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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  Finally a Ford I can love - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By basha - October 6 - 7:56 am

  After having Hondas for ten years (great cars but not trouble free), I decided to lease a Ford Fusion. The model I ended up with is an SEL with just about every feature available. The exterior is a flawless black that looks stunning with the chrome trim. The 17 inch tires really grab the road. Rough pavement is more noticeable with these tires, so if you need a softer ride, the high profile 16 inch tires on the SE might be a better choice. The interior on my car is perfect. Leather seating is slightly larger than my Honda and very comfortable. Transmission shifts very smoothly and very quietly. No road noise. Slightly higher beltline may take some getting used to.

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  Do it! - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By bnad - October 6 - 12:24 am

  My wifes car. So far the Fusion is exceeding both my and her expectations and at a great price. No workmanship issues to speak of at 3400 miles. A little weak in from-stop acceleration, but only a 4 cylinder. Great fuel economy for a car its size.

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  Still running strong - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By iceman - October 2 - 6:43 pm

  I have owned many cars both foreign and domestic. Go look at this car before you buy a new one. This car has good handling, performance, space, quality and features. I have 18500 miles since April 2007 with no problems. The car has only had scheduled maintenaince. Go give a Ford a try. My mom bought a Hyundai and it has been in the shop for 4 days with 400 miles on it. Domestic quality has improved dramatically. This car is also very safe with dual and side airbags. It also has a real back seat. This is as nice of a car as my previous Cadillac and Mercedes were without the high repair bills. I havent seen my dealer much but they do a very nice job taking care of me for regular service also.

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  Fusion Fan - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Fusion Fan - September 16 - 6:16 pm

  Have the Fusion for 2 weeks now and I love the car! Great to drive, great to look at. I have the red color which everyone loves! Im getting 24MPG in everyday driving with the I-4. I feel that this engine has plenty of power. Great leg room in front and in the back too!

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  I Have My Audi A6 Back - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By david_zier@yahoo.com - September 10 - 3:38 am

  I owned a few Audi A6 vehicles when I was a consultant, but I have owned several fords in a row since then. I have kept with Ford because the cars are built well, and reliability has been outstanding. Ive only had to perform routine maintenance and the Ford Dealer prices and customer service have been very good. I traded in a 2015 Fusion Titanium AWD for a 2017 Platinum AWD. I have no complaints about either car. But the Platinum interior looks and feels like I am driving an Audi. The interior is luxurious. The side profile with the polished aluminum wheels looks sharp. The LED running lights, turn signals and head lights are sharp. The new twin scroll 2.0 ecoboost is even more refined than the previous in my 2015 Titanium, and it is just a tick faster but it is noticeable. The sport mode is where you can really tell the difference. The sport mode on my 2015 was only a slight difference, but on this 2017 Platinum, you can really feel the difference as you accelerate. The car is buttoned down and rides and drives like I am in my previous Audis. One disappointment is the tires. It would be better to come with Michelin Primacy MXM4, like the Lincoln MKZ, and not Continental tires. The Michelins ride even smoother without sacrificing handling. I could have purchased a low end Lincoln MKZ cheaper than the Fusion Platinum AWD. However, it would not have all the safety equipment, the leather dash, the premium leather seats and doors, and AWD. I dislike the MKZ rear end anyway, so I would not consider. This is my 4th ford in a row. Very happy.

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  No confusion with my Fusion!! - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Brad W. - September 4 - 12:03 pm

  I read the reviews here before purchasing, so I wanted to come back and give some input too. ~~~~~We recently bought a used, 26k mile, one-owner, 2015 Titanium, Brick Red leather package and 18 inch fancy wheels, with just about all the bells and whistles you can get, and have put a couple thousand miles on it so far. I couldnt believe the low price of the car! I dont understand why people are shying away from it at all. After test driving it (first time I had driven one), I was super impressed. Ive had some other really nice, more luxurious, higher-priced sedans in the past, but felt they had nothing on the Fusion. The ride is super good, with extremely low road noise. At 510 tall and a few extra pounds, the seats are extremely comfortable to me, with every adjustment you could want. Controls are all located nicely, and it has several interior aesthetic adjustments and options for those who like that. The 2.0 240hp turbo engine is more than enough power for the average guy...and I DONT like my vehicles being under powered. Mileage has been pretty average so far. 22-23mpg all around driving, but Im probably a little less aggressive than most. Not alot of pure highway driving with it yet, so I cant comment on that mileage at this point. ~~~~~~I agree with several comments on here about shifting. It is not butter smooth all the time, quite far from it. But for me, if I know its just how the tranny works on this car, and there is no actual problem with it, it doesnt bother me. I dont need to have everything work like a 100k dollar car to feel good about a purchase. Its clunky at times, yes, but plenty good enough for me, and far from annoying. Like someone else said....the trunk opening is a bit small. It has plenty of room, but the opening itself is just a bit short.~~~~So far, there isnt anything I would really complain about with this car. We love it, and would buy another in a heart beat....especially for the price we got it at. :) ~~~~~~~ ****UPDATE 5/26/2017***** Several more months with this vehicle. Still really like it. Its not perfect, but still a very nice car. Have had MANY compliments from people that had never been a Fusion before, on the sharp look of the interior of the car! Gas mileage is not real good for a four cyl., and the cars MPG estimator typically differs from what it actually is when I fill up and calculate it myself. The car pads it by a few MPG....lol. Hmmm. So far everything is going as planned. Id still buy the car again if I was given a do-over. :)

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  Awesome car - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Andrea - August 26 - 5:52 am

  I bought this car used 5 years ago and have had no issues whatsoever with it. I love this car it has been very reliable. And she is pushing 100k and still no issues. Trunk space is amazing.

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  Best car ever - 2015 Ford Fusion
  By Ethan - August 12 - 1:17 pm

  Before buying a fusion, I went and test drove everything the midsize sedan market had to offer. The fusion is BY FAR the best car in the class. I did some comparing between the three motor options. The 2.5l isnt enough, the 1.5l is about right, and the 2.0l is tons of fun to drive. I shopped around and found a 1 year old rental vehicle with the 2.0 in it. By far the best thing Ive ever driven. I would even venture to say it feels sportier than a mustang. The car is fairly roomy. The roof is a little on the short side. Im 60 with most of my height in my torso. If I was an inch or two taller, I might have issues fitting in under the roof. The trunk has tons of room in it. The only thing I can complain about is it takes the fan a while to kick on after starting a car, which is annoying when its hot, but its not too big of an issue. Bottom line: this is the best car in the midsize sedan class, as long as you get it with the 2.0l ecoboost.

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  What a Car! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Mike - August 12 - 8:10 am

  I bought this car last year when I changed jobs. I needed a dependable car because my job requires a lot of windshield time. I have had the car for 1 year now and I have put on 25000 miles on it and this car is fantastic. No squeaks, no rattles. The ride is as tight as the day I bought it. All I have needed to do is the scheduled maint. The ride is fantastic and the handling is tight and respponsive. I reccomend this car to anyone who does a lot of driving. I average 27mpg which definitely helps with keeping the costs down. I would buy this car again and probably will.

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  Great, except for one important item - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Deb - August 10 - 8:10 pm

  Ive had my Fusion for two weeks, and it is great...fun to drive, comfortable ride, and stylish. The audiophile system is wonderful. I was convinced that Ford had a winner until I discovered that you cannot put tire cables or chains on the 17" wheels for winter driving. Where I live, chains are frequently required for winter driving in the mountains. (Those wheels look great, though!)