2012 Ford Fusion
- 2011 Ford Fusion
- Used Ford Fusion
- RepairsFord Fusion
Based on analysis of 23 Fusion reviews and test drives.
U.S.News Scores
| Overall: | 9.1 |
| Performance: | 8.8 |
| Exterior: | 9.0 |
| Interior: | 8.8 |
| Safety: | 8.8 |
| Reliability: |
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Pros and Cons
- Optional all-wheel drive
- Large trunk
- Crisp handling
- High-quality interior with well-liked electronics
- Base four-cylinder engine is loud when pushed hard
- Brake pedal is slow to give feedback
Research Other Years
Ford Fusion Review - What the Auto Press Says
The 2012 Ford Fusion ranks 1 out of 19 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 23 published reviews and test drives of the Ford Fusion, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
Reviewers say that the 2012 Ford Fusion is practical, fun to drive, and has a high-quality interior.
The 2012 Ford Fusion is a top choice among affordable midsize cars because it’s a family car that’s also fun to drive. The Fusion is the 2012 U.S. News Best Affordable Midsize Car for the Money. It won this award for its low long-term ownership costs and high praise from auto reviewers, as well as its appealing driving experience. These combine to make it a good value in its segment. The Ford Fusion is also the 2012 U.S. News Best Affordable Midsize Car for Families. This is an award it won for its roomy interior, large trunk, good safety scores and family-friendly tech features.
Reviewers say the Fusion offers crisp handling and two powerful V6 engine options. With optional all-wheel drive, a manual transmission and numerous trim level options, test drivers like that drivers can customize the Fusion to their tastes.
Although it receives a couple updates for 2012, including a standard six-speed automatic on SE trims, the 2012 Fusion is practically the same as the 2011 version. Reviewers like that Ford has decided not to mess with a good thing. The Fusion earns praise for its three engine choices, high-quality interior, superb handling, good fuel economy, spacious trunk and comfortable interior.
On the other hand, test drivers point out that the 2012 Fusion is not the undisputed champ it was when the redesigned version hit the market in 2010. However, they agree that it is still a solid choice in the segment. Reviewers also recommend test driving newer entries from Hyundai, Volkswagen and Kia before making a final decision.
Most car reviewers agree that the Ford Fusion is ideal for families because it has plenty of high-tech safety features, as well as interior and trunk space. It also offers an engaging driving experience, in addition to being practical and fuel-efficient.
Other Cars to Consider:
If you want a family sedan that’s good-looking and fun to drive, the 2012 Hyundai Sonata is a good option among affordable midsize cars. Reviewers like its stylish exterior and numerous standard features, including Bluetooth and USB connectivity. For slightly less than $20,000, you get the same features that would cost you more than $23,000 in the Fusion.
The Sonata also provides more fuel-efficient engine options than the Fusion. Instead of a V6 engine, the 2012 Sonata offers a turbo four-cylinder to give drivers more power over the base four. If good fuel economy is high on your list of must-haves, the Sonata’s turbo four gets an EPA-estimated 22/34 mpg city/highway, which is significantly more than the Fusion’s 20/28 mpg rating its 3.0-liter V6 gets. Shoppers won’t have to trade power for fuel economy with the Sonata’s turbo four-cylinder either. The Sonata’s turbo four produces 274 horsepower, while the Ford Fusion’s 3.0-liter V6 makes 240. The Sonata’s turbo engine even bests the most powerful Fusion V6 engine, which makes 263 horsepower.
If you live in an area of the country that gets lots of snow, the Fusion is a good option because it has all-wheel drive available on V6 models. If all-wheel drive is a must-have, you should also consider the Subaru Legacy and Suzuki Kizashi. The Legacy has all-wheel drive standard, while the Kizashi offers it as an upgrade.
Ford Fusion: The Details
The 2012 Fusion is mostly unchanged from last year. Ford made the six-speed automatic transmission standard on SE models for 2012. See the full list of 2012 Ford Fusion specs.
The Fusion is available in S, SE, SEL and Sport trims. The Ford Fusion Hybrid is reviewed separately. The Fusion is offered with three engines: a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder, 3.0-liter V6 and 3.5-liter V6. The Sport trim is unique in that it is the only Fusion available with a 3.5-liter V6 engine.
- “Regardless of which model suits your fancy, Ford's midsize sedan is a Best Buy that offers a depth and breadth of trim levels, powertrains, and features that few rivals can match." -- Consumer Guide
- "Summed up, the Fusion isn't quite the runaway champ it was a couple years ago. But a truly great family sedan can still be found at a Ford dealership." -- Edmunds
- "If you need the practicality of a well-appointed, well-engineered and crisp-handling family-sized four-door that also offers a choice of fuel-efficient four-or six-cylinder engines and available all-wheel drive, the … Ford Fusion merits serious consideration for a spot in your garage." -- Kelley Blue Book
- "For a reasonable price you can pick up a decently equipped, nicely sized, attractive sedan that can accommodate a family of four in comfort, yet still be fun to drive." -- Autoblog
Fusion Performance - 8.8 (Very Good)
The 2012 Ford Fusion features front- or all-wheel drive, four- or six-cylinder engines and a manual or automatic transmission. But reviewers say it’s also fun to drive. Edmunds writes, "The 2012 Ford Fusion is one of the more engaging family sedans from the driver's perspective." Read More
Fusion Exterior - 9.0 (Excellent)
The Fusion’s exterior is unchanged from last year. This isn’t a bad thing. With a three-bar grille and chiseled headlights, the Fusion looks sportier than previous generations. View Photos
Fusion Interior - 8.8 (Very Good)
The automotive press likes the interior of the Fusion because it offers plenty of optional tech features, as well as a low-key design with upscale materials. Reviewers also rave about the Fusion’s passenger space, especially for taller adults. Read More
Fusion Safety - 8.8 (Very Good)
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety names the 2012 Ford Fusion a Top Safety Pick for "good" scores in front, side, rear and roof strength tests. The federal government gives the 2012 Fusion four out of five stars overall. Read More
Fusion Reliability - 4.5 of 5
The 2012 Ford Fusion reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. The 2012 Ford Fusion comes with a three-year/36,000-mile comprehensive new-car warranty. New Fusions also come with roadside assistance coverage. Read More
