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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  First Domestic Car, EVER - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Mini to Ford - May 12 - 3:43 am

  Always Japanese or European.Beats Camry and Accord. Tried 2011 Sonata, still went back to Fusion. 500 miles on car so have a lot to learn but so far was a great choice. Hope this continues.

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  Great Car, Great Value - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Mike B - May 11 - 9:27 am

  I bought the SE V6 new. I wanted a used one freshly off of a lease, but none available. It was a gamble buying the first generation Fusion, but so far, I have had no major issues. Actually, this chassis does have a history, since it is based off of the Mazda 6, which is also a great car. The 220 hp V6 is powerful and responsive. I get 30 mpg driving mostly highway to work (I drive pretty conservative), which is great. The seats are comfortable and supportive for the front passengers. I have put 27,000 miles on this car in about a year (not very proud of that number) due to a long commute and weekend travel. So far, no codes pulled or mechanical issues. Interior trim could be better.

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  Wifes baby - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By EagleOne - May 11 - 4:15 am

  I bought a 2006 Fusion with 12,000 miles on it, has all options except sunroof. This is the first car Ive bought in many years that my wife has fallen in love with. The appearance and comfort are unbelieveable. The V6 engine runs fantastic. We are in love with this car!

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  Fun & Reliable car that looks great! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Alex - May 10 - 6:43 pm

  I have had my fusion for 3 years. It has been super reliable. It is fun to drive and fast also. I have gotten a lot of compliments on the look of the car as well. The only thing I have had to replace is the battery. Besides that I change the oil and just put a new set of tires on it. Great car if you take care of it. To address a majority of the negative reviews, if you dont change the fluids at regular intervals and dog the crap out of it, of course its going to break down, just like any other car would. Thanks.

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  Great car with minor flaws - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By CincyFusion - May 9 - 12:51 pm

  Ive driven my Fusion over 20k miles and enjoy the car. However, recently I noticed that Im getting more and more paint chips and not just in the hood as expected by road debris. I have multiple chips in the hood, but also each door with no dings to suggest they were caused by a careless driver in a parking lot. Dont get me wrong, I really enjoy my car and getting 31 mpg is fantastic, but I want it to look as good as it performs and right now, thats just not the case.

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  Too soon to tell, but so far so good - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By shaukeki - May 4 - 1:03 am

  Purchased this car in the nick of time for my trip tp Stowe, VT. The trunk was adequate for myself and my fiance and her penchant for bringing the kitchen sink. The car is attractive and sporty, yet it has a very European feel and appearance. The engine is responsive and quick. The interior is comforatable and stylish, but some of the weather stripping and trim bezels could be better-attached. Minor issues at worst. The SYNC system is great, but the voice which assists could benefit from some lessons in listening as she is often enough wrong. Also, there is too much instruction offered by the voice. Overall, the car has handled the Vermont mountains well with no issues.

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  About time Ford done something - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By qthornton - April 29 - 2:17 pm

  This car drives and handles like a dream. I bought this car for my wife and we fight over whos gonna drive. The gas mileage is great. It gets about 30 mpg.

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  Great car for the price - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By AA Ron - April 29 - 7:38 am

  I bought the base line model and so far really like it. I traded in a 2005 Altima, that I have been driving for 11 years. This car feels solid and well built. No issues to speak of. The sync features work great. I cant speak towards reliability yet, as it only has about 700 miles.

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  AWESOME! - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By med ib - April 27 - 5:22 pm

  Great car!

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  Great car, even for first model year! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By tim.m - April 23 - 4:44 pm

  Beautiful car, fun to ride in and even better to drive. Black paint with chrome makes me feel like im driving something fancier than a Ford. When parked next to a Cadillac CTS, the only difference is the grill, lights, and emblem. Why pay the difference in price?