2006 Ford Fusion SE 2.3 litre 4 cylinder

Summary:

The best in its class

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong. We purchased the car for my wife as a second vehicle last week. We did NOT trade the GMC in, so in addition to being her "previous car" it is still her "present car" as well.

I am a mechanic and we are both car enthusiasts and former stunt drivers, and usually own either 3 or 4 vehicles at a time. Since I had a second vehicle, she wanted a more economical vehicle to drive at times as well. She has been so pleased with her GMC she says she will drive it "another 200,000 miles". Hopefully the Fusion will prove equally as enjoyable and reliable.

Based on previous experience with Fords (one of which exceeded 300,000 miles with very few problems) and our friend's experience with Fusions, we look forward to many trouble-free miles.

General Comments:

The car is EXACTLY what we were looking for. My wife wanted lots of luxury items and as sporty a color as possible, but she wanted the 4-cylinder engine for fuel economy. We ran across a 2006 SE model with the dark red paint, two-tone ivory and charcoal leather interior, 6-disc in-dash CD player, power everything and alloy wheels. I normally refuse to buy the first year of ANY vehicle due to first-year issues that inevitably crop up. However when it comes to the Fusion it wasn't quite as scary. The car has scored so high in every category from day one in so many reviews that I was less concerned. Also, at 18,000 miles if there WERE initial problems they should have been repaired under warranty by now.

The very first words out of my wife's mouth upon sitting in the car were "It's so ROOMY!!" It is indeed. It is absolutely CAVERNOUS compared to mom's very cramped Volvo S-60. The dash layout is very readable and everything is well within reach. The power seats are very comfortable and provide excellent lumbar support. That is great, as we both have bad backs. The very spacious rear seat has a fold-down arm rest with drink holders. A nice touch for traveling with rear seat passengers. Although 5 adults could ride in the car, it would NOT be comfortable on trips. It is perfect for 4. One touch I especially like is the steering wheel mounted stereo controls. It makes CD changing or volume changing less of a distraction, and therefore much safer.

I had driven several Fusions before and found them to be solid, quiet, great-handling cars with a very smooth ride for a smaller car. My wife drove it and totally agreed with my impressions. We both like cars with "go", and in that the 2.3 is slightly lacking, although it is still very adequate and has no problem merging onto freeways or passing. With economy in mind, some sacrifices are required. All-in-all, the overall handling and performance are very good indeed for a mid-sized family sedan.

We both find the feel, quality and handling better than the Accord and LIGHT YEARS ahead of Camry. The Buick LaCross and Chevy Malibu were other options, but my wife doesn't like the LaCross styling and we couldn't find a used 2008 Malibu (she doesn't care for the earlier styling) in a desirable color. In spite of very bad experience with imports in the past we also looked at, but quickly ruled out, several Japanese brands.

At $13,000 the car was hardly a "super deal", but it DID have every option we were looking for and the economical 4-cylinder engine. With only 18,000 miles it should be dependable and safe for my wife for years to come.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th January, 2009

7th Jan 2009, 22:05

We purchased a 2007 Fusion with the 3.0 engine and we love it too! It was finally time for me to get the car of my choice instead of my wife, so I'm really excited. I thought for sure we would end up with some import, I guess I haven't paid enough attention to what the Big 3 are making lately, but the Fusion is a hit.

I test drove both the Accord and Camry, but the Accord is by far the most hideous vehicle and the Camry is still, as always, the most boring car on the road, bar none. I was also surprised at the quality in the Camry. It was not very good compared to previous years. But we did however, test the new Chrysler Sebring. I was amazed at the features offered for the price, however, the Fusion has quite a bit more room, so therefore, we bought it.

All I can say is that I am very happy with this purchase, and I really hope that it lasts me well over 200,000 miles! Thanks for the review!

View 19 more comments

2006 Ford Fusion SEL 3.0L V6

Summary:

Maybe other Fusions were made better, but the dealer's and Ford's lack of services is unacceptable

Faults:

Climate control problems - several resistors replaced.

AC doors make loud noises when turning AC on/off, checked several times by the dealership and said to be normal.

Power window switches - 3/4 replaced due to intermittency.

Front brakes replaced at 5000 km, rear brakes replaced at 8000 km, front and back machined at 17000 km and only then did the car finally start to brake properly.

Blower motor replaced at 33000.

Engine making higher pitched ticking sound, dealership says they cannot trace the problem and to not worry about it since I am leasing the car.

General Comments:

For all the problems I have had, even though none have been life threatening, I am disappointed in this car.

No new car owner should have to go through this.

Dealerships should also do more to help customers who have bought troublesome cars, but the dealer says Ford won't let them replace anything 'til it's absolutely toast, a testament to the company's finances (?)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th October, 2008

4th Apr 2009, 00:42

Try another dealer; it seems that this dealer doesn't want to work on this car, especially since it's under the warranty. You won't have to pay for it, but I would first try another Ford dealer.

5th Apr 2009, 13:14

You need to heed the advice of the previous commenter and seek out another dealer. There are HUGE differences in dealerships. I wouldn't take a pair of roller skates to the dealer I bought my Fusion from. I drive 15 miles further to get my warranty oil changes and service done. The dealer I use has been very good. Of course I haven't had any problems with my 2006 Fusion so I can't say how good the repairs might be. Ford DOES have a reputation for HORRIBLE service, but since their cars (the ones I've owned at least) have been flawless, I've never had to rely on them for any repairs.

12th Jun 2009, 14:11

Yes, the AC noise you are talking about must be normal, because I have read other reviews that experienced the same thing. Plus, my Fusion SE is a 2008 and does the same thing... however, given I live in 100 degree weather almost everyday during spring and summer here in Oklahoma, it is not often that I have to turn off the AC...

In reply to 12th Jun 2009, 14:11

12th Jun 2009, 17:18

My 2009 MKZ doesn't make any unexpected noises at all when turning on and off the air conditioner, and I do that frequently, like five or six times a day. Maybe they fixed that. I expect the MKZ and Fusion air conditioners are identical although I don't really know.

The one funny thing I experienced when the car was brand new in the winter was a loud thump when first starting the car at 30 degrees F, turning on the heat and changing the heater settings. I think it was a heater door sticking before it opened or closed. It really startled me the first time it happened, but now I just think of it as the car's personality. Never happens in warmer weather, and also it got quieter after the first few months of use.

In reply to 12th Jun 2009, 17:18

15th Jun 2009, 21:53

We have both an MKZ and a Fusion and I have never noticed this noise. However, we live in the Sunbelt and seldom see temperatures below 30 degrees. I think your very good deduction is probably the answer, as I DID experience this noise on another car rarely and it was exactly what you suggested: a flow door sticking a little and then jolting open.