USED Ford Fusion Hatchback (02 - 12)

My car

I have just sold my Fusion after almost three years. In a straight line on a good road, there was nothing wrong with it. However, the slightest bump or turn and you felt everything!

I wouldn't suggest you drive a Fusion anywhere where the roads are not well maintained. The gearbox was never brilliant and despite being told that it will get better with age, it never did. First and second gear were useless.

The storage compartment on top of the dashboard broke several times, the plastic around the seatbelt started to wear away and part of the exterior trim just fell off. Finally the battery light starting coming on and the garage could give me no reason for this.

The running costs were fairly low, except when you used the air-conditioning! I'm sorry to say, but after a month of driving my new car, I do not miss the Fusion at all.

My car

Ford Fusion Style Climate 5Dr Hatch Manual Petrol

I have now owned the car for 2 months and from the start noted that first and second gear grabbed when engaged making an audible thud. I persisted for 2K having expressed my concerned to the garage, where I purchased the car. So far my vehicle has been back to the garage for a replacement seat belt and fixing the glove box that failed to close. I have asked several times if Fusions have a gearbox/clutch problem and received only vague responses.

At nearly 3K the garage replaced the clutch, and have only noticed a very slight improvement since, I am now considering my next move. I did also receive the explanation that a vehicle takes time to, bed in, and the problem will reduce overtime.

Consequently as you will gather I am not impressed with the Fusion. Setting off from stationary is torture you have to rev higher than I would expect in first gear, until the car will move in second gear. In slow traffic second gear does not cope, and you have to drop to first to maintain movement without stalling.

I wish I had seen the What Car site before my purchase as I would not have gone for a Fusion. When I may next afford to buy a new car, in 10 years time, I will do my research more thoroughly, another expensive lesson learned.

My car

It's pleasure driving this car,i have 1,4l 80bhp 16v engine and its great.

The gearbox is smooth and good.

I didn't belive that this car will go 190 kmh.

My car

Having previously owned a Focus for three trouble-free years and 60,000 miles, the Fusion which I bought new in 2005 has been a disappointment.

Paint faults, a rear bumper out of alignment, a new front seat cover are some of the problems.

The gearbox is not very pleasant in first and second gear. Having been examined at approximately 6000 miles and again at the 12,500 mile service, I have been told there is nothing wrong and 'it will get better as the car gets older'!

The driver's door glass shattered for no apparent reason on an empty traffic-free M6 motorway at 1am whilst going on holiday, which was replaced at my cost after the local dealer on the Isle of Wight could do nothing except refer me to RAC Auto Windscreens. I find it amazing that a vehicle built by Ford in the 21st Century can have left the factory in this condition.

Having contacted the Ford customer assist centre in Glasgow, (one of their people accused me of 'nit picking'), I have been told that it is up to my local dealer to rectify any faults. They have refused to reimburse the cost of the broken glass, and have suggested I get a second opinion from another dealer about the gearbox.

The car has excellent visiblity and a good driving position, but if I buy another new Ford it will be a Focus!