MSRP: $19,035 - $25,605
Invoice: $17,707 - $23,429
MPG: 20 City / 29 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:9.0
Performance:7.9
Exterior:8.6
Interior:8.6
Safety:9.9
Reliability:10.0
Pros and Cons
  • Pleasant ride and European-style handling
  • Distinctive, eye-catching exterior
  • Well-designed, competitive and spacious interior
  • Generous trunk with 60/40 fold-flat rear seats standard
  • Competitive price within class
  •  Instrumentation is small and difficult to read

Prices

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Ford Fusion - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Fusion's roomy interior, sporty handling and  angular appearance are its standout features.  Ford's SYNC multimedia system, while an expensive option, brings praise and attention as well. The Fusion also earns solid safety scores, and the addition of stability control for 2009 has enhanced the car's appeal.

The Fusion was last redesigned in 2006, and has seen only minor upgrades since. But the car has held up well, and remains among the best in a crowded class.   The Boston Globe sums it up, "Ford has done a nice job of building a vehicle that can compete in a market segment that has been dominated by Toyota (Camry), Honda (Accord), and Nissan (Altima)."

The midsize car segment in 2009 is home to many competitive, desirable cars, meaning that a good purchase decision is often simply a matter of a shopper's tastes and what deals can be found at the moment.

The Fusion's best feature is its handling, so those attracted to the car because it's an enjoyable ride should consider other balanced handlers like the Altima and the new Mazda6.  Its chief drawback -- difficult to read instruments -- might push some to investigate the Chevy Malibu, which features a well-designed instrument cluster that's easy to read in any light.

Until June 1, any Fusion purchase also qualifies for coverage under the new Ford Advantage plan. Under the new program, Ford will cover up to 12 months worth of payments on behalf of a Fusion buyer who loses their job involuntarily.  It's similar to plans offered by GM and Hyundai, and certain limitations do apply.

Three trims levels are offered -- a base S, an SE model with more common equipment, and an upscale SEL.  All three can be purchase with either the four-cylinder or V6 engine, and V6-equipped SE and SEL models are available with All-Wheel-Drive.

Those looking at the 2009 Fusion might also want to note that this car's replacement is already on dealership lots.  The 2010 Fusion is an all-new design, more fuel-efficient and spacious than this car.  However, the fact that both models are in Ford dealerships at the same time may drive the price of the 2009 Fusion down -- and this is still one of the better midsize cars available.

Be sure to check for current Ford Deals that may be available on a new Fusion.

  • "Fusion and its near-twin Mercury Milan target the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, and match those class leaders for room and interior design, if not engine refinement and road manners. Pricing is a Ford/Mercury strong suit, as is the availability of all-wheel drive." -- Consumer Guide
  • "the 2009 Ford Fusion remains a mid-pack choice in the crowded midsize family sedan field, and we suggest also taking a look at the highly regarded Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, redesigned Mazda 6 and Nissan Altima." -- Edmunds
  • "Ford's midsize competitor blends attractive looks, an excellent chassis, and a lot of value." -- Motor Trend
  • "To compete in today's midsize sedan arena a car needs to stand out, in both style and performance. The 2009 Ford Fusion is just such a car -- a 180-degree turnaboutn from the lackluster midsize Ford products of the past and a major homerun for Ford." -- Kelley Blue Book
  • "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
  • "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
  • Excels at nothing, lacks nothing -- it will never be a star player, but it'll start every game. Nicely done." -- Orlando Sentinel

 

Fusion Performance - 7.9 (Good)

The 2009 Ford Fusion is regarded as a solid performer in a competitive class, thanks to its tight handling. Its V6 engine wins over many reviewers with brisk acceleration, but in today's climate, many may be considering the four-cylinder model for its price and better fuel economy. Read More

Fusion Exterior - 8.6 (Very Good)

In a class of increasingly curvy imports, the Fusion's angular lines stand out.  Road and Track speaks for many when it praises the "minimalist, crisp, taut lines" of Ford's sedan. Kelley Blue Book explains, "The Fusion's exterior design began with the dynamic exterior of the Ford 427 concept car, including the three-bar grille and trapezoidal, multi-element projector-beam headlamps. In the current production idiom the wheels are pulled out to the corners of the car but, unlike conventional practice these days, the shape features some fairly sharp edges and a 'box-on-wedge' profile." Read More

Fusion Interior - 8.6 (Very Good)

The 2009 Ford Fusion has obvious virtues as a family car, with comfortable seats and one of the largest trunks in its class. But the car's ergonomics divide reviewers -- some find everything in the right place, while others complain of small buttons and a layout that forces drivers to take their eyes from the road too often. The Fusion is a car you have to test drive to know if the cabin fits your needs. Read More

Fusion Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2009 Fusion is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety "Top Safety Pick" when purchased with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and also does well in government  crash tests. ESC, however, is only optional on the Fusion. Read More

Fusion Reliability - 10.0 (Excellent)

The 2009 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

Review Last Updated: 4/7/09