The Ford Fusion - The Best Value In The Used Car Market?
The 1st generation Ford Fusion. This was a mid size Sedan that was slotted between the Ford Focus and the Ford 500. Ford built this car to compete against the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
It would ride on a new platform the CD3 which was designed by Mazda. It would be built exclusively in Mexico for North America and it might be one of the best used cars values on the market right now.
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A transcript, created by AI and edited by a staffer, is below.
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Transcript:
The first-generation Ford Fusion was designed to slot between the Ford Focus and the Ford Five Hundred, competing directly with segment leaders like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. It rode on Ford’s CD3 platform, which was derived from Mazda’s G platform, and was built exclusively in Mexico for the North American market.
It may also be one of the best used car values on the market today—but more on that later. For now, let’s take a closer look at the first-generation Ford Fusion.
Introduced in September 2005 as a 2006 model, the Fusion showcased a new design direction for Ford, highlighted by its three-bar grille. The front fascia featured the Blue Oval prominently, flanked by curved trapezoidal headlamp housings. Along the sides, the Fusion adopted sharper, more sculpted body lines compared to earlier Ford designs, while the rear featured a short decklid and triangular taillamps.
The Fusion was offered exclusively as a front-wheel-drive, five-passenger, four-door sedan. The standard engine was a 2.3-liter Duratec four-cylinder producing 160 horsepower, while a 3.0-liter Duratec V6 making 210 horsepower was optional.
The four-cylinder engine could be paired with either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 came exclusively with a six-speed automatic and included dual exhaust. Standard equipment included four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, independent suspension at all four corners, front and rear anti-sway bars, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, tire pressure monitoring, and dual front airbags.
Three trim levels were available: S, SE, and SEL. The S trim included a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, cruise control, power windows, locks and mirrors, speed-sensitive wipers, an AM/FM CD player with MP3 capability, four speakers, and 16-inch steel wheels with covers.
Moving up to the SE added body-colored mirrors, a six-way power driver’s seat, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, two additional speakers, a unique instrument panel and center stack trim, and map pockets.
The top-level SEL added fog lamps, bright beltline molding, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 17-inch machined wheels with performance tires, an analog clock, a six-disc CD changer, electronic automatic temperature control, and chrome exhaust tips on V6 models.
Optional features across the lineup included a safety package with side curtain airbags, front-seat side-impact airbags, and an anti-theft system. The SE could be equipped with a Sport Package, while both SE and SEL trims offered options like a power moonroof and leather seating. Additional SEL-only options included heated front seats, traction control, and a Premium Package with features like heated mirrors, automatic headlamps, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The automotive press gave the Fusion a positive reception, with Motor Trend calling it a serious contender in the segment, offering strong value. Buyers agreed, with Ford selling 159,485 units for the 2006 model year.
For 2007, Ford introduced an all-wheel-drive option on V6-equipped SE and SEL models. The system used sensors to detect wheel slip and distribute power accordingly. The SE Sport Package was renamed the Appearance Package, adding styling upgrades like a black chrome grille, 17-inch wheels, red interior stitching, and unique trim inserts. Sales totaled 149,552 units.
In 2008, more features became standard, including a power trunk release, power mirrors, illuminated entry, and side curtain airbags. SiriusXM satellite radio and 18-inch wheels were added as options. The Sport Appearance Package was updated with larger wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, and additional styling enhancements. Sales reached 147,569 units.
The 2009 model year was largely unchanged, though features like power windows and locks, carpeted floor mats, and additional power points became standard. A new Blue Suede Package added Alcantara seating with blue accents and stitching. Sales climbed to 180,671 units.
A significant refresh arrived for 2010. Exterior updates included a wider grille, more horizontal headlamps, and subtle rear styling revisions. Inside, the Fusion received a redesigned center stack, an available 8-inch display with navigation, a new center console with ambient lighting, and updated gauges with Ford’s signature ice-blue illumination.
New powertrains were introduced, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 175 horsepower and an updated 3.0-liter V6 making 240 horsepower. Both were paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
Two new variants debuted. The Fusion Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with an electric motor for a total of 191 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission. Ford claimed up to 41 mpg city. The Fusion Sport featured a 3.5-liter V6 producing 263 horsepower.
New features included Ford’s capless fuel filler, blind-spot monitoring, a voice-activated SYNC system with 911 Assist, and an available Sony audio system. The 2010 Fusion earned multiple awards, including Motor Trend Car of the Year and North American Car of the Year. Sales reached 219,217 units.
The 2011 and 2012 model years carried over largely unchanged, with sales increasing to 248,067 units in 2011 and 241,263 in 2012.
Throughout its run, the first-generation Fusion remained competitive in the midsize segment, though it typically trailed the Camry and Accord in sales.
Today, it stands out as a strong value in the used car market. Despite being built in Mexico, the Fusion came from a modern, well-funded plant known for quality manufacturing. Additionally, as consumer demand has shifted toward SUVs and trucks, sedans like the Fusion have become more affordable.
Examples with relatively low mileage can often be found for under $8,000, with even better deals possible—especially for manual transmission models, which are less in demand.
For buyers seeking a reliable, affordable sedan—whether as a first car or a secondary vehicle—the first-generation Ford Fusion remains a solid option.
Tony has been a member of the car culture since the late 1970s, acquiring his first car at the age of 13 in a straight-up swap for a Schwinn 10-speed bicycle. He has personally owned well over 500 cars and trucks since that first car. He was employed as a jet engine Mechanic by the US Air Force for over 10 years and served in theater during Desert Storm. He has always wrenched on his own vehicles. In the Fall of 2021 he launched his own YouTube channel that focuses on Ford Motor Company products, both old and new, however other manufacturers product will appear from time to time. New content and videos are posted every Saturday Morning at 11 AM EST
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Around here, domestic vehicles suffer from bad rot between 5-8 years of age, so you never really see this generation of fusion much.
Too bad. The 2010-11 with a 4 cylinder and the Aisin transmission were super reliable.
My spouse had a 2013 fusion when we met, it spent more time getting warranty repairs done than it did in the driveway (no joke). 1 failed in house transmission rebuild (per fords request) followed by a transmission replacement via crate (that also failed) had us trading it in once transmission #3 went in.
Too bad about the build quality, because it was a great looking car.
Here in the Toronto area I haven't seen a 2006-2012 with intact rocker pannels for over two years now. I presume everywhere around the Great Lakes is the same ? They were super cheap dhring the first two years of the pandemic - could get one with less than 85K for around $6500 certified or a little higher mileage for $5000. Glad I skipped it, even in 2021 some of the 10's &11's were displaying corosion like you'd see on a 7 year older Impala, Camry or Accord. Also the mid-model switch to EPS made me balk at the few clean ones I found.