The Ford Fusion was a popular midsize sedan produced by the iconic American automaker from 2006 to 2020. While Ford decided to discontinue the Fusion to focus on SUVs and trucks, it remains a compelling option in the used car market. If you’re considering purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, you might be asking: Is A Ford Fusion A Good Car?
To answer this question thoroughly, we need to delve into various aspects of the Ford Fusion, including its reliability, common issues, and overall value proposition. This review will provide a balanced perspective to help you determine if a used Ford Fusion is the right choice for your needs.
What Makes a Car “Good”?
Before we assess the Ford Fusion, let’s define what constitutes a “good” car. Generally, buyers consider several key factors:
- Reliability: A good car should be dependable and not require frequent or expensive repairs.
- Fuel Efficiency: With fluctuating gas prices, fuel economy is a significant concern for most drivers.
- Safety: Safety features and crash test ratings are paramount for protecting drivers and passengers.
- Features and Technology: Modern drivers expect a certain level of comfort, convenience, and technology in their vehicles.
- Price and Value: A good car offers a reasonable purchase price and good value for money, considering its features and long-term ownership costs.
Ford Fusion: Pros and Cons
Now, let’s evaluate the Ford Fusion against these criteria.
Reliability of the Ford Fusion
The Ford Fusion generally holds a decent reliability rating. According to RepairPal, the Fusion scores a 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking it 18th out of 24 for midsize cars. This places it slightly above average in terms of reliability within its class.
WithClutch gives the Ford Fusion a reliability score of 57.9. While this numerical score might seem less intuitive, it positions the Fusion as a reasonably reliable vehicle, particularly within the Ford lineup and the midsize sedan segment.
The average annual repair cost for a Ford Fusion is around $581, which is slightly higher than the midsize car average of $526. However, the frequency of unscheduled repairs is on par with the average for midsize cars, at about 0.3 times per year. The probability of a severe repair is also around the average for its class, at 12%.
Alt text: Silver Ford Fusion driving on a paved road, showcasing its sleek midsize sedan design.
Reliable Ford Fusion Years:
If reliability is your top priority, certain Ford Fusion model years stand out. Based on owner feedback and repair data, the most reliable Ford Fusion years are:
- 2015 Ford Fusion
- 2018 Ford Fusion
- 2019 Ford Fusion
- 2020 Ford Fusion
These newer models generally have fewer reported issues and offer a more dependable ownership experience.
Fuel Efficiency
The Ford Fusion offered a range of engine options, including gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants. Fuel economy varies depending on the engine and model year.
- Gasoline Engines: Earlier Fusion models with gasoline engines offered fuel economy figures in the range of 22-25 MPG combined. Later models and smaller engines improved these figures slightly.
- Hybrid Models: The Ford Fusion Hybrid is known for its excellent fuel efficiency, often achieving over 40 MPG combined. This makes it a very economical choice for daily commuting.
- Plug-in Hybrid (Energi): The Fusion Energi offered an electric driving range in addition to hybrid capabilities, further enhancing fuel savings for those with shorter commutes and charging access.
Overall, the Ford Fusion provides a spectrum of fuel efficiency options, from reasonable gasoline mileage to excellent hybrid and plug-in hybrid economy.
Safety Ratings
The Ford Fusion has consistently earned good safety ratings from reputable organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Many model years have received 5-star overall safety ratings from NHTSA and “Top Safety Pick” or “Top Safety Pick+” awards from IIHS, particularly when equipped with optional safety features. These accolades indicate that the Ford Fusion is designed with robust safety standards to protect occupants in the event of a collision.
Features and Technology
The Ford Fusion offered a variety of features and technology across its production years. Depending on the trim level and model year, you could find features such as:
- Infotainment Systems: Ford’s SYNC system, with varying iterations over the years, providing features like touchscreen displays, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and navigation.
- Driver-Assistance Features: Available features included adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking.
- Comfort and Convenience: Features like leather upholstery, heated and cooled seats, sunroof, and premium audio systems were available on higher trims.
Later models, particularly from 2017 onwards, incorporated more advanced technology and driver-assistance systems, making them more appealing in terms of modern features.
Affordability and Value
As a discontinued model, the Ford Fusion is exclusively available in the used car market. This can be a significant advantage in terms of affordability. Used Ford Fusions generally offer good value for money, often priced competitively compared to other midsize sedans in the used market.
Depreciation has already occurred, making them a more budget-friendly option than buying a new car. The availability of various model years and trim levels also allows buyers to choose a Fusion that fits their budget and feature preferences.
Ford Fusion Years to Be Cautious Of
While generally reliable, some Ford Fusion model years have had more reported problems than others. It’s wise to exercise caution and do thorough research if you are considering these years:
- 2010 Ford Fusion
- 2011 Ford Fusion
- 2012 Ford Fusion
- 2013 Ford Fusion
- 2014 Ford Fusion
These earlier models, particularly those in the 2010-2014 range, have been associated with a higher number of complaints related to issues like power steering, engine problems, and transmission concerns.
Alt text: Interior view of a Ford Fusion dashboard, highlighting the car’s controls and infotainment screen, suitable for illustrating model year differences.
Common Ford Fusion Problems
Regardless of the model year, it’s helpful to be aware of some common issues that have been reported with Ford Fusions:
- Transmission Problems: Some Ford Fusion models, particularly in the 2006-2010 and 2012-2013 range, have experienced transmission issues, including rough shifting and potential failure.
- Power Steering Issues: Models from 2010-2012 and 2014 have been known to suffer from power steering failures, sometimes leading to recalls.
- Swollen Lug Nuts: This is a more minor but common issue where the outer cap on two-piece lug nuts can swell, making tire changes difficult.
- Noises: Owners have reported various noises, such as rattling suspension, brake grinding, transmission whining, and humming wheel bearings, which require diagnosis and repair.
Being aware of these potential issues can help you make informed decisions when inspecting a used Ford Fusion and budgeting for potential maintenance.
Who Should Buy a Ford Fusion?
The Ford Fusion is a good car for a variety of buyers, particularly those seeking:
- An affordable midsize sedan: Used Ford Fusions offer competitive pricing in the used car market.
- Reliable transportation (especially newer models): The 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2020 model years are considered particularly reliable.
- Fuel efficiency (Hybrid models): The Fusion Hybrid is an excellent choice for fuel-conscious drivers.
- Comfortable and spacious interior: The Fusion offers a comfortable cabin and decent passenger and cargo space.
- Available features and technology: Later models offer a good range of modern features and driver aids.
The Ford Fusion might be less suitable for buyers who:
- Need a very sporty or performance-oriented sedan: The Fusion prioritizes comfort and practicality over sporty handling.
- Want the latest cutting-edge technology: While later models are well-equipped, they may not have the absolute newest tech found in some newer vehicles.
Conclusion
So, is a Ford Fusion a good car? Yes, generally, the Ford Fusion is a good car, especially as a used vehicle. It offers a blend of reliability, fuel efficiency (particularly the hybrid), safety, and available features at a reasonable price point in the used market. While some model years are more reliable than others, and potential issues exist, choosing a recommended year and conducting a thorough pre-purchase inspection can mitigate risks.
For those seeking a practical, comfortable, and value-oriented midsize sedan, a used Ford Fusion is definitely worth considering. Its discontinuation means no new models are available, but the used market is plentiful with options to suit various needs and budgets.
If you’re looking to simplify your used car search, consider using the CoPilot car shopping app. It can help you find the best used car listings in your area, providing more information and transparency to make your car buying experience easier.
