Ford has seen much success in the midsize sedan arena, starting with the Taurus in the mid-1980s to the Fusion beginning in the mid-2000s. The Fusion spawned other models, including the Mercury Milan and the Lincoln MKZ. All three are front-wheel-drive sedans with room for five. Alas, the sedan market shrunk considerably since the Fusion rolled out, resulting in Ford canceling this model, at least for the North American market. A similar Ford Mondeo lives on in Europe and select other markets.
2023 – Ford resurrects the Fusion name for an all-new model that remains a mystery.
2020 – After just a three-year run, the all-wheel-drive V6 Sport model is gone. This is the final year for the Fusion sedan.
2019 – Ford refreshes the Fusion with updated front and rear fascias. Trim shuffling and an available driver-assist package known as CoPilot 360 rolls out.
2018 – The 2018 Fusion has no significant changes.
2017 — New front and rear styling, an all-new SYNC 3 telematics system, and an updated center console are among the top changes this year. Ford also introduces an all-wheel-drive Fusion V6 Sport model powered by a 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission.
2016 — The 2016 Fusion has no significant changes.
2015 — For 2015, Ford drops the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and the previously available manual transmission. A rearview camera is now standard across the model line.
2014 — The 2014 Fusion gains a fourth engine, a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Newly available safety features include inflatable rear safety belts.
2013 — The second-generation Ford Fusion rolls out, featuring an all-new design, a larger frame, and an available MyTouch telematics system. Newly available safety features include lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning, and a blind spot information system. Ford replaces all but the base engine, adding a pair of turbo engines displacing 1.6 and 2.0 liters, the latter with available all-wheel drive. The 2013 Fusion offers three grade levels: S, SE, and Titanium. A hybrid variant returns; a plug-in hybrid model known as the Fusion Energi joins the line.
Second-Generation Ford Fusion
2012 — The 2012 Fusion has no significant changes.
2011 — Following an extensive update a year earlier, the 2011 Fusion offers light changes only.
2010 — The 2010 Fusion benefits from a significant update, including refreshed front and rear ends, a new center control, and an available eight-inch color display with navigation. The Fusion also modifies its powertrain offerings, delivering a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. A second V6, this one displacing at 3.5 liters, comes paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Lastly, a hybrid variant rolls out.
2009 — Stability control is now an option on all Fusion models.
2008 — Anti-lock brakes are now standard across the model line, rear park assist becomes available. Ford’s available SYNC smartphone integration system rolls out late in the model year.
2007 — Available all-wheel drive now comes with the V6 model. Trim-level shuffling highlights the other changes.
2006 — The Ford Fusion is an all-new model, a midsize front-wheel drive sedan. A 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine comes with a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. An available 3.0-liter V6 is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2006 Fusion is available in three grades: S, SE, and SEL.
First-Generation Ford Fusion
Ford Fusion Considerations
The midsize sedan segment was once among the strongest manufacturers. But no more. Thanks to the widespread adoption of crossovers, the segment is shrinking. Many players, including the Fusion, are no more.
As of publication, the market is dominated by the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima. Other models remaining in the segment include the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, Subaru Legacy, Chevrolet Malibu, and the Volkswagen Arteon. Among the discontinued models are the Mazda Mazda6, Mitsubishi Galant, Chrysler 200, Dodge Avenger, Suzuki Kizashi, and the Buick Regal.
See Also — Ford Explorer: Chronicling the Changes
Image by IFCAR – Own work, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons
Image by Mr.choppers – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
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