2008 Ford Fusion 6 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Detroit is up to their old tricks again!!

Faults:

The coils are burning up.

General Comments:

I had to replace the number 4 coil, because the Fusion had a serious miss on that cylinder. After this didn't correct the problem, I took it to the dealer that I bought the car from. The dealer found that all the coils are burning up. He said Ford has instruction out on this problem. They say to replace the 6 coils, 6 spark plugs, and the computer. $1,500. I feel that only a few chosen ones are informed of this common problem.

I really thought that Detroit had learned their lesson over the years, so I thought I would start driving American cars again. Now I have to listen to my wife tell me she told me so, and I should have stayed with Toyota.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th February, 2012

12th Feb 2012, 22:57

Avoid visiting the dealer unless there's no other option... They charge the highest rates for parts and labour.

In reply to 12th Feb 2012, 22:57

13th Feb 2012, 08:45

After researching it, this seems to be a common issue with the V6 engine. That is a very expensive fix now that you are out of warranty. Definitely don't use the dealer though. After your warranty expires, it is time to find a local shop that you can trust to do the right thing. Referrals are a good bet if you don't know anyone.

14th Feb 2012, 20:14

By all means avoid the dealer for such expensive items. You can generally save roughly 85% by doing this work yourself, and it isn't that hard to do. A non-dealer shop will save you from 50% to 70% in most cases. My dealer charges $1016 for a tune-up on the Mustang V-8. I can do it myself for around $80.

As for the V-6 Fusion, I can't fathom why on Earth anyone would buy one anyway. The awesome I-4 is incredibly fast and gets way better MPG. I'm delighted that Ford is dropping the silly (and useless) V-6 in 2013.

In reply to 14th Feb 2012, 20:14

15th Feb 2012, 22:30

"My dealer charges $1016 for a tune-up on the Mustang V-8."

That's insane!!!

18th Feb 2012, 11:05

One of my friends was quoted a price of $1600 to change out the clutch slave cylinder on his Ford Ranger by the dealer. This is a 15-minute job. An independent shop did it for only $120. Avoid dealers at all cost!!!

In reply to 18th Feb 2012, 11:05

20th Apr 2019, 03:53

Must be nice. I had a 2001 Ford F-150 (six cylinder, 5 speed) that needed a new slave cylinder. Way back in the day the slave cylinder was located on the engine firewall, which made for easy replacement should it fail. On my truck it was located inside the transmission, which meant separating the engine from the transmission.

I rode the bus for a few months when mine failed. Then rode a bicycle when I was tired of the sh**ty public transportation in Houston, TX. I took it to a shop (not Ford) to get it replaced and six months later I was back on a bicycle.

Such utter crap.

2008 Ford Fusion SEL 3.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

Great car if you feel comfortable with it in less than desirable weather

Faults:

Rotors are starting to feel like they need to be machined.

Front driver speaker was rattling, but I upgraded them anyways.

General Comments:

This car has been rock solid since I have had it. I bought it and it felt new, and it still feels just like new. It has adequate acceleration, and yields respectable fuel economy, though not quite on par with other V6's in its class. I average about 25 mpg, and I drive fairly conservative with almost all being highway miles. The interior feels much more expensive than what you pay for. I test drove a 2009 Malibu before I bought this, and that interior was extremely cheap feeling in comparison; it was the LT1 trim so that could be why. Seats are very comfortable and you can easily drive long distances without feeling like you rear is going to break off.

I really enjoy the Sync system, since it is annoying to be holding onto a phone especially in traffic.

My only real complaint is the horrible handling in winter. I came from an AWD Subaru, so maybe I was babied, but this is seriously scary sometimes. I have never known a FWD car to fishtail on slippery surfaces as much as this car does (I've heard it has to do with the suspension). Also, it really struggles to get going too when there is a tiny amount of snow/slush on the roads, and I have new tires on. I really like this car, but I wouldn't get the FWD model again, especially since I live in an inclimate weather area.

No, it's not driver error either, since I have lived in snowy weather areas my entire life, and have gone through many other vehicles: 4x4, RWD, FWD, and AWD; this car just feels that unstable to me. I will be getting rid of it by next winter solely for this reason.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 4th January, 2011

5th Jan 2011, 05:19

Install some nice winter tires on all four wheels and these would solve your problem.

6th Jan 2011, 12:17

Original Reviewer here: I am not disputing that winter tires would help, I am simply stating that my experience with winter driving has been sub-par in comparison to other cars that are similar. When I'm going 35 mph on the interstate because it starts fishtailing, and Camry's and old Accords are flying by me, it makes me feel like tires aren't the single culprit. I like the car, just not this part of it.

View 35 more comments