Is Ford Fusion a strong car?

The Ford Fusion is a solid, well-rounded mid-size sedan that delivers comfortable front-to-back ride quality, practical interior space, and a range of powertrains including efficient hybrids. It’s not a sport sedan, and Ford ended production after the 2020 model year, which affects future parts supply and resale dynamics. Overall, for many buyers it remains a strong used-car option in its class.

Performance and handling

Powertrains and efficiency

Across its generation, the Fusion offered a variety of gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options designed to balance power with efficiency. Here is a snapshot of how the lineup generally performed.

• Base gasoline engines provided smooth, adequate acceleration for daily driving, paired with a conventional automatic transmission in most years.


• EcoBoost turbocharged engines offered stronger around-town and highway performance while still delivering competitive fuel economy for a midsize sedan.


• Fusion Hybrid combines electric motor support with a gas engine for notably improved real-world efficiency without dramatic compromise in everyday power.


• Fusion Energi (plug-in hybrid) adds a battery-electric driving mode for short trips, reducing fuel use when charged, though its EV range is limited compared with full EVs.

In practice, the Fusion prioritizes comfort and stability over sportiness. If you want peppy sport sedan feel, you might prefer rivals with more aggressive tuning, but for most daily driving needs the Fusion offers a balanced, confidence-inspiring drive.

Reliability and ownership costs

Model-year reliability and maintenance

Reliability and ownership costs for the Fusion vary by generation and powertrain. Overall, it sits in the middle of the midsize-sedan field, with some years performing better than others and a few common issues that buyers should check before purchase.

• Typical maintenance costs track with the segment—reasonable to moderate—and are similar to rivals such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, depending on the exact engine and trim.


• Parts availability remains good through Ford dealers and the broader aftermarket, though production ceased after 2020, which can influence long-term supply for certain components and battery systems in older hybrids.


• Resale value for a discontinued model depends on year, mileage, and condition; well-maintained late-model used examples often offer competitive value in the midsize market.

When shopping for a Fusion, prioritize year-specific reliability data, a clean service history, and thorough checks of the powertrain, electronics, and, for hybrids, battery health. This approach helps maximize ownership satisfaction and minimize surprises.

Safety and technology

Safety features by year and tech

Safety and technology have been strong points for the Fusion, especially in later generations, with a mix of standard and available driver aids and infotainment improvements over time.

• Many model years earned solid safety ratings from agencies such as NHTSA and IIHS, with dependable protection in frontal and side-impact scenarios, and standard features like multiple airbags, stability control, and anti-lock brakes.


• Technology and infotainment evolved from Ford’s earlier MyFord Touch systems to more user-friendly SYNC versions, with better smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) in later trims and years.


• Hybrid and Energi variants add charging considerations, dashboard displays for energy use, and real-world efficiency advantages, but charging availability and EV range limit practical EV-only use.

Overall, the Fusion’s safety story is favorable for a midsize sedan, though buyers should verify the exact features and ratings for the specific year they’re considering and be prepared for infotainment-system quirks in older builds.

Current market status and buying considerations

What to look for when buying a used Fusion

With production ending after the 2020 model year, the Fusion exists only as a used vehicle. Here are buying guidelines to help identify strong examples and avoid common pitfalls.

• Prioritize later model years with better safety tech and improved infotainment; check year-specific reliability reports for common issues reported by owners.


• Have a qualified mechanic inspect the powertrain, hybrid battery (if applicable), transmission, brakes, and electrical systems; hybrids require careful battery checks and hybrid-system diagnostics.


• Assess maintenance history and mileage; well-documented service records often correlate with fewer在 major repairs and better long-term reliability.


• Consider total ownership costs and local availability of parts and service, as some components may be harder to source as the model ages.

Used Fusion candidates can offer strong value, especially if they’ve been maintained and have features that align with your needs. Weigh the benefits of a familiar, comfortable sedan against the realities of owning a discontinued model, including potential future service considerations.

Summary

The Ford Fusion stands out as a dependable, comfortable mid-size sedan with a versatile powertrain lineup that includes efficient hybrids and plug-in options. Its discontinuation after the 2020 model year means you’ll be shopping in the used-car market, where year, condition, and maintenance history matter greatly. For buyers prioritizing ride quality, safety, and practical features, the Fusion remains a strong choice within its era—provided you select a well-documented example and are mindful of future parts availability and charging considerations for hybrid variants.

Why do cops use Ford Fusions?

Police use Ford Fusions, specifically the hybrid Police Responder model, because they are fuel-efficient, have a long history of use by departments, and are a versatile sedan platform for urban patrol. The hybrid system saves money by significantly reducing fuel consumption and idling costs, while the sedan body style offers maneuverability for city streets.
 
Fuel efficiency and cost savings

• Reduced fuel use: The hybrid powertrain allows the car to run on electricity during idling, which can save thousands of dollars per year in fuel costs for departments that spend hours with the engine on. 
• Improved gas mileage: The hybrid version is projected to get significantly better gas mileage compared to traditional gasoline-powered sedans. 
• Lower emissions: Using a hybrid also helps public agencies meet environmental goals. 

Vehicle capabilities and versatility

• Designed for urban use: The sedan platform is often preferred for city patrol because of its maneuverability in dense traffic, unlike larger patrol SUVs. 
• Tactical advantages: The hybrid system allows the vehicle to operate nearly silently in electric mode, which can be tactically beneficial. 
• Customizable for police work: Ford designs police versions of the Fusion with heavy-duty suspensions, brakes, and electrical systems, and the sedans are large enough to accommodate police gear, prisoner cages, and other modifications. 

Long-term relationship with Ford

• Historical preference: Ford has a long history of providing vehicles to law enforcement agencies, which has created a deep relationship and trust in the brand. 
• Market share: Ford has historically held a large market share in police vehicles, which means there is an established infrastructure for parts, training, and maintenance. 

What is the crash rating of the Ford Fusion?

After extensive testing, the Fusion earned an overall five star safety rating, the highest rating possible. The side barrier protection, in particular, was impressive. Another reliable source of crash tests comes from the Insurance Institute of Highway safety, and the Ford Fusion passed the tests with flying colors.

Is the Ford Fusion a durable car?

Compared to other Ford vehicles, the Fusion holds up well over time. While a Ford Focus or compact sedan may see slightly lower mileage limits, the Fusion's durability puts it among the best long-lasting Ford vehicles.

What year of Ford Fusion to stay away from?

The Ford Fusion years to avoid are primarily 2010–2012 due to widespread power steering failures, and 2013–2016 models with the smaller turbocharged engines (1.5L, 1.6L, and 2.0L EcoBoost) are also best avoided because of potential head gasket and coolant leak issues. 
This video explains the reliability issues with the Ford Fusion: 58sSteedaYouTube · Apr 25, 2024
First generation (2010–2012)

• Primary issue: Faulty power steering systems were a major problem, particularly in the 2010 model year, but were also prevalent in 2011 and 2012 models.
• Other problems: Some issues with interior components were reported for these years as well. 

Second generation (2013–2016)

• Primary issue: Vehicles with the 1.5L, 1.6L, and 2.0L EcoBoost engines from these years are prone to head gasket failure, which can lead to expensive repairs for coolant leaks and overheating. 
• Other problems: Transmission issues have been reported in these model years, though they may be addressed with software fixes or more serious repairs. 

For other model years

• 2017 and newer: These years are generally more reliable, but transmission problems can still occur. 
• 2020: As the final model year, it had some transmission and electrical issues.