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:

• 

  THE FORD FUSION IS THE TRUTH - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By dolo777 - January 4 - 5:23 am

  Had this car for about a month now and it is fantastic. I love this car! It rides smooth. Draws looks all the time. The black exterior is the best color to me. I love it so much I wipe it down everyday. The V6 is very powerful and I can accelerate very quickly. Easy to pass cars/trucks on highways. Love the lumbar support. Handles turns very good. I have the standard cd system and it plays very good. Very loud! I love it.

• 

  Happy customer! - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Grguy - December 24 - 4:36 am

  I wanted to write this review to let others know that i am pleased with this car. I have driven other midsized cars and i have to admit Ford did a good job on this one. I do a lot of highway miles and this car is DRIVERS CAR. Comfort, smooth shifting 6 speed automatic, 8 way power seat, and more! all these features tailor to the driver and even the passenger gets a power seat on the SEL. Fuel is good on a midsized, electric steering is easy to steer in parking lots, but still feels good on highway as well. Highly recommended. The SEL trim is worth the extra $1,200 to upgrade from the SE. GO FORD!!

• 

  2006 Ford Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Jeff - December 24 - 3:26 am

  Very nice vehicle that regularly garners complements on its appearance. Those considering an import should give this Ford a try! I test drove the 4 and 6, and liked the way the four cylinder handled--it felt more sporty vs. the heavier, bigger care feel of the six cylinder. I have no regrets, especially since the 4 gets better gas mileage, too. (23 MPG with all city driving; it shows 33 on the computer for those rare instances that I get it on a highway).

• 

  Great car - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By klazterp - December 23 - 1:56 pm

  Great car, just had it delivered, and I just love it! Great styling, especially up front, and super dynamics. Excellent all around.

• 

  Used to be scared of 4 doors. Love it. - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By raptor2002 - December 21 - 9:56 pm

  After getting past the 4 door aspect, and taking it for a test drive I actually fell in love with the handling, comfort, and interior layout out. Dumb things made sense, and access and storage is everywhere. Leather stitched seats are wonderful, just right and high quality, something almost no one would ever have said about a Ford car in the past. Driving: Handling! Man with the sport package corners on rails, balanced, smooth, very quite interior, and just a blast on twisty roads. I will suggest this car to anyone for a test drive!

• 

  SEL V6 Tungsten Silver Black Leather - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Adam Utah - December 20 - 8:33 pm

  The design of this car is amazing. Reminds me of an Audi A6. I love the black leather with white stitching. Many standard features and great sight lines. I have had my car now for 6 months and it is the best car I have owned yet. Powerful, stylish, comfortable and safe with all the air bags surrounding you. Large trunk, spacious back seat. Controls are easy to use and handles great.

• 

  Robs Fusion - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By Robert Hurley - December 11 - 12:40 pm

  This car is a dream to drive, Im almost tempted to compare it with a used Beamer I test drove, its that smooth. Ford has done a great job with this car I was all set to buy the Toyota Camry until i tested the Fusion.

• 

  Overall A Quality Car. - 2012 Ford Fusion
  By Robert W. Clark - December 6 - 11:43 am

  I bought this car brand new in May 2012, my 2004 Chevrolet Impala was starting to show its age and was starting to rust out even though it was garage kept and had 62,000 miles I wanted something that I could take on road trips and still be comfortable. Although I dont drive it much since I retired 2 weeks after I bought it, (as of 7-11-2016 it has 3,720 miles.) It has been a very nice car, very reliable, after sitting for a long period of time it starts right up, the Sony sound system beats my old Impala by far, and it returns a good 32 miles to the gallon on 87 octane doing 65 MPH with the Cruise Control engaged. The only 2 things I will complain about is how it goes through 1st, 2nd, and into 3rd gears before you reach 20 MPH, thats a lot of shifting right off the line for an automatic if you ask me. Also the leather seats are a bit hard after a long period of time, but the heated seats are very nice. Plenty of trunk space, rear leg room is plenty, and the overall quality is wonderful. It was a $30,000.00 car new and it seems to be holding its value well for now. I can say overall its a nice car, Im very pleased with it. Its also very easy to service, Im 72 years old and I still get underneath to change the oil myself, I dont care for the splash guards covering the oil filter and drain plug, but once those are off its very easy to do and Ford even has it to where you can pre-fill the oil filter before you install it (which is a good thing to do to prevemy a dry start.) I run Pennzoil Ultra-Platinum 5W20 with a Purolator Synthetic oil filter. Servicing most things seem perfectly simple to service (Oil Changes, Tune-Ups, Air Filter, etc.) If youre a do-it-yourself person, this is a good car for you, mine has the 2.5L Inline 4-Cylinder. I also prefer the 2010-12 facelifted bodystyle over the current style, but thats my reveiw, I feel that Ive covered everything.

• 

  2.0 SE FWD Deep Impact - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By charlie - November 29 - 11:35 pm

  Tech, NAV, and Appearance options. Overall, Id say best bang for the buck at $7800 off MSRP. Powerful 2.0 engine with great handling, and the tech package gives a better radio speaker combo. At 2100 miles worst mpg was 20mpg on the first tank; best was 31mpg all highway. One negative is a warped rear window, but Ill live with it. Storage is lacking, and although others say the car is quiet compared to what they previously owned, I cant say the same as the 18" Goodyears arent quiet. The too far forward headrests are poor for long highway trips as I sit upright instead of reclined, so a neck pillow is recommended. I find the seat bottom angled too high and my legs are sore after a long trip. The majority of my driving time is city although the majority of the miles is highway. I shopped Camry, Avalon, Charger, Legacy, Outback, F150, and Maxima. The Fusion gave me the most for the least. I had a Bluetooth hiccup once, but restarting the vehicle fixed it. Would I buy it again? Yes.

• 

  The New Fusion is Awesome - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By gth743b - November 27 - 3:33 am

  This car is amazing. Ford has done nearly everything right on this car and it is much improved over the 2006-2009 model. I looked into it because of the 2006 Fusion we own, and was blown away at the improvement. Worth every dollar you pay for it. Better than Camry and Accord, and the sticker is lower for the same features.