The Used Ford Fusion: Our Favorite Budget-Friendly Car

Premiering in 2006, the mid-size Ford Fusion is a well-rounded sedan that is relatively new to the auto world. If you are looking for a budget-friendly car for commuting to work or school, a used Ford Fusion is your best bet. No matter what year you choose, it will be a comfortable, fuel-efficient ride that is ideal for daily driving. You might even be able to find a hybrid or plug-in hybrid version. Currently, there are two generations of the Ford Fusion available on the pre-owned market, and both of them are pretty impressive.

Used Ford Fusion First-Generation

Originally intended to be the “New Face of Ford,” the first Fusion models debuted with a sleek 3-bar grille design and matching bumpers. Offered in a trio of trims, you may find the S, SE, or SEL when looking for this model used. Under the hood of the base model, you will find a 2.3-liter I-4 engine paired with either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. However, the SE and SEL models are powered by a 3.0-liter V6. Pushing out 221 hp and 205 lb-ft of torque, this spunky ride does not disappoint.

If you find a used Ford Fusion from 2007, you may notice a few refreshments. New features include an AWD drivetrain, additional airbags, and fold-flat back seats. As for entertainment, satellite radio and an auxiliary port have been added.

For the 2008 used Ford Fusion models, there are several changes to take note of. With plenty of new safety features, this model comes with a tire pressure monitoring system, rear park assist, and ABS. This is also the year that the innovative Sync infotainment system was introduced. Providing Bluetooth connectivity, you can make and receive calls hands-free.

You might even be able to find a 2008 used Ford Fusion with some additional features via special packages. First, the Sport Appearance Package includes fog lamps, a rear spoiler, a darkened grille, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. A refined suspension provides a smoother ride, and the leather upholstery is stitched with contrasting red accents. There is also the Moon and Tune Package, which adds a power moonroof and an 8-speaker stereo system.

No other significant changes were made until 2010. If you find a 2010 used Ford Fusion, you’ll have plenty of features to go through before deciding if it’s the right car for you. First, the powertrain lineup has been changed up a little bit. On the S model, you will find a 2.5-liter I-4 motor that produces 175 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. On the higher trims, you will find a 3.0-liter V6 that pumps out 240 hp and 223 lb-ft of torque. There is also an entirely new trim level to look out for on the 2010 models. This sporty trim features a 3.5-liter V6 motor that puts out 263 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque. Essentially, it is equipped almost exactly like the older models with the Sport Appearance Package.

The First-Generation Hybrid

Also released at the end of the first-generation is the Ford Fusion Hybrid. As the first-ever hybrid car to come from Ford, this model is powered by a 2.5-liter I-4 engine coupled with a hybrid motor. Since it can push out 156 hp and 136 lb-ft of torque, this hybrid sedan was very well received. With an average fuel economy rated at 39 MPG combined (41 MPG city/36 MPG highway), a used Ford Fusion Hybrid is still a worthwhile investment today.

Used Ford Fusion Second-Generation

Beginning in 2013, the second generation of Ford Fusions came with a slightly larger design and plenty of new features. The base of the newer Ford Fusion is 4.8-inches longer than the previous generation, adding to its already appealing cargo and passenger space. It also comes with advanced safety systems like a backup camera, rear cross-traffic alert, blindspot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Out of all of the used Fusions available, we prefer the second generation models simply because of the better safety features.

On the entry-level S trim, you will find the Sync infotainment interface with satellite radio, Bluetooth phone/audio connectivity, a USB port, and an auxiliary jack. The SEL has been replaced by the Titanium trim, which comes with heated/ leather seats and push-button start technology. MyFord Touch is also included with a Sony stereo and an SD card reader.

If you are looking for a second-generation used Ford Fusion Hybrid, you’ll be pleased with the updates. These models use electric motors that are fed by lithium-ion battery packs instead of the older nickel-metal hydride battery packs. If you are lucky, you may even be able to find a used Ford Fusion Energi, which is the second-generation’s version of a plug-in hybrid.

Newer Used Ford Fusions

Even in 2020, the second-generation of Fusions is still underway. Newer used models that were produced from 2017 to 2019 have some of the best features money can buy. The best part is that you will only pay a fraction of what these vehicles cost when they are new. Let’s look at some of the updates that have been made during the mid-years of the second generation.

If you find a used 2017 or above Ford Fusion, you will notice that the trim levels have changed. The Platinum model is the cream of the crop featuring a chrome mesh grille and a power moonroof. It also comes with subtle leather upholstery throughout the cabin and seats that are both heated and ventilated for comfort all year long. You can stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Advanced smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available on these newer used Ford Fusion models. You can safely stream your personalized playlist and use your favorite apps while driving.

For the newest used Ford Fusions, the 2019 models come with the Ford Co-Pilot 360 suite of safety systems. This includes rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, emergency braking, blindspot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, and forward collision warning. If you are looking for the safest used Ford Fusion available, then a 2019 model is what you should keep an eye out for.

Also, the 2019 Ford Fusion Energi will provide you with 26 miles of driving range without touching the fuel reserves. If you live close to your place of work, you could go for weeks or more without having to refuel. This is a perfect option for city dwellers looking for a budget- and eco-friendly sedan. Plus, even if you are dipping into the fuel tank for your journey, you can get up to 103 MPGe combined when using the full hybrid system or up to 42 MPG combined when using just gas.

Find a Used Ford Fusion at DePaula Ford

Are you looking for a used Ford Fusion in Albany, NY? As the best Ford dealership in the area, we typically have a few in stock. You can check out our current inventory on our website, and if you see one you like, you can give us a call or stop by our dealership to take a test drive. We sell and obtain pre-owned vehicles every day, which means that our used model inventory is constantly changing. So, visit us at 799 Central Ave in Albany to find your next used Ford Fusion today.