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
Research we analyzed for this review

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Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Ford Fusion is often praised for crisp handling that makes it a joy to drive.  U.S. News' Rick Newman writes, "Handling is firm and enjoyable," and adds, "the Fusion enters corners like it actually wants to be there." The Fusion's acceleration is solid with the V6 engine. Though the four-cylinder option is a bit more sluggish, its fuel economy makes it a better choice for many buyers.

  • "The Ford Fusion we recently tested didn't rocket to 60 mph with any urgency, and didn't have the most dramatic styling, but the Fusion still left everyone who drove it thoroughly impressed." -- Motor Trend
  • "On the road, the Fusion rides and handles very well, again thanks to the sound Mazda platform. Steering feel is fine, brakes are excellent, handling is good, but limited by the 16-inch tires."-- Orlando Sentinel
  • "Fusion's ride quality is as good as any car in the class, save perhaps the Toyota Camry." -- New Car Test Drive
  • " When equipped with the Sport Appearance Package (and ideally a manually transmission), the Fusion can be justifiably described as fun to drive." -- Edmunds

Acceleration and Power

The 2009 Ford Fusion is offered with a pair of engines -- a base 2.3-liter four-cylinder Fusion that puts out 160 horsepower, and a more powerful 3.0-liter V6 that delivers 221 horsepower. The six-cylinder option is adequate, with enough power to make passing at highway speed easy. But several sources claim it trails newer competition in performance and doesn't add much in the way of fuel economy. That engine manages an Environmental Protection Agency rating of 18/26 mpg city/highway. 

The four cylinder option may be appealing important to buyers today.  The smaller engine squeezes out a 20/29 EPA rating -- nothing special in this class. The trade-off in performance is clear.  Consumer Guide, says, "Four-cylinder Fusions are adequate at best."

  • The four-cylinder engine is "an economical option that offers about average power for this class," while the V6 option is "an advanced combo that allows gas mileage in the mid-20s along with crisp, responsive power." -- U.S. News
  • "Both engines provide adequate power and fuel economy though they are outperformed by the engines offered by several competitors." -- New Car Test Drive
  • "Unfortunately, the 2009 Fusion comes with the same engines as the outgoing Mazda 6: four- and six-cylinder units that are short on power and fuel economy compared to the litany of tough competitors." -- Edmunds
  • "V6 versions furnish good passing and merging power, even with the additional weight of AWD. But these models require large throttle inputs for best performance and lack the solid around-town response of other V6 rivals." -- Consumer Guide
  • "We recommend the 3.0-liter V6, because there is very little fuel economy penalty for its greater power and superior drivability." --  Kelley Blue Book

Handling and Braking

The Fusion offers more driving enjoyment than many of its rivals, and that attribute comes out strongest in the corners. Reviewers consistently praise the 2009 Ford Fusion's handling as one of its strongest attributes. Kelley Blue Book says the car's "handling that rivals a European sports sedan." The Ford's four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes earn high marks with most reviewers as well.

  • "With a chassis that offers what Ford claims is class-leading torsional rigidity, the Fusion is a solid performer. Its sophisticated short- and long-arm front suspension, which offers geometry that's superior to the nearly-ubiquitous MacPherson strut arrangement, helps the Fusion deliver handling that rivals a European sports sedan." -- Kelley Blue Book
  • "Underneath the Fusion is a stretched chassis originally developed by Mazda, which imbues in this sedan a sporty character not usually associated with family vehicles." -- Edmunds
  • "Overall, the Fusion is engaging.  It tracks steady and true on twisty roads and flatters the driver in a way that the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry can't."  -- Road and Track.
  • "Sharp handling, road-gripping ride...surprisingly tight for a car aimed at the very center of the car-buying public, where mild blandness can be the unhappy side effect of attempting not to offend anyone." -- Business Week
  • "While there's no such thing as a perfect suspension that will please all of the people all of the time, there are times when a suspension is right for a vehicle. We found the Fusion's underpinnings to be just that." -- Boston Globe
  • " Where the Fusion shines, though, is on twisty roads. It uses a version of the Mazda6's chassis, making the Ford confident and firmly planted in turns. It's also well controlled over bumps and irregularities and compliant enough to offer a comfortable ride; in addition, steering is linear and predictable." -- Motor Trend
  • "Brakes are excellent." -- Orlando Sentinel

All-Wheel Drive

Ford offers All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as an option on V6-powered Fusions, but the AWD system is not available on four-cylinder models. Writers are impressed with the road manners of Ford's AWD system, but some warn that it is an expensive option that isn't necessary and may waste gas.

  • Available all-wheel drive and a new sport package make fine handling even better." -- New Car Test Drive
  • ""Stay away from it; AWD can be a terrible gas waster. The Fusion handles well enough in the front-wheel-drive version." -- About.com
Review Last Updated: 4/7/09