Are you in the market for a reliable and stylish midsize car? Look no further than a used Ford Fusion, one of the best-selling cars in the United States. So, what makes buying this model such a smart purchase? The Ford Fusion is a good choice because of its roomy interior, impressive handling and performance, and its array of safety and technology features.
Although Ford announced the 2020 Fusion is the last production year for the model, the Fusion remains a solid purchase for consumers looking for a reliable midsize sedan. Let’s take a closer look at the Fusion’s history and the 2020 model. From there, we’ll look at purchasing a used Ford Fusion and the importance of regular maintenance to ensure the longevity of the vehicle.
First Generation: 2006 – 2012
Ford introduced the first-generation Fusion in 2006 as a five-passenger midsize sedan that delivered outstanding performance and an impressive fuel economy of 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The first Fusions offered two powertrain options – the standard 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine or a more powerful 3.0-liter V6 engine – as well as the choice between a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. These powertrain options, along with its roomy interior and oversized trunk space, earned the early Fusion high praise.
By 2008, Ford updated the Fusion with an available all-wheel-drive option and a new SYNC infotainment system with voice recognition to give drivers hands-free connectivity behind the wheel. Ride quality and interior room continued to earn high praise along with the Fusion’s solid crash-test ratings and affordable price tag. These updates already served to make the car even better value, but Ford was not content.
Ford returned to the drawing board in 2010 and restyled the Fusion, much to the delight of consumers. The redesign included a new lineup of four-cylinder and V6 engines with improved power and fuel economy, as well as a new hybrid powertrain capable of 39 MPG combined. Ford also extended the Fusion’s suite of technology and safety features by including a new navigation system as well as an available blind-spot warning system. The 2011 Fusion completed this safety suite with an available backup camera.
Second Generation: 2013 – 2020
Ford introduced the second-generation Fusion in 2013, and the sedan’s new styling earned rave reviews. The model year saw an even more efficient plug-in hybrid option added, and a small displacement turbocharged gasoline engine was added to the list of options for improved fuel economy. The 2015 Fusion update added several new trim options. After ongoing criticism over the interior technology on the previous models, Ford updated the center control panel and revamped the safety and technology features in 2016.
The praise continued for the Fusion with the 2017 refresh. The new Sport model was the most powerful midsize sedan in its class with a twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing a staggering 325 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. The new Platinum trim also provided the Fusion with a higher level of luxury features. Finally, the 2017 update brought the updated SYNC 3 multimedia system, which was a new standard for Ford, in addition to safety features like lane departure warning and rear cross-traffic alert. In 2019, the models included even more standard technology, including automatic emergency braking as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
Discontinuation
By late 2018, Ford revealed plans to discontinue the Fusion and kept that promise in 2020 when it confirmed the model would be winding down production. The 2020 model starts at $23,170 and features several trim options, including the S, SE, SEL, Titanium, Hybrid SE, Hybrid SEL, Hybrid Titanium, and Plug-in Hybrid Titanium. The hybrid options average an outstanding fuel economy of 43 MPG in the city, with the plug-in hybrid offering a combined fuel economy of 103 MPGe.
The 2020 Fusion offers the latest in technology, including Ford’s Co-Pilot360 driver-assist features. This suite includes a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, a rear-view camera, and automatic high-beam headlamps. Additional features include automatic emergency braking, available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology, and navigation.
Three powertrain options are also available on the 2020 model—gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid. The gas powertrains give drivers a choice between a 1.5-liter EcoBoost and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, both of which offer outstanding performance and fuel efficiency, as well as the base 2.5-liter engine. The hybrid comes standard with a 2.0-liter I-4 Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine with an electric motor that delivers 188 hp. The plug-in hybrid features three drive modes – gas, electric, and combination – that give drivers more control over the Fusion’s operation and performance.
Ford added the latest in technology to the 2020 Fusion. These additions include Ford’s voice-activated SYNC 3 system and FordPass Connect. The Fusion also offers an available 4G LTE WiFi hotspot plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. These features make the latest Fusion one of the most connected midsize sedans on the road.
Choosing a Used Ford Fusion
With Ford confirming its decision to discontinue the Fusion after 2020, buying a used Ford Fusion will soon be the only option for drivers looking to purchase Ford’s best-selling midsize sedan. As Ford turns its attention to SUVs and trucks, the Fusion remains a good buy because of its spacious interior, solid performance and handling, and advanced suite of safety and technology features. These features are readily available on early models but are more prominent on the models released between 2017 and 2020.
Before purchasing a used Ford Fusion or any other used vehicle, do your research to determine which version is best suited for your lifestyle and needs. It’s important to consider the year model of the Fusion, learn what features are included, and look up its average fuel economy. As you research the model, look at various reviews to determine common problems with the model and how easily they are repaired or avoided.
After researching the Fusion, test drive the model to ensure it handles well and responds to your driving style. In doing this, you’ll get a better understanding of the car’s handling and a firsthand look at its interior and features. Be sure to try the various safety features, the radio and technology suite, as well as options like adaptive cruise control to verify everything works properly. Once you determine the Fusion is the best used car for your needs, it’s important to review the vehicle’s history by running a search on a site such as CARFAX that reports any previous accidents or damage. This report is vital to determine the car’s overall health and operability.
Maintaining Your Used Ford Fusion
As with any vehicle, ensuring your used Ford Fusion is well-maintained will go a long way to its longevity and performance. Be sure to schedule your Fusion for regular tune-ups and maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations that will prolong the life of the engine and the tires. In doing this, you’ll enhance the Fusion’s lifespan and can drive secure in the knowledge that you’ve done everything possible to ensure the safe operation of your vehicle.
