Used Ford Fusion Buying Guide
The Ford Fusion is a midsize four-door sedan that has been cruising American highways and cities since 2006. Now in its second generation, the Fusion continues to be popular, so much so there was a Fusion Hybrid spinoff. With so many years behind it and so much popularity throughout those years, there are plenty of used Ford Fusions to choose from if you’re in the buying mood. To give you a leg up on the used Fusion buying experience, we offer this guide so you can make an informed choice so you can get the best model year for your needs.
Second Generation (2013-Present)
The second generation of Ford Fusions kicked off in the 2013 model year and represented a great revitalization of the model as a whole. The inaugural year of the second-generation Fusion was very popular, so much so that additional manufacturing plants had to be repurposed to make them. (Still, we recommend getting a used model a year or two later, since the 2013 model year reported some engine issues.) The second-generation Fusion was slightly longer, wider, and taller overall as it relaunched on a new platform. The first year saw the Fusion with three trim levels: S, SE, and Titanium. That expanded to five trim levels, as well as two Fusion Hybrid variants before the end of the second-generation run. A large number of safety features, like active park assist and rear cross-traffic alert, was the hallmark of this model.
The second generation saw a facelift in 2017, updating both front and rear styling. The Sport and Platinum trim levels were added in the same year, making the Fusion a desirable option for those looking for luxury upgrades. Another facelift came in 2019, along with the Co-Pilot 360 suite of safety features as standard fare. In 2020, the growing list of trim levels was streamlined to just four again, with SYNC 3, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay available on any trim level.
First Generation (2006-2012)
When the Ford Fusion debuted in 2006, it was the new face of Ford with a three-bar grille. Of course, that look has changed in the meantime, but the first generation of Fusion had a very distinctive look. We recommend avoiding the 2010 and 2011 model years due to reported steering issues. The first base engine was a 160-horsepower 2.3-liter V4 engine, or you might find an upgraded 221-horsepower 3-liter V6 engine. Pop the hood to see which is under there.
In 2007, all-wheel drive became available on all models. A year later, ABS and tire pressure monitoring became standard, along with new safety features. Until 2009, there were only three trim levels (S, SE, SEL), with Sport and Hybrid coming later with the 2010 refresh model. There was a big recall in the 2010 model year, so if you’re buying a 2010 Fusion, make sure the manufacturer has had an opportunity to perform the fix. 2010 was also the year the Fusion Hybrid became available, which continues to today.
If you’re interested in a used Ford Fusion, come see the stock at LaFayette Ford in Fayetteville, North Carolina.