Ford Fusion is an exquisite midsize sedan that sits five-passengers. It is available in near-luxury trims. As you may already know the Ford Motor Company is responsible for producing this car which started in 2005. The ford fusion was first released in 2006 and ran through till 2020 where the last model was released. Ford Fusion has four doors in all its models from 2006-2020.

Some intriguing features are available on this car, most especially the all-wheel-drive it possesses. This feature helps it to stand-out among her pairs or fellow sedans in the market.

Furthermore, performance-minded drivers often opt for this sedan's Sport model, a turbocharged V-6 engine. Nonetheless, Ford built all ford fusion models to satisfy the demands of comfort, luxury, safety, and top performance.

Ford Fusion Production and Sales

Production

Although production started on August 1, 2005, the fusion models began in 2006. From 2006-2020 we can see two generations of the Ford fusion available in the market. These models are significant and famous for gasoline, gas/electric Hybrid, and gas/plug-in electric Hybrid.

Mexico was where the production of the Fusion happened. Ford's Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly plant in Sonora, Mexico, is its production location. The production plant was also the Lincoln MKZ, which stands as its rebadged variant and the formerly Mercury Milan sharing its CD3 platform.

Replacing the Mondeo, which held sway in the Latin American markets, Ford Fusion production began on August 1, 2005. However, the markets in Europe, the United States of America, Canada, and Argentina were not affected.

These latter markets still have the Mondeo available for purchase.The ford fusion is positioned or ranked between the full-size Ford Taurus and the Ford Focus. This rank is mainly because the Fusion supersedes the midsize Taurus and Compact Contour.

Sales

In regions like the Middle East and South Korea, you will only find 2.5-liter engines. However, the United States of America, Latin America, and Canada predominantly had the V6 engine and not the 2.5-liter engines.

Furthermore, in South Korea, the Fusion available comes in 2.5-liter engines and the hybrid model as of the 2012 model year. The ford fusion Energi is the first production sedan to offer (all four options) a gasoline engine option, a next-generation hybrid model, an EcoBoost engine option, and a plug-in hybrid model option.

In 2012, the entire 2013 Fusion line-up won the 2013 Green Car of the Year award. 2013 Fusion won this award at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. A little back-up story has that gasoline-powered and hybrid version sales began in the United States in October 2012.

Ford made this sale under the 2013 model. Furthermore, the sales that occurred in Europe and Asia began in 2015 as Ford Mondeo. This scenario replayed itself in South Africa, but they used the Fusion name here. Nonetheless, the deliveries of the Fusion Energi in the United States of America started in February 2013

Is Ford Fusion a Good car?

When talking about good midsize cars you can use, the ford fusion is an absolute belter. So yes, this car is a good car for you. It offers you enough room space, and the driving experience is very satisfying. A smooth ride and decent handling are what you should expect, nothing short.

The trunk space is decent, its fuel economy is quite decent, although not as good as some other products, but it is fair. This car also has a good and easy-to-use infotainment system.

Lastly, we won't say the ford fusion is the best you will find in the market because that will be a lie. You will find cars with livelier engines, better interior design, and space, but this car can rub shoulders well enough with her pairs.

Is buying a Ford Fusion worth it?

Sure, it is a purchase that is worth it. Although a midsize car is a very competitive class of automobile to the top, this car is not doing a bad job in the rankings. There are other cars for the same price you might also want to consider before making this purchase.

Nonetheless, if your heart settles for a ford fusion, please do well to purchase it without wasting time. Just make sure you exhaust your options before settling. You might consider alternatives like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Also, kindly read up on Fusion Energi and Fusion Hybrid.

Ford Fusion Generations – Trims, Model year changes, safety

First Generation (2006)

The three-bar grille had a new face known as the ford fusion. The Fusion was built on Ford's 3D platform. Mazda originally designed this platform as the Mazda G platform.The Fusion was massively reliant on Mazda designs. Ford used Mazda's G platform and referred to or called it the CD3 platform.

Apart from the platform, the I4 engine and the 5-speed transmissions were also designed by Mazda. The Fusion, as a result, enjoyed some benefits in terms of Mazda's input. Such areas where customers saw these benefits are in its handling and reliability. The differing component of the Fusion from Mazda was the major powertrain or chassis component within it.

Mazda also designed a 2.3 L Duratec 23 I4 alongside a 5-speed automatic transmission or 5-speed manual transmission. The base engine was 160hp or 119KW.

This generation of the ford fusion was available in three trims: the S, SE, and SEL trim. The Fusion's interior (parts of the console and the seats) is similar or somewhat the same as the MK III Ford Mondeo, which ideally is somewhat unrelated.

Ford had quite some advertising campaigns within the United States of America and Canada. These adverts had somewhat of a slogan or tag. The United States was titled "Life in Drive" while the advert in Canada was titled "Create a Reaction."

The Ford Fusion Challenge

Further down the line, in January 2007, Ford initiated and launched a challenge called the "Fusion challenge" but was later changed to "Ford challenge." The winner of this challenge should not be a surprise as Ford fusion edged over Toyota Camry and Honda Accord to clinch the price.

The conveners determined the winning spot based on consumer reports' reliability, handling, styling, and "fun to drive," among a few other factors. The head-to-head comparison test was embarked on by subscribers of Car and Driver and Road & Track magazines predominantly in Washington DC and Los Angeles regions.

Rumor had it from Motor Trend that Ford's Special Vehicle Team had active manufacturing plans and released a Fusion GT. This vehicle will come with a 3.5-liter Eco-Boost V6, which will turn in 340 HP (horsepower).We have waited and lived well enough to know it was simply a hoax because this model never happened.

Ford Fusion Model Year Changes (2007, 2008 & 2009)

2007

• The V6 models came with an all-wheel-drive.
• The SE and SEL trims had Sirius Satellite Radio available. These trims also had a front passenger fold-flat seat option available.
• Furthermore, this model had front-seat side airbags, a perimeter alarm, and a side curtain.
• Lastly, Ford added an auxiliary input jack to help aid transmission from a portable audio player.

2008

• Tire pressure monitoring and ABS came through as standard features.
• Optional features for this model were the rear parking assist, ambient interior lighting, and Ford's SYNC multimedia and communication system.
• Voice commands for DVD navigation.
• Sport Appearance Package: (these improvements were interior and exterior) such as an 18-inch machined aluminum wheel, stiffer suspension, body-color fog lamp surrounds, and a rear spoiler. Other additions include red seat inserts, smoke-colored grille, and red stitching on leather surfaces.
• Moon and Tune: Ford added a power moonroof and a premium eight-speaker audiophile sound system with an amplifier.

2009

• Revision to the exterior color palette.
• New appearance package with blue trim.
• Electronic stability control.

Trims (2006-2009)

• The S trim
• is also known as the base model, which had an automatic transmission and manual transmission, a 2.3L Duratec I4 engine. AM/FM stereo with four speakers, and a single-disc CD player auxiliary input jack for 2007-2009 models. Also, it has sixteen-inch steel wheels with plastic wheel covers, keyless entry, and cloth seating surfaces.
• The SE trim
• this was an improvement from the latter with a sixteen-inch alloy wheel, AM/FM stereo plus single-disc CD/MP3 player. SE included a power front driver's seat and a security system.
• The SEL trim
• this was top of the food chain at the time, boasting seventeen-inch wheels, dual power front seats, and a standard Ford SYNC system.

It is important to consider that only two trims or trim levels are available in the 2005-2006 SE and SEL, which were automatic transmissions only. The 2007 model met a different fate as the S trim came on board with manual transmission for both the S trim and SE trim levels.

Both the S trim and SE trim had a standard 16-inch alloy wheel, while the SEL came with a 17-inch alloy wheel standard. Finally, the 2008 model came on the scene with the added and new introduction of Ford's Ford sync to its SEL trim level.

However, Ford brought sales of manual transmission cars to an abrupt halt after 2008 in Mexico. The reason for this decision was because of the poor sales in the region. Lastly, the 2009 model year had a pretty short spell in Mexico due to the 2010 Fusion dealership's arrival late into February 2009.

2010 refresh

For the 2010 model year of the ford fusion, we see the Fusion with new front and rear end fascia designs. This design update was also implemented on the Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ. Apart from the design update, we also see revisions on its interior and the powertrain.

The powertrain revision on this ford fusion model year is similar to what we see on the 2009 Ford Escape. These features include the new 2.5L I4 and 3.0L PIP Duratec series V6 engine coupled to Ford's new 6F35 six-speed transmission.

Furthermore, the introduction of the 3.0L Duratec provided 240HP, which is 179kW with E85 fuel capacity. On the other hand, the I4 provided 175HP, which is 130kW. The 3.5L Duratec 35 produces 263 hp, which is 196Kw which was standard for the Fusion Sport.

Notwithstanding, adaptive knock control and aggressive deceleration fuel cut of features helped improve the I4 and 3.0 L V6 engines' fuel economy. Lastly, the interior changes on this model year were:

• A new optional 8-inch screen navigation control system.
• Ford's new trademark "Ice Blue" illumination for control and gauges (you can also see this in the current Ford Focus and Ford F-150).
• A new center console design.

2010 trims or trim levels

The trim levels for the 2010 model year are the S, SE, SEL, Sport, and Hybrid. Let's take a brief and closer look into these trim levels.

• The S Trim stands here as the base model, just as it has been for previous ones. This trim has a manual transmission, 2.5L Duratec I4 engine. AM/FM stereo with a single-disc CD/MP3 player, sixteen-inch alloy wheel, an auxiliary input jack, and four speakers, a keyless entry, and cloth seating surfaces.
• The SE Trim is a midrange model of this automobile. Let's look at the significant additions and improvements to this trim. We have seventeen-inch steel wheels, a power front driver's seat, the addition of the SIRIUS Satellite Radio, six speakers, and a security system.
• The SEL Trim stands as the upper-end model of this automobile year. The significant additions here are the seventeen-inch aluminum wheels, standard leather seating surfaces (optional cloth for fleet), standard Ford SYNC system and 290 watts Sony 12 speaker surround sound, dual-zone automatic temperature control, driver door keypad, and dual power front seats.
• The Sport Trim is a stand-alone model of the year's model. The additions were standard eighteen-inch alloy wheels, darkened front grille (2011-2012), a 3.5 L Duratec V6 engine, a sport-tuned suspension, rear spoiler, lower body skirts, and leather seating seats.

The Hybrid is an addition to the SEL model. It has a 2.5L Duratec I4 assisted by an Atkinson Hybrid electric motor, dual power front seats, an electroluminescent Optitron-style gauge cluster, an Eco Driving mode driver, an insight into how economical his driving is.

Ford Fusion Second Generation

This generation was at the 2012 North American International Auto Show as a 2013 model. The Fusion is a model of Ford's global car strategy "One-Ford" and was revamped based on the Ford CD4 platform.

Its design managed by Ford of Europe started with the Focus and then the extension of Fiesta production, which both came into North America in 2012.This new model's unveiling shows the renaissance of Ford's midsize platform for both Europe and the Americas.

The company's previous attempt at a midsize car of this nature is on the CDW27 program, the predecessor to the Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique and the original European Mondeo. Chris Hamilton, the Ford of Europe Head of Advanced design team, was commissioned as lead designer for this project based in Detroit.

Under the guise of Exterior Chief Designer for Ford/Lincoln, with design support led from Ford of Europe studios in Germany and the United Kingdom. Test and development of limited versions in both North America and Europe commenced, leading to different engines, automatic gearboxes, suspension settings, and tires.

The final assembly takes place at Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. The sales of the revamped 2013 year model were very favorable, leading to extra capacity in the Flat Rock Assembly Plant, Michigan. The hybrid version and the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid will continue to be assembled in Mexico.

The Mexican assembly plant won the prized MIT, Worlds Best Automobile Plant award. The engine range is comparable in Europe and other international markets, but the availability of the 2.5 will be limited to North-America.

In international markets, a three-cylinder 1.0L 123 bhp EcoBoost claimed to produce just 125g/km of CO2 emissions; and the Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid was available between 2014 and 2015.

Ford Fusion Wheelbase & Trim levels

Ford built Fusion's second generation on a bigger wheelbase than the previous models Ford built on the CD3 platform. Furthermore, Ford replaced the first generation's front wishbone suspension with MacPherson struts, and at the rear, we see a multi-link suspension.

However, taking a closer look at the interior, we find a contrast that the exterior's increased size does not necessarily equate to an increased interior. In other words, although Ford increased the exterior, the interior and trunk looked to be somewhat shrunk in size. Fusion's 2013 model is available in the following trim level; S, SE, and Titanium trim levels.

Furthermore, the upgrade here was quite remarkable as Ford incorporated five different powertrains for this generation and two-hybrid variants. Ford didn't neglect the engines also as we see the upgrade to four-cylinder offerings of the engine in this generation. We thus see that as a result, the previous model's 3.0L V6 was dropped as their top-tier engine choice.

This neglect was in line with Ford's progressive decision to move beyond the ancient Duratec30.The same plight fell on the Sport packages bearing 3.5L V6 as their performance option. However, we saw a Sport model's resurgence in the 2017 reports, where a 2.7L turbocharged V6 powered this model.

The second generation is also significant for introducing a variety of driver assistance technology that functions with cameras, sensors, and radar.

Finally, Ford Fusion's 2014 model year had a significant change: the replacement of the 1.5-liter version for a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-engine option. The change was influenced majorly by China's low tax rate on vehicles with a displacement of below 1500 cc.

Ford Fusion's Second Generation Models or Trim levels

• S trim

Stands as the base model, offering a 2.5-liter Duratec I4 engine, cloth seating surfaces, sixteen-inch steel wheels with plastic wheel covers, chrome door handles, keyless entry with a switchblade-style key. Automatic transmission, an AM/FM color screen stereo with a single-disc CD/MP3 player, USB, Bluetooth connection. Auxiliary input jacks, and SIRIUS Satellite Radio, the Ford SYNC System, four speakers, and reverse camera with motion-activated guidelines.

• SE trim

This trim saw the addition of six speakers, a power front driver's seat, and seventeen-inch alloy wheels. An SE Luxury Package is available that adds features such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual heated front seats, a driver's memory system, dual power front seats, and leather seating surfaces.

• Titanium trim:

(Displacing the SEL trim) the features here include a single-disc CD/MP3 player, SD card slot, USB, A/V, and auxiliary input jacks, leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, dual power front seats. The MyFord Touch System with an A/M-F/M HD Radio radio (later SYNC 3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration), a single-disc CD/MP3 player, eighteen-inch alloy wheels, USB, A/V, and auxiliary input jacks, push-button start, keyless access, a Sony 390-watt premium surround sound system, and, SD card slot.

• Hybrid trim:

The Hybrid available in the same three trims, but for 2017, it is available in four trims S, SE, Titanium, and Platinum.

• Sport trim:

Emerged in the 2017 model year, the 2.7 Ecoboost 325-hp V6 engine replaced the inline-4, includes a black mesh grille, a standard All Wheel Drive with 19-inch wheels, a decklid spoiler, and quad exhaust pipes.

• Platinum trim:

This trim came on the scene with the introduction of the 2017 model year. This trim has many standard features, such as Heated and Cooled Front Seats. Power Moonroof, Universal Garage Opener, Fancy Sport Chrome Mesh Grille, Nappa Leather Seating Surfaces.

• Energi trim:

The Ford Fusion Platinum Energi was a new addition Fusion Energi family in 2017. Formerly a Plug-in Hybrid Version of the Fusion was offered in two trims SE and Titanium, until 2017.

Key Takeaway!

• Ford Fusion is a solid automobile that's comfortable and assures you of a smooth ride. It has quite some interesting performance features.
• Automobile production began in 2005, and it went on to produce different models and trims from 2006-2020.
• Ford announced that the 2020 model of the Fusion would be the last on the market.
• The Fusion has three major trims, which include the S, SE, and SEL. However, as the model year progressed, more trims came to the table like the Sport, Hybrid, Platinum, and Energi.
• Ford is an affordable and decent car and sits comfortably at a good position on the midsize car rankings.

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