Ford Fusion Review

2010 Ford Fusion Sport Sedan Shown

The introduction of the Ford Fusion marked a turning point for Ford, finally giving the company a strong entry in the midsize sedan segment for the first time since the original Taurus. Upon its debut, the Fusion's spacious cabin, responsive driving dynamics and attractive styling made it competitive, but there were a few missing elements that prevented it from being a true segment leader. A thorough refresh for 2010, however, addressed those elements, elevating the Fusion to elite status among midsize family sedans.

Underneath its edgy styling resides a stretched chassis first developed for the original Mazda 6, which has lent the Fusion a sporty character not usually associated with family vehicles, let alone ones endowed with the Blue Oval badge. While we are most impressed with the revised edition, past Fusions are an attractive used car choice for those looking for a comfortable, well-equipped family hauler.

Current Ford Fusion

The Ford Fusion was thoroughly revised for 2010, with improvements made to most of the car's former sore spots. The styling is now edgier and the interior has been updated with a more modern design featuring Ford's latest entertainment and climate controls. The four-cylinder engine was upgraded to 2.5 liters and now produces 175 horsepower, while the 3.0-liter V6 now makes 240 horses. A new trim level, the Fusion Sport, gets a 3.5-liter V6 good for 263 hp. This Sport model maintains the previous car's sporty hydraulic steering, whereas the regular Fusion switches to more parking-lot and fuel-efficiency-friendly electric steering.

The Fusion is offered in S, SE, Sport and SEL trim levels. Front-wheel drive is standard on four-cylinder and Sport models, while all-wheel drive is optional on the Sport and mandatory on the V6-powered SEL. Even the base trim comes with niceties like 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, a telescoping steering column and an auxiliary audio jack. There are an ample number of attractive features available as trim level upgrades or stand-alone options, including bigger wheels, power seats, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, heated seats, upgraded stereos, a navigation system and the Sync electronics interface system.

One of the Ford Fusion's key strengths is its cabin, which is spacious and features high-quality materials. The center stack is a bit button-happy, but it's a significant ergonomic and aesthetic improvement over its dated predecessor. The Sync system works great, integrating audio and Bluetooth functionality with voice-recognition technology to provide easy hands-free operation of cell phones and portable MP3 players. While Ford's midsizer isn't the largest car in its class, its generous interior dimensions prove that such sedans need not be as controversially large as the Accord or Mazda 6 in order to accommodate families' needs. A pair of adults will be content in back (especially given the new rear seat headrests), and storage space is adequate.

The Fusion is one of the most engaging family sedans from the driver's perspective. The Sport model feels particularly buttoned-down thanks to its sport-tuned suspension. Performance from the base four-cylinder is adequate, and while the revised 3.0-liter V6 is still down on power compared to its rivals, it's plenty capable for most shoppers in this segment. Should you find the 3.0-liter unit lacking, the 3.5-liter V6 is a good match for competing V6s.

Used Ford Fusion Models

The Ford Fusion was introduced for the 2006 model year. Offered only in front-wheel drive originally, 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 Ford Fusion's original cabin had a more cohesive look than older Ford sedans, thanks to its crisp lines and coordinated textures. As with the current car, 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. For 2008, Ford's Sync system became available, although it was sullied by the Fusion's old and ugly standard stereo head unit.

Key changes to the Fusion included front seat airbags, side curtain airbags and an auxiliary audio jack made standard for '07. Options like navigation, satellite radio and all-wheel drive were added to the options sheet, along with additional standard equipment on the SE and SEL models. As such, we'd stick with this model year or later. Antilock brakes became standard on all Fusions the following year, and more optional equipment was added. The Sport Appearance package that added 18-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and special trim also debuted -- it's the pick of the Fusion litter. For '09, stability control became optional on all Fusions (we recommend finding one so equipped) and traction control became standard. An oddball Blue Suede package featuring black and blue faux-suede seats was produced for this year.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.