2008 Ford Fusion Review

What the reviewers like:
The Ford Fusion's biggest talking points have been its affordable sticker price and its above-average reliability ratings. Most express enthusiasm for the Fusion's distinctive styling, both inside and out. Reviews of the Ford Fusion are largely favorable, highlighting the Fusion's handling, performance and ride quality as above average.

What the reviewers don't like:
Reviewer opinion varies regarding the transmission performance and engine refinement. Some reviewers complain about engine noise, especially in the V6, and sluggish performance from the V4, while fuel efficiency could be better.

2008 Ford Fusion review highlights

While is isn't often chosen as the very best family car, the Ford Fusion has a sporty design, along with good ride quality and handling, according to most reviews. The Fusion also benefits from a quiet suspension and a well-balanced dashboard design. The front and rear seats are roomy, and a large trunk provides good cargo volume as well. The Fusion posts admirable crash-test results, and first-year reliability has been a notable asset. However, some shortcomings might be significant for a number of buyers. Several sources point out that the lack of available stability control is unfortunate. Some say the engine (especially the optional V6 engine) is loud, while the base-level 4-cylinder is lethargic. Both engines post mile-per-gallon estimates that are somewhat lower than competitors. At the end of the day, most reviewers rate the Hyundai Sonata (*est. $17,670 to $24,170) more highly in this class.

Consumer Reports typically conducts thorough road-testing and owner surveys, and its analysis of the 2008 Ford Fusion's performance proves no exception. Consumer Guide follows a similar formula for its driving evaluations; however, its editors report results in a very different format, which is primarily numerical and may not seem as user-friendly. Useful descriptions of smaller-scale comparative tests can be found at Car and Driver and Edmunds.com. Editors at Kelly Blue Book and The Car Connection publish reviews of the Ford Fusion that, while not comparative, provide a great deal of feedback on interior layout and comfort, ride quality and value. Editors at AOL Autos choose the 2007 Ford Focus as one of their "Great Sedans for $25K" in a feature devoted to helping shoppers obtain the best values.

Also see full report: Family Sedans

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Consumer Reports
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2008 Ford Fusion Review
Editors of Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports tests just about the whole field of family sedans, including the Ford Fusion. Consumer Reports is the only reviewer that analyzes past-model-year reader-survey data and extrapolates future reliability. This review also covers ride quality, handling and safety.

2. Car and Driver
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The Buzzard-and-Baloney Brigade: Comparison Test
John Phillips
Mar. 2008

This comparative review pits the Ford Fusion against six other notable family cars, including the market-leading Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Editors performed road tests to assess performance, design and comfort. The Fusion places second-to-last in this contest, in spite of its pleasing interior and exterior design; judges reported a great deal of difficulty with the Fusion's lethargic engine and oddly calibrated 5-speed automatic.

3. The Car Family
The Compleat Guide to Family Sedans
The Haskvitz Family
Mar. 21, 2008

The 2008 Ford Fusion offers a "quiet ride with some gusto" according to The Car Family -- a four-member team that together tests vehicles for their blog. The family goes on to say that there's not much to dislike about the Fusion, which has a "European" feel: "Driving the Fusion is a pleasure. It is hard to believe you are driving a Ford." Overall, the Fusion merits a top rating compared with its peers.

4. Consumer Guide.com
2008 Ford Fusion Review
Editors at ConsumerGuide.com
Mar. 11, 2008

Consumer Guide performs road-testing and assigns ratings to car and trucks. While Consumer Guide's test results are reported primarily in a potentially difficult-to-interpret numerical format, analysis and detail is good. Items like tested fuel economy are especially helpful. The 2008 Ford Fusion's overall score is about average for the midsize-sedan segment, but the Fusion's low sticker price in comparison to its generally solid testing performance lead Consumer Guide's editors to award this model a "Recommended" label.

5. Edmunds.com
V6 Family Sedan Comparison Test
Chris Walton
Mar. 27, 2006

This comparative evaluation ranks the Ford Fusion against V6-equipped versions of the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. Although it dates from early 2006, this is one of the more recent head-to-head road tests involving the Ford Fusion, and most of the sedans included haven't changed significantly in the interim. Overall impressions of the Fusion were favorable, but it finishes last because it simply doesn't excel in any of the ways its competitors do.

6. KBB.com
Recommended Shopping Lists: Mid-Size Sedans
Editors at KBB.com

Though not a formal comparison, this resource provides price-based lists of editors' top picks for family sedans. Vehicle-specific reviews, which offer comprehensive, easy-to-read overviews of each model's performance and value, are accessible from here. The 2008 Ford Fusion is one of five cars on the list of recommended mid-size sedans starting under $20,000.

7. TheCarConnection.Com
2008 Ford Fusion Road Test
Editors at The Car Connection
Feb. 20, 2008

Evaluators here choose a 4-cylinder 2008 Ford Fusion for their updated road tests in this value-oriented review. They conclude that, while the Fusion isn't going to blow its competitors out of the water, it's a stylish, economical, fully competent family sedan that should prove an excellent value for most buyers.

8. AOL Autos
Great Sedans for $25K
Kevin Ransom

This article provides helpful analysis for bargain hunters seeking more amenities at a lower cost. Though most of the sedans profiled are 2007 models, including the Ford Fusion, interested shoppers will still find useful information regarding comparative price and trim levels.

Also see full report: Family Sedans