FORD FUSION ESTATE 2002-2005 Review
Good Points
- Decent interior and boot space
- Provides a safe, predictable and comfortable ride
Bad Points
- Poor equipment levels on base models
Engines
There are four engines available in the Fusion; a 78bhp 1.4-litre and a 98bhp 1.6-litre petrol engines along with a 67bhp 1.4 TDCi and 88bhp 1.6 TDCi diesel units.
All models come with a five speed manual gearbox with the 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines coming with an optional four-speed Durashift manual, which is a clutchless manual system that only needs a push or pull on the gear stick to change gears.
Performance & Economy
Both the petrol engines need to be worked hard in order to get any sort of power out of them and the entry level 1.4-litre petrol struggles when out of town. It is the more economical of the two, but not by much achieving 43mpg to the 1.6-litres 42mpg. It's also a lot slower reaching 60mph in 13.3 seconds compared to the 1.6-litres 10.6 seconds.
The diesels are the better engines to go for as they are far better for everyday driving. They also offer impressive fuel efficiency of 64mpg for the 1.4-litre and 61mpg for the 1.6-litre. They both also offer more in gear pull than their petrol counterparts. They are more expensive to buy than the petrol's, but in the long run will probably work out cheaper. The petrol units aren't particularly quick either with the 1.4-litre taking a leisurely 15.0 seconds to get to 60mph, whilst the 1.6-litre takes 12.2 seconds, but you're not going to be buying the Fusion for its pace anyway.
The petrol engines fall into insurance groups 4 and 6 and the diesels fall into groups 4 and 5.
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Introduction
The Fusion is based upon the Ford Fiesta with the only differences between the two being its added height and spacious interior. The handling is just as good too, feeling predictable and safe even if there is more body roll in the corners due to its added height. The engines all perform reasonably well, but the diesels offer the best all round performance with better fuel efficiency and a more enjoyable everyday drive.
Exterior & Interior
The Fusion is just a taller and more spacious version of the Fiesta adding slightly more practicality than a standard Fiesta. There is plenty of head and legroom for all the occupants thanks to the high roof and upright seating positions. The seats are all comfortable and supportive making longer journeys more bearable. The boot offers plenty of space and with the split folding rear seats folded flat you have 1000litres of usable space, but it lacks some of its versatility compared to some rivals as the back seats can't be removed completely.
The dash is well designed and stylish with its matt black finish making it look and feel robust and durable. There plenty of trim levels to choose from and with a face-lift in 2006 some of these were revised to offer more kit. Although we would advise on avoiding the entry level 1 trim as you don't receive much equipment as standard. The trim levels to go for would be either the 3 (pre face-lift name) or the City which offer plenty of equipment for you're money.
Drive
As it's based on the Fiesta you would expect it to handle like the Fiesta and it does for the most part with the same predictable and safe handling. Its added height does make it more top heavy though, so there is more body roll in the corners and it doesn't feel as nippy down country lanes, but other than that it is a good little car to drive. The power steering also proves useful being able to get you into even the tightest of spots with its impressively small turning circle.
Faults & Repairs
The Fusion is as reliable as they come being one of Fords most reliable cars, again this is no surprise as it's based on the Fiesta and that is extremely reliable too. The only problems to look out for is faulty pipe work on some of the diesels and faulty ventilation filter seals that may lead to water leaks in the cabin.
As for servicing costs it works out at no more than the Fiesta which is as cheap and it is also fairly cheap to repair too.
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