2006 - 2009 Ford Fusion review
The 2006 Fusion was only available as front-wheel drive; optional AWD was added to V6 models from 2007. The 4-cylinder models come with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. The V6 models are only available with 6-speed automatic. Both, the 4-cylinder 2.3L and the 3.0L V6 are decent engines and both have a timing chain. Four-wheel disk brakes are standard; the ABS system is optional. Inside, the Fusion is well designed and comfortable. Fit and finish is great. The controls are well laid out. The storage compartment at the top of the dashboard is very convenient. I love volume controls on the steering. The steering tilts and has telescopic adjustment. Available six-disc in-dash MP3-capable CD player sounds great. The front seats are very supportive. Rear seat space is sufficient. The 60/40 split rear seat folds down easily. On the road, Ford Fusion offers excellent handling with responsive steering and good road feel. The ride is comfortable and quiet. It's a real pleasure to drive the Fusion on the highway. The 3.0L V6 engine is very smooth, with nice sounding tone. The 2.3L 4-cylinder offers adequate power, but is a bit noisy on acceleration. Just one complain: the turning radius is quite wide - a small inconvenience during tight city driving or parking maneuvers. In the NHTSA frontal crash tests, models from 2006 to 2008-early release, received four stars for both the driver and the front passenger. The 2008-late release and 2009 model received five stars for both the driver and the front passenger. In the side-impact crash tests, 2006 Ford Fusion without side airbags received four stars for both the driver and the rear passenger seat. The 2006 model with side airbags as well as 2007-2009 models received five stars for the driver and four stars for the rear passenger. For more details visit Safercar.gov |
Strengths
- Great handling and smooth ride
- Attractive styling in and out
- Good sound system
- Available AWD
- Reasonably priced
- Available with manual transmission
- Controls on the steering wheel
- Convenient storage compartment on the dashboard
Weaknesses
- Fuel economy for V6 could be better
- Wide turning radius
- Rear visibility
- ABS is not standard
Overall
Ford Fusion is a decent choice for a used family sedan - it looks good from outside and is very comfortable inside. The Fusion offers smooth and quiet ride and excellent handling with wide turning radius being the only minus.
I'd recommend the Fusion with a 4-cylinder engine, as it is more economical, easier to maintain and it has sufficient power for daily driving.
The 4-cylinder engine is also a lot easier to work on if you are a DIY person.
Overall, Ford Fusion is a pretty good car, but don't expect it to be completely trouble-free, especially as it ages. It also needs to be maintained well if you want it to last. Both, the 2.3L 4-cylinder and the 3.0 V6 are good engines, but lack of maintenance could easily lead to serious problems.
What to look for buying a used Ford Fusion
As a first step, check the used car history records; this could help you to avoid cars with hidden problems.
Follow this link: How to check used car history
- Check the service records if available - it's important to verify that the car was properly maintained.
- Make sure to test the air conditioner operation.
- If the "check engine" light is on, have the problem assessed with your mechanic or a dealer before buying a car; in worst cases the repair might be very expensive.
- Blue smoke at start-up may indicate engine problems - avoid such a car.
Learn more what to look for when buying a used car
- Prior purchase have the car inspected by a mechanic of your choice.
Shop wisely, check few cars to compare; it's worth to pay a little extra for a well-maintained vehicle in good condition.
Check our step-by-step used car buying guide for more information.
Some models may be costly to insure. Get the insurance quotes first.
Consider an extended warranty to protect from unexpected repair costs.
Few maintenance tips
- Wash and wax your car regularly to preserve the paint.
- If you live in the area with high humidity, rustproofing will help to protect the car body and chassis components from corrosion.
- Regular oil changes are very important to keep your engine in good shape.
- Check the engine oil level regularly - running the engine low on oil can cause serious problems.
- Change transmission fluid at recommended intervals using only original transmission fluid.
- Check your tire pressure regularly; unequal tire pressure will cause increased wear of the AWD system components.
- Stick with original parts.
- Follow recommended maintenance schedule and keep all the fluids clean and topped up.
- Have your car inspected, at least once a year, in a garage on the lift (e.g. when doing tire rotation) to keep it safe. Many components (e.g. ball joints, brakes, steering) cannot be properly inspected by simple visual inspection at fast lube places; the vehicle must be on the lift.
Check more Car maintenance tips
2006 Ford Fusion specifications
| Dimensions: | |
|
Overall length: Overall height: Overall width (excl. mirrors): Wheelbase: |
190.2 in (4831 mm) 57.2 in (1453 mm) 72.2 in (1834 mm) 107.4 in (2728 mm) |
| Engines: | |
|
4-cylinder engine V6 engine |
2.3-liter 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder
160 hp @ 6500 rpm, 156 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm 3.0-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 221 hp @ 6250 rpm, 205 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm |
| EPA Fuel Economy: | |
|
2.3L 4-cylinder, manual: 2.3L 4-cylinder, automatic: 3.0L V6 automatic: |
city: 20 MPG (11.8 L/100km) hwy: 28 MPG (8.4 L/100km) city: 21 MPG (11.2 L/100km) hwy: 29 MPG (8.1 L/100km) city: 18 MPG (13.1 L/100km) hwy: 27 MPG (8.7 L/100km) |
| Recommended Fuel: |
87 octane
|
| Fuel Tank Capacity: | 17.5 US gallons (66 liters)
|
Links
Fueleconomy.gov - compare fuel economy ratings.
Insurance quotes - compare insurance quotes before buying a car.
Extended warranty - find out more about an extended warranty for your car
Used car history - check used car history records before buying a car.
Edmunds.com - new car invoice pricing.
Ford Fusion Repair Manual
If you need a DIY repair manual with diagnostic and repair information, check engine codes description, wiring diagrams, maintenance schedule, component location, technical service bulletins, recalls, specifications, etc., follow this link: Where to find repair manual
by Vlad Samarin
