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Ford Fusion - What the Auto Press Says

The Fusion is seen by most reviewers as a well-styled family car with a roomy, well-made interior, a pleasant ride and good road manners. Plus it is regarded as a strong value with a competitive initial price. But its engine power, even with the optional V6, performs below some others in its class.

Most auto reviewers describe the 2008 Ford Fusion as well-styled, comfortable, and spacious for its class, with a competent ride and good road manners. Many reviews depict the Fusion as a good car that does not do any one thing great, but the consensus seems to say that Ford's sedan has begun to effectively compete with Japanese models from Honda, Nissan and Toyota.

The Fusion is a four-door, front-wheel drive sedan available in five trims. For 2008, the Fusion receives more safety features and interior options, as well as a new Sport Package. If you're shopping for an affordable midsize car, also consider the Honda Accord or the Toyota Camry.

• "It looks great from the outside, good on the inside, and its performance is on par with the competition. … But aside from its looks, the Fusion offers no standout qualities that will bring Camry and Accord drivers into Ford showrooms." -- Car and Driver
• "The 2008 Ford Fusion is an excellent choice among midsize sedans and should not be overlooked. It offers a comfortable ride, purposeful looks, capable handling and good value." -- New Car Test Drive
• "It has a well-rounded adequacy about it, a wholesome middle-ness, a pleasant sense of expectations met." -- Los Angeles Times
• "It's your basic, all-around reliable family transporter -- comfortable, rock-solid and economical. In short: Fusion is a winner." -- About.com
• "Fusion is the first mid-size domestic car I can truly say I feel will compete with the Japanese leaders." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
• "The Fusion, which slots between the Focus and the Five Hundred in the Ford lineup, will impress people who've driven only Detroit-made cars over the past 10 years, yet it leaves something to be desired for those whose eyes wander toward the Japanese brands." -- Motor Trend

Fusion Performance - 7.8 (Good)

The Ford Fusion is a good performer with acceptable acceleration, above-average handling and admirable fuel economy. New Car Test Drive says, "The Ford Fusion delivers responsive handling, solid high-speed stability, and a nice, smooth ride." Read More

Fusion Exterior - 8.3 (Very Good)

The Fusion's exterior styling receives almost universal praise. "The look is clean and understated, with bright detail work to bring out the luxury look, like the sparse jewelry of a tuxedo," says Car and Driver. "This is the best looking Ford sedan in years." Read More

Fusion Interior - 7.9 (Good)

Auto experts say the 2008 Ford Fusion's comfortable and stylish interior is also sporty and luxurious. The Washington Post calls it one of the best -- "a perfect blend of downtown and uptown, casual and formal." The Fusion's interior score also reflects its high quality compared to other affordable midsize sedans. Read More

Fusion Safety - 9.2 (Excellent)

For the most part, the Fusion equipped with a competitive list of standard safety features, and this year it adds anti-lock brakes as standard equipment for all its trims. The 2008 Fusion does very well in government and insurance industry crash tests. Read More

Fusion Reliability - 10.0 (Excellent)

The 2008 Ford Fusion reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Ford provides a basic warranty for the first three years or 36,000 miles. Read More