The Ford Fusion midsize sedan, among other vehicles, became synonymous with the late-2000s resurgence of the American automaker. As GM and Chrysler continued to feel their way forward cautiously, Ford managed to make itself relevant again in the minds of car buyers, and the Fusion, along with the Edge, the Escape, the Flex, and the new Fiesta, helped lead the way.

Ford saw shaky results at its dealerships and ultimately changed its mind on most car sales, dropping the Fiesta, Focus, Flex, and Fusion from its lineup. Today, the Mustang is the sole car offering among the trucks, vans, and SUVs, though the automaker is rapidly shifting its focus to electrification. At the same time, the Fusion remains a solid used option, especially in later model years when it gained significant improvements to its safety equipment and tech. Competitors over the years included the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, and others.

Generations: Two

• Ford Fusion 1st Generation
• Ford Fusion 2nd Generation

Pros: Sharp styling, no shortage of powertrain options, winter-ready all-wheel drive
Cons: Not as deluxe as its price tag suggests, V6 Sport model gone for 2020, gas models could use more mpgs

Ford Fusion 2nd Generation (2013-2020)

Ford overhauled the Fusion for the 2013 model year, which brought strikingly sharp styling and a load of new tech. Ford continued building the cars in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, but later added a production line at its Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan due to strong demand. The related Ford Mondeo continued on in its fourth generation alongside the Fusion.

Ford offered several powertrains for the second-generation Fusion, including a range of four-cylinder engines, hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, and a turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6. Most of the engines provided ample specs for all Fusion models, making them ideal commuter cars for many. The V6 engine delivered far more grunt in the Fusion Sport, and it helped the car feel truly quick in many driving scenarios. Ford Fusion Hybrid models, including Fusion Energi, were also capable, though they weren’t as quick as the cars equipped with gas-powered engine options.

The second-generation Fusion also got several advanced driver aids over the course of its time on sale. Ford added lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, inflatable seatbelts, automatic stop-start, a backup camera, forward-collision warnings, parking assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and more. The car was also available with all-wheel drive (AWD), making it ideal for buyers living where the air hurt their faces. That said, front-wheel drive (FWD) models perform just fine in the snow, so AWD is not a requirement.

Higher trim levels like the Fusion Platinum and Titanium got luxury-level MSRPs, but Ford was generous with features and tech. Top models like the Ford Fusion Titanium got upgraded infotainment systems, leather seating, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate controls, automatic high beams, a Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM radio, HD radio, a power moonroof, and more. Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system showed up in later years, bringing Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and FordPass Connect apps, among other things.

Ford Fusion 1st Generation (2006-2012)

The Fusion entered Ford's automotive lineup with the 2006 model year. Built at Ford's plant in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, the Fusion rides on a platform created by Mazda for the Mazda6 and shared with the Mercury Milan and the Lincoln MKZ. Slotted between the Focus and the Five Hundred (which replaced the Taurus for a short time), the Fusion was the first Ford vehicle to showcase the automaker's distinctive new design style, which continues to this day. The exterior design was inspired by the Ford 427 concept car and highlighted by the three-bar chrome grille and multi-element projector-beam headlights up front.

Upon introduction, the Fusion came in S, SE, and SEL trims, all powered by a base 160-horsepower, 2.3-liter, all-aluminum DOHC Duratec four-cylinder engine mated to either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. Owners could opt for a 221-hp, 3.0-liter Duratec V6 for the Ford Fusion SE and Fusion SEL. Variable cam timing and electronic throttle control on both engines maximized fuel economy and responsiveness while ensuring low emissions.

The Fusion displayed an exterior design described as athletic by the automaker, with a muscular stance and plenty of room in the cabin for both front- and rear-seat passengers. Emphasis was placed on fuel economy, safety features, and good driving dynamics, as well as on design and interior space.

A stiff chassis ensured responsive handling and minimal flexing, while a four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride. The Fusion sat on a 107-inch wheelbase with an overall length of 190.2 inches and a width of 72.2 inches. Those generous measurements for a midsize car, aided by the fact that Ford pushed the C-pillar back as far as possible, ensured ample legroom in the rear seat and plenty of space throughout the cabin. Fortunately, cargo space didn't suffer, with the Fusion offering a respectable 15.8 cubic feet of space in the trunk.

Inside, standard features for the five-passenger Fusion included front bucket seats, remote keyless entry, a tilting and telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, and a 60/40-split, fold-flat rear seat.

A year after launch, in 2007, Ford added an optional AWD system for V6-powered trims and offered Sirius satellite radio as an option in SE and SEL trims.

In addition, front-seat side and side-curtain airbags became standard on all Ford Fusion trims. Other new standard features included an MP3 input jack, while a DVD-based navigation system was added as an option.

For 2008, antilock brakes and a tire-pressure monitoring system joined the standard equipment list. Late in the 2008 model year, Ford added its SYNC communications and connectivity technology as an option, enabling hands-free access to cell phones and MP3 players through the car's audio system. Other new features for 2008 included an optional color-configurable ambient interior lighting system and an optional Sport Appearance Package, which included a black chrome grille, a unique spoiler, color-keyed fog lights, a sport-tuned suspension, red seat inserts, and red stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and console.

Stability control, which improved handling and wheel traction, became an option in 2009. In addition, Ford offered a Blue Suede options package for SE and SEL trims, which included a charcoal black interior, ambient lighting, 18-inch painted wheels, and Alcantara blue-suede seat and door-panel trim inserts.