The Ford Fusion was the Blue Oval’s mid-size sedan introduced in 2006 with the first generation of the model produced through the 2012 model year. It slotted between the compact Focus and full-sized Taurus. The Fusion marks an interesting time in Ford’s history as it was developed during the Blue Oval’s ownership of the Japanese marquee, and as such, the sedan rode on a platform designed by Mazda.
The Fusion was also among the last sedans to be produced by Ford before it switched to exclusively offering SUVs and trucks. As the 2010 MotorTrend car of the year, the sedan also offered a hybrid powertrain in its first generation, becoming one of just a select few models to offer hybridization in the early 2010s.
Though the first generation Fusion ended its production run in 2012 — leading to the second and final generation that was produced from 2013-2020 — the sedan remains a constant player in the used market with affordable prices and decent reliability ratings from Consumer Reports.
Ford Fusion
- Available Hybrid Model
- Electroluminescent Instrument Cluster
- V-6 Engine Option
- Optional SYNC Infotainment
- 16 Cubic-Foot Trunk
- Available All-Wheel Drive
- Model: 2006-12 Ford Fusion
- Engine:: 2.5L 4-Cylinder/3-3.5L V-6/2.5L Hybrid
- Power Output: 156-263 HP
- Torque: 136-249 LB-FT
- Range: 19-38 combined mpg
- Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic/ 5-Speed Manual/6-Speed Automatic
- Driveline: FWD/AWD
- Choice of Powertrains
- Comfy Cabin
- Positive Driving Dynamics
- Limited Tech
- Middling Reliability Scores
- Mundane Cabin Styling
2006-2012 Ford Fusion Performance And Reliability
The first-generation Ford Fusion was available in several trims throughout its production run with the model facelifted in 2010 with an expanded lineup. The 2006-12 Fusion was available in the following trims:
- S
- SE
- SEL
- Sport
- Hybrid
The 2006-09 Fusion was produced with two engines, an inline-four, and V-6. The Ford Fusion's 2.3-liter Duratec engine was rated for 160 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque while the 3.0-liter V-6 offered 221 horsepower and 205 pound-feet. From 2010-12, the Fusion offered four engines. The standard 2.3-liter of prior years was replaced with a 2.5-liter inline-four capable of 175 horsepower and 172 pound-feet, while the V-6’s engine was also upped, in this case, to 240 horsepower and 223 pound-feet.
The Sport trim offered a 3.5-liter V-6 with 263 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque that cut the Fusion’s 0-60 time to 6.5 seconds, nearly a full second faster than the standard V-6. The standard inline-four required nearly nine seconds to scoot from 0-60mph, which was about average for its time.
The 2010 to 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid is motivated by a 2.5-liter inline-four with an Atkinson hybrid electric motor that offered 156 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque. Unsurprisingly, the Hybrid model was the most efficient of all available engines, offering 38 combined mpg, slightly lower than the 40 combined mpg offered by the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The other Fusion models were rated between 19-26 combined mpg.
The 2.3-liter engine was fitted with either a manual or automatic five-speed transmission, the Hybrid was equipped with a continuously variable transmission with all other models using a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive was standard for the Fusion and Fusion Hybrid but V-6 models had the option of all-wheel drive.
Riding on Mazda’s CD3 platform, the Fusion was noted for its good handling and ride comfort. It was regarded as a surprisingly engaging mid-size sedan with notable body control and responsive steering, though stability control was not offered until it was made optional in the 2009 model.
Engine Type | 2.5L 4-Cylinder/3-3.5L V-6/2.5L Hybrid |
|---|---|
Horsepower | 156-263 HP |
Torque | 136-249 LB-FT |
Transmission | 5-Speed Automatic/ 5-Speed Manual/6-Speed Automatic |
Drive | FWD/AWD |
Mileage/Range | 19-38 combined mpg |
Exterior Design
The first-gen Fusion sported two looks during its production run with the model being refreshed in 2010. Both models feature Ford’s then-new three-bar grille and restrained but still handsome styling designed to increase passenger and cargo space. The 2006-09 Fusion sported teardrop headlights that were squared-off at the bottom, triangular taillights, a wide but narrow lower intake, a rounded rear bumper, and a basic trunk lid.
In 2010 the model was given a facelift that featured rectangular headlights that flowed outward from the three-bar grille, a narrower lower intake, built-in fog lights on larger faux front intakes, and a rear bumper that featured a shorter overhang. The Sport, introduced in 2010, also features a rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels, a blacked-out grille, and side skirts.
The Ford Fusion is available in the following exterior colors:
Sterling Gray |
White Suede |
Brilliant Silver |
Tuxedo Black |
Atlanta Green |
White Platinum |
Sport Blue |
Smokestone |
Sangria Red |
Red Candy |
Length | 190.6 in. |
|---|---|
Width | 72.2 in. |
Height | 56.9 in. |
Wheelbase | 107.4 in. |
Ground Clearance | 5.3 in. |
Curb Weight | 3,285 lbs. |
Interior Quality And Technology
The Fusion’s cabin, either pre- or post-facelift, put a premium on usability, practicality, and intuitiveness over styling with a fairly mundane presentation. The dash is dominated by a cluster of dials, knobs, and buttons for audio and climate controls with a gear lever and two cupholders forward of the narrow center console. Red seat inserts were available on most models, and those from 2010-12 livened the cabin up a bit with an electroluminescent instrument cluster and available ambient lighting, and red seat inserts.
The 2010-12 models were also fitted with what was at the time Ford’s latest SYNC infotainment system with a color touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, and MP3 connectivity. However, 2006 models were noted for being behind the tech curve with no navigation, satellite radio or MP3/Bluetooth connectivity.
Practicality is vital in the midsized sedan segment, and in that regard, the Fusion is solid. It includes plenty of space for front and rear passengers with a 16 cubic-foot trunk, though the Hybrid model’s pragmaticism was impacted with the model offering 12 cubic feet of trunk space. The Fusion was also regarded for its comfortable and quiet cabin.
Seating Capacity | 5 |
|---|---|
Headroom (front) | 38.7 in. |
headroom (second row) | 37.8 in. |
Legroom (front) | 42.3 in. |
Legroom (second row) | 37.1 in. |
Shoulder room (front) | 57.4 in. |
Shoulder room (second row) | 56.5 in. |
Cargo room | 16 cubic-feet |
2006-12 Ford Fusion Price, Availability ANd Reliability
The 2006-12 Ford Fusion had an original MSRP of between $17,145 and $29,175. The 2006 model was offered from $17,145 to $18,985 with 2012, the last year of the first-gen, starting at $20,705 and ranged up to $29,175 for the AWD Sport model with the Hybrid commanding about $28,000.
According to Kelly Blue Book, the fair market range for a used 2006 Ford Fusion is $3,000-$4,440 for a model while the range for a 2012 model is $7,600-$9,000 for a model with around 100,000 miles.
Some common issues to watch out for include a bad alternator, rust, and corrosion, especially on the lug nuts, a bad shifter assembly, and leaks from the power steering unit coolant leaks as a result of a bad water pump.
Safety
Those interested in buying a 2006-12 Ford Fusion should ensure recalls made on the models have been addressed. The 2006-12 model includes five recalls by the NHTSA, including for defective airbags and all-weather floor mats that can prevent the throttle from returning to an idle position.
The 2011-12 Fusion also requires the replacement of a steering gear that, if unfixed, could lead to the loss of electric power steering assist. The NHTSA ranked the 2012 Fusion with 4/5 stars for its overall safety rating with prior models earning four to 4/5 stars for front, side, and rollover ratings.
Main Competition
The midsized sedan segment was far more robust during the Fusion’s first generation where it competed with models like the Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and a host of others. In fact, the Fusion, along with several rivals, were among the top-10 selling automobiles in the U.S. in 2010. The Ford trailed the overall sales of the Camry and Accord, but its handsome styling, comfortable ride, respectable powertrains, and agreeable price allowed it to share a large slice of the midsized sedan pie.
To this day, the first-gen Fusion remains a good option in the used midsized sedan market for its years of production. The Fusion is typically priced lower than some of its rivals from the same year in similar condition, but of course, while models like the Accord and Camry typically command a higher price, they are more synonymous with longer lifespans and better reliability. For instance, the 2010 Fusion has a reliability rating of 2/5 stars from Consumer Reports while the Camry has a perfect, 5/5 rating.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2012 Ford Fusion a good car?
Yes, the Fusion is noted for its spacious and comfortable interior, good driving characteristics, and handsome styling.
Q: How many miles will a 2012 Ford Fusion last?
The Ford Fusion has a 2/5 reliability rating from Consumer Reports, so return on miles with vary.
Q: What year Ford Fusion is most reliable?
All first-generation Ford Fusion's are rated 2/5 starts for overall reliablity by Consumer Reports.
Q: Are 2012 Ford Fusions good on gas?
The 2012 Fusion Hybrid earned an EPA rating of 38 combined mpg, making it one of the most efficient hybrids of the year just slightly lower than the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid's 40 combined mpg. Other 2012 Fusion models with a non-hybrid four-cylinder or V-6 were rated between 19-28 combined mpg, which is average for the midsize sedan segment of the time.