With the release of the Ford Fusion, Ford definitely hit the target. Even in Europe, a small car with increased ground clearance and a very serious appearance was used good demand. And in Russia Fusion became a hit. Now this model has appeared on the secondary market. It is worth noting that advertisements for the sale of this car do not hang for long.

There is no need to explain what the main advantage of the Ford Fusion is compared to the same Fiesta, on whose platform the hero of our story is built. This is primarily increased ground clearance. If for Fiesta it is 140 mm, traditional for class “B” models, then for Fusion ground clearance reaches 163 mm. Don't forget about the appearance - the car really looks serious. True, the Fusion's ground clearance can only be called high with a stretch. For example, let’s say that the well-deserved domestic “classic” has only 3 mm less ground clearance. And there is no question of all-wheel drive, not to mention downshifts or differential locks. Therefore, if you are looking for an inexpensive car for fishing trips, then it is better to abandon the Fusion and look for something else. For example, a used Suzuki Jimny or Chevrolet Niva.

Fusion equipment may vary. For example, the basic Fusion in the Core configuration had a very meager set of bells and whistles. Yes, these Fusions have four airbags and ABS, but they lack electric windows/mirrors and air conditioning, so desirable for the Russian owner of a foreign car. Moreover, there was no “condea” in the second Trend configuration, which was distinguished by the presence of electric windows and mirrors, remote control locks and some other little things.

If you love comfort, then it is better to immediately look for a car in the maximum Elegance configuration. Because the option of buying the cheapest version and installing electric windows or a music system in the nearest garage will not work in the case of Fusion. Of course, you can embed a tape recorder and speakers, but you need to do it carefully.

Don't forget that the Fusion, like all modern cars, has multiplex wiring. It’s difficult to work with, and the prices for installing such “bells and whistles” are quite decent. As for the reliability of electronics, there are no problems here. Masters say that sometimes breakdowns happen, but they are not chronic. Unless the light bulbs burn out too often - sometimes the car is left without a neighbor or high beam once every three months. But, you see, this is nonsense.

Ford Fusion did not have a large range of engines. In Russia, only cars with engines of 1.4 liters (80 hp) and 1.6 liters (100 hp) were sold. It is cars with such units that you will find in most cases on the secondary market. But from Europe, if you wish, you can bring a diesel Fusion with a 1.4 liter (68 hp) or 1.6 liter (already 90 hp) engine. Moreover, in the Old World market you can find Fusion with a gasoline engine with a volume of only 1.2 liters (75 hp).

However, it must be said right away: this Fusion turns out to be too “dead”, and in Russia it was decided not to sell it in principle. In addition, the difference in price between Fusion 1.2 and Fusion 1.4 in the same configurations is minimal.

As for diesel engines, they are good, especially the 1.6-liter engine. Its 90 “horses” are enough to drive quite quickly, but the main advantage of such cars is not maximum speed, but in ease of control. Diesels are very high-torque, they are not too loud, and the vibrations are low. As for reliability, there are no complaints about diesel engines so far. However, these Fusions also have a downside. In particular, they usually cost more than their gasoline counterparts. As a rule, on the secondary market the difference in cost is about $1000–1500, which is already quite significant in this price segment.

If you choose between a 1.4- and 1.6-liter gasoline engine, then it is best, of course, to opt for the latter power unit. It is simply more powerful, and the difference is 20 hp. You can really feel it. There is also the other side of the coin. Fusion 1.6 was usually bought in the expensive Elegance package, which is why the prices for such cars are higher.

There is nothing wrong with the reliability of gasoline engines. According to the craftsmen, these units have no weak points. The spark plugs here, however, do not always withstand 20,000 km, but our businessmen who produce gasoline, and not the Ford company, should be blamed for this. Some mechanics remember the fuel pump, which sometimes broke down after about 50,000 km. But here we need to make one important caveat: the fuel pump still did not fail very often, usually lasting 100,000 km, and besides, the price of replacing it is not fantastic - about $300 including work. However, if you buy a car with a mileage of more than 100,000 km, be prepared for the fact that maintenance of the engine and its attachments will require a decent investment. Because it may happen that the drive belts are already worn out, and the condition of the timing belt may be sad. At the same time, experts especially emphasize that the timing belt and other belts need to be changed only at a branded service station. The fact is that it is almost impossible to install the timing belt correctly without special tools.

Fusion was equipped with three types of gearboxes. The most reliable is traditional “mechanics”. Not only does it have a large resource, but it also works efficiently. Only when buying a car with a mileage of about 100,000 km, be prepared for the fact that the clutch may soon “die” ($400, by the way). In addition, an intermediate drive bearing can keep him company, the replacement of which will cost about $150.

But the situation with automatic transmissions is interesting. After all, when they say “automatic,” many sellers mean both a traditional automatic transmission, which was only paired with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine, and a “semi-automatic” called Durashift. It was installed only in conjunction with a 1.4-liter gasoline engine. Durashift is, in fact, an ordinary “mechanics”, where the electronics are responsible for shifting gears (while the possibility of manual mode is retained). So, this same electronics does not change gears in the best way; the car often jerks. In general, not the most convenient transmission. Therefore, you should only buy a car with such a gearbox if you are a calm and leisurely driver. True, Durashift’s reliability is okay. And the usual “automatic” does not fail. However, if you buy a car with high mileage, then you definitely need to check the automatic transmission.

Fortunately, the suspension turned out to be very reliable. True, Fusion owners of the first year of production complained about weak stabilizer links, which sometimes could not withstand even 20,000 km. Ford noticed this problem and upgraded the part, after which the struts were enough for 100,000 km. By the way, craftsmen consider 100,000 km to be the limiting service life of many chassis parts. That is why, when buying a car manufactured in 2002–2004 and with a mileage of about hundreds of thousands of kilometers, you need to be prepared for the fact that the suspension will require investment. So, it is at this point that shock absorbers, hub bearings, struts and stabilizer bushings can be replaced.

Prices for spare parts are average for the foreign car market. So, the shock absorber costs $160, the wheel bearing costs $80, the stabilizer link costs $130, and the bushing costs $17.

The Ford Fusion turned out to be a very decent car. It’s not for nothing that this car is such a success on the primary market. The main advantage of the Fusion is, of course, its increased ground clearance, although, of course, it is still very far from being a real SUV. Yes and appearance this model is much more serious than the same Fiesta. It is best to buy a car in the maximum configuration with air conditioning and power accessories. The most preferred engine is a 1.6 liter petrol engine.

EXCURSION
The Ford Fusion is based on the Fiesta platform, which was first shown in late 2001. Ford claimed that the Fusion, which debuted in 2002, opened up a completely new class of cars, called the Urban Active Vehicle. At first, the car was equipped with three engines: gasoline engines of 1.4 liters (80 hp) and 1.6 liters (100 hp), as well as a 1.4-liter diesel engine (68 hp). There were three types of gearboxes: manual, 4-speed automatic and semi-automatic Durashift.

In 2005, the car underwent modernization. The design has changed slightly, but such cars can be recognized by the new “double-deck” headlights and different bumpers. In addition, the updated Fusion began to be equipped with a 1.2 liter gasoline engine (75 hp) and a 1.6 liter diesel engine (90 hp).

It should be noted that this year at the Geneva Motor Show, Ford presented a new generation of the Fiesta model. Therefore, we can expect that next year, 2009, a new Fusion will appear. However, there is no specific information about this model yet.

Real ground clearance for Ford Fusion(Ford Fusion) 15 cm. According to the technical description from the factory - 18.5 centimeters, let's find ways to increase the ground clearance on the Ford Fusion...

Distinctive characteristic modern cars there is a focus on providing the most optimal comfort and convenience while moving. But a very small number of cars can proudly demonstrate their qualities in the field of cross-country ability and high ground clearance. The hero of our question is the Ford Fusion, produced in 2002, the presentation of which marked the release of an inexpensive car on the one hand, and a practical one on the other. Literally immediately after arriving on the domestic automobile markets, the car won great love from our car enthusiasts, and this is not surprising. This car can be described by simple three phrases: spacious design, maximum comfort, impressive ground clearance. Next, let's talk about the ground clearance of this vehicle, understanding the question of how successful the gap between the bottom of the car and the road surface can be considered successful.

Considering the original concept of creating the Ford Fusion, as a balance of an SUV and a passenger car, the ground clearance should be appropriate. Looking ahead a little, it must be said that the ground clearance here is slightly higher than in similar versions from other car brands. But on the other hand, the declared characteristics are slightly less than those stated in methodological recommendation from the manufacturer. In general, this vehicle is a high-quality option for conquering domestic roads.

Real level of ground clearance on Ford Fusion (Ford Fusion)

When identifying the real ground clearance in the Ford Fusion design, some difficulties may arise in resolving this issue. There is a lot of data floating around the Internet about this figure, and on different forums and websites the figure ranges from 14 to 18 cm. In technical information from the manufacturer’s plant, this figure is 18.5 centimeters. In any case, only independent measurements will be able to dot the i’s.

Using a ruler and measuring from the rear shock absorber to the road, we get 15 centimeters. This is, of course, less than what is stated in the methodological documents from the manufacturer, but do not forget that the machine was standing on summer tires. When wearing winter tires, the ground clearance automatically increases by 2 centimeters, and is equal to 17. But even 15 centimeters are excellent numbers that can promise you with great confidence that the lower part of the car will not encounter curbs or other significant hills on the roads. The same can be said about potholes and pits. Since the Ford Fusion has engine crankcase protection, the level of ground clearance in the front of the vehicle is even lower. It must also be said that the significant weight of the engine lowers the car slightly to the ground.

Ways to increase ground clearance on a Ford Fusion (Ford Fusion)

Overall level ground clearance in a car it is very good, and for mass trips on minor off-road conditions, to the countryside, it is ideal. But if you still want to increase the ground clearance numbers, you can use special spacers. With their help, the car is raised, and the process of installing one such rack takes no more than one hour. This work is very simple, and every vehicle owner can do it.

In order to install these spacers, you will need to perform the following steps:

  • Carefully dismantle the shock absorbers and slightly unscrew the central nuts;
  • We put special ties on the springs in order to dismantle them;
  • We dismantle the upper part of the cover and carefully disassemble the stand, removing the mounting bolts;
  • We install the necessary spacers and put the entire structure back together;

Sometimes certain difficulties arise due to incorrect installation of parts that have manufacturing defects. To smooth out all the unevenness and mismatches, you can use a file and grind off all the roughness. Although this will temporarily slow down the process of completing the work.

To raise the back of the Fusion, you need to follow this process:

  • We dismantle the back of the rear passenger sofa and slightly loosen the central pillar;
  • We completely disassemble the rack and remove the spring;
  • We install the spacer, reassemble the stand, tightly tighten the central nut;

While performing this work, you can also check Current state rebound buffer and rubber boot.

One might wonder why a spacer is considered as a means of increasing ground clearance on a Ford Fusion, when there is a wide range of other options? The thing is that when the car is released, each part, in particular the spring and drains, undergo special tests to meet certain standards. When installing extended springs and shock absorbers on a Ford Fusion, you will, of course, increase the ground clearance, but significantly reduce the overall driving dynamics of the car, while reducing the level of safety while driving. Spacers are an ideal option in solving issues of ground clearance, since their installation does not entail a decrease in the dynamics of the car on the roads, since the center of gravity does not shift.

Method of increasing clearance by

So enjoy the car, and all the best to you!!!

Reading time: 4 minutes.

Modern cars are created with maximum focus on comfort, handling, etc. But a very small number of budget cars can boast of good cross-country ability and high ground clearance. Today we will talk about a car from Ford - the Fusion model. In 2002, a presentation of this car took place, and it was positioned as inexpensive, but at the same time high-quality. When Ford Fusion reached our market, it immediately gained popularity among car enthusiasts, which is not surprising. If we try to characterize this car in a few words, we can say about it: low price, spacious and comfortable interior, as well as impressive ground clearance. But is this really so? Let's try to figure it out and decide whether Ford Fusion is overrated? Let's begin!

Since the Ford Fusion was presented as a combination of a regular car and an SUV, its ground clearance should be appropriate. Looking ahead, let's say that its results are slightly higher than those of other budget cars. At the same time, the actual figures are slightly less than what the manufacturer indicates. If we talk about the car in general, it turned out to be quite good and is excellent for driving on our roads.

Real ground clearance

When you are trying to find out the real ground clearance of a Ford Fusion, some difficulties may arise. The fact is that on the Internet there are various data from real owners ranging from 14 to 18 cm. Information from the manufacturer indicates a figure of 18.5 cm. In order not to guess, it was decided to measure the ground clearance independently for the readers of our article, getting the maximum reliable information.

Having measured the distance from the road surface to the extreme point of the rear shock absorber, we got 15 cm. This result is slightly different from the stated one, but it must be taken into account that the tires on the Ford Fusion are summer. With winter tires, this result is slightly larger and amounts to 17 cm. It is worth noting that neither the curb nor any other obstacle will reach the extreme point of shock absorber attachment, and therefore the ground clearance can be considered sufficient. On the front axle, the ground clearance is even less due to the installed engine protection. Moreover, the engine itself is quite heavy, which lowers the front end even further.

Increased ground clearance


In general, the Ford Fusion has a fairly large ground clearance and will be quite sufficient for driving on our roads and traveling to the country. If you want more, then you can use spacers to increase the clearance. Thanks to their use, you can lift the car, and installation will take no more than 1 hour. Moreover, almost anyone can cope with this process.

To install spacers on the front, you must perform the following steps:

  • Remove the shock absorber struts and loosen the central nuts.
  • We install the ties on the springs, which will allow them to be dismantled.
  • Remove the top cup and disassemble the stand, removing the mounting bolts.
  • We install the spacers and assemble all the parts.

Sometimes difficulties may arise due to incorrect positioning of parts due to manufacturing defects. In this case, you can use a file and adjust the spacers to the required dimensions of the Ford Fusion. But this will significantly slow down the progress of work.

For the rear of a Ford Fusion the process is as follows:

  • Remove the backrest of the rear sofa and loosen the central nut of the pillar.
  • We disassemble the strut and remove the springs.
  • The spacer is installed, the stand is assembled and the nut is tightened.

While working, you can at the same time check the rebound buffer, rubber boot and the rack itself.

Why a spacer? Exists a large number of ways to increase ground clearance, but for the Ford Fusion they cannot be called an ideal option. The fact is that all parts are tested at the factory, and therefore the size of the struts and springs meets certain standards. Installing larger springs and extended shock absorbers on the Ford Fusion can increase ground clearance, but at the same time the car will handle worse and the level of comfort will be significantly lower. Spacers can solve this problem, since their installation between the pillar and the body does not affect the behavior of the Ford Fusion on the road, since the center of gravity does not shift. However, if the installation is performed incorrectly, the result may be unpredictable.

Ford vehicle manufacturers are constantly improving their products and reserve the right to make changes to the specifications, specifications, colors, model prices, configurations, options, etc. presented on this site without prior notice. We draw your attention to the fact that all images and information regarding equipment presented on the website are technical characteristics, color combinations, options or accessories, as well as the cost of vehicles and service is for informational purposes only, may not comply with the latest Russian specifications, and under no circumstances constitutes a public offer as defined by the provisions of Article 437 (2) of the Civil Code Russian Federation. For vehicle details, please contact your nearest authorized Ford dealer.

* Benefit when purchasing Ford Transit under the “Bonus for Leasing” program, implemented by the distributor, together with official dealers. This program allows any person to receive benefits of up to 220,000 rubles. for Ford Transit when purchasing a vehicle on lease through leasing partner companies. Not compatible with the Trade-in Bonus program. List leasing companies-partners: ALD Automotive LLC (Société Générale Group), Alfa-Leasing LLC, ARVAL LLC, Baltic Leasing LLC, VTB Leasing JSC (including UKA LLC - operational leasing), Gazprombank Autoleasing LLC » Karkade LLC, LizPlan Rus LLC, LC Europlan JSC, Major Leasing LLC (including Major Profi LLC - operational leasing), Raiffeisen-Leasing LLC, RESO-Leasing LLC, JSC Sberbank Leasing, LLC SOLLERS-FINANCE. The list of leasing companies may vary depending on the dealer's region. For details and current information on the conditions for purchasing a car, check with your dealer.
The offer is limited, is not an offer and is valid until December 31, 2019. Ford Sollers Holding LLC reserves the right to make changes to these offers at any time. Details, current conditions and vehicle availability - at the dealer and at

** Total benefit for a one-time purchase of two Ford Transit vehicles under the “Bonus for Leasing” program. The program allows anyone to benefit from purchasing cars on lease through leasing partner companies. Not compatible with the Trade-in Bonus program. List of leasing partner companies: ALD Automotive LLC (Société Générale Group), Alfa Leasing LLC, ARVAL LLC, Baltic Leasing LLC, VTB Leasing JSC (including UKA LLC - operational leasing), LLC Gazprombank Autoleasing LLC Karkade, LLC LizPlan Rus, JSC LC Europlan, LLC Major Leasing (including LLC Major Profi - operational leasing), LLC Raiffeisen-Leasing, LLC RESO- Leasing", JSC "Sberbank Leasing", LLC "SOLLERS-FINANCE". The list of leasing companies may vary depending on the dealer's region. The list of leasing companies may vary depending on the dealer's region. For details and current information on the conditions for purchasing a car, check with your dealer. The list of leasing companies may vary depending on the dealer's region. The offer is limited, is not an offer and is valid until December 31, 2019. Ford Sollers Holding LLC reserves the right to make changes to these offers at any time. Details, current conditions and vehicle availability - at the dealer and at

Speaking about most Western-made cars, only a lazy driver does not note the discrepancy between their characteristics and the quality of long-suffering Russian roads, thus deliberately emphasizing the unsuitability of “bourgeois” cars for our realities. Well, we will probably not cope with the original Russian troubles anytime soon, but I want to drive good cars now!

Meet the Ford Fusion – Urban Activity Vehicle.

The American Ford Fusion, developed by the European branch of the Ford Motor Company in Germany and assembled there, is one of the best-selling Ford cars in Russia, second only to Ford Focus. The model got its name (Fusion translated as “fusion, symbiosis”) not for the sake of a catchphrase. The designers, assembling cars on the Ford Fiesta platform (fifth generation), quite successfully combined the business properties of a “parquet” all-terrain vehicle and a compact hatchback, so valued in our open spaces by both family people and amateur travelers. The creators themselves position their creation as a UAV - an active city car.

The main qualities of the Ford Fusion hatchback: high ground clearance, which is of particular importance for trips on urban and country roads (and in the Russian outback it is sometimes impossible to distinguish one from the other), a reliable level of safety and a comfortable, roomy interior combined with at an affordable price- a really good alloy.
Today, the Ford Fusion is well equipped (and even the basic version includes 15-inch alloy wheels with 195/60 R15 tires, electric power steering, ABS with EBD, 4 airbags and 2 curtain airbags and many other “goodies”) you can buy for less than 600 thousand rubles. Ford Fusion is exactly the case when a decent car, being in the same price range as similar models in this class, has much more advantages.

Despite the fact that Fusion has the same size base as the Ford Fiesta (5th), the technical “similarity” of the car ends there. This compact van has:

  • Large dimensions in all respects. Thus, the length and height of the models differ by 100 mm, the width of the Fusion has increased by almost 40 mm. Any specialist in the car industry understands that the extra millimeters automatically moved the new car into the middle class.
  • Ford Fusion has increased ground clearance (200 mm). Despite this innovation, the Ford Fusion turned out to be quite stable. This was achieved due to its rather compact size. The car retained good maneuverability.
  • Stiffer suspension. The Ford Fusion's suspension is much stiffer than the base Fiesta's. Of course, as a result of this, the technology makes itself felt on road irregularities, but rolls and turns, even at high speeds, do not bother the car at all.
  • Optimal body glazing. Compared to the Fiesta, visibility has improved by 7%.
  • Additional body reinforcement. The front of the car is reinforced with a McPherson, and the rear with a reliable beam, which once again makes us suspect Ford workers of “tailoring” the car for Russian consumers.

As for the interior, it is practically no different from the “fifth Ford Fiesta”. In principle, the creators of the car can be understood: there is no point in exchanging a fairly comfortable design for a more expensive one, making the car more inaccessible due to a couple of additional cup holders or pockets. Although, according to Fusion owners, it would be nice to add a top handle on the first passenger door. They decided to “forget” about it, as in the base model.

The calling card of the Ford Fusion exterior is the powerful bumpers and moldings on the sides of the car; they make this compact hatchback somewhat similar to an SUV. Compared to the “original” Fiesta, the car has significantly improved in design. The high seating position of the car, which, by the way, looks quite compact, allows the driver to feel confident on the road: good review– an important factor in successful driving on unfamiliar roads or on country trips.
Of course, design alone does not turn an ordinary front-wheel drive hatchback into an SUV, but for a city car, all-wheel drive, which significantly increases the cost of the design, is not needed.
The designers from Ford decided to keep the optics style in the manner of the most popular models concern: for example, the headlights are clearly copied from the Connect model. Among the innovations is a stylish radiator grille rectangular shape, clearly attracting attention.

Many drivers note as a huge plus the spacious luggage compartment of the Ford Fusion - with a volume of more than 330 liters, typical of minivans. Considering that all the seats in the car have a folding configuration, allowing you to transform the interior into a sleeping place large enough to accommodate an entire family in a matter of minutes, it becomes clear that the car was also created for family trips over long distances.

Technical characteristics of Ford Fusion.
Fusion retained the 16-valve Duratec power units of 1.4/1.6 liters (80/100 hp) with an aluminum crankcase from Fiesta. The engine is quite economical. Claimed fuel consumption is less than 7 liters/100 km. In Russia, a modification with a gasoline engine is available, while in Europe you can also buy diesel version Ford Fusion.
The engine is paired with five-speed manual and automatic boxes gears, however, “robot” is only possible in version 1.4. Based on reviews from car owners, it can be noted good quality gearbox operation: smooth running, ability to shift without using a clutch, auto mode.
According to reviews from test drivers, the Ford Fusion behaves reliably and confidently at low speeds, calmly overcoming all obstacles. Of the comments - somewhat sluggish acceleration at low speeds. If you increase them to 3500, the “take-off” is much more free. A similar hitch is felt during emergency overtaking and numerous sharp turns.
This behavior of the engine, inherited from the Ford Fiesta, is understandable: due to the increase in dimensions, the weight of the Fusion has also changed. In addition, the engines were “adjusted” to Euro-4 environmental standards, limiting the throttle opening, thereby reducing the CO2 content in the exhaust gases. In principle, speed and sharp acceleration for a city car are not as important as maneuverability, environmental friendliness or functionality. Therefore, these characteristics fell into one of the last places.
Also, some stress at high speed is caused by windage, which apparently arises from the high body.
In all other respects, Ford Fusion has good characteristics. As the testers noted, the car has a “light character”: excellent handling, good maneuverability, including sharp turns, and tenacity. The presence of directional stability mode makes driving easier.

Safety.
When creating the Ford Fusion for family people, Ford designers paid great attention to safety. According to the test results, out of a possible 5 points, Fusion received 4, and even then the “under-qualified” point was a problem with the safety of pedestrians, and had nothing to do with the driver and passengers.

Ford Fusion prices in 2012 they start at ~510 thousand rubles (for the “basic” Core package - a 1.4-liter 80-horsepower engine with a 5-speed manual transmission, where the only “conveniences” are front airbags, power steering, ABS and central locking). The cost of the Ford Fusion compact van in the Elegance 1.6+4 automatic transmission package (in addition to the “base” there is also: air conditioning, side airbags, fog lights, front electric windows, power accessories for mirrors, audio system with CD) can exceed 640 thousand rubles (especially if you come in to replenish it somewhat).