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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2012 Ford Fusion

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Overview

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2012 Ford Fusion Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.8

The choices for mid-size family sedans are almost overwhelming: The Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chevrolet Malibu, Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata are just part of the list. So what makes the 2012 Ford Fusion so popular? For starters, the Fusion is a well-built car with an excellent reputation for reliability and resale. Its styling is modern and its SYNC audio and communications system is highly popular. The 2012 Fusion is also one of the few mid-size sedans to offer the option of all-wheel drive, and it drives more like a sporty import than a floating domestic. Granted, the Fusion's fuel economy isn't the best in class, but it is respectable enough. Besides, if you want optimal fuel economy, choose the 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid (reviewed separately).

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a safe, reliable family sedan that has a bit of an edge in both the styling and handling departments, the 2012 Ford Fusion deserves a test drive. In addition to its numerous trim and option packages, the Fusion also offers a high-performance Sport model that includes the availability of all-wheel drive (AWD).

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're all about modern design and getting the most bang for your buck, the Fusion can't hold a candle to the Hyundai Sonata or Kia Optima. Both cars feature cutting-edge styling and equipment, and can be had fully loaded for around $26,000.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

6.8
Driving Dynamics

7.4
Comfort & Convenience

7.2
Design: Interior & Exterior

6.4
Value

6.2
Safety

8.0

How It Ranks

#29

out of 30

MPG

#11

out of 30

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.0 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

Ford's 6-speed automatic transmission and 17-inch wheels are now standard on the SE trim level.

Driving the Fusion

Driving Impressions Thanks to the advanced 6-speed transmission and peppy 4-cylinder engine, even the least expensive 2012 Ford Fusion has ample power to deal with the normal demands of city and highway...

driving. The 3.0-liter and 3.5-liter V6 engines return respectable fuel economy while delivering vastly better acceleration and passing power. The front-wheel and all-wheel drive platforms both provide good traction in snow and slippery road conditions. Ford's EPAS (Electric Power Assist Steering) improves feedback while reducing fuel consumption (it eliminates the need for a belt-driven hydraulic pump that burdens the engine); it also reduces the Fusion's turning radius by nearly a foot, making it easier to maneuver the car. EPAS is standard on all but the Sport model, which retains a hydraulic setup still preferred by most enthusiast drivers. The Fusion's capable suspension helps minimize roll while still returning a smooth and quiet ride.

Favorite Features

Impressive Powertrain Combinations
Advanced engines and transmissions make all conventional 2012 Ford Fusion models engaging to drive. Both the 4-cylinder and V6 engines offer outstanding fuel economy and run on regular gas (and/or E85 in the case of the 3.0-liter). Ford's newest 6-speed automatic employs a manual-style SelectShift gate and can be paired with either V6 engine.

SYNC Voice-Activated Communications
Standard in the 2012 Ford Fusion SEL and Fusion Sport and available in S and SE models, the SYNC package is arguably the most useful and user-friendly multi-purpose input/output system on the market today. The system includes 911 Assist capability, Traffic, Directions and Information, Vehicle Health Report diagnostics, and can integrate with the optional on-board navigation system.

2012 Ford Fusion Details

2012 Ford Fusion Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2012 Ford Fusion features a handsome and modern interior covered in soft-touch materials and loaded with appealing features. But, while the design is well laid out and logically arranged, the controls for the climate and audio are just too small and placed low in the dash where they are hard to see. Models with voice activated-SYNC and navigation have some features controlled by voice or the steering wheel controls, which is a big help. The enhanced bolstering on the front seats provides impressive support, while the rear offers sufficient head and leg room to comfortably accommodate two adults – or three for shorter distances. Finally, the 60/40 split-folding seatback adds utility to the Fusion's 16.5 cubic-foot trunk.

Exterior

The 2012 Ford Fusion sports a power bulge on the hood, flared front fenders and one of the best iterations of the Ford three-bar chrome grille to date. Underneath is an underbody shield designed to improve airflow and reduce drag, and thus help improve fuel economy. Ford's new wheel designs also earn high praise from us, even on the base models, and there are different sizes depending upon the trim level: The base S model has 16-inch aluminum wheels, the SE and SEL models are on 17s and the Sport model gets its own 18-inch wheels with performance tires.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

All 2012 Ford Fusions are very well equipped. The Fusion S has power windows/locks/mirrors, air conditioning, keyless remote entry, 6-speed manual transmission, cruise control, tilt/telescoping steering column, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, AdvanceTrac stability control, anti-lock brakes and front, front-side and side-curtain airbags. The SE adds SIRIUS Satellite Radio, an enhanced sound system, power driver's seat, 6-speed automatic transmission, steering wheel controls and fog lamps, while the SEL has dual-zone auto climate control, leather-trimmed full-power seats and SYNC voice-activated communications. The Sport adds more power, sportier handling, exterior and interior trim and 911 assist to its SYNC system.

Optional Equipment

Fusion S extras are limited to a 6-speed automatic transmission, remote start, and floormats, while SE buyers can opt for a 3.0-liter V6 with SportShift automatic, electrochromic mirrors, SYNC with 911 Assist, rear spoiler, a monochrome appearance package and the Reverse Sensing System. The SEL offers the 3.0-liter V6, Driver's Vision Package (Rear-View Camera plus Blind-Spot Info System with Cross-Traffic Alert) and the Luxury Package (leather seating and trim enhancements). SEL and Sport trims are available with Navigation, a Moon & Tune Package (moonroof plus 12-speaker/390-watt Sony premium audio), and all-wheel drive. Only Sport buyers can choose the Rapid Spec, which adds the Moon & Tune, Comfort Package (dual-zone climate control, heated seats, four-way power passenger seat, puddle lamps and driver's keypad) and the Driver's Vision Package. A Sport Appearance Package with a tauter suspension is available for the SE and SEL.

Under the Hood

The 2.5-liter Duratec in-line 4-cylinder makes 175 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque, whether mated to the standard 6-speed manual transmission or the optional 6-speed automatic. Available in SE and SEL trims and paired with a mandatory 6-speed automatic transmission that adds a manual-style SelectShift feature is a 3.0-liter Flex-Fuel V6 that develops 240 horsepower and 223 lb-ft of torque. The Sport level brings a potent 3.5-liter V6 rated at 263 horsepower, 249 lb-ft of torque and is paired with the 6-speed SelectShift automatic. The SEL and Sport models also offer optional on-demand all-wheel drive (AWD).

2.5-liter in-line 4
175 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
172 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/29 (manual), 22/32 (manual, S), 23/33 (automatic), 22/30 (SelectShift automatic)

3.0-liter V6 (Flex-Fuel)
240 horsepower @ 6,550 rpm
223 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/28 (gasoline, FWD), 14/21 (E85, FWD), 18/26 (gasoline, AWD), 13/19 (E85, AWD)

3.5-liter V6
263 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm
249 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/27 (FWD, automatic), 17/25 (AWD, automatic)

Pricing Notes

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) on a 2012 Ford Fusion runs from just under $21,000 for a base S with manual transmission to roughly $30,000 for an all-wheel drive Sport variant, putting it well within the range of its competitors. Opting for the 6-speed automatic on the base 4-cylinder Fusion will bump its tab by about $900, and the 3.0-liter V6 will add another $1,600 - but that does include the SelectShift automatic transmission. Navigation on the SEL and Sport is available only as part of a dedicated Rapid Spec Package that includes more features but adds several thousand dollars to the bottom line. Be sure and check the Fair Purchase Price to find out what Fusion buyers are paying in your area. Historically, the Fusion has retained slightly better 5-year residual values than the Chevrolet Malibu, but still falls far short of the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Hyundai Sonata.

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2012 Ford Fusion Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.0

Out of 10

Based on 285 Ratings for the 2010 - 2012 models.

Review this car

Value

9.1/10

Quality

9.2/10
Reliability

9.2/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

9.2/10

Styling

9.3/10

OK, but wish it was more fun to drive

By AJ-MGoBlue (MI) on Wednesday, May 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 14,000

10 6.0

overall rating 6 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 6/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 3/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Nice car, good quality"

Cons: "Boring to drive."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"I traded in my Mazda6 for this Fusion, hoping that since they are the same platform, they would have similar driving characteristics. I am truly disappointed. While the Mazda was fun to drive, and got great gas mileage (average 29.6 mpg over 7 years), the Ford is basically just a nice car. It has a good ride, and is the most comfortable car I've owned in this segment. The Fusion words hard at acceleration, without a lot of success. The engine is a bit noisy, and there is no self-shift mode for the transmission. Gas mileage is a bit disappointing as well at 26.1 mpg (exactly on the EPA estimates). Overall, it is a nice car, but simply not fun, or particularly fuel efficient."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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Fusion SEL

By dukeofchippewa (WI) on Friday, May 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 13,000

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: "Fun to drive and comfy ride."

Cons: "No cons to date."

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

"Fantastic car, best mpg at 65 hiway 35.2. Plenty of power to get you out of tight spots. Fantastic sound system. Etc."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Great vehicle at a great price

By Bokar13 (FL) on Thursday, May 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,100

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

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

"Turned in a 2010 Lincoln MKZ on lease with 14000 miles but purchase price was ridiculous. Leased this 2012 Fusion with limited time to shop at half the price and couldn't be happier. Comfort, quality and mileage with no loss of comparison with the great MKZ . Ford in general performing very well."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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I love my Fusion Hybrid!

By KT (NY) on Wednesday, May 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000

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: "Fun to drive, very responsive, great gas mileage"

Cons: "Seats 4 comfortably but 5 is cramped"

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

"I have owned many cars and this is by far my favorite! It's great looking, comfortable on long trips, and the gas mileage is around 38!!"

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Wow, this was my first blue egg!

By GWVet1990-91 (MO) on Sunday, April 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 24,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Fun, Fast and just Kick Azz!"

Cons: "Sound System needs 15" subwoofer and AWD in USA."

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

"This was a off the show room floor after test driving a Toyota Corolla S and a Camry Coupe both 2 years newer. The Fusion walked away with more then me and wife ever dreamed of a from a FORD. Wow is not enough to explain how this car has more everything then the best Camry or any vehicles in the mid-size auto's on the market still. I was a die hard Asian car manufacture buyer/believer until I was consumed by comfort, POWER, ride and just over all quality. Good job FORD I have GREAT PRIDE in the RIDE you have given myself and family."

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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best and yet troubling car

By draco1264 (OH) on Sunday, April 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 43,250

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "mp3 sync"

Cons: "afew big flaws"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"I love the feel of the car being able to do 0 to 60 in about 8 seconds, but that's the once in a blue moon when I'm late for work on the highway. the troubles i have had are the brake line snapped due to the rotors of the brakes grinding costing a nice penny to fix. the throttle body spring 2 and 6 both broke causing more down time in my car which thankfully was just barely covered by my warranty. the rims are not the best around my rim cracked on the car and that was a pain to replace thankfully ford was nice enough to say we will fix it for no cost. other then those few flaws the mp3 sync is great so i don't look like I'm texting and driving."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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See all 285 reviews