear-tear. The dealership had to fix this. Dont buy this car if you expect superior fuel economy. I drive 80% highway. I average 23.7 miles per gallon.

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  Just an EXCELLENT car!! - 2013 Ford Fusion
  By mc929 - November 23 - 5:28 pm

  I currently have 29100 miles on this car. I am the type of person that cannot stand any types of rattles or body shake when the road becomes uneven. This car even after almost 30,000 miles feels like it is cut from one piece of stone! Just solid!! Brakes are excellent and still have almost 50% left on the pads. Handling is excellent! Ride is smooth with amazingly little road noise, wind noise, or engine noise! Just a quiet ride! The 2.0 ecoboost is excellent and has been averaging 27.7 mpg combined! Car has not been into shop once for anything other than scheduled maintenance. So for me reliability for me has been excellent!