2010 Ford Fusion

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The Ford Fusion has always won reviewer praise as one of the more driver-oriented family sedans, with crisp handling and an all-wheel-drive option few competitors match.  For 2010, it's available with three engines, each of which is an upgrade over previous editions.

• "The 2010 Ford Fusion is one of the most engaging family sedans from the driver's perspective." -- Edmunds
• "Test drives in the SE and Sport confirm that Ford has raised the Fusion's game considerably. The athletic chassis is still there, but now it's complemented by more power and a far more friendly automatic." -- Motor Trend
• "With 175 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque, the four-cylinder Fusion is hardly a sports sedan, but that doesn't mean it's not a fun drive." -- Autoblog
• "The new Fusion has a much lighter feel all-around, which is a blessing for navigating parking garages." -- Cars.com

Acceleration and Power

It's hard to find significant reviewer complaints about any of the three engines offered in the 2010 Ford Fusion.  The base engine, which comes standard on S, SE and SEL models, is a 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower. Reviewers say it's among the strongest four-cylinder options in the midsize class.  It ships with a six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment - something many reviewers like, since manual shifters seem to be fading from this class of car - but is available with a six-speed automatic that has a manual shift mode.

A larger, 3.0-liter V6 putting out 240 horsepower is an option on SE and SEL models, though it can't be purchased with the manual. The Sport model features the most powerful engine, a 3.5-liter V6 making 263 horsepower.  The EPA has not released mileage estimates for the three engines though Ford claims that a four-cylinder Fusion with a manual transmission should manage a 23/34 mpg rating.

• "Undeniably the most impressive aspect of the 2010 Fusion in the week I spent with it was its new four-cylinder engine. The 2.5-liter produces 175 horsepower, which makes it one of the most powerful fours on the market. That power translates to a real-world driving experience that is surprisingly sporty. It doesn't feel like there's a V-6 under the hood, but neither is there any desire for a V-6." -- Cars.com
• "What we have here is a rare breed. A mid-size sedan from a domestic automaker equipped with a manually actuated clutch. In fact, the 2010 Ford Fusion (and its rebadged brother, the Mercury Milan) are the last examples offered with Detroit Three nameplates." -- Autoblog
• "The 3.0 V6 accelerates smoothly, and furnishes good passing and merging power. V6 models have a manual-shift mode for the transmission that is useful on hilly terrain." -- Consumer Guide
• "Not surprisingly, the Fusion Sport, with its 263-hp 3.5-liter V-6, proved the most enticing. Our sample was also equipped with all-wheel drive, a rarity in this class and, as before, available only with V-6-powered Fusions. As such, the engine's 249 lb-ft of torque propels the 3800-lb sedan (3600 pounds with front-wheel drive) with little trouble. Ford claims a 7.0-second 0-60 time, which seems a touch pessimistic from the seat of our pants." -- Car and Driver

Handling and Braking

Previous generations of the Fusion have earned a reputation as relatively tight handlers for family cars.  The 2010 model, reviewers say, retains the well-behaved chassis and solid control through tight corners.  Driving enthusiasts should note, however, that in all but one model, the Fusion's well-liked steering has actually given up a little of its road feel - all but the Sport model now use electronically-controlled steering.  The Sport edition retains the hydraulic steering of the previous Fusion, and some reviewers like it best.  The brakes perform admirably in testing, measuring typical distances for a midsize car in panic stops, but some complain that the brake pedal feels soft even when the brakes' performance is not.  It might take time to adjust to the Fusion's brakes.

• "Pleasant and competent, with nicely weighted, responsive steering. In a straight line, Fusions feel solid and well-planted." -- Consumer Guide
• "On the downside, the electric power steering on non-Sport models is light and numb." -- Edmunds
• "A well sorted suspension with perfectly balanced spring rates to provide a decent ride over nasty roads, along with great damping and good roll control. The lighter [four-cylinder engine] and manual gearbox also means less mass on the front axle for better overall balance compared to the six-cylinder models." -- Autoblog
• "Ride quality is also significantly improved in the new Fusion. It's worlds more comfortable now, with a ride that rivals the new Chevy Malibu without feeling as disconnected as the Toyota Camry. It's a nice tradeoff." -- Cars.com
• "On the road, we also noticed that the Fusion's steering quality, while comfortably weighted immediately off-center, gets rubber-bandy the further the wheel is turned. Not helping matters are brakes that lack feedback during the first half of pedal travel." -- Car and Driver