The Ford Fusion is a mid-size car produced by the Ford Motor Company since the 2006 model year. The 2010 model was awarded the Motor Trend Car of the Year and its hybrid version won the 2010 North American Car of the Year Award.  This car utilizes the CD3 platform, which is, in fact, Mazda's current GG chassis as used for the Mazda6.

Production on the first Fusions began on August 1, 2005.  By United States Environmental Protection Agency size category, the Fusion is positioned between the compact Ford Focus and full-size Ford Taurus.

The Fusion was the first production car to feature the "new face of Ford" three-bar grille, which (along with two matching bars below the bumper/fascia forming a five-bar design) was first seen on a retro V-10 powered rear wheel drive concept car called the Ford 427, unveiled in 2003 at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The look has since been used on most of Ford's product line.

2006-2009 Model
At its launch, the Fusion was available in S, SE, and SEL trims. The base engine was the 160 hp 2.3 L Duratec 23 I4, paired with either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. SE and SEL models were available with a 221 hp (165 kW) 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 and a 6-speed automatic.

In January 2007, the company launched a new campaign for the Fusion titled "Fusion Challenge" (later renamed "Ford Challenge"). The American Ford Fusion emerged the winner over the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord based on the attributes of styling, handling, and “fun to drive” in head-to-head comparison tests with the Japanese sedans performed by subscribers of Car and Driver and Road and Track magazines in the Washington D.C. and Los Angeles regions.

For 2007, all-wheel drive became available on V6 models. Sirius Satellite Radio is available as an option on the SE and SEL models. The front passenger fold-flat seat was introduced and became standard on the Fusion SEL and SE models. Also, the Fusion now has front-seat side airbags and a side air curtain as standard features, as well as an anti-theft perimeter alarm. (All were previously available as cost options.) Also added is an auxiliary audio input jack for audio transmission from a portable audio player along with some equipment modifications. A DVD-based navigation system also became available.

For the 2008 model year, ABS became a standard feature, as did a tire pressure monitoring system. New optional features include rear parking assist, Ford's "SYNC" multimedia and communication system, and ambient interior lighting. The DVD navigation was replaced with a new generation system featuring voice commands, and for the first time navigation is available also with manual transmission. Finally, 2 packages were added to the options list: Sport Appearance Package and Moon and Tune package. The latter makes the Audiophile 8-speaker audio system available on the SE trim line. Several colors were deleted and some others added.

For 2009, electronic stability control was added as an option. A new appearance package with blue trim became available, and revisions were made to the exterior color palette as well.

2010 - Present Model
For the 2010 model year, Ford significantly updated the Fusion, along with the Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ,^[21] with new front and rear end fascia design and interior and powertrain revisions. Powertrain options are similar to those that debuted on the 2009 Ford Escape, including the new 2.5 L I4 and 3.0 L PIP Duratec series V6 engine coupled to Ford's new 6F35 six-speed transmission.^[24] The 3.0 L Duratec now provides 240 hp (179 kW) with E85 fuel capability, while the I4 provides 175 hp (130 kW). The 3.5 L Duratec 35 producing 263 hp (196 kW) is standard in the Fusion Sport. The I4 and 3.0 L V6 engines include adaptive knock control and aggressive deceleration fuel cutoff features to improve fuel economy.^[25] Interior redesigns include a new optional 8" screen navigation control system, a new center console design, and Ford's new trademark "Ice Blue" illumination for the controls and gauges that is shared with the current Ford Focus and Ford F-150.

The refreshed version comes in 4 trim levels: S, SE, SEL and Sport.  The SYNC system is not available in the S trim. The SE trim now has two engine choices. A 4 cylinder and a V6 are available, and come standard with 17-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers, fog lights, and colored keyed mirrors. The SEL trim comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, the SYNC system, and is also available in 4 and 6 cylinder engines. Leather upholstery is standard. A sunroof is also available in the SEL trim. The Sport trim adds spoilers, side skirts and comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels.

100285|3510