Review: The Ford Fusion, from 2010 to 2012

by Bob McHugh on Monday, October 21st, 2013

Amid lingering global financial turmoil, recession recovery was already in high-gear at Ford, with an over a 40 per cent year-over-year sales gain that made Ford the top-selling automaker in Canada, in 2009. It was also the year it launched an all-new 2010 model year version of its popular mid-sized family car the Ford Fusion.

The 2010 Fusion was offered in SE and SEL trim levels with a choice of a 2.5-litre I4 or a 3.0-litre V6 engines and a 3.5-litre V6 powered an all-new Fusion Sport model with all-wheel-drive. Ford also introduced its first hybrid edition of Fusion with an Atkinson cycle version of the 2.5-litre engine and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT).

The hybrid’s battery is a nickel-metal hydride type that’s smaller and lighter than competitors and it’s temperature is controlled by air extracted from the passenger cabin. Claimed city/highway fuel consumption is a very impressive 4.6/5.4 L/100km.

Fuel consumption ratings for the other Fusion engines are as follows; 9.4/6.4 L/100 km (city/highway) for the 2.5-litre; 11.1/7.3 (city/highway) for the 3.0-litre V6 models; and 12.7/8.3 (city/highway) for the 3.5-litre with all-wheel drive.

A new optional safety feature on the 2010 Fusion (well worth having) was a Blind Spot system that comes with Cross Traffic Alert, which was a unique to Ford system. Radar sensors in the rear side quarter panels can detect a moving object within a 20 metre (65-ft) range on either side. Great to have when vision is restricted (as it often is) when backing out of a parking stall.

This generation is also a quieter Fusion. Changes to reduce cabin noise levels include an acoustic windshield, thicker front-door glass, new hood insulators, additional sound deadening in the trunk and a new headliner in the cabin that’s made with an absorption material. An air filter that removes respiratory irritants and toxins from entering the cabin was also a new standard feature of Fusion.

A new standard innovation was a fuel filler system called EasyFuel. Not only does it eliminate the need to remove a gas cap when filling up, it reduces evaporative emissions. You simply push the fuel-pump nozzle into a gas tank receptacle and it automatically seals shut when removed.

Six standard airbags helped the Fusion attain a top five-star crash-test rating. If an air bag is deployed, Fusion also has a unique emergency alert system that flashes the hazard warning lights and sounds the horn, to attract attention. An electronic stability-control system with a brake-activated traction control system was a new standard safety feature.

The MyKey security system was made a standard feature on the 2011 Fusion, a spotter mirror, to help eliminate blind spots, was incorporated in the door mirrors and the SE edition got standard automatic headlights. No significant changes were made for 2012.

Good reliability, owner satisfaction and low cost of repair ratings helped the 2012 Ford Fusion get a “Recommend” rating from Consumer Reports. Ford Fusion buyers also benefit from having a good supply of them on the market and used prices tend to be reasonable. A potentially great value pre-owned purchase.

Price Check – 2010 to 2012 Ford Fusion (October 2013)
Year Edition Expect to Pay Today

2010 SEL $11,000 to $14,000
2011 SEL $13,000 to $16,000
2012 SEL $16,000 to $20,000

Prices vary depending on a used vehicle’s condition, mileage, usage and history. A complete mechanical check should always be performed by a reliable auto technician prior to purchase.

Recalls on the 2010 to 2012 Ford Fusion:

2010 – A problem with the manual recliner mechanisms on the front seats may cause additional movement of the seat back. Dealers will replace the seat recliner mechanisms.

2010 – A park pawl in the automatic transmission may not fully engage when shifted into “Park” and this could allow the vehicle to roll on an incline, if the park brake is not activated. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the park rod guide retention pin.

2010/2011- The lug nuts on vehicles equipped with 17 inch steel wheels may loosen and this could result in wheel separation. Dealers will replace the lug nuts on all four wheels, inspect the rear brake rotors and replace them as necessary.

Contact: Drivingwheel [at] shaw [dot] ca