Name: Ford Fusion Review
Item: Ford Fusion
Author: Gumtree.com

Though it was only produced for a brief period between 2002 and 2012, the Ford Fusion made a significant impact. Its name referenced the way it combined SUV, MPV, and smaller hatchback elements in a relatively unique package. It continues to be popular on the used market, offering plenty of practicality at an affordable price point. Buyers looking for a family car will love the spacious interior, smooth driving experience and solid range of petrol and diesel engines.

Visit the Ford Fusion model page to learn more.

What we think about the Ford Fusion

The Ford Fusion is an affordable, spacious family car that’s starting to show its age but still offers plenty of practicality.

Pros

Affordable

Decent amount of interior space

Efficient engines, particularly the diesels

Good handling

Cons

–

Quite ugly

–

Lacks engine power

–

Extremely basic interior

–

Poor reliability record

The Ford Fusion is a five-seater, hatchback-style compact MPV, and its most recent version is from 2012. Its basic engine is a 1.4-litre petrol unit, with reported efficiency figures of around 40 mpg on average. Trim levels include the Style+, Zetec and Titanium.

Driving performance of the Ford Fusion

Our Driving Rating6 / 10

Handling is one of the most appealing features of the Ford Fusion. It has precise, nimble steering and is surprisingly agile for a car of its size. Its higher driving position allows for plenty of visibility, making it relatively easy to negotiate city roads. However, its suspension is quite firm, so passengers on longer trips might not enjoy the ride all that much. There’s also a fair amount of body roll in corners, which can be an issue when taking the Fusion out on winding country roads.

Safety and reliability of the Ford Fusion

Our Safety Rating6 / 10

The Ford Fusion was last put through its paces by Euro NCAP in 2003, shortly after it was first released. It achieved a four-star rating overall, which is a little less impressive than might be expected for a family-oriented car – particularly one produced before standards of safety tech were at the level they are today. The Fusion has front airbags for the driver and passengers, and you could pay more to get side and curtain airbags, as well as stability control. You’ll likely find the feature set here a little lacking relative to newer cars, particularly when it comes to the Fusion’s most basic trims.

Under the bonnet of the Ford Fusion

Our Engine Rating6 / 10

The Fusion’s engine line-up is a lot more refined and quiet than you might expect for such an old car, particularly in town, but they can be quite noisy on longer motorway trips. Noisy or not, you’re unlikely to be thrilled by the speeds these engines can provide. The entry-level 1.4-litre petrol gets you to 62 mph from standing in around 14 seconds. If you opt for the largest 1.6-litre diesel, you could see this 0-62 time reduced to 12.9 seconds.

What you'll find in the Ford Fusion

Our Design Rating5 / 10

A jack of many trades but master of none, the Fusion’s blend of compact hatchback and people-carrier style results in a vehicle that’s non-descript at best. It doesn’t have much physical presence, despite its large proportions, and it’s far from what you could call charming or sleek. The black trim around the lower half of the Fusion is a welcome touch, but the car mostly just looks dated and bland. The front-end is particularly ugly, with awkwardly shaped headlights and a lack of sharpness.

Comfort and interiors in the Ford Fusion

Our Comfort Rating6 / 10

Inside the Fusion, there’s very little in the way of style or sophistication. The materials are cheap-looking and scratchy, with a basic colour scheme. However, buyers who want practicality and convenience above all else will find plenty to like. The cabin is definitely roomy enough to fit a larger family without many complaints over long distances, and it’s easy to fold down the rear seats completely flat, which quickly opens up the back for more cargo space.

What features you'll find in the Ford Fusion

Our Features Rating5 / 10

This is a car that was discontinued in 2012, so you can’t expect it to offer a wild amount of customisation or infotainment options, and its features don’t really compare with modern-day onboard tech and enhancements. However, it shouldn’t be too expensive to find a top-spec model with alloy wheels and fog lights, as well as Bluetooth, a heated windscreen and electric windows. Air conditioning also comes as standard with the Fusion, which is often not the case for modern budget vehicles.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Ford Fusion

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

Fuel economy is one of the areas where the Ford Fusion can compete admirably with more modern vehicles, although its CO2 emissions figures will be high compared to cars with newer engine tech. The Fusion’s basic 1.4-litre petrol engine will provide you with around 40 mpg, which isn’t too shabby. You can also get up to 56 mpg from the smaller 1.4-litre diesel unit. The larger diesel engine is the most efficient of them all, offering up to 60 mpg.

Running costs of the Ford Fusion

Our Cost Rating7 / 10

Decent fuel economy means that the Ford Fusion should allow you to make some savings in the long-term, particularly if you’re using the car a lot and you opt for one of the diesel engines. It’s also cheap to insure, and spare parts should be plentiful, but it has a reputation for poor reliability. If you’re getting a manufacturer’s warranty, Ford offers three years of coverage, which is the standard for most vehicles.

Our verdict of the Ford Fusion

3.5 / 5 Gumtree rating

If you're looking for a no-frills family vehicle, the Ford Fusion is a cheap, practical option that offers decent handling around town.

Ford Fusion Review