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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  best for the money - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Jim D Iowa - July 28 - 12:00 pm

  After 2200 miles I can say: great fun to drive. Excellent on highway with minimal road noise and no cross wind disturbance. Transmission shifts smoothly and silently. Braking is straight and secure. Super climate control system with heated leather seats makes cold weather no problem. Seems very well built with excellent fit and finish. Tall riders love back seat leg room. Large trunk and fold down seats allow surprising storage. Agree with previous comments about less than perfect rear visibility at the corners and turning radius a bit wide with 17inch wheels but still parks easily.

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  Loving it - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By ET - July 27 - 4:56 pm

  My lease was ending on my 05 Altima. I test drove Altima, Camry, Mazda 6, CX-7, and Accord. The Fusion was suggested to me and to my suprise I loved it. The ride, comfort and the equipment I got for the price made it a car to beat.

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  Coming Up on 10K - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Dan - July 25 - 10:20 pm

  About 50 miles south of 10K and this car has been flawless. Build quality is rock solid with excellent fit and finish. Plenty of power, quiet & comfortable cabin, extremely smooth transmission; excellent cabin space and a huge trunk. Only option I added was the Moon & Tunes package. Killer stereo which could be even better if it had actual subwoofers. Didnt like the blue or red interior accents, stuck with the black. Averaging a shade over 21 mpg in 50/50 mixed driving with the occasional aggressive launch/pass. I have no problem recommending this car to anyone in the market for a midsized sedan with a little pizazz.

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  My Second Ford Fusion Even Better - 2017 Ford Fusion
  By Rick Edwards - July 22 - 3:44 am

  Ok heres the deal, Its unbelievably fast for the 2.0 twin-turbo. 145 ponies that are coupled with a transmission begging to get off the line quickly and make the case it "must be an eight"...Oh sure it must...It has dual exhaust!....But no, its just 2.0 and fast to 60mph. No worries about comfort either, my seats are heated and the drivers seat has lumbar support. Leather seating is well stitched and the console from front to back is stellar! A bit pricey with all the options, but worth it. The cup holders have spring loaded cams to keep the cups from getting jostled around. There is a great storage compartment in the front of the console for cds or a Kindle or wallet. The plethora of usb and lighter ports come in handy. The visor is now my garage door opener too. Actually there are too many great things about this car....With one glaring glitch. I am not tall so it doesnt bother me so much, but if you are tall expect to bang your head into the roof a few times getting in if you arent careful. I love the seats tho....When you shut off the engine and open the door your seat moves backwards and down making it easy to get out of the car. When you get in and start the car, the seat will go back to where you left it if you program one of two options in to its memory.. The cockpit (really thats what it feels like) it fully designed to get to everything (once you learn where everything is) with just a small reach or touch of a button on the steering wheel. The remote keyless entry is a snap. The gear selector takes a little bit of getting use to. I have always driven with my right hand on the shifter. I grew up driving 4 speed sports cars in the 70 and then console automatics from then on. With the knob, no place to put your hand so it goes back on the steering wheel. The wheels and tires make the ride a little more like a sports car, you can feel the bumps in the road more with the "thin" tires. Give me the old fat and flexible BF Goodrich TA Radials! The sound system is typical of Ford....Great!! All that Bass and Treble! Adjustable steering wheel and ease of steering with one finger if you had to! The power Moon roof is great. The voice system is better with less "yelling" to get Siris attention. Quiet, smooth and stunning. Thanks for the four cylinder with the attitude of an eight! Rick In Indy!

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  2016 Titanium Hybrid - 2016 Ford Fusion
  By tom hirsh - July 18 - 2:38 pm

  This is my second Fusion, I had a 2007 that I put 205000 trouble free miles on. Never had a single problem with it, only routine maintenance such as oil changes, brakes twice, tires ... a few bulbs. Traded it in only because it had 200K on it and I wanted a hybrid. I have been driving the 2016 Hybrid Titanium for 7 months ans 12500 now and it am very happy with this purchase so far. The ride is very quiet and seats extremely comfortable. Voice commands work well for phone, radio, climate control, navigation etc.... Gas mileage is averaging 45.5 MPG., close to 600 mile range per fill. Highly recommended!!

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  Good vehicle - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By wr70beh - July 16 - 7:53 am

  I needed a car that gets good mileage and I got it in the Fusion. For a car about the size of the Accord and for a lot less money, its just about equal.

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  Passed 1000 miles on my Ford Fusion SEL - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By DJC - July 12 - 12:23 am

  I have to say that I am pleased with this purchase. I have checked out the 2007 Toyota Camry and the 2007 Honda Accord - too expensive and not impressed. The Ford Fusion saved me over $7k and it was a practical purchase. My vehicle is fully loaded without the Navigation System and the spoiler. This is my fourth brand new vehicle from Ford that I have purchased over the last 15 years and so far I had a very good experience. I had a 1992 Ford Thunderbird with over 180k miles and recently a 2003 Ford Focus ZX3 with over 60k miles. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  New SEL - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By JB - July 11 - 1:33 pm

  Got the car and drove it to PA from Texas and back. Mileage averaged about 26.5. No problems. Torque steer a bit strong. Transmission somewhat hesitant to upshift. Tight steering and no flutter in the rain. Overall seems like a good deal for the money. Was about $3K less than an Altima with comparable fit, finish, and performance (I own two Altimas). Not going to get excitement but a solid competent, cost effective performer. I paid about $22.3 for it so the deal wasnt super but it wasnt bad either. It deserves a look if you are interested in a midsize.

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  Have you driven a Ford lately? - 2010 Ford Fusion
  By Steve in Canada - July 11 - 12:26 pm

  I have never owned or driven a Ford product. I was always a GM person. Due to the fact that Ford was the only company (of the big 3), not to take Government bailouts, led me to test drive a Ford. Would I ever buy another one? Definitely!!! I purchased my new Fusion SE and love every minute of driving it. The vehicle is very well built and rides like a dream. It meets or exceeds my expectations, as compared to all other vehicles, in its class. The 6 speed manual transmission shifts as smooth as a hot knife going through butter. Its stylist and responsive. Ford has done their homework and impressed me, to no end. Take one for a drive and see for yourself. Its a great value.

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  "D-day" 4 the competition - 2007 Ford Fusion
  By Jon - July 8 - 4:23 am

  Loving it. Mine is Silver Birch with a rear spoiler, power moonroof and nice tint. I have had mine for a week now. I test drove this 4 times to make sure I was not hallucinating. The power of the dohc v6 is excellent. I would have bought the 4 cylinder if the deal would not have worked out on the v6. The styling is strong, distinguished, classy, understated, smart and masculine with "man-grille" up front anchoring this good handling ride resting on sweet styled 17" alloys. Handling is great for this segment. Fit and finish makes this easily the best Ford sedan ever. It is the "poor mans" CTS and does have Caddy drivers looking.