isn't afraid to discontinue beloved models to focus on their most popular vehicles. Even after years of success, the Ford Taurus was put to rest in 2019. Some may also fondly remember the
, which was plain in appearance but also highly efficient and affordable.
The Ford Fusion is another seemingly popular sedan that was taken from us in the blink of an eye. What made the Ford Fusion so special, and where can you buy one today?
, the Fusion was projected to be the automaker's first hybrid vehicle. It was also the first one to feature Ford's new three-bar grille design that would mark the automaker's latest design era. The Ford Fusion was released in 2005, though the hybrid model wouldn't appear until 2009.
Drivers could choose between a 160-horsepower four-cylinder or a 221-horsepower V-6 engine. Though not a hybrid, it was still one of the most efficient vehicles of its class. Its first three years yielded plenty of great improvements, including AWD, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and a DVD navigation feature.
The 2009 Ford Fusion Hybrid featured a 156-horsepower four-cylinder engine and earned an impressive 39 mpg combined city/highway. By comparison, the 2006 Ford Fusion only got up to 24 mpg combined. The 2009 Fusion Sport was far less efficient, but it came with an exciting 263-horsepower V-6.
More features and trim levels were released for the second generation in 2012, including the Ford Fusion Energi. Upon its release, it came with a plug-in battery that supplied 20 miles of electric range. By the end of its lifespan in 2020, it made 42 mpg combined in hybrid mode. Its battery was also upgraded to 26 miles.
The Fusion also received some of Ford's cutting-edge safety technology, like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitors. Even more advanced features were added to the standard Co-Pilot360 suite, including pre-collision braking and rear cross-traffic alert.
reported that the Ford Fusion's production officially ended at the end of July 2020. Ford made the decision to focus its budget towards its more popular SUVs, like the Explorer and rugged new Bronco. As a result, we also said goodbye to both the Fiesta and the Focus sedans.
Despite its reputation, the Ford Fusion's sales had been suffering for years. It only sold 110,665 units last year, its worst performance to date without counting its debut year.
, we know that the Fusion will be replaced with a crossover hatchback. However, we don't know if it will keep the Fusion badge or if it will even make it stateside. Its dismal sales during its final years aren't exactly promising.
How much does a used model cost?
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If you missed out on the Ford Fusion back in its heyday, you can still get a great deal on a used model. According to
, a black Ford Fusion with less than 70,000 miles on the odometer costs as low as $16,000. Models more than five years old are even cheaper. Even if your budget only permits a car with 90,000 miles, rest assured that the Ford Fusion is historically dependable.
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