Complaints are minimal. With the four cylinder engine and five-speed stick, fuel mileage is good, though performance is commonly said to be ‘adequate’ and not exciting. Both owners and reviewers seem to agree that from a functional standpoint, the Fusion is a solid bet.
Of course, not a perfect bet, though. There is a list of items to check on your used Fusion candidate to minimize potential headaches down the line.
You’ll want to ensure the handles, latches and locks work properly on all four doors, as some owners report faulty latches and fussy locks as the cars age. Check for any signs of rust in the area that the sunroof parks in (if equipped) and note any signs of moisture damage around it—as leaky sunroofs were reported from time to time.
On a test-drive, be sure to note any abnormal clunking or clacking noises from the suspension, particularly in the front end. Some owners complain that the ride can degrade quickly, which may be caused by premature wear of bushings, sway-bar links or struts. On a road test, expect a solid, comfortable ride that’s on the stiff side-- but be weary of unusual noises or an unstable, loose feeling over bumps.
A check of the vehicle’s underside on a hoist is a good idea, and may reveal any leaks or excessive rust. Be sure to check for leaks from the transmission and transfer case (if equipped with AWD) to reveal any potential problems.
No systematic issues stand out related to drivetrain components here, and both powerplants and the all wheel drive system seem to be worry free thus far. Of course, as with any vehicle, maintenance will be key to longevity. If you’re unsure of the model’s service history, budget for a full fluid change and tune up to be safe.
Note that it’s advisable to follow the ‘severe duty’ fluid change intervals if you operate your Fusion in a cold northern climate. This may help prolong the life of the transmission and AWD components over time.
Be sure to check the condition of the clutch, tires and brakes, making sure neither is in need of replacement. Upholstery, leather and carpeting inside should be inspected for abnormally high levels of wear, too.
Given the relative newness of the Fusion, you’ll have no problem finding a used example with part of the factory warranty remaining. This far into the Fusion’s life as a used car, things look good. If you’re after a sedan that doesn’t blend into the endless sea of Camrys and Accords, a well priced and well maintained Ford Fusion is worth a good look.
photo:Ford
Of course, not a perfect bet, though. There is a list of items to check on your used Fusion candidate to minimize potential headaches down the line.
You’ll want to ensure the handles, latches and locks work properly on all four doors, as some owners report faulty latches and fussy locks as the cars age. Check for any signs of rust in the area that the sunroof parks in (if equipped) and note any signs of moisture damage around it—as leaky sunroofs were reported from time to time.
On a test-drive, be sure to note any abnormal clunking or clacking noises from the suspension, particularly in the front end. Some owners complain that the ride can degrade quickly, which may be caused by premature wear of bushings, sway-bar links or struts. On a road test, expect a solid, comfortable ride that’s on the stiff side-- but be weary of unusual noises or an unstable, loose feeling over bumps.
A check of the vehicle’s underside on a hoist is a good idea, and may reveal any leaks or excessive rust. Be sure to check for leaks from the transmission and transfer case (if equipped with AWD) to reveal any potential problems.
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| 2009 Ford Fusion |
No systematic issues stand out related to drivetrain components here, and both powerplants and the all wheel drive system seem to be worry free thus far. Of course, as with any vehicle, maintenance will be key to longevity. If you’re unsure of the model’s service history, budget for a full fluid change and tune up to be safe.
Note that it’s advisable to follow the ‘severe duty’ fluid change intervals if you operate your Fusion in a cold northern climate. This may help prolong the life of the transmission and AWD components over time.
Be sure to check the condition of the clutch, tires and brakes, making sure neither is in need of replacement. Upholstery, leather and carpeting inside should be inspected for abnormally high levels of wear, too.
Given the relative newness of the Fusion, you’ll have no problem finding a used example with part of the factory warranty remaining. This far into the Fusion’s life as a used car, things look good. If you’re after a sedan that doesn’t blend into the endless sea of Camrys and Accords, a well priced and well maintained Ford Fusion is worth a good look.
photo:Ford
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