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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  2006 Ford Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Desertpoint - August 7 - 9:31 am

  I love the looks, all the stuff you can buy for it. I live in the country the gos up and down dirt roads all the time handles very well. Nothing has every started to come lose. I have owned both of the competion car the first year problems. But not the Fusion Thanks Ford

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  Proven - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Scape2 - July 29 - 12:13 pm

  This is a great car. Great handling, fit/finish/quality. Love to drive this car. The car feels confident in handling and manuvering. Styling is standout.

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  King of the Road! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By SEL V6 2WD - July 27 - 11:13 am

  Ford has a winner. This is a well built car. Fit and finish are excellent. No wind/road noise. Great ride. Comfortable. 3.0 V6 has plenty of power. Transmission is smooth. Safety features front to back! Please give the Fusion a test drive before you buy. Im glad I did. I replaced a 07 honda with my 2010 Fusion.

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  This is a Ford?? - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By scape2 - July 26 - 10:52 pm

  After 17,000 miles no problems, 24.7MPG average. No squeaks, rattles. Rides and handles like its on rails. Quiet. Solid build, great fit/finish/quality

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  My Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By bburnett - July 23 - 1:30 pm

  Couldnt be happer with my Fusion. Only con I have found is less than expected rearward vision, which is a deficit because of body shape and design.

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  Rivals Foreign Competitors - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Anthony - July 22 - 8:23 am

  I leased my Fusion at the end of April 07. I have driven the car 10,000 miles since I have driven it out of state including two road trips from Detroit to Charlotte, NC. The car has no squeaks or rattles. The headliner near the power sunroof was not finished properly at the factory and the edges of the material were mis cut and has a visible open material edge. That is the only flaw in the entire vehicle. I owned a Cadillac Catera and other luxury vehilcles in the past. This car rivals them for style, performance, quality and features at a much lower price point. This car is an excellent value and a good quality, reliable alternative to buying foreign

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  Daughters first car - 2011 Ford Fusion
  By sino accetta - July 17 - 7:25 pm

  I feel things very sharp looking car ! What drew me into it was the interior styling what drew me into it was the interior styling with the white piping. I reviewed it and it seems very reliable and cost-efficient . So far so good .

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  Ford built a Honda beater - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By murdog - July 12 - 11:23 pm

  I bought my Fusion with the intent of parking my fullsize truck. I went for the 4cyl with a stick. And a moon roof, as well as the audiophile stereo. Great car on the highway averaging 31.5mpg HWY. I tested the Accord and equally equipped it was $10K more than my fusion. for $10 grand I will give up 190HP. After 7 years solidly in the Chevy camp I am happily moving back to the Ford one. The price style and fuel economy not to mention the 2.3L for its never quit attitude. Keep it up Ford.

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  I took the Fusion Challenge - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By VACOAST - July 7 - 1:20 pm

  I had my heart set on a new Camry until I saw the Fusion challenge commercial. I test drove the Camry, the Accord and even the G35. I chose the Fusion over all of them. The Camry and Accord lose outright and the G didnt blow my socks off for the price. Weve taken it on a trip and love it. The handling, pick-up, six speed transmission, and comfort are all huge pluses. The downfalls are: No Navigation. No AUX input to stereo. No shifter for the transmission. I have allowed everyone in my family to drive it and they all have loved driving it. I took the challenge and am now a believer that the Fusion beats the Camry and Accord hands down. Finally, I traded my Toyota in on this Fusion.

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  Transmission Woes - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By SyracuseSteve - July 7 - 3:32 am

  I test drove quite a few cars before I bought my 1 owner 2014 Fusion Titanium with 25,000 miles on it (still under Fords 3/36000 warranty) for a killer price. The car was very comfortable, peppy for a 4 cylinder and has a nice ride. The car performed well on my test drive and when I picked it up to take it home and about 20 miles from the dealer I bought it from it began behaving erratically, losing power and then shifting back into gear before the little wrench lite came on telling me to get to a dealership quickly. (The used car dealer I bought it from has been far more supportive than Ford and even offered to return my money and sell me something else while they deal with Ford, but I really liked the car and foolishly opted to deal with Ford myself) I arrived after the service department had closed so I asked about a loaner to get me home. I was told service has the loaners and theyre closed. They helped me find the number to a car rental place, but the only one open was about 15 miles away and didnt deliver. After resigning myself to the fact I was probably just going to sleep in the car in the lot until morning and telling the supervisor the same they freed up someone to drop me off at the rental car place. I wish I had thought to just take a taxi home, but I was pretty stressed and frustrated and wasnt thinking as clearly as normal. The next day the dealership called and said 5th gear is out, but its covered under the warranty. Great! Then came "It may take up to 30 days to get parts". I specifically asked and was told this car is not one of the ones affected by the transmission recall. They asked me if I wanted it fixed or if I wanted to take my car with no 5th gear. Hmmm, think Ill wait for it to be drive-able again rather than risk getting stuck on the side of the road. I authorized them to start the repair and asked again about covering a rental or loaner and they said they would have to pull the transmission first and break it down to figure out what they needed then Ford would decide whether or not I get a loaner or rental approved. They said it would take two days for the removal and breakdown. When I followed up they asked for two more days. When I followed up again they couldnt even tell me if they had pulled the transmission yet and asked me to keep my rental for 3 more days, probably on my dime, while they worked on it. So after having the car a week they apparently have done an initial diagnostic and nothing more. Wishing I would have just taken my check back at this point and bought something else as I have dwindling faith they will manage to get it fixed correctly any time this month.