If you are in the market for a used vehicle you are already reading everything you can about your favorite models. Since Ford is one of the most popular car brands in the U.S. their models are on the top of search lists. Their Fusion model is a favorite in the mid-car, sedan class. But, is it good as a used vehicle? How long does a Ford Fusion last?
Since Ford Fusion has been on the road since 2006. we can draw some conclusions. The average lifespan of a Fusion is 200,000 miles. If you drive around 12,000 per year, that is 17 year period. Depending on the driver’s habits and maintenance it can last even longer.
Ford Fusion has proven its worth and reliability. Its wide array of good engines offers options for everybody. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about this car. If you decide to buy it you will learn how to keep it running as long as possible.
Importance of Vehicle Longevity
Today, vehicle longevity has improved. In the past, most cars could last up to 150,000 miles. Today, with proper maintenance work life of a car has risen to 200,000 miles. The reason for that is the improved quality of the chassis and engine. Also, an important part is that the drivers are now thinking more about their care and well-being. Drivers are today more often following through on factory-recommended maintenance.
Ford Fusion Average Life in Mileage
Talking about a car’s average life in miles is often a topic with a lot of speculations and half-truths. But, what we can take from actual statistics is that a Ford Fusion lasts on average 200,000 to 250,000 miles. Of course, there were cases when Fusions were taken to the scrapyard after 150,000 but also some makes reached over 300,000 miles on the clock.
A lot of factors affect how long any car will last. The most important are maintenance, driving habits, and environmental conditions.
Factors Affecting Ford Fusion Life Expectancy
Maintenance and Care
How well the driver is taking care of the car will result in its longevity. Every manufacturer has a list of recommended maintenance schedules. If the driver is following through it, that will keep the car on the road longer.
The most important is to keep the maintenance routine. For starters, that includes following through on filter and oil maintenance schedules. That is only minimal maintenance but will prolong the life of the engine.
For optimal maintenance, the car should be regularly inspected by mechanics. That includes checking the tires, brakes, and steering system. Also, there are several fluids and filters that need regular replacement.
If you think that it will raise maintenance costs you are in the wrong. With good maintenance habits, you will avoid most of the problems that are expensive to fix.
A very simple but effective advice for anybody who is looking to buy a used vehicle: check the maintenance history. Suppose the previous owners kept it in order that is a sign of good maintenance habits.
Driving Habits
Some will say that driving habits are as important as proper maintenance. And they are not far from the truth. Driving habits will have a say in fuel economy, and on maintenance requirements.
A car that is mainly used in city traffic, with a lot of traffic jams and gridlock, will require better maintenance to be in shape. But, sometimes even that won’t help in preventing major problems, and shorter work life. A car that is equally used on highways and in cities, will in most cases have a longer life.
But, not only where the car is driven, but how takes a role in how long will a Ford Fusion last. Calm drivers who don’t push the car to the limits are prolonging the car’s lives. Nervous and sudden accelerations, and quick turns, all take a toll and reduce the life of a car.
Environmental Conditions
There are 5 key environmental factors that take a toll on the maximum lifespan of a Ford Fusion:
- Constant sun exposure. If the Ford Fusion is often parked in direct and strong sunlight, it will cause damage to both the exterior and interior. The sun will cause the paint to fade or in extreme situations, even chip off. Not only paint will fade, but the interior and upholstery.
- Exposure to acid rain. When pollutants from different sources end up in the atmosphere, it can cause acid rain. Sulfuric and nitric acid are a regular part of these rains, and they leave an acidic residue. If the residue remains on the car and evaporates, it can take off the paint finish and ruin your car paint job. Fixing it is impossible, and the only thing you can do is to repaint the damaged parts.
- Damage from dust and sand. If you live in a location with a lot of sand, you must know that it can cause a lot of damage to the paint job. Sand and dust particles are small and hard to notice but can make visible scratches. If they are left on the car for too long, you will notice damage to the paint.
- Long exposure to extreme heat. Most of the cloth and leather interior elements are glued to the panels. Glue doesn’t handle hot temperatures very well. Also, high temperatures will damage the finish of the paint. Another negative impact of high temperatures is on lithium batteries. If you want to buy a Ford Fusion Hybrid and live in a hot climate, the battery will have a shorter life.
- Risk of damage from flooding. If the car has gone through a flood, it can cause different problems. A minor water exposure demands detailed interior cleaning. Even after it, the musty smell can remain. If there is no damage to the car’s electronics and engine, then you avoid the worst. If the car went through serious flooding and has remained in water for some time then the car is impossible to fully repair. Engine and other car systems don’t handle exposure to water well and will be ruined.
Some problems, like flooding you cannot anticipate, but you can minimize the impact of some environmental factors. If you can, try to find a garage or at least a covered space for the car. That will keep it protected from rain, strong sun, and dust.
Owner Experiences and Testimonials
Owners from all over the U.S. are confirming that their Ford Fusions can last well over 200,000 miles. From their testimonials, the biggest impact on the longevity of the Fusion are:
- Regular and proper maintenance
- Usage of high-quality OEM parts
- Using quality engine oil and fuel.
Steve said:
“How long will any car last? It depends on how often you change the oil and don’t ignore the maintenance schedule.”
Randy, an owner of a 2013 Ford Fusion said:
“My Fusion with 2.0L EcoBoost has 207,000 miles on the clock. It still runs smooth as butter with only minor issues that come with age.”
An owner of an older Ford Fusion noted:
“My Ford Fusion has 225,000 miles on the clock. I always change the oil every 8,000 miles, and from time to time I drain about 2.7 quarts of transmission fluid with Ford’s factory fluid. It is still going like it’s new.”
Check Out How Long Can You Expect A Ford Fusion to Last?
Comparison with Competing Models
Ford Fusion vs. Honda Accord
Most popular makes for these models are made post-2018. They are both in the mid-size sedan class which is a usual choice for a family car. They both offer a lot of space, both for seating and in the trunk.
The pluses of a Ford Fusion is its wide range of engines. You can choose from an economic Ecoboost 1.5L engine with 135kWh to a sporty 2.7L V6 with an impressive 242 kWh. On the other hand, the most powerful powertrain is a 2.0L engine with 158 kWh.
But, the Honda Accord got pluses in the reliability and fuel economy categories. Those factors also impact their better resale value. Ford Fusion has better handling, some would say that its design is eye-catching, and has several high-tech assist systems.
In the close race, the Honda Accord wins. But, choosing either of these models is a good choice, and in the end, it rests on a personal preference.
Ford Fusion vs. Toyota Camry
The newest Fusion and Camry models are among the most popular sedans in the market. They share the same market and are bought as family cars.
Pluses on the Ford Fusion side are engine options. You can choose an economic engine or if you want more power, you can find a V6 beast. Paired with great handling, the Ford Fusion is fun to drive. Another plus when compared to the Camry, is an all-wheel-drive option and available plug-in hybrid model. Fusion also offers more room both for the passengers in the cabin and for the luggage in the cargo.
Toyota Camry also offers powerful engines that have great MPG ratings. Camry beats the Fusion in the fuel economy battle, and it is also cheaper to maintain. Annual maintenance is cheaper at almost $200, and when combined with savings on fuel, that is a good sum. Toyota Camry is also based on the new 2018. platform, while Ford Fusion is still using the old one from 2013.
Like with Accord, this is a neck-to-neck race. Both of these cars offer a lot, but since the Camry is a newer model, it takes the lead. Lower fuel and maintenance expenses are also important features. Fusion offers more space, and it is more fun to drive. So, choosing the right model again falls to the buyer’s preference. You cannot make a mistake, but only you know what you are looking for from the car.
Longevity Expectations in the Midsize Sedan
The Midsize Sedan cars market in the U.S. has developed mostly because of its strong competition. That fight for every customer has made cars in this category better and more reliable now more than ever. Now it is normal to expect a sedan to last 200,000 miles. This was not the case 20 years ago when an average car lasted around 150,000 miles.
Today, the sedan market’s biggest players are the Ford model Fusion, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Impala and Malibu, Mazda 6, Lexus GS 35, Kia Optima, and Nissan Altima. Since the competition is so strong, every manufacturer is working to perfect their cars.
That sheer competition has made cars much more reliable, and it is not unusual to see sedans with over 250,000 miles on the clock. Yes, regular maintenance is not always enough to achieve that. Those high-mileage cars require high-level maintenance, but it is possible to keep them in shape.
If your car has ideal maintenance and you drive it with care, you can expect it to last well over 200,000 miles.
Impact of Model Years on Longevity
The work life of a car now is longer than ever. Cars made in the 1960s weren’t built to last. But, since the 1970s there has been a trend of increased longevity in all types of cars. This is still a trend, and vehicles made now will last longer than those produced 20 years ago.
The main reason for this trend is the higher quality of the parts. Also, rust on the chassis today is rarely seen, while on older cars, it is an everyday nuisance. Engines today, with regular maintenance, can last over 15 years with ease. There are more affordable options when rebuilding worn engines, bringing them new life.
Maintenance Tips for Extending Ford Fusion’s Life
Regular car maintenance and a normal driving style are the best tips for extending the Ford Fusion’s life. But, to make this simple, we will go through all the tips and tricks that will help you in prolonging Fusion’s work life.
- Change your filters on time. You should replace the air cabin filter every 20,000 miles. The engine air filter replacement comes after 30,000 miles. The oil filter is changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. If you are driving your Fusion in extreme conditions, then the interval is shortened to 3,000 to 7,500 miles.
- Check and change fluids regularly. You should change the engine oil together with the oil filter. The coolant needs to be changed after 100,000 miles. If you are driving a used Fusion, change the coolant every 50,000 miles. The automatic transmission fluid’s work life is about 150,000 miles, after which it needs to be replaced. The steering fluid changing interval is every 50,000 miles.
- Maintain car tires. Check their pressure from time to time. Do not drive under-inflated tires, because that way you are shortening their life, and increasing fuel consumption. Do a tire rotation every time you drive the car for an oil change.
- Park it in the garage or shade. That way you are keeping the paint job from dangerous exposure to direct sunlight. The car will look a lot better with well-maintained paint, and it will prevent corrosion from attacking the chassis.
- Inspect the steering and braking system regularly. These systems are often overlooked, but they are as important as an engine. The brakes should be checked at least once a year, and with it, you can add a steering wheel inspection.
- Be on the lookout for potential problems. Most common issues can be resolved fast and cost effective if you detect them on time. Listen to the car, monitor the gauges, and if you notice anything out of place, visit a mechanic.
- Do not put a strain on the car’s systems. This falls in the “driving style” category. Avoid sudden acceleration, and aggressive and reckless driving, and pay attention to the road and its condition. Avoid potholes and any other bumps on the road.
FAQs
Is Ford Fusion a Good Car?
Yes, a Ford Fusion is a good and reliable car. It offers more than plenty of cabin space for the driver and the passengers. Also, the trunk is large enough to accommodate a whole family going on a trip. At the same time, Fusion has good handling and it is fun to drive. With a stronger engine, like a V6 it can easily turn into a race car.
Can Ford Fusion Last 300,000 Miles?
Yes, there are noted cases when the Ford Fusion lasted 300,000 miles. To achieve that the car must be perfectly maintained. Also, at some moment it may demand some investment in rebuilding some parts of the engine.
What is the longest-lasting Ford car?
The longest-lasting Ford car is the F-350 Super Duty. It is the most durable Ford, with 49.1% of cars lasting longer than 250,000 miles.
Final Considerations
Ford Fusion is a popular vehicle, thanks to its reputation as a reliable vehicle that offers a little bit of everything. It is a family car, a long-trip car, and with a V-6 engine, a performance car. Driving it is fun, and its design is eye-catching like the day it was developed.
Time has shown that with proper maintenance Ford Fusion can last over 200,000 miles. Other Ford models, like Escape showed similar numbers. We shared our knowledge with you, so you now know the best way to keep your Ford Fusion running for years to come.
