Find the depreciation rate of your Ford Fusion in the graph below.
Every vehicle starts to depreciate, or lose value, from the moment of initial purchase, and the Ford Fusion is no exception. The greatest depreciation occurs in the first year. After those 12 months, the Fusion will depreciate at a slower rate each year until it hits the five-year mark. Vehicles depreciate at different rates depending on their make and model, which is why it’s important to know the depreciation of your specific vehicle. Learning about the Ford Fusion’s depreciation rate can help you understand its long-term value and the overall cost of ownership.
Keep in mind that just because the vehicle costs the least to own in the sweet spot we have outlined here, you still may not want to own the vehicle during these depreciation sweet spot years. Although vehicles depreciate less as they get older, they have more repairs. Duh right? However, keep in mind that repairs don’t just cost you money, they cost you time. Reliability is the difference between being able to make it to your destination on time or missing an opportunity because the car broke down.
Check out our article on the best and worst years of the Ford Fusion to see our reliability ratings for all years of the Fusion between 2006-2020. We also cover MPG, safety ratings, and a number of other factors. We pulled data from Fusions registered in our app and surveyed owners to get you data-backed answers on just how good or bad each year of the Fusion is.
If you want to know the depreciation and maintenance costs for your particular vehicle, use our free “Total Cost of Ownership” tool available in the FIXD App – Android or IOS.
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Ford Fusion Depreciation
| Model Years | Mileage | Amount Depreciated | Residual Value Percentage | Resale Value |
| 2001 | 264,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2002 | 252,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2003 | 240,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2004 | 228,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2005 | 216,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2006 | 204,000 | $ 22,102.60 | 1.6% | $348 |
| 2007 | 192,000 | $ 21,658.56 | 4.5% | $1,011 |
| 2008 | 180,000 | $ 21,753.34 | 5.2% | $1,198 |
| 2009 | 168,000 | $ 21,793.08 | 6.6% | $1,540 |
| 2010 | 156,000 | $ 22,533.69 | 8.3% | $2,029 |
| 2011 | 144,000 | $ 21,630.30 | 10.6% | $2,556 |
| 2012 | 132,000 | $ 20,603.45 | 13.4% | $3,189 |
| 2013 | 120,000 | $ 21,254.21 | 16.0% | $4,038 |
| 2014 | 108,000 | $ 20,170.58 | 23.7% | $6,248 |
| 2015 | 96,000 | $ 19,688.20 | 25.7% | $6,818 |
| 2016 | 84,000 | $ 18,521.43 | 31.6% | $8,549 |
| 2017 | 72,000 | $ 16,300.36 | 39.1% | $10,486 |
| 2018 | 60,000 | $ 14,994.23 | 45.5% | $12,530 |
| 2019 | 48,000 | $ 12,441.36 | 53.6% | $14,386 |
| 2020 | 36,000 | $ 10,755.78 | 61.0% | $16,801 |
| 2021 | 24,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2022 | 12,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2023 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2024 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
The chart above conveys the approximate depreciation for a Ford Fusion. It is based on Kelley Blue Book data since 2001, assuming a vehicle in standard trim, a generic color such as black or white, and a mileage of 12,000 per year.
Keep in mind that the auto market was heavily affected in 2020 and beyond. Automakers selling new cars during the COVID pandemic raised prices which caused a spike in demand in the used car market as people tried to save money. Many automakers, however, did not drop prices after the pandemic, they kept them so they could make a larger profit.
This is why the most recent years of many vehicles have seemingly experienced less depreciation. Some may have even appreciated due to the heightened levels of inflation created.
Factors That Impact the Ford Fusion Depreciation Rate
Ford makes a range of popular cars, sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and performance vehicles. The American auto manufacturer is known for building innovative vehicles with forward-thinking technology. In recent years, however, Ford has struggled with issues related to quality and reliability, resulting in multiple recalls and billions of dollars of warranty claims. This reputation for poorer quality can affect the resale value of Ford vehicles. Besides the company’s reputation, here are some other factors that can affect the depreciation of your Fusion.
Age
The model year of your Fusion can influence its depreciation and resale value. The model year refers to the car’s generation, features, and pricing, not necessarily the year it was made. In general, most vehicles depreciate quickly in their first few years. Outgoing model years depreciate especially quickly once an automaker releases the next generation of the vehicle.
Most car manufacturers, including Ford, update their vehicles each year with new features and technologies. For this reason, some model years are better than others, especially if there are issues related to a specific feature or component. These differences between model years, however small, can affect a vehicle’s depreciation rate.
Body Type
The body type, or body style, refers to the classification of a vehicle based on the car’s size and arrangement. Different body types include sedans, hatchbacks, coupes, convertibles, sports cars, station wagons, SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks. In North America, SUVs and pickup trucks usually have the slowest depreciation rates because they’re the most in-demand vehicles on the market. Luxury cars, on the other hand, usually depreciate the fastest.
The Ford Fusion is a midsize sedan with both gas and hybrid powertrains. Ford discontinued the Fusion in 2020 to focus more heavily on its lineup of SUVs and pickup trucks. The Fusion and other non-luxury sedans usually depreciate more quickly than trucks and SUVs but more slowly than luxury cars. Changes in market trends, however, could affect the Fusion depreciation rate, especially if the demand for compact cars and sedans grows.
Mileage
A vehicle’s mileage can also affect its depreciation. Usually, high-mileage vehicles require more maintenance and repairs, lowering their resale value. The average driver travels slightly more than 1,000 miles each month, according to data from the U.S. government. That’s why we base our model on 12,000 miles of driving per year. If you put more miles on your Fusion each year, you may increase its depreciation rate. Conversely, you may slow the depreciation of your Fusion if you drive fewer miles than average each year.
Overall Condition
The overall condition of a Fusion includes both its mechanics and appearance. Usually, a vehicle in good condition has few mechanical issues and minimal wear and tear. Since it doesn’t require as much maintenance, it’s usually worth more than a comparable vehicle in poor condition. You can keep your Fusion in good condition by following a routine maintenance schedule and driving carefully to avoid major damages.
As your vehicle gets older, you may reach a point where it doesn’t make sense to continue maintaining and repairing the car. For example, if repairs cost more than you would get for the vehicle, it may not be worth paying the money to fix it.
Color
Your Fusion’s color can also affect its depreciation. A recent study found that vehicles in less common colors, such as yellow, orange, and beige, depreciate more slowly than other colors. Vehicles in prevalent colors, such as gold, brown, and black, lose their value more quickly. Even if you don’t care much about the color of your Fusion, you may consider purchasing one in a rarer color to reduce its depreciation.
Other Costs of Ford Fusion Ownership
When buying a Ford Fusion, it’s helpful to consider the depreciation rate so you can fully understand the cost of owning the vehicle. However, depreciation isn’t the only cost to consider. Here are some other expenses related to owning a Fusion.
Insurance
No matter where you live, you’re required to have auto insurance to drive a vehicle legally. Some vehicles cost more to insure than others. Usually, vehicles with advanced safety features have lower premiums, since insurance companies consider them to be less of a risk.
In general, the cost to insure a Ford Fusion is about the same as other vehicles. The average cost of insurance for a Fusion is $150 per month. In comparison, the average insurance cost for all vehicles is $147 per month. Other factors, including where you live and your personal driving history, can also affect how much you pay for insurance.
Maintenance
Unlike insurance, maintenance isn’t a mandatory cost of vehicle ownership, but it is essential to maintain your car’s operability and value. Generally, it’s slightly less expensive to maintain a Fusion than other vehicles. Maintenance costs for a Fusion are $622 per year, on average. In comparison, the average maintenance cost for all vehicles is $694 per year. If you keep your Fusion for five years, you’ll pay about $3,110 in maintenance throughout your ownership.
However, keep in mind that maintenance costs for the Fusion can vary depending on the model year. You can compare the maintenance costs by Ford Fusion model year using our graph. Specifically, these years have various issues that may cause a faster depreciation rate:
- 2006-2007
- 2009
- 2010-2011
- 2013
- 2014-2015
The Best Model Year To Buy a Ford Fusion
Based on factors including price and reliability (but not depreciation), our choice for the best Ford Fusion model years to buy are the 2008, 2012, 2016-2017, 2018, and 2019-2020, but check out our article on the best and worst years of the Fusion to get the whole story.
Accounting for depreciation, the best Fusion model years to purchase are 2008 and 2012. They’re within the depreciation sweet spot for this vehicle, and they also have good reliability scores and low numbers of diagnostic trouble codes.
Buying a Ford Fusion New vs. Used
| 20-Year Projection | ||
| Years Since Purchased | Depreciated Value | With Inflation |
| 1 | $20,014 | $22,095 |
| 2 | $16,852 | $19,692 |
| 3 | $14,134 | $16,602 |
| 4 | $12,419 | $14,643 |
| 5 | $10,542 | $12,370 |
| 6 | $9,059 | $10,604 |
| 7 | $7,322 | $8,583 |
| 8 | $5,955 | $7,021 |
| 9 | $5,491 | $6,497 |
| 10 | $3,707 | $4,433 |
| 11 | $3,105 | $3,774 |
| 12 | $2,456 | $3,070 |
| 13 | $1,923 | $2,446 |
| 14 | $1,529 | $1,966 |
| 15 | $1,205 | $1,525 |
| 16 | $1,043 | $1,307 |
| 17 | $371 | $464 |
| 18 | $920 | $1,158 |
| 19 | $853 | $1,067 |
| 20 | $772 | $951 |
Since Ford discontinued the Fusion in 2020, you can no longer buy a new version of this vehicle. However, we recommend purchasing a used vehicle anyway, since the highest rate of depreciation occurs over the first several years. A 2020 Ford Fusion has accumulated $10,756 in depreciation over three years. Currently, it’s worth about $16,801 when you account for inflation.
When purchasing a used Fusion, follow a checklist to ensure you find the best one for your budget and preferences. Use resources such as Kelley Blue Book to check the value of a vehicle so you can be confident you’re paying a fair price. In addition to depreciation, don’t forget to consider other ownership costs, such as maintenance and insurance, as you determine what vehicle you want to buy.
Methodology
We base our findings on residual value after depreciation and the cost per mile to maintain or repair each Ford Fusion model year. The data in this article applies to a Fusion in a base trim with standard options. Keep in mind that if you purchase a higher trim or a model with advanced equipment, it may retain its value better. Additional factors, such as the condition of the car and how you choose to sell it, can also affect its depreciation. Some factors that affect resale values, such as the COVID-era chip shortage, may be outside of your control.
Keep in mind, there are large economic factors at play here too and the sale of new cars has caused shifts in the used market too. There is a stark difference in the cost of vehicles due to car manufacturers seeking higher profit margins after COVID as detailed by CNN and posted by CBS channel 58:
“… (T)he auto industry saw sky-high profits even as sales plummeted. Domestic manufacturers of cars and car parts saw a profit of $32 billion through the third quarter of 2022 (the latest data available) — their largest profit since 2016. Car dealerships also reported record-breaking profits through Q3, according to auto-retail advisers Haig Partners.
That’s because pandemic-era pent-up consumer demand remained strong as supply shifted, allowing automakers to increase their prices and their profit margins. Cars and trucks were sold nearly as soon as they hit dealership lots, and the average price paid for a vehicle in December soared to a near-record high of $46,382, according to J.D. Power.
Data from the Labor Department’s November Consumer Price Index shows American consumers are paying about 20% more for cars than they were in 2019.
The trend could continue into next year — research website Edmunds expects new-car sales to hit 14.8 million in 2023, a marginal increase from last year but well below pre-pandemic levels.
The auto industry has entered a new era: Less choice, higher prices and larger profit margins. So far it seems to be working for them.”
This shift by car companies to create higher profit margins by taking advantage of the heavily-reported-on chip shortage panic of COVID has had rebounding effects upon the value of used cars.
Be aware that newer years (the latest 3-4 model years) may be inflated in price because of this and depending on how big this problem is for the model you are considering – it may even be inflating the price of the older model years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Depreciation
Do Ford Fusions hold their value?
In general, Ford Fusions don’t hold their value as well as pickup trucks or SUVs. However, since Ford discontinued the Fusion in 2020, the greatest depreciation has already occurred on all models. In addition, other factors can impact the resale value of your Fusion, including its age, condition, and mileage. How and where you sell the car can also affect how much you get for it.
For example, if you have a black 2020 Ford Fusion S with standard equipment in good condition, you can get $14,831 if you trade the car to a dealership, according to Kelley Blue Book. For the same car, you can get $18,039 if you sell it to a private party.
What are the best years of Ford Fusion to buy and which ones should you avoid?
Based on our analysis, the best Ford Fusion model years to buy are the 2008, 2012, 2016-2017, 2018, and 2019-2020. These model years have good reliability scores, a low number of safety recalls, and low maintenance costs. If you want a quality Fusion with low cost of ownership, choose a 2008 or 2012. Both models fall within the sweet spot for this vehicle.
In contrast, you should avoid these model years when purchasing a Fusion:
- 2006-2007
- 2009
- 2010-2011
- 2013
- 2014-2015
While a few of these model years are within the depreciation sweet spot, they have other known issues that can affect their resale values. Specifically, these model years have a larger number of recalls, lower safety scores, and higher repair costs.
What's high mileage for a Ford Fusion?
The Ford Fusion has an average of 126,286 miles, with the highest recorded mileage reaching an impressive 225,000. These figures highlight the Fusion’s durability and longevity when properly maintained. However, it’s important to remember that every vehicle is unique and mileage should be evaluated individually.
While the data suggests that high mileage for the Fusion would be over 175,000, treating each car as a separate case is crucial. Regular inspections are recommended to assess the vehicle’s overall condition and determine if the mileage is concerning.
How old of a Ford Fusion should you buy to avoid most of the depreciation?
Purchase a 2008-2013 Ford Fusion to avoid the greatest depreciation. That’s the depreciation sweet spot for this Ford sedan. Within this range, we recommend purchasing a 2008 or a 2012 Fusion because these models have good reliability rankings and lower ownership costs than other years.
References
(2023.) How Ford Is Attacking Its Quality Problems. The Autopian. Retrieved Oct. 31, 2023, from https://www.theautopian.com/how-ford-is-attacking-its-quality-problems/
(2020.) 2020 Ford Fusion/Fusion Hybrid. Car and Driver. Retrieved Oct. 31, 2023, from https://www.caranddriver.com/ford/fusion
(2022.) Average Annual Miles Per Driver by Age Group. U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. Retrieved Oct. 31, 2023, from https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/onh00/bar8.htm
(2023.) The Best and Worst Car Colors for Resale Value. iSeeCars. Retrieved Oct. 31, 2023, from https://www.iseecars.com/car-color-study
(2023.) Ford Fusion Insurance Cost. The Zebra. Retrieved Oct. 31, 2023, from https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/ford/fusion/
(2023.) What Is the Average Cost of Car Insurance? The Zebra. Retrieved Oct. 31, 2023, from https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/how-to-shop/average-auto-insurance/
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