| Model year | 2006 |
| Make | Ford |
| Model | Fusion |
| Style | SEL |
| Base MSRP | $21,710 |
| As-tested MSRP | $25,260 |
| Drive type | FWD |
| Engine type | V6 |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 3.0 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 221@6250 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 205@4800 |
| Transmission type | 6-speed automatic |
| Suspension, front | Independent w/ stabilizer bar |
| Suspension, rear | Independent w/ stabilizer bar |
| Steering type | Power-assist rack and pinion |
| Tire brand | Michelin |
| Tire model | Pilot HX |
| Tire size, front | 225/50R17 |
| Tire size, rear | 225/50R17 |
| Brakes, front | 4-wheel disc brakes |
| 0-45 mph (sec.) | 5.2 |
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 8.0 |
| 0-75 mph (sec.) | 11.6 |
| 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) | 15.80@89.16 |
| Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) | 31.33 |
| 60-0 mph (ft.) | 124.03 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) | 61.4 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) | 40 |
| Sound level @ idle (dB) | 44.4 |
| @ Full throttle (dB) | 75.4 |
| @ 70 mph cruise (dB) | 70.1 |
| Acceleration comments | While Ford's 3.0 V6 is a bit sluggish in the larger, heavier 500 sedan, it is a good match for the Fusion. The motor offers a nice balance of refinement and character, and 15-second quarter mile runs are respectable for a car in this class. Upshifts occur at 6,100 rpm, and the shifts are crisp and well-timed. We achieved our best time doing a "street start" with the traction control turned off. |
| Braking rating | Good |
| Braking comments | The Fusion exhibits slight ABS noise and vibration under hard stops, with minimal nose dive. The vehicle tracks straight, and pedal feel is progressive and controllable. Overall a competent performance, but nothing remarkable. |
| Handling rating | Good |
| Handling comments | Like most Ford products, the Fusion has excellent steering feel and good overall body roll control for a family car. We wish it would allow you to hold gears for more power when exiting the cones, but the basic shifter only has detents for "Drive" and "Low", and Low won't hold a gear once the tach winds up. That's unfortunate, though it's likely most target buyers will never notice. |
| Elevation (ft.) | 180 |
| Temperature (°F) | 73 |
| Wind (mph, direction) | 2 mph SE |
| EPA fuel economy (mpg) | 21 City 29 Highway |
| Edmunds observed (mpg) | N/A |
| Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) | 17.5 |
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 3280 |
| Length (in.) | 190.2 |
| Width (in.) | 72.2 |
| Height (in.) | 57.2 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 107.4 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 42.3 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 37 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 38.7 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 37.8 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 15.8 cu. Ft. |
| Max. cargo volume, seats folded (cu-ft) | 15.8 cu. Ft. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 5 years / unlimited mileage |
| Roadside assistance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Free scheduled maintenance | Not Available |
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | Optional |
| Head airbags | Optional |
| Antilock brakes | Optional |
| Electronic brake enhancements | Not Available |
| Traction control | Optional |
| Stability control | Not Available |
| Rollover protection | Not Available |
| Emergency assistance system | Not Available |
| NHTSA crash test, driver | Not Tested |
| NHTSA crash test, passenger | Not Tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side front | Not Tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side rear | Not Tested |
| NHTSA rollover resistance | Not Tested |
See which cars and trucks our editors recommend