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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Ford Fusion

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Ford Fusion

Overview

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2008 Ford Fusion Review

By KBB.com Editors

To compete in today's midsize sedan arena a car needs to stand out, in both style and performance. The 2008 Ford Fusion is just such a car—a 180-degree turnabout from the lackluster midsize Ford products of the past and a major homerun for Ford. Although designed here in the U.S., the Fusion borrows much of its chassis and drivetrain from its Japanese cousin, the Mazda Mazda6. The merging of American styling and Japanese hardware makes the Fusion a terrific value, offering superior handling, good fuel economy and low emissions (rated as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle, or PZEV, in California). Almost certainly due to an anticipated lack of much market demand, however, Ford didn't see fit to place a manual transmission in the V6-powered models, essentially cutting short the Fusion's potential as a bona fide driving enthusiast's car.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a five-passenger sedan that doesn't dissolve into obscurity when left in a parking lot, check out the 2008 Ford Fusion. It offers more distinctive styling than the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, yet it's priced closer to the Civic and Corolla.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a sedan with higher fuel economy figures or more resale value, the Accord and Camry are better choices.

What's Significant About This Car?

Anti-lock brakes (ABS) and a tire pressure monitor become standard on all models, while the SEL trim receives Ford's keyless entry keypad system. New options include Reverse Sensing System, a Sport Appearance package and Ford's Sync hands-free audio and communications system.

Driving the Fusion

Driving Impressions With a chassis that offers what Ford claims is class-leading torsional rigidity, the Fusion is a solid performer. Its sophisticated short- and long-arm front suspension, which offers geometry that's superior...

to the nearly-ubiquitous MacPherson strut arrangement, helps the Fusion deliver handling that rivals a European sports sedan. That feeling is enhanced by the power rack-and-pinion steering that is mounted to a front subframe to minimize vibration and noise. Even the four-cylinder-equipped Fusion has more-than-adequate power, but we recommend the 3.0-liter V6, because there is very little fuel economy penalty for its greater power and superior drivability.

Favorite Features

Serious Size
One of the reasons for the Fusion's immediate popularity is that it provides a lot of interior room and cargo space for the money.

Euro-style handling
Despite Ford Motor Company's significant operations in Europe, the Fusion has Mazda underpinnings, but the chassis and suspension capture the European feel for which its engineers were aiming.

2008 Ford Fusion Details

Interior

The Ford Fusion's interior continues the "bold American" theme of the exterior with an added twist—freedom of choice. While most other cars in the class offer just two or three color choices for the same basic interior, Fusion offers three different interior themes (the S trim offers two), including Piano Black with contrasting stitching. The round analog instruments are easy to read, and the steering wheel includes integrated cruise control switches as standard equipment. Headroom, legroom and shoulder room are all very representative of the segment as a whole, while the trunk space—at 15.8 cubic feet—is substantially larger than many competitors, including the Accord.

Exterior

The Fusion's exterior design began with the dynamic exterior of the Ford 427 concept car, including the three-bar grille and trapezoidal, multi-element projector-beam headlamps. In the current production idiom the wheels are pulled out to the corners of the car but, unlike conventional practice these days, the shape features some fairly sharp edges and a "box-on-wedge" profile. Even on its base 16-inch wheels the Fusion looks properly grounded, but it looks even better with the P225/50R17 tires on the alloy wheels with the five split-spoke design, and the front end has an artful appearance that features a well-integrated, nearly flush bumper below the chrome grille.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The base S model features front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, power door locks with keyless remote entry, power mirrors and power windows with "one-touch-down" function for the driver's side, 16-inch wheels, AM/FM stereo with single MP3-compatible CD player, air conditioning, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and rear-seat armrest with built-in cup holders. The base 2.3-liter engine can be paired with a five-speed manual transmission or the optional five-speed automatic. Also standard are niceties like halogen headlamps, tilt/telescopic steering wheel and cruise control. The SE adds aluminum wheels, fog lamps, six-disc CD changer, power driver's seat and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. The SEL adds 17-inch wheels, automatic climate control, keyless keypad entry and heated mirrors.

Optional Equipment

As an alternative to the standard four-cylinder engine, a 221-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 is a key item on the option list, and it is backed by a six-speed automatic transmission. Leather seats, a moonroof and all-wheel drive (V6 only) are also among the available options. A pair of premium audio systems is offered—both feature six-disc CD changers and MP3 capability, as well as SIRIUS Satellite Radio, DVD navigation and a rear spoiler. Shortly after the 2008 model launch, Ford's Sync audio and communication system (developed in conjunction with Microsoft) and ambient lighting will be offered.

Under the Hood

The standard 2.3-liter in-line four-cylinder engine delivers good drivability and more-than-acceptable acceleration. It is a good choice if you want to keep the initial outlay low or you must have a manual transmission. For most buyers, though, we recommend the 221-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. It's matched with a six-speed automatic that helps contribute to its laudable fuel economy.

2.3-liter in-line 4
160 horsepower @ 6250 rpm
156 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/29 (manual), 20/28 (automatic)

3.0-liter V6
221 horsepower @ 6250 rpm
205 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26 (FWD), 17/25 (AWD)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Ford Fusion vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2008 Ford Fusion Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.0

Out of 10

Based on 760 Ratings for the 2006 - 2009 models.

Review this car

Value

9.1/10

Quality

9.1/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

9.2/10

Styling

9.3/10

100k Miles and running like new!

By 2GETYUP (CA) on Friday, April 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 101,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, great value, dependable."

Cons: "None."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The car has more than 100k miles, and it is defect free. No mechanical issues. Just normal routine maintenance. I will definitely recommend this vehicle to anyone. It has made me a believer!"

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bought it brand new in '09 and still looks great

By Con-Fusion (CA) on Sunday, April 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 32,200

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "quiet engine and still looks like brand new"

Cons: "road noisy and needs passenger power seats"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Fourth and last year of this interior/exterior. 2006 thru 2009 every single Fusion, whether an SE or SEL v6, is identical in body and interior style right down to the grill and tail lights. Impossible to tell the difference by looking at them in all those four year vehicles. The engines may have been upgraded each year, but that's all! I am very happy with my '09 Fusion SEL v6. I clean it every day and wax it once a month. I own it and currently have 15 months payments left until it's mine!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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solid car.. dependable...

By ronnie (AR) on Saturday, March 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 85,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "dependability, and space"

Cons: "not for a short person backing up, and not a v6"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"WE have had the car for 1 year. WE have driven 25000 miles. It was a used car purchase. Overall i really like it, the car gets fair gas mileage. The automatic with the 4 banger seems to struggle some with interstate on ramps. The back seat is surprisingly roomy, as is the huge trunk. The stock radio sounds great 6 disk cd.. The fm radio reception is another story. My old truck does 10 times better. It now has 85000 miles. I havent done anything to it except a broken windshield washer tank 15 dollars at the salvage. Thats why i love ford parts are cheap. I average about 27 mpg Like I said we drive it everywhere mountains,highway etc..I forgot 1 complaint. If you have a flat you will bend the cheap aluminum wheel easily. luckily it was during the test drive lol.. they fixed it and gave me 2 new tires. I am a mechanic so normally do all of my own repairs. It is probably the most dependable car in its class if you have to fix anything its normally cheap auto salvage stuff. I love the 2.3 engine. the same size my first car had in 1992. The back does angle up alot. My wife who is 5 foot 2 says she cant see well backing up., but at 6 foot 3 I dont have an issue, plenty of head room as well. no 85 octane!! and use motorcraft synthetic oil.. U will not be upset with the purchase."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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GREAT CAR!

By Zak (OH) on Thursday, February 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 147,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Gas milage - sound system - rommy"

Cons: "Dash quality"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've owned the car for 2 years now. It had 128K miles when I bought it and now has over 147K!! In the time I've had it I have only done routine maintenance, which includes fluid changes regularly. The only major thing I've had to do was replacing the thermostat (30$). Given the mileage I was expecting more but no...It is a FORD!!! This has been the most reliable car I've ever owned. Mine has the 4 cylinder with manual transmission (very smooth) which I would not recommend for someone who wants a lot of power, but I averaged about 32 miles per gallon over the time I've owned it. Overall, it has been a great great car!"

9 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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Works Great!!!!!!

By Cobra (MA) on Wednesday, January 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 72,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Price Bang for Buck Solid car."

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Bought this car preowned with 40K.Now have 72,000 on it still runs like the day i got it. No problems great on gas and the v6 has plenty of power when i need it.Also have the 6 speed auto which helps save on fuel.I recomend this car to anyone looking for a solid performing car.Ford builds great cars.I have owned many cars and this fusion just keeps on giving me great returns.Toyota im sorry had them and they can not compete with ford as to honest strong bullet proof cars."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Falling appart

By John (AZ) on Monday, December 03, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 74,000

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 5/10
Quality: 4/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Looks good"

Cons: "poor quality"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 3

"I have owned this car since new. Transmission leaked and had to be replaced approx 12K. under warranty. Had a popping noise when turning a corner = sub frame weld broke - under warranty. I have replaced the battery 4 times because the battery cables are what holds the battery down and this cracks the battery at the positive post. At 50K the thermostat stuck open causing the engine to run to cool so the check engine light would stay on $350. 68k the crank pulley fell apart $850. 74K in the shop today for a waterpump $400. The only good things I can say about this car is it looks nice, gets graet gas mileage and has allowed me to become good friends with my tow truck driver."

6 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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