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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  Titanium - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By San B - July 1 - 1:22 am

  What you should know before buying this car is that it has lot of "get up and go" more of a family car than a "first car. I love the back up camera and the customized seat settings, especially the customizable lumbar support.

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  So far I love it - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By dhoytwagner - June 25 - 12:12 am

  I am coming from a V6 Kia Optima. The car obviously feels much tighter and handles much better. I dont see all that much difference in the acceleration. The feel of the interior and the comfort is great, the controls on steering wheel are awesome. The radio could use some better speakers. The look of the car is awesome! I have only put about 300 miles on it right now. I must say I got a family deal on the car and paid only 16K for a SEL V6 with 7000 miles, so you cant go wrong there.

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  Great Ford Car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Brittany - June 21 - 8:09 am

  Purchased brand new, so I was able to receive the full experience of the car without any wear and tear already. Had a Ford previously so I could easily compare and tell how Ford stepped it up on a better model of a car. Performance was the issue on the previous Ford I had, yet not on this one. I am very pleased with how after a year it has still held up like new. Just do the routine maintenance to ensure it will stay in pertty much tip- top shape. I receive about 28 MPG on average and travel far on the weekends near DC on I-495, where speed is around 70 mph for the most part. But in my city during the week its hovered around 50 mph. I am very pleased with the car!

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  Good Job Ford! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By RWoodrum - June 21 - 5:40 am

  Have had the Fusion for about a month now and have loved every mile I have put on it. Great ride, very quiet. The seats are awesome, very comfortable, almost too much so. I got the V6 and so far have averaged 28 MPG. Not bad. Only flaw is that reversing in the car is a bit of a challenge; the back seat sits high and makes for a challenge to back up. Overall though Ford has done an excellent job, totally giving Honda & Toyota a run for their money.

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  Good Midsize Value - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Steve - June 19 - 2:43 am

  Bought the Fusion Sport to replace an 09 Jetta with a manual transmission due to traffic in the DC area. Price with rebates is very attractive. Fit and finish seem good but it is too soon to really tell. V-6 provides smooth acceleration and 6 speed automatic is a joy to drive. Car is sportier than the Camry; costs less than a similar Accord and handles better. A solid choice for a person who needs a family sedan but wants something that is sporty but doesnt require premium unleaded.

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  Reliable and Fun Automobile to drive. - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By C. Smith - June 14 - 8:41 pm

  If your considering a Honda or Toyota, please look at a Fusion V-6 model. Well worth the trouble. I thouroughly enjoy driving the Ford Fusion through its paces. Very competent vehicle and quiet and fast and good fuel economy to boot. Now when have you heard this coming from an owner of a Ford lately? I recommend this vehicle and the only recommendation I would tell someone if they are thinking of purchasing a Fusion, stay clear of the four cylinder models. They are loud and not much power in my opinion. But the fit and finish will not disappoint you. The SEL model has all the bells and whistles just like the foreign models. So keep the Ford Fusion on your short list.

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  Watch out - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Objectivity - June 8 - 9:40 am

  Ive had my Ford Fusion for 9 months and I now have a recall on the solenoid. Soon after the notice I began to have severe problems with the transmission. I took it in and now the entire transmission has to be replaced. Im not pleased that a new car has major transmission problems. I bought it based on a review from edmunds so I hope others read my review. Perhaps its a fluke but now Ive had a smokey rental car for a week which I had to ask for rather than have it offered. Now Im wondering if should have bought a Honda like last time.

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  A performance car at a great price! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Jack Roberts - May 25 - 7:01 pm

  If youre looking for a car with a comfortable ride, this is the car for you. If youre looking for a car that gets noticed everywhere it goes, this is the car for you! If youre looking for a car that will tear the asphalt off the road, while sipping gas like a tea-totaler, this is definitely the car for you! Smooth performance, quiet ride, responsive handling and great looks describe this car perfectly. You could spend thousands more and not even come close to the value of the Fusion. Ford has a winner! Not one maintainence problem in 13,000 miles, and the mileage has only gotten better!

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  Nice Car at a Nice Price - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Wayne - May 17 - 12:37 pm

  I purchased the 2006 SE Fusion in March 2007 and a huge factor was the price. After looking at the imports, I found that the Fusion was closer to my price range of $15,000 for a late model used vehicle. The Toyota and Honda comparable mid-size sedans were $2,000 above my range. I have driven the car 3,000 miles in the last 6 weeks and I find it to be quiet comfortable on long road trips. In a combination of 80% city and 20% open highway, I’m getting an average of 25 MPG. I am well pleased to have a nice car at a nice price.

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  Great car thus far - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By hfd - May 12 - 8:48 pm

  Purchased a slightly used 2006, with 14k Pearl blue. SEL with standard trans. This is one odd one, sel with standard trans. This car has lots of power, handles great and gets awsome fuel, 32mpg at 77mph 26 in the city.