2011 Ford Fusion

The Ford Fusion gains a few more improvements for 2011 compared with its predecessor. Reviewers were impressed with the 2010 Ford Fusion’s upscale interior, more powerful engine options and available all-wheel drive.

The Ford Fusion had an excellent 2010. The Fusion's refreshed exterior styling and strong list of standard and optional features helped it get a top spot on our Affordable Midsize Car ranking list, win 2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year, earn a Consumer Reports recommendation and become aConsumer Guide Best Buy.

Largely unchanged for 2011, the Ford Fusion preserves the 2010 Fusion’s reputation as an Affordable Midsize Car with a nice interior, great fuel economy and a host of features like Integrated Blind Spot Mirrors and HD Radio -- a new feature for 2011 -- that appeal to buyers who, according toKelly Blue Book, “need the practicality of a well-appointed, well-engineered and crisp-handling family-sized four-door.”

Perhaps one of the coolest additions to the 2011 Ford Fusion is the MyKey system. Designed for teen drivers, MyKey keeps young people safe by limiting their top speed to 80 mph, limiting radio volume to 45 percent, chiming continuously when seat belts aren’t buckled and providing low-fuel warnings. MyKey is standard on the 2011 Ford Fusion and will keep parents at ease when their children borrow the car.

The Fusion also boasts Ford’s unique SYNC system, which provides turn-by-turn directions without the need for an expensive navigation screen, offers vehicle health updates and lets drivers control smart phone apps and mp3 players through voice commands. Many luxury cars can’t offer SYNC’s functionality, especially for less than $25,000 for the I4 SEL.

Most car reviewers agree that the Fusion is ideal for small families. It is practical for city drivers, looks good, prioritizes safety, doesn’t waste fuel and won’t break the bank.

Other Cars to Consider:

If you're interested in a family car with a sporty side, check out theMazda6. Starting at $18,600, it’s cheaper than the 2011 Ford Fusion, and its strong fender flares, teardrop-tapered roofline and winking headlights give it a bit more charisma. However, the Mazda6’s jazzy look comes at a cost. Its fuel economy is poor, averaging an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The Mazda6’s interior is also unimpressive and fitted with cheap materials.

If you are attracted to the Fusion's functional side, the spacious 2011 Hyundai Sonata is worth a look. Affordably priced at $19,195 for the base GLS trim, the Sonata offers plenty of power for buyers’ daily driving needs, good fuel economy -- 23 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway -- and has a sleek, stylish exterior. One big plus with the 2011 Sonata: the GLS comes with Satellite Radio and Bluetooth connectivity.

If price isn’t an issue, but eco-friendliness and fuel economy are priorities, the Ford Fusion Hybrid is a wise choice. Ranked at the top of the class, it has fuel economy ratings of 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. In addition to great fuel economy, buyers receive the same sprightly performance and high-quality interior finishing and amenities the 2011 Ford Fusion gasoline models offer.

Also, the Ford Fusion is one of the few affordable midsize cars available with all-wheel drive, making it a popular family car in the snowbelt. Other all-wheel drive options include the Subaru Legacy, VW Passat andSuzuki Kizashi. AWD shoppers would do well to test drive at least one of these alternatives before buying a Ford Fusion.

Ford Fusion: The Details

Because the Fusion experienced a refresh in 2010, the 2011 model is largely unchanged. However, the Fusion does receive a few updates, like HD radio, MyKey and available rain sensing windshield wipers.

The Fusion is available in S, SE, SEL and Sport trims, and is offered with three engines: a 2.5-liter I-4 engine, a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and a 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine. The sport trim is set apart because of its standard features: a more powerful engine -- the 3.5-liter Duratec V6 -- a six-speed automatic transmission and 18 inch five-spoke aluminum wheels. The Ford Fusion Hybrid is also available, but is reviewed separately.

Check out our best Ford deals page for discounts on the new Fusion.

• " The Fusion is much improved from bumper to bumper, and it's better prepared than ever to meet the high expectations of mid-sized sedan buyers." -- Car and Driver
• "Before you write off the 2010 Fusion as a warmed-over version of the previous model, we suggest you take one for a test-drive. The old Fusion was already a pretty good midsize sedan, and thanks to Ford's determination to rectify its flaws, the new one's even better." -- Edmunds
• "For a reasonable price you can pick up a decently equipped, nicely sized, attractive sedan that can accommodate a family of four in comfort, yet still be fun to drive." -- Autoblog
• "Regardless of which model suits your fancy, Ford's midsize sedan offers a depth and breadth of trim levels, powertrains, and features that few rivals can match." -- Consumer Guide
• "Although much of the basic platform engineering on this front-drive/all-wheel drive four-door remains shared with its former Mazda stable mate, the MAZDA6, both its exterior and interior have be transformed to reflect a more youthful and contemporary flavor." -- Kelley Blue Book

Fusion Performance - 9.0 (Excellent)

The Fusion is available in front- or all-wheel-drive, with three different engines and two transmissions -- an array of choices that lets the buyer determine how the car will perform. Reviewers like all three engines, and are particularly impressed with a new, more powerful four-cylinder. Consumer Guide agrees, and describes the 2011 Ford Fusion as a steady driver. It's "pleasant and competent, with nicely weighted, responsive steering. In a straight line, Fusions feel solid and well planted.” Read More

Fusion Exterior - 9.0 (Excellent)

The Fusion keeps the updated 2010 exterior for 2011. This isn’t a bad thing. With a three-bar grille and chiseled headlights, the Fusion looks sportier than previous generations. Read More

Fusion Interior - 8.8 (Very Good)

Simply stated, reviewers think the interior of the Fusion is great. Materials are upscale, ergonomics have improved, and the fit and finish is now near the top of the midsize class. “Here is what gives the Fusion a leg up,” Edmunds says. “The interior is filled with nice materials. It may not be that snazzy to look at, but everything just feels nicer than the stuff they've been putting in the Camry and Accord.” Read More

Fusion Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety names the 2011 Ford Fusion a Top Safety Pick for "good" scores in front, side, rear and roof strength tests, and because it comes standard with electronic stability control. Thefederal government gives the 2011 Fusion four out of five stars overall. Read More

Fusion Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)

The 2011 Ford Fusion reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Fusion comes with a three-year/36,000-mile comprehensive warranty. New Fusions also come with roadside assistance coverage.