Ford Fusion (Americas)

For the European mini MPV, see Ford Fusion (Europe).

Motor vehicle

Ford Fusion
Ford Contour and Ford Taurus (fourth generation)

The Ford Fusion is a

Sonora, Mexico, alongside the Lincoln MKZ, and formerly the Mercury Milan,^[3] both of which share its CD3

platform.

Production on the first Fusions began on August 1, 2005.

Ford Focus and the full-size Ford Taurus.^[4] In the Middle East, this model is sold alongside the Mondeo. Versions sold there are available only with the 2.5-liter engine. Unlike in the United States, Canada, and Latin America, no V6 engine is available in that region.^[5]

The same is true in South Korea, where only the 2.5-liter engines (including those for the hybrid model) are available as of the 2012 model year.

The second generation line-up includes a gasoline engine option, an

2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. In 2019, the Fusion was the seventh-best selling car in the United States.^[7]

First generation (2006)

Motor vehicle

First generation
Curb weight		3,280 lb (1,488 kg)[9]

The new Fusion was built on

Mazda G

platform. The Fusion was the first production car to feature the "new face of Ford" three-bar grille.

The Fusion was available in S, SE, and SEL trims. The base engine was the 160 hp (119 kW)

I4, paired with either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission, both also designed by Mazda. SE and SEL models were also available with a 221 hp (165 kW) 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 and a 6-speed automatic, made by Aisin Japan.^[9]

The Fusion shares some interior parts with the otherwise unrelated Mk III Ford Mondeo, such as part of the console and the seats.

The Fusion was heavily based on Mazda designs. Ford used Mazda's G platform, which Ford called the CD3 platform. In addition, the I4 engine, as well as both 5-speed transmissions, were designed by Mazda. The Fusion benefitted greatly from this, with Mazda-like handling and reliability. The Ford designed V6 was actually the only Ford designed major powertrain or chassis component within the Fusion.

Ford's early advertising campaign for the Fusion in the United States was entitled "Life in Drive", while in Canada it was "Create a Reaction".^[10] In January 2007, the company launched a new campaign for the Fusion titled "Fusion Challenge" (later renamed "Ford Challenge"). The American Ford Fusion emerged the winner over the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord based on the attributes of styling, reliability from Consumer Reports, handling, and "fun to drive" in head-to-head comparison tests with the Japanese sedans performed by subscribers of Car and Driver and Road & Track magazines in the Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles regions.

In July 2007, Motor Trend reported that Ford's Special Vehicle Team tuner group planned to release a Fusion GT in late 2009 or early 2010. Its 3.5-liter Eco-Boost V-6 would make about 340 horsepower.^[11] No such vehicle ever came to fruition.

Model year changes

For 2007, all-wheel-drive became available on V6 models.

auxiliary input jack for transmission from a portable audio player was added, along with some equipment modifications.^{[clarification needed}

] A DVD-based navigation system became available.

For the 2008 model year,

voice commands, and for the first time navigation was available with manual transmission. Several colors were removed and some others added.^{[clarification needed}

]

Two new packages were added to the options list for 2008:

• Sport Appearance Package, which included such interior and exterior improvements as 18-inch machined aluminum wheels, a
  fog lamp surrounds, smoke-colored grille, red seat inserts, and red stitching on leather surfaces.^[12]
• Moon and Tune, which included a power
  moonroof and a premium eight-speaker Audiophile sound system with amplifier.^[13]

For 2009, electronic stability control was added as an option. A new appearance package with blue trim became available, and revisions were made to the exterior color palette.^[14]

Trim levels

For 2006–2009:

• The S was the base model, including the 2.3L
  I4
  engine, with either an automatic or manual transmission available, A AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player and four speakers plus an auxiliary audio input jack (2007–2009), sixteen-inch steel wheels with plastic wheel covers, cloth seating surfaces, and keyless entry.
• The SE was the step-up model, adding sixteen inch alloy wheels, AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD/MP3 player, power front driver's seat, and a security system.
• The SEL was the top-of-the-line model, seventeen inch aluminum wheels, adding power dual front seats and later offering a standard
  Ford SYNC
  system.

In Mexico the Fusion was offered in two trim levels through 2005–06: SE and SEL, with automatic transmission only. For the 2007 model year, the S trim was introduced and a manual transmission was newly available for the S and SE trim levels. These two trims had standard 16-inch alloy wheels (Steel rims were not offered on any Mexican trim even on the S trim that offered them in the US. ), while the SEL trim had 17-inch alloy wheels standard (just like the US models). The 2008 model year added Ford's

Ford SYNC

to the SEL trim. The manual transmission was discontinued after 2008 in Mexico due to poor sales. The 2009 model year was a very short one in Mexico because the 2010 Fusion arrived in dealerships by late February 2009.

Engines

Engine	Displacement (in cubic inches)	Power	Torque
2.3 L Duratec 23	138 CID	160 hp (119 kW)	155 lb⋅ft (210 N⋅m)
3.0 L Duratec 30 V6	182 CID	221 hp (165 kW)	205 lb⋅ft (278 N⋅m)

Crash testing

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

• Frontal Driver (2006, 07, 08 early release):^[15][16][17]
• Frontal Driver (2008 later release, 2009):^[18][19]
• Frontal Passenger (2006, 07, 08 early release):^[15][16][17]
• Frontal Passenger (2008 later release, 2009):^[18][19]
• Side Driver (no side airbag, 2006 only):^[15]
• Side Driver (side airbag):
• Side Rear Passenger (no side airbag, 2006 only):^[15]
• Side Rear Passenger (side airbag):
• Rollover FWD:
• Rollover AWD:

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

• Frontal Offset (2006, 07 early release):^[20] Acceptable
• Frontal Offset (2007 later release, 08–09):^[21] Good
• Side Impact (no side airbag, 2006 only):^[22] Poor
• Side Impact (side airbag 2006, 07 early release):^[23] Acceptable
• Side Impact (2007 later release, 08–present):^[24] Good
• Roof Strength (2005–10 mfg before May 2010):^[25] Acceptable
• Roof Strength (2010 mfg after April 2010–2012): Good

Although the frontal offset test for 2007 (later release) to 2009 is rated good overall by IIHS, injury measures from head/neck and right leg/foot is rated acceptable.^[20]

2010 refresh

For the 2010 model year, Ford

Ford F-150

.

Trim levels

• The S was once again the base model, including the 2.5L
  I4
  engine (replacing the 2.3 L Duratec), manual transmission, AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD/MP3 player, auxiliary input jack and four speakers, sixteen-inch alloy wheels, cloth seating surfaces, and keyless entry.
• The SE was the mid-range model, adding seventeen-inch steel wheels, six speakers, and power front driver's seat, as well as a security system.
  SIRIUS Satellite Radio
  also came standard on this model.
• The SEL was the upper-end model, with seventeen inch aluminum wheels, standard
  Ford SYNC
  system and 290 watt Sony 12 speaker surround sound, standard leather seating surfaces (optional cloth for fleet), dual zone automatic temperature control, driver door keypad, and dual power front seats.
• The Sport was a stand-alone model, offering standard eighteen-inch alloy wheels, darkened front grille (2011–2012), rear
  Duratec
  V6 engine, and sport tuned suspension.
• The Hybrid model added onto the SEL model, with a 2.5L
  Optitron
  -style gauge cluster, dual power front seats, and an Eco Driving mode to tell the driver how economically they are driving.

Engines

Engine	Displacement (in cubic inches)	Power	Torque	Gas Mileage	0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) Times
2.5 L I4	152 CID	175 hp (130 kW)	172 lb⋅ft (233 N⋅m)[32]	23 mpg city/33 mpg highway/26 mpg combined (automatic); 22/30/25 (selectshift, SE/SEL trims); 22/32/25 (manual, S trim); 22/29/24 (manual, SE trim)[33]	8.0 sec
3.0 L Duratec 30 V6	182 CID	240 hp (179 kW)	223 lb⋅ft (302 N⋅m)	20/28/23 FWD; 18/26/20 AWD, gasoline/E85 flex fuel	7.4 sec
3.5 L Duratec 35 V6	213 CID	263 hp (196 kW)	249 lb⋅ft (338 N⋅m)	(Fusion Sport); 18/27/21 FWD; 17/24/19 AWD	6.5 sec
2.5 L I4	152 CID	156 hp (116 kW); 191 hp (142 kW) combined	136 lb⋅ft (184 N⋅m)[34]	(Hybrid) 41/36/39	7.8 sec

Safety ratings

The Ford Fusion line-up was included in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2010 "Top Safety Picks" rating for the mid-size category.^[35][36] Due to the fact that Ford modified and strengthened the roof structure of the Flex, Fusion, and MKT vehicles, these 2010 ratings apply only to Lincoln MKZs, Mercury Milan and Fusions built after April 2010.^[35]

Safety concerns

In June 2010, it was reported that National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was investigating into floormat-related unintended acceleration in 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. According to NHTSA's estimate, as many as 249,301 cars could be affected.^[37]

On May 28, 2010, the NHTSA issued a statement that the stacking of all-weather floor mats from any manufacturer on top of the factory floor mat could cause accelerator entrapment. In their press release they stated the following: "NHTSA is urging drivers of 2010 Fusions to make sure they do not stack the rubber "All Weather" floor mat on top of the secured carpeted floor mat. Further, drivers are reminded to ensure that any driver-side floor mats (whether they are the carpeted floor mat or all weather floor mat) are properly installed and restrained by the retention hooks on the floorboard. Depending on vehicle and floor mat design, it is possible for unsecured floor mats to interfere with accelerator or brake pedals in a wide range of vehicles. Therefore, NHTSA reminds all drivers of all makes and models to check the driver-side floor mats for secure installation and to follow all manufacturer instructions for installing the mats."^[38]

On October 2, 2014, the NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation opened an investigation into the Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) subsystem used in Ford Fusions, Lincoln MKZs, and Mercury Milans with model years between 2010 and 2012. The investigation was opened in response to over 500 complaints where motorists reported the sudden loss of power steering while driving. An estimated 938,000 vehicles are included in the investigation. The investigation is ongoing.^[39] On May 27, 2015, Ford issued a recall for 2011–2012 Ford Fusions, Mercury Milans, and Lincoln MKZ's made in Mexico, along with 2011–2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT's built in Chicago or Oakville. The repair involves a software update and/or steering replacement due to a malfunctioning sensor.^[40]

Hybrid electric version

Main article: Ford Fusion Hybrid

eco driving

(top), and current hybrid drive propulsion (bottom).

The 2010

EPA ratings for the Ford Fusion Hybrid are 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. In city driving a full tank delivers 700 miles.^[42] In April 2009 editors of Kelley Blue Book named the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid to its 2009 list of "Top 10 Green Cars".^[43]

The Fusion Hybrid qualified for a hybrid tax credit of US$3,400 (~$4,829 in 2023) prior to March 31, 2009. The credit dropped to US$1,700 if purchased by September 30, 2009, and to US$850 if purchased by March 31, 2010. This credit phased out on April 1, 2010.^[44]

This model gets better EPA-estimated fuel economy than the

Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, viewed as its competitors in the mid-size sedan

segment.

Consumer Reports in its December 6, 2012 publication found that the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Ford C-Max Hybrid's tested fuel economy was 20% (8 MPG) short of Ford's EPA mileage claims. After many reports from owners and media of the Ford Fusion Hybrid getting less than the stated 47 MPG city/47 MPG highway/47 MPG combined, a class action lawsuit was brought against Ford on December 26, 2012.^[45][46] Consumer Reports reviewed several other vehicle makes and models and found the Fusion Hybrid from Ford were the worst under-performers compared to EPA fuel efficiency ratings in real world usage compared to 16 others including hybrids.^[47]

Second generation (2013)

Motor vehicle

Second generation
Curb weight		3,323–4,123 lb (1,507–1,870 kg)

See also: Ford Mondeo (fourth generation)

As a One-Ford project, Ford of Europe Head of Advanced design team Chris Hamilton was commissioned as lead designer based in Detroit, under the guise Exterior Chief Designer for Ford/Lincoln, with design support led from Ford of Europe studios in Germany and the United Kingdom.^[53] Test and development of localized versions was undertaken in both North America and Europe, resulting in different engine choices, automatic gearboxes, suspension settings and tires.

Like the previous generation Fusion, the final assembly takes place at

The second generation Fusion was built with a 122 mm (4.8 in) longer wheelbase than the outgoing model's CD3 platform, is 28 mm (1.1 in) bigger overall, 18 mm (0.7 in) wider, and 31 mm (1.2 in) taller. In contrast to the front double wishbone suspension of the first generation Fusion, at front are MacPherson struts, and at rear is a multi-link rear suspension. Despite larger exterior dimensions, some aspects of the interior have shrunk, including the trunk, which fell slightly from 467 to 453 L (16.5 to 16.0 cu ft).

The 2013 Fusion is available in S, SE, and Titanium trim levels. Ford assembled five different powertrains for the second generation, including two hybrid variants. All available engines are four-cylinder offerings, dropping the previous model's 3.0L V6 as the top tier engine choice, as part of Ford's push to phase out the aging Duratec 30, as well as the Sport package's 3.5L V6 as a performance option. In the 2017 update, the Sport model returned, powered by a 2.7L turbocharged V6.

For the 2014 model year the main alteration was that a 1.5-liter version replaced the earlier 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine option.[58] This was a result of China having a much lower tax rate on cars with a displacement below 1500 cc.

Models

• S The base model, offering a 2.5-litre
  Ford SYNC System, four speakers, reverse camera with motion activated guidelines, cloth seating surfaces, sixteen-inch steel wheels with plastic wheel covers, chrome door handles, and keyless entry with a switchblade
  -style key.
• SE Adds six speakers, seventeen-inch alloy wheels, and a power front driver's seat. An SE Luxury Package is available that adds features such as dual power front seats, leather seating surfaces, dual heated front seats, a driver's memory system, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
• Titanium (replacing the SEL) Adds leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, dual power front seats, the
  A/V, and auxiliary input jacks, push-button start, keyless access, a Sony 390-watt premium surround sound
  system, and eighteen-inch alloy wheels.
• Hybrid Is offered in the same three trims but for 2017, it is offered in four trims S, SE, Titanium, and Platinum.
• Sport Available starting from the 2017 model year, the inline-4 is replaced by the 2.7 Ecoboost 325-hp V6 engine, adds a black mesh grille, 19-inch wheels, a decklid spoiler, quad exhaust pipes, and standard All Wheel Drive.
• Platinum Added to the Ford Fusion family for the 2017 model year and has many standard features such as Power Moonroof, Universal Garage Opener, Fancy Sport Chrome Mesh Grille, Nappa Leather Seating Surfaces, and Heated and Cooled Front Seats.
• Energi A Plug-in Hybrid Version of the Fusion offered in two trims SE and Titanium until 2017. The Ford Fusion Platinum Energi was added to the Fusion Energi family for 2017.

Engines

The 2017–2020 Fusion introduced a revised 2.0 engine with a twin scroll turbocharger producing 245 hp and 275 lb-ft with a 1 mpg overall increase in fuel economy.

Hybrid

The new 2013 line-up also includes a next-generation hybrid version, and a

Ford updated the Fusion for the 2017 model year. The facelifted version was first unveiled at the 2016 North American International Auto Show on January 11, 2016.

All Fusions received new packages, new front and rear end styling, a new rotary-controlled automatic transmission, and two new trim levels of the gasoline-powered Fusion: the high-performance Sport, which marks the first time that a

Ford again updated the Fusion for the 2019 model year. This version debuted at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, and went on sale in late summer 2018.^[66][67]

The 2019 Fusion adds Ford's "Co-Pilot 360" safety suite as standard on all models. It includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot and rear-cross-traffic warning systems, automatic highbeams, and automatic wipers.

The new models have updated front and rear styling. The 1.5 L EcoBoost engine is now standard on SE and higher models, except for the V6 Sport, formerly known as Sport. The SEL replaces the SE Luxury Package, and the Platinum is dropped, moving the Titanium up-level. The Hybrid is no longer available in base S trim, and the Energi is available only in Titanium trim. The Energi model's battery range will increase from 22 miles to 25 miles, and the battery may take less space in the trunk.^[68]

2020 changes

For the 2020

All trim levels offer Ford's SYNC 3 touchscreen infotainment system with

In 2012, Ford recalled about 90,000 2013 Ford Escape and Fusion in the U.S. and Canada with 1.6-liter engines that may overheat and cause fires after 13 reports of fire were reported to Ford.[69]

In 2017, Ford recalled 2013–2014 Ford Fusion with 1.6 ecoboost engines because of a risk of engine fires caused by a "lack of coolant circulation". The recall partly contributed to a charge of US$300 million by Ford.^[70]

In 2018, Ford recalled 2013–15 Ford Fusion with 1.6-liter Sigma GTDI engines and B6 manual transmissions, due to potential risk of the steering wheel becoming loose.^[71]

On May 15, 2019, Ford recalled about 270,000 2013–16 Ford Fusion with the 2.5L engine and automatic transmission due to the possibility that a bushing that holds the transmission lever safety cable in place could detach from the cable, which could potentially lead to the transmission lever safety cable becoming detached from the bushing, and allowing the transmission to not remain in 'Park', even if 'Park' is selected. If the transmission shift lever safety cable becomes loose, the vehicle will falsely register that the transmission is in 'Park', and will not show a warning message or sound a warning chime upon removal of the ignition key, and could also pose a rollaway risk.^[72]

On June 9, 2022, a Customer Satisfaction Program 19B37 & 21N12 were initiated for "Certain 2017-2019 Model Year Fusion Vehicles Equipped with a 1.5L GTDI Engine--Short Block Replacement After Coolant Intrusion."

A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 22-2134 was dated on December 19, 2022, and released by Ford Motor Company. In the TSB, the program terms indicate " a no-cost, one-time repair (if needed) to the 1.5L short block, due to coolant intrusion to the cylinder bores, for 7 years of service or 84,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, whichever occurs first."

Discontinuation

In 2018, Ford began plans to discontinue the Fusion along with its other sedans in North America over the following years, as the marque shifts towards pickups, CUVs, SUVs and the Mustang muscle car.^[73] In September of that year, Ford ended all national and promotional advertising (including sales and special offers) for its entire sedan lineup, including the Fusion, whose production continued.^[74]

The performance-oriented Fusion Sport was discontinued after the 2019 model year, with Ford focusing "on more popular styles" of the Fusion.^[75] 2020 was the final model year for the Fusion in North America, effectively ending what was left of Ford's 4-door car lineup in North America.^[76]

Auto racing

NASCAR

The Fusion also became the new body style for Ford automobiles in NASCAR beginning in 2006, replacing the Taurus.^[77] This marked the first time since the Torino in 1968 that Ford introduced a new model that went racing in NASCAR at the same time as its launch.^[78]

For the introduction of the Generation 6 body design in 2013, the vehicles were updated to match the second generation Fusion. The Generation 6 body styles were also meant to closer resemble the production versions of their respective vehicles.^[79][80]

The Mustang replaced the Fusion in the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season.^[81][82]

Land speed record success

Ford attempted to use a fuel cell version of the Fusion, Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999, to set a land speed record on August 10–17 during Bonneville Speed Week in 2007.

Roush's team, led by Rick Darling, worked with a team of Ford engineers and technicians led by Matt Zuehlk to come up with a vehicle design that could meet the goal of exceeding 200 mph (320 km/h) on the Bonneville Salt Flats, fueled only by hydrogen.^[84] On August 15, 2007, the vehicle set the fastest fuel cell ground vehicle speed record of 207.297 mph (333.612 km/h).

The car was driven by retired Ford engineer Rick Byrnes, a long time Bonneville racer.^[85]

Awards

• In July 2006, Strategic Vision gave the Fusion its Total Quality Award as the best-quality midsize sedan on the American market.^[86]
• In March 2006, the International Carwash Association named the Fusion America's "Most Washable Car."^[87]
• In November 2009, the 2010 Ford Fusion line-up was selected as the 2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year, beating a field of nearly two dozen contenders.^[88]
• In December 2009,
  Fusion Hybrid as one of the "10 Best Cars". The piece stated that the Fusion Hybrid was the most advanced of all the cars they tested.^[89]
• In January 2010, the
  Detroit Auto Show,^[90] and was named "Best of 2010" by Cars.com.^[91]
• In November 2012, the 2013 Ford Fusion (second generation) line-up, including the gasoline and
  Los Angeles Auto Show.^[92]
• In 2017, the Ford Fusion was awarded the MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award for Best Family Sedan.^[93]

Reviews

• In a December 2005 test, Car and Driver ranked the Fusion just below the first-place Honda Accord, edging out the Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata by only a few points. "The Verdict: Not your father's Taurus".^[94]
• Consumer Reports has also given positive reviews to the Fusion, as it had to the previous Taurus. It rated the Fusion Hybrid the top domestic sedan for 2010.^[95] In 2009, the magazine's automotive editor, Rik Paul, said, "The Ford cars outscored Honda's Accord and Toyota's Camry, the two top-selling cars in America, 'which many people view as the paradigms of reliability'," referring to the Fusion and Mercury Milan.^[96]
• Ford Fusion ranked highest among midsize cars in the
  JD Power APEAL study for 2006.^[97]
• In the January 2009 issue, Motor Trend rated the
  Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid.^[99]
• In a 2012 comparison test by Motor Trend, the Ford Fusion came in third place out of six cars behind the first place
  Volkswagen Passat and second place Honda Accord.^[100]

According to Ford, consumer response to the 2006 Fusion had exceeded their expectations,[101] with 30,000 sold during the first quarter of 2006. By October 2009, the Fusion became one of the top ten best-selling cars in the U.S. for the first time, as well as the best-selling car by a domestic automaker.^[102]

An article reflecting on the retirement of the Taurus however noted that whatever its faults, Ford did sell a large volume of them, and at the time production ended, the Taurus was still outselling the smaller Fusion and larger Ford Five Hundred combined, thanks to Taurus' large fleet sales. For the 2007 model year, approximately 77% of Fusion sales were retail (as opposed to fleet).^[103] This sales mix has contributed, in part, to the Fusion's relatively high residual value compared to the Taurus.^[104]

Ford also sold the Fusion in Mexico and Brazil. In Brazil, it became the highest-selling car in its class in 2008.^[105]

Yearly U.S. sales

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ford Fusion (Americas).

• 2020 Ford Fusion Hybrid review at Caranddriver.com
• 2010 Ford Fusion Sport review Archived May 29, 2009, at the
  About.com