2009 Ford Fusion Overview Change Vehicle

This 2009 Ford Fusion overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2009 Fusion, and includes Ford Fusion safety, reliability, and fuel economy ratings.

The Ford Fusion keeps getting better with each passing year. For 2009, traction control is standard on all models equipped with a V6 engine, and Ford makes its AdvanceTrac stability control system optional on all models. The only other news this year is the addition of a Blue Suede Package that marries Charcoal leather with Sport Blue Alcantara suede seat and door panel inserts, as well as 18-inch alloy wheels. Fusion SEL models with the standard four-cylinder engine are equipped with an automatic transmission, so if you were one of the 10 people in the country saving your pennies for a loaded SEL four-banger with a manual transmission, you are out of luck. SEL models also gain standard ambient interior lighting and satellite radio for 2009.

Ford offers the 2009 Fusion in S, SE, and SEL trim with a choice between four- or six-cylinder power and front- or all-wheel drive. Though the Fusion S is the least expensive version of Ford’s midsize sedan, it comes well equipped with air conditioning, power door locks with remote keyless entry, power side mirrors, power windows, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, and a stereo equipped with an auxiliary audio input jack and a CD/MP3 player. The Fusion’s seats are cloth, and the driver can manually raise her seat for optimum comfort. Other features include floor mats, intermittent windshield wipers, a rear defroster, visor vanity mirrors, and map lights. We’re fans of the Fusion’s spring-assisted folding rear seats, which are easy to flop down from the trunk to expand the already generous 15.8 cubic feet of space. Really, the only downside to owning the Fusion S is its 16-inch steel wheels with plastic wheel covers. An automatic transmission and stability control are among the few options offered for the Fusion S.

Most people choose to purchase the popular Fusion SE for its longer options menu and for its alloy wheels, fog lights, upgraded stereo with a CD changer, six-way power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, folding front passenger’s seat, trip computer, outside temperature indicator, and illuminated visor vanity mirrors.

Options for the Fusion SE include an automatic transmission, a V6 engine, stability control, and all-wheel drive. The SE model is also available with numerous comfort, convenience, and technology features such as a premium Audiophile sound system with satellite radio, Sync cell phone and portable music player pairing, leather seats, and a power sunroof. Remote engine starting, ambient cabin lighting, and rear obstacle detection sensors are also available, as well as a Sport Appearance Package with a sport suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and cosmetic upgrades. The new Blue Suede Package is also available on the Fusion SE.

The SEL model sits at the top of the trim level lineup. Dressed up with extra chrome trim and attractive 17-inch aluminum split-spoke wheels, the Fusion SEL’s interior can be decorated with woodgrain or piano black interior trim. It comes standard with an automatic transmission, and is equipped with automatic headlights, automatic climate control, heated side mirrors with puddle lamps, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, ambient cabin lighting, a keyless entry keypad, satellite radio, and a compass. The SEL can be equipped with most of the same options as the S and SE, but navigation and heated front seats are exclusive to this luxury-oriented model.

When it comes to buying a 2009 Ford Fusion, you have a choice between a four-cylinder or V6 engine, a manual or automatic transmission, and front- or all-wheel-drive.

The Fusion’s standard powerplant is an underpowered 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with a meager 160 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the S and SE models, and a five-speed automatic transmission is optional on S and SE and standard on SEL. The one thing we like about the Fusion’s four-cylinder is its Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) emissions rating in states that have adopted California’s clean air standards. The 2.3-liter four-cylinder gets 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with the manual gearbox, and the automatic returns 20-mpg city/28-mpg highway.

The Fusion SE and SEL can be equipped with an optional 3.0-liter V6 making 221 hp and 205 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission transfers power to the front wheels, or, if all-wheel drive is specified, all four wheels. Ford says a Fusion V6 with front-wheel drive can accelerate to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds, which is a bit leisurely for the midsize sedan class. Fuel economy ratings are 18-mpg city and 26-mpg highway with front-wheel drive. With the optional all-wheel-drive system, gas mileage drops to 17-mpg city and 25-mpg highway.

With 5-Star crash-test ratings for the driver and front passenger in a frontal impact collision, and for the driver in a side-impact crash, the Fusion is a safe family sedan according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Fusion’s remaining ratings are 4 Stars for the rear passenger in a side-impact accident, 4 Stars for rollover resistance with front-wheel drive, and 5 Stars for rollover resistance with all-wheel drive.

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash-test results are favorable. The Fusion receives a Good rating for frontal- and side-impact occupant protection, and an Acceptable rating in the roof crush strength test. Now, if Ford could just do something about the design of its front seats and get rid of the IIHS’s Marginal rear injury protection rating, we’d have no safety concerns about this car at all.

The Ford Fusion proves itself durable as well. The 2009 model receives the highest ratings available from Consumer Reports, while J.D. Power and Associates gave the Fusion its Most Dependable Midsize Car honor in 2008, rating the Fusion higher than all other cars in its class. Oddly, J.D. Power appears to be hedging its bets on the 2009 Fusion, predicting that reliability will be slightly better than average.

Safe, comfortable, stylish, and dependable, there are few flaws with the 2009 Ford Fusion. Vehix recommends this car if you’re seeking a great family sedan that’s also fun to drive.

By Christian Wardlaw