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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  The FUN Mid-Size Sedan! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Deuga - February 12 - 11:53 am

  I test drove a dozen different cars before settling on the Fusion Sport. I never dreamed Id buy a Ford when I started my search. I chose the Fusion Sport over a used Acura TL, used BMW 3 series, and new Mazda6. Why? Heres a car thatll do 0 - 60 in under 6.5 secs, handles turns like a BMW, has a very good Sony audio system, truly quiet interior, Microsoft Sync, and you can get it absolutely loaded with hi tech gear. If youre in the market for a sports sedan and think you need to buy a Audi, BMW, Acura, Infiniti, or Lexus to get one, just try the Fusion Sport. Dont let the Acura dealers sell you on that superior reliability bull. The Fusion is more car for the money.

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  I4 2.5L auto 6-speed transmission woes - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Shawn - February 6 - 3:10 pm

  I want to love this car so much, but please do not buy the 2.5L 4 cylinder 6-speed auto like I did. The transmission is different in the two larger engine sizes. The tranny mated with this engine WILL fail. Do some research if you dont believe me. Our transmission problems started a week after ownership. The problems go like this: High RPM "flare" during acceleration on gear shifts 3-4 or 4-5 @ 35+ mph. The car will jerk forward violently. Theres also a very loud "clunk" when you go into reverse. The dealers will not help you until the car is dead. I took it in 3 times before they found a fault. Our fusion has been in service since Feb 8th. Today is March 2nd. Ford has not taken care of us

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  Wow! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Stacie - February 4 - 4:56 pm

  What a car! I never thought I would own a Ford, but boy was I wrong! I had looked at the Accord and the Camry and decided on the Fusion. Its much more fun to drive and came with many options for the $25,000 price tag. Id recommend this car to anybody! From start to finish, buying this car was such a pleasant experience. Ford has come leaps and bounds in its styling, handling, and performance. Way to go Ford!

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  Quite impressed - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Wes - February 2 - 6:43 am

  Ford has a huge winner on their hands. I cannot believe the great ride and build quality of this car. Very upscale looking interior with very well appointed materials. Very bold, tough styling go great with the quick performance and excellent ride quality and noise dampening. Absolutely HUGE rear seat room and trunk. I absolutely love this car, there are no compromises with this one. I have never been this satisfied with a new car.

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  Head Turner "Is that a Cadillac?" - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By FUSION FUN - January 31 - 2:20 pm

  I bought the Fusion from a Ford dealer that sold it to me based on the invoice price and not the MSRP, which was $2000 more dollars. I got a top of the line silver SEL minus some features. The only features mine didnt come with is the ABS with traction assist and side safety airbags. Though, it does have the leather and moonroof along with seat warmers. The car is exceptional to drive. It handles very sporty and holds hard cornering great. It has a potent 221 horsepower v-6 that has good start out power but better midrange passing. It does all of this without compromising a nice and quiet ride. It beats my buddies 2004 Toyota Solara in all categories. Definitely worth a test drive.

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  2010 Car of the year for a reason - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By 68jcode_stang - January 31 - 7:23 am

  I had been researching family sedans with manual transmissions and this one is it. The gear ratios are perfectly spaced. Its a blast to drive and is beating the EPA estimates by 3-4 MPG. My wife drives it 90% of the time and loves it. Its only getting 1-2 MPG less than a 2004 Corolla we had before. Its amazingly quiet. If you cant find a comfortable position with the 8 way drivers seat, then youll not be comfortable in any car. The criteria that led us to this car is the Consumer Reports review of the Fusion. It has been on par with all the benchmark cars...Camry, Accord, etc. Plus with the "Sun and Sync" package, it was $4000 less than Accord and $1400 less than Camry.

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  Great Family Sedan - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Texas Mom - January 25 - 2:56 am

  We just bought our new 2008 Fusion, and its a winner! We all love the great interior with Sirius satellite radio, and the 4 cylinder engine is impressive - much better pep than the 2008 Camry we test drove. The interior design is also more luxurious than the Camry LE we looked at. The spoiler makes the car look sporty, and it has a European, BMW vibe. Overall, it is a great, fun-to-drive, spacious, and stylish car at a great price!

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  About Time! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Alex - January 17 - 11:13 am

  This car offers the best of European, Japanese and American car making and design. I am pleased with my purchase and would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Great car - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By Brian Jarvis - January 12 - 9:03 pm

  I enjoy driving this car. It has adequate power, exceptionally good handling, lots of room, a good sized trunk, an easily accessible information system including a compass and outside temperature, I like the moon roof but do not like the way that it intrudes into my head space. I have to adjust the seat more than I would like to avoid having my head make contact with the roof. I get around 8 litres/100k on the highway. Most of my city driving has taken place in a Canadian winter and has averaged 11.5 litres/100k, less than the computer showed. Four adults traveled from Canada to Myrtle Beach in comfort. We all packed light for the trip. The car was useless in snow until I bought snow tires.

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  Love my 2016 Fusion SE - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By Richard Barr - January 4 - 11:30 am

  Purchased used about 3 weeks ago. Ride and handling and comfort is excellent. 2.0 L turbocharged 4 cylinder has enough power and fuel economy for my combined city/hwy is about 28 MPG--impressive. I have the plain-Jane interface so no touch screen or navigation--would like to have had that. Only complaint is that the automatic parking brake control is, to me, backwards. Overall love the car and very impressed.