2009 Ford Fusion - Safety Review and Crash Test Ratings

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The 2009 Ford Fusion comes very close to a perfect score across both NHTSA and IIHS crash test ratings, but ends up falling just short in one NHTSA test. In the IIHS battery of tests, the 2009 Ford Fusion earns the highest possible rating, "good," in both the frontal offset and side impact tests. In the federal government's NHTSA tests, the Fusion earns a perfect five-star rating for both front impacts and side driver impacts, as well as a four-star rating for side rear impacts. In addition, the IIHS awards the Ford Fusion its Top Safety Pick rating for 2009, citing the Fusion's "good performance in front, side, and rear tests and optional electronic stability control."

Many reviews read by TheCarConnection.com slammed the 2008 Ford Fusion for not offering a stability control feature, so for 2009 Ford has updated the Fusion with the latest safety gear. The caveat, note TheCarConnection.com’s editors, is that it’s a $495 option and many of the four-cylinder models are likely to arrive to the dealership without it, unless you special-order.

Cars.com states that the Fusion's "safety features include: standard side-impact and side curtain airbags, standard security system, standard four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, optional electronic stability system, [and] optional reverse sensing system." ConsumerGuide adds that "traction control" is offered on the 2009 Ford Fusion, while MyRide.com notes the presence of a "tire-pressure monitor [and] LATCH child-seat anchors." One complaint still arises, though; Edmunds reviewers opine that, while "stability control is optional on all Fusions this year...it should be noted that most top family sedans offer this important feature as standard equipment."

In addition to its wealth of safety features, the 2009 Ford Fusion offers tremendous driver visibility. This oft-overlooked component of driver safety is especially appreciated during lane changes, and ConsumerGuide notes that the "relatively high-set [seats] contribute to fine outward visibility" in all directions.