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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  Good family car - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By starrdriver - April 21 - 4:36 am

  This is a pleasant family sedan. Even with the 4-cylinder, it cruises smoothly and quietly at highway speeds. Im getting over 28 mpg (manual trans). Clutch engagement is easy and smooth. After driving more powerful cars, the biggest adjustment is I need to downshift to safely pass on two-lane roads. At 80-mph the engine is turning about 3500 RPM and sounds a little busy.

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  Fusion is Quiet and Stylish - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By John Cifaldi - April 11 - 10:50 am

  Adequate performance & excellent handling. Stops on a dime. Quality of interior and exterior greatly improved compared to previous Ford products. Quick off the line if you smash the pedal to utilize the high gear. Midrange passing power is satisfactory but needs improving. Virtually no body lean when taking corners and the big tires on the SEL eat the pavement to satisfy its driver. Climate control on the SEL model is very quiet and the redundant climate and audio controls located on the steering is a ergonomic blessing. Suspension is superb giving you a rigid and quiet ride. Plenty of front and rear seat room and front seats are comfortable. Finally, headrests that are comfortable.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By JBattle - April 6 - 1:24 pm

  Amazing ride. I recently purchased my Fusion and have been happy every since. I considered a Camry but after the test drive of the Fusion my mind was completely made up. The Fusion just simply out did the competition!

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  2008 Fusion SE sport - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By George Bergman - April 6 - 8:30 am

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  fusion - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By bill carpenter - March 20 - 2:33 pm

  The 2016 seems better to me than the 2017; the shifter on the 2017 reminds me of the disasterous early 1970" chrysler push button one; I personally prefer to have a shift handle that is easy to feel the gear the car is in.

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  Best in class! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Lary Lund - March 20 - 11:00 am

  We bought a V6 SE at first then exchanged 2 days later for SEL I researched and found for around $900, which is nothing when buying a new car, you can step up to SEL which will give you 17" wheels, auto climate control with controls on steering wheel, foglamps, automatic headlights, puddle lamps, way nicer interior and dash trim, chrome accents, compass, auto dimming heated mirrors, and much much more. Car has amazing power, I find it hard not to speed on interstates without realizing it. Fit and finish are on par with any import car, very quiet ride and upscale materials used throughout. Styling really needs the foglamps to complete the look. You cant go wrong with this car.

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  poor transmission - 2014 Ford Fusion
  By eric megee - March 9 - 3:55 pm

  i bought this car used with 74,000 on it. and at 84,000 i had a transmission flush done due to being told it could fix the jerking. so 190.00 dollars later the issues went away for about a month. and the issues came back. now at 96,600 the issues are still here and now win your on the highway for about a hour the car feels like u got hit win it shifts gears. and there a slight delay between gears... my mechanic shop says i need a new transmission. i cant afford 3000 for a new one. and the value sucks i payed almost 20,000 for it a little over a year ago and now its worth 10,000 not worth it.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Robsxlt - March 9 - 7:46 am

  For years I leased Honda Accords. I loved the cars but outside noise was a problem. After suffering through buying several used cars I landed with my Red 2010 Fusion Sport. This by far is the best car I have ever owned. And Ive had 15 cars and trucks since my first one and Im 42 now. The comfort and sportability of this car is awesome. I nick named my car the "Red Rocket". It has bells and whistles that you wouldnt expect on a Ford or for a mid-sized car. It is extremely comfortable on long drives and gets halfway decent gas mileage on the highway. I would recommend this car to anyone, but get the Sport, you wont regret it.

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  A great surprise - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By rob - February 25 - 1:46 pm

  After 6 months and 12k miles, here are some of my thoughts. Performance is great. Corners well and has impressive acceleration even with half-throttle. Fuel economy has been the biggest surprise - Ford definitely underpromised and overachieved in that category (rated 18/27; I can get about 22/30). Inside, theres very little wind noise, but the stock tires are pretty stiff so road noise can be a nuisance. I like the seats, but some people may find them a bit firm. Even with lots of driving Ive had no issues with reliability - everything just seems to work as it should. I wish I had more room for a detailed review, but heres the main point: I am very glad I decided to buy this car.

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  Way to go Ford - Your Back! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By ek - February 12 - 11:03 pm

  After owning Honda and Toyota for the past 10 years or so, I decided to give Ford another try. I am very pleased with my choice! Sportier than the Camry and Accord with the bells and whistles I remember from the American companies. I still cant believe that a $30K Accord doesnt have any interior lights in it!!! Quiet and Comfy! Performance is great with the 3.5L V6. Ford didnt take the govt money - because they dont need to. Excellent products sell!!! Way to go Ford!!!