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Are Ford Fusions Good Cars?

in Reliability
Black Ford Fusion

Ford Fusion by Kevauto - CC-BY-SA-4.0

The automotive market is flooded with options, and deciding to purchase a new car is an overwhelming one. Among the myriad choices, the Ford Fusion stands out as a popular model that has caught the attention of many potential buyers.

The Ford Fusion, a midsize sedan introduced by Ford Motor Company, has been a prominent staple since its launch in 2005. Favored for its sleek design, fuel efficiency, and advanced tech, the Fusion has been a hit for families, commuters, and eco-conscious drivers alike. Unfortunately, the Fusion was discontinued by Ford in 2020 as the company shifted its focus to making SUVs.

If you’re looking to buy a Ford Fusion, you’ve come to the right place. This guide analyzes Ford Fusion’s overall quality, focusing on crucial aspects that every potential buyer should consider.

Engine, Performance, and Fuel Economy

One of the strongest suits of the Ford Fusion is its versatile engine options. While you won’t mistake the Fusion’s base engines for being speed demons, the optional engines can provide a more spirited driving experience. For instance, the 2020 Ford Fusion has the following engine selections:

  • Base: A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 175 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque
  • 1.5L EcoBoost: A turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 181 hp, offering a blend of efficiency and performance.
  • 2.0L EcoBoost: This engine provides 245 horsepower and is available in the Titanium trim for those seeking more power.
  • Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid: The Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi (plug-in hybrid) models combine a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with an electric motor.

In terms of performance, the Fusion is characterized by a comfortable and composed ride, absorbing road imperfections with ease. While not overly sporty, the Fusion’s handling is confident and predictable, with precise steering response. Six-speed automatic transmission is standard in non-hybrid models.

The Ford Fusion isn’t the most fuel-efficient sedan available, but it gets the job done if you’re looking for a sedan with decent fuel economy. For instance, the 1.5L EcoBoost engine of the 2020 Fusion has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 23 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. Meanwhile, the Fusion Hybrid achieves 43 mpg city and 41 mpg highway, while the Fusion Energi offers 42 mpg combined and 26 miles of all-electric range.

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Interior and Tech Features

As you might expect from an entry-level midsize sedan, the Fusion’s interior features cloth materials, soft-touch surfaces, well-fitted components, and low-grade plastics. Build quality is overall decent, but you can see gaps and misaligned panels if you look close enough. Higher trims offer leather upholstery and additional luxury touches.

The interior layout is user-friendly, with logically arranged controls and a clean, uncluttered design – no problem here. The Fusion provides ample seating space for five, including front and rear passengers, with comfortable seats that offer good support. In addition, the Fusion delivers a 16 cu-ft trunk which is very competitive in the segment, though hybrid models may have slightly reduced cargo capacity. 

The Fusion comes with Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system in most trims, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and voice recognition. The consensus is that the Fusion’s infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use. Range-topping features like a 12-speaker audio system, voice-activated navigation system, and dual-zone automatic climate control are also available.

Safety Features and Ratings

Safety-wise, the Ford Fusion checks mainly the right boxes, providing a safe ride for you and your family. However, if you want advanced safety and driver-assistance technology, you must go with the later models. For instance, the 2020 Fusion features the Ford Co-Pilot360 driver assistance suite, which includes the following:

  • Blind Spot Information System (BLIS): Alerts the driver to vehicles in blind spots.
  • Lane-Keeping System: Provides lane departure warnings and assists in keeping the car centered in its lane.
  • Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking: Detects potential collisions and applies brakes if necessary.
  • Rear View Camera: Offers a clear view of the area behind the vehicle when reversing.
  • Auto High-Beam Headlamps: Automatically adjusts headlamp intensity based on traffic conditions.

The Ford Fusion also has an excellent track record in safety ratings. For example, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave a 5-star rating to the 2020 Ford Fusion, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the sedan “Good” ratings in most crashworthiness categories.

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Long-Term Reliability and Best/Worst Years

While Ford isn’t exactly a paragon of reliability, the Fusion stands out as one of the company’s most reliable models. RepairPal rated the midsize sedan an Above Average rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, with an average annual repair cost of $581 – lower than average compared to all models across the board.

Organizations like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports have also given positive reliability ratings to the Ford Fusion. For instance, J.D. Power scored the 2020 Fusion an impressive Quality & Reliability score of 87 out of 100, considered a “Great” score by the website.

For specific model years, some Fusion years are more problematic than others. Specifically, we recommend skipping the Fusion’s 1st facelift generation (2010-2012) due to many reliability issues and consumer complaints. Common problems include transmission troubles, cooling system failures, and issues with the power steering. Recalls were also more frequent during these years.

On the other hand, the best Fusion years are the 2007 to 2009 models, as per CarComplaints.com. The 2013-2016 model years are also worth checking out because the Fusion underwent a significant redesign in 2013, and the following years are often praised for their reliability. If you prefer a newer model, the 2019 Fusion received updates to its safety features and infotainment system, contributing to its reputation for reliability – it’s an outstanding balance of consistent performance and overall quality.

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There are plenty of vehicles on the market that let you tower over obstacles without losing the convenience of a compact car. Therefore, we’ve put together a list of our favorite new ​sedans with high ground clearance​.

Final Verdict: Are Ford Fusions Good Cars?

Are Ford Fusion good cars? Yes, the Ford Fusion hits all the right spots of an excellent daily driver, and it’s quite a shame it was discontinued. It offers a comfortable and consistent ride quality, although it’s not known for providing exhilarating driving experiences. The versatile engine options, decent fuel efficiency, and strong safety ratings are great reasons to buy the Fusion.

However, avoid the model years we outlined above because you don’t want unexpected and costly repairs in your future.

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