Ford

Ford Fusion (2002-2008)

The Fusion sold badly because buyers didn't get it and neither did the press. It's easy to see why; you could hardly call the Fusion a looker and to make things worse the car was just as bland inside, with a disappointing lack of versatility. However, with most of the Fiesta's good points in evidence along with a higher driving position, the Fusion is not without merit.

Key Dates

8/02: The Fusion goes on sale, with a choice of 1.4 or 1.6-litre petrol engines, or a 1.4-litre turbodiesel.

11/04: There's now a 1.6 TDCi engine available, with 89bhp.

10/05: Ford ditches the 1, 2 and 3 trim levels for Style, Climate and Zetec instead. At the same time, a facelift brings new bumpers, lights and grille, extra equipment and a revised dash.

Ford Fusion (2002-2008) Checklist

  • Water gets into the engine bay, causing damage to the plugs, leads and coil pack.
  • The end of the plastic dipstick of the 1.6 TDCI engine can break and drop into the sump; retrieving the errant part means removing the sump.
  • The timing belt tensioner can fail on the 1.4 TDCi engine; listen for a whirring noise.
  • The Durashift automated manual gearbox can be unreliable, as the system's brain can fail - expensively.
  • The electronic accelerator control can fail on the 1.4 petrol engine.
  • The pins holding the pedals in place can fall out, leading to an inability to brake or declutch.
  • Clutches can appear to fail, when it's actually only a spring washer coming loose behind the pedal.

We Like

  • Good to drive
  • Elevated driving position
  • Affordability
  • Spacious cabin

We Don't Like

  • Dull design
  • Lack of versatility