Hello Scotty and community!
I want to ask about the Ford Fusion Hybrid. I read that they are much more reliable than their gasoline engine counterparts and the plug-in version. I also read that they are quite popular among taxi drivers and they have a pretty good experience with them.
So, the question is, are they worth buying and which years are considered the best?
Thank you!
My top choice for hybrids is Toyota. And then Honda. And in third place, cars that have Toyota technology in it.
Depending on the year, Ford used Toyota (Aisin branded) hybrid transmissions in their cars. And most were Ford Duratec 4 cylinders that were decent engines. (someone correct me on that if my memory is mistaken).
However, newer generation Ford Fusions used a Ford branded hybrid transmission. It’s hard to say whether it was just a rebrand of an Aisin transmission, or Ford manufacturing the Aisin transmission themselves. Or Ford making their own transmission based on the Toyota patents. Teardowns reveal the Ford and Aisin to be extremely similar in design. While Toyota held the patents, they reached an agreement with Ford for its use it in some form.
As far as battery technology, I’m not so sure who Ford used.
As far as overall reliability, I don’t have first hand experience with the Fusion, Escape, or other Ford hybrids.
Obviously, Toyota is the best, but Ford may*** have something worthwhile, depending on price and condition. I’d take a Ford over most other hybrids, at least the Fusion is a real hybrid. Just be cautious of something too old, knowing that the hybrid battery may need to be changed.
