Thoughts on Ford 2.0 Ecoboost

[jsean]

Purchased a Used (REPO) 2017 Ford Fusion in 2017 Se with the 2.0 Turbo. The car only had 500 miles on it! Got a great deal!

Last year 2024 I gave the car to my daughter, she is still at home in school ( I'm Dad so I still maintain it )
I have owned and own many cars and trucks and the 2.0 Fusion has been truly the BEST car I have owned!
Its a low road noise car, same price and year Honda all have loud front end road noise.

I do Ford dealer oil changes when the oil change gets to around 15-20% about every 4K to 5K miles, My local Ford dealer will come to my house and do the 5K service in my driveway for under $100! Thats the only money I have had to spend except tires and a air filter (s) Very inexpensive car to own and drive.

IMO Ford has the best AC of any brand ( I live in the hot south ) , Mine has super bright LED headlights that I LOVE, I had a 2014 WRX new I could not see on a rain night! . Most of the 2017 Fusions has the 1.5L but my SE has the 2.0 and I can't believe how quick it is ( I also own a Hellcat and have owned Mustangs) The Fusion is a quick as you need in a car! It will get up and GO!

The only issue we have ever has was the washer fluid won't spray and the right front speaker I think ( Taylor Swift blew it ) a few weeks ago! and that said the mid range Fusion car audio is fantastic and I'm a audio engineer on my day job!

I LOVE this car and my daughter LOVES this car, We buy new cars, lots over the years domestic to Honda to VW to well most everything and when I consider the Fusion itself, smooth ride, quick with that 2.0, easy and not expensive to keep it dealer maintained, the seats feel great , The AC will run me out on the Carolina Coast, My new Honda, VW, Subaru AC struggles but my old 2002 Ford work van, I can only turn the AC on low and it will run me out!
Ford has had the coldest AC the last forever if you live in a sub tropical area like buy a Ford based on the AC alone!

The 2.0 Fusion is overall the BEST car I have ever purchased! it checks ALL the boxes!

It’s that smooth, quiet and fast drive that made me start this thread. Sounds like you got a great deal on your Fusion. The Hondas and Toyotas like you mention are much louder and have stupid high used car pricing these days. I really do like that powertrain - but I’m thinking I’m need to keep eyes out for a 2.0 Taurus rather than a Fusion. I think the full size sedan might probably check boxes more than a mid size for us…
It’s seems that finding a 4 cyl Taurus with the leather heated seats is even harder than finding a Fusion with the 2.5l and cold weather package

 

[SOUNDMAN5000]

I've never had an issue with backseat space in our Fusion. We've hauled people that were 6' tall for 5-6hr road trips with no issue. I'm 5'10" & have been in the back when transporting aging relatives (letting them sit up front) & had plenty of room. I would say that our old 2007 Fusion had more head room in the back but slightly less leg room.

As far as the Taurus, IMHO, I'd stick with the Fusion. It's more comfortable & seems to have about the same amount of interior room with a smaller trunk (old 2007 Fusion had a larger trunk than the 2013 as well). I think the 2013 is around 13-14 cu' for trunk space.

As far as back seat space understand its classified as a mid-size car, Its NOT a SUV and its NOT a Crown Vic like my other Ford Full-Size car. I found the rear seats to be in the same family as other mid-size cars. You can online research and car specs will show you back seat legroom etc for all cars if that may help?

The Fusion is in the same family (size ) as a Honda accord. I suggest make sure you are looking at apples to apples, I have driven across 3 States with 2 adults and 2 large teens and 2 small dogs in my Fusion. Perhaps a Tahoe SUV with a V8 would have been more comfortable.

 

[earlyre]

Can't confirm but I've also heard the 1st gen 2.0 ecoboost was based off the Mazda MZR 2.3 TGDI (Mazdaspeed3/6) engine. What's funny is my old Mazdaspeed6 said FoMoCo on the cylinder head lol

The 1st Gen 2.0 EB was Indeed based on the Mazda L series, and were manufactured in Valencia, Spain from 2009-2014. the second Gen was a "clean sheet " design, and built in Cleveland, from '15-'21, and revised version started in '22.
Dad has the 1st gen (Spanish) in his '15 escape. it's a Solid Engine.
it's the second design, from Cleveland, that has the Coolant Problems.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_EcoBoost_engine#2.0_L_(2010–2018)

 

[SC Maintenance]

Can't confirm but I've also heard the 1st gen 2.0 ecoboost was based off the Mazda MZR 2.3 TGDI (Mazdaspeed3/6) engine. What's funny is my old Mazdaspeed6 said FoMoCo on the cylinder head lol

Ford owned a pretty big stake in Mazda for a long time - they don't anymore. I think they both built variants of the engine - so who knows which came from where.

 

[I<3oil]

I like sedans - and I know I’m the minority unfortunately. It’s been a while we’ve looked at vehicle for DD purposes and this whole time I thought CUVs didn’t have enough leg space compared to their sedan siblings. Gotta start looking at some of the larger CUVs to see what makes more sense

I mean, I like sedans too but moving up to a CUV, there's almost literally no downside vs. a sedan. (unless you're talking like a 392 Scat Pack Charger or some niche high HP vehicle but we're talking average family grocery getter sedan)

 

[SOUNDMAN5000]

I like sedans - and I know I’m the minority unfortunately. It’s been a while we’ve looked at vehicle for DD purposes and this whole time I thought CUVs didn’t have enough leg space compared to their sedan siblings. Gotta start looking at some of the larger CUVs to see what makes more sense

I LOVE a Sadan and YES we all know the general public all want a SUV! I guess thats why FORD stopped making cars ( except Mustang ) But you got Honda and Toyota having zero problems selling those Accords and Camry!

I will always love a trunk I can keep stuff out of view and I just like the sporty low to the ground feeling I only get in a Car!

However, Now that everyone owns a huge SUV I find when I park between a few Taho's I can't see to pull out in my low car!

IF Ford ever brings back cars ( It will as History always repeats ) I will then buy a new Ford car. I WILL NOT BE BUYING A FORD SUV! Ford lost a life long car buying customer as I don't buy SUV's, I buy cars, trucks and vans...

 

[jsean]

Another member here shared this with me on the EB.

Someone correct me - but I think the pre 2015 "ecoboost" is a Mazda engine - which I think was good.

2015 they went to the twin scroll turbo with no cross drill, and had all kinds of head gasket failures per below.

I think they updated it after this TSB in 2019 solving that problem.

There is a new version came out in 22?? Don't know much about that.

Hopefully one of the Ford knowledgeable folks can comment.



View attachment 272881

Thanks for posting this. When I was looking at the TSB, they don’t seem to list the Taurus on there - even though it was available in 2017 with the 2.0. Wonder why? Maybe @bdcardinal knows?

 

[jsean]

I've never had an issue with backseat space in our Fusion. We've hauled people that were 6' tall for 5-6hr road trips with no issue. I'm 5'10" & have been in the back when transporting aging relatives (letting them sit up front) & had plenty of room. I would say that our old 2007 Fusion had more head room in the back but slightly less leg room.

As far as the Taurus, IMHO, I'd stick with the Fusion. It's more comfortable & seems to have about the same amount of interior room with a smaller trunk (old 2007 Fusion had a larger trunk than the 2013 as well). I think the 2013 is around 13-14 cu' for trunk space.

Never thought to look the dimensions. Here’s where things stand:
Vehicle: 05 Corolla / 14 Fusion / 14 Taurus
Rear leg room: 35” / 38” / 38”
Rear hip room: 46” / 54” / 56”
Rear shoulder room: 54” / 57” / 57”
Trunk: 14ft3 / 16ft3 / 20ft3

I would’ve thought the Taurus had an extra inch or 2 in the rear compared to the Fusion

 

[jsean]

I LOVE a Sadan and YES we all know the general public all want a SUV! I guess thats why FORD stopped making cars ( except Mustang ) But you got Honda and Toyota having zero problems selling those Accords and Camry!

I will always love a trunk I can keep stuff out of view and I just like the sporty low to the ground feeling I only get in a Car!

However, Now that everyone owns a huge SUV I find when I park between a few Taho's I can't see to pull out in my low car!

IF Ford ever brings back cars ( It will as History always repeats ) I will then buy a new Ford car. I WILL NOT BE BUYING A FORD SUV! Ford lost a life long car buying customer as I don't buy SUV's, I buy cars, trucks and vans...

Exactly! I get the general public likes CUVs/SUVs - but I think sedans seem to be larger/quieter for the same money. What I find funny is a lot of folks tell me they went from sedan to CUV/SUV for the view from the drivers’s seat. Well so did everyone else on the road and leveled the game lol.

We test drove a 2015 CRV last night - it was loud on the freeway. Louder than we’d like it to be. Also drove a MKC l - we really liked it. But the rear seat of the MKC was really tight when we tried to get one of the convertible seats in.

Trying to find a Fusion that’s somewhat local with 2.0 to give that a shot next.

 

[MVAR]

Never thought to look the dimensions. Here’s where things stand:
Vehicle: 05 Corolla / 14 Fusion / 14 Taurus
Rear leg room: 35” / 38” / 38”
Rear hip room: 46” / 54” / 56”
Rear shoulder room: 54” / 57” / 57”
Trunk: 14ft3 / 16ft3 / 20ft3

I would’ve thought the Taurus had an extra inch or 2 in the rear compared to the Fusion

One of my friends uses a beater 500 (mid 00’s Taurus) as a commuter. When shopping for this 13 Fusion I also looked at the Taurus and was surprised at just how close the two were in interior space, with the Fusion being the more comfortable of the two.

 

[bdcardinal]

Thanks for posting this. When I was looking at the TSB, they don’t seem to list the Taurus on there - even though it was available in 2017 with the 2.0. Wonder why? Maybe @bdcardinal knows?

I think maybe the Taurus didn't use the twin scroll turbocharger. My mom's 2014 Fusion has been *knock on wood* rock solid.

 

[SOUNDMAN5000]

Another member here shared this with me on the EB.

Someone correct me - but I think the pre 2015 "ecoboost" is a Mazda engine - which I think was good.

2015 they went to the twin scroll turbo with no cross drill, and had all kinds of head gasket failures per below.

I think they updated it after this TSB in 2019 solving that problem.

There is a new version came out in 22?? Don't know much about that.

Hopefully one of the Ford knowledgeable folks can comment.



View attachment 272881

I found out about this possible 2.0 coolant issue 3 weeks ago doing a Google search.
My 17 Fusion I purchased used ( repo ) with only 500 miles back in 17 has been one of the better cars I have owned. I gave it to my daughter in school last year and she called and said "dad the check engine light is on"
I Googled this issue and her car had some of the symptoms ( but NO white smoke ) but turned out to be just a O2 sensor... My dealer had zero clue about that above issue when I asked about it, He actually said it was on the 1.5 and not the 2.0, I talked to the tech and service guy both had ZERO clue!
I'm a bit worried this issue could show up as I understand the only fix is a new engine and her model is on this list...

 

[ctechbob]

Pretty much been covered with the TSB on the slotted heads (bad) and the drilled heads (good).

Gear driven oil pumps as well if memory serves, none of Fords dumb oil pump belt nonsense.

 

[DweezilAZ]

Never thought to look the dimensions. Here’s where things stand:
Vehicle: 05 Corolla / 14 Fusion / 14 Taurus
Rear leg room: 35” / 38” / 38”
Rear hip room: 46” / 54” / 56”
Rear shoulder room: 54” / 57” / 57”
Trunk: 14ft3 / 16ft3 / 20ft3

I would’ve thought the Taurus had an extra inch or 2 in the rear compared to the Fusion

Ironic that the Taurus has plenty of rear seat room but getting to that room is a miserable experience.
My older brother has a '13 Taurus and entry and exit out of that area is absurd. People said the 2015 Chrysler 200 was bad. I got in the back seat of one and it was nowhere near as miserable as getting in and out of the Taurus.
Something to consider: ease of access to the rear seat.
And one of the reasons why sedans no longer sell. They used to do 90% of what an SUV could do, until the adoption of coupe like styling, miserable rear head room, stupid sized consoles, poor visibility and low seating destroyed their utility.
I would prefer a sedan but not as they've been configured over the last 15 years.

 

[MVAR]

Ironic that the Taurus has plenty of rear seat room but getting to that room is a miserable experience.
My older brother has a '13 Taurus and entry and exit out of that area is absurd. People said the 2015 Chrysler 200 was bad. I got in the back seat of one and it was nowhere near as miserable as getting in and out of the Taurus.
Something to consider: ease of access to the rear seat.
And one of the reasons why sedans no longer sell. They used to do 90% of what an SUV could do, until the adoption of coupe like styling, miserable rear head room, stupid sized consoles, poor visibility and low seating destroyed their utility.
I would prefer a sedan but not as they've been configured over the last 15 years.

20yrs ago my grandparents (RIP) also complained about the newly redesigned Town Car & how it was too difficult for their 80 & 90yr old friends to get in/out of compared to the older version.

Dated a gal 25yrs ago who had a new Honda Accord. I couldn’t get in or out of that thing without hitting my head. After a few trips in it, we started using my vehicles as I refused to drive or ride in hers.

 

[jsean]

Ironic that the Taurus has plenty of rear seat room but getting to that room is a miserable experience.
My older brother has a '13 Taurus and entry and exit out of that area is absurd. People said the 2015 Chrysler 200 was bad. I got in the back seat of one and it was nowhere near as miserable as getting in and out of the Taurus.
Something to consider: ease of access to the rear seat.
And one of the reasons why sedans no longer sell. They used to do 90% of what an SUV could do, until the adoption of coupe like styling, miserable rear head room, stupid sized consoles, poor visibility and low seating destroyed their utility.
I would prefer a sedan but not as they've been configured over the last 15 years.

You’re spot on about your observations on how inaccessible the rear of the Taurus is. Looked at one with the 3.5 engine but the car seat accessibility was a real PITA. Never got to drive one with the 2.0 EB.

Ended up getting a Passat with the 3.6 engine. Plenty giddy up for me and with the square roofline (read boring, conservative, uninspired design derided by the automotive pundits) really pays dividends with getting kids in and out easily.

Test drove a couple of CRVs and RAV4s - I was willing to eat the Toyonda tax but I found them really loud on the freeways. It’s really a shame that majority of the consumers seek to want a boring no fun appliance SUV as their daily drivers. The new Escapes with the 2.0 EB seemed pretty good (quieter and decently quick) but not depreciated enough for what I wanted to spend.

 

[meep]

Fusion at some point shared the same chassis as the Volvo P2 cars - a very good shell to have wrapped around you.

 

[dwcopple]

2023 Lincoln Nautilus here. The 2.0 feels like a supreme dog compared to the 3.6L Pentastar we had in the Jeep.

 

[MVAR]

2023 Lincoln Nautilus here. The 2.0 feels like a supreme dog compared to the 3.6L Pentastar we had in the Jeep.

Your SUV will be heavier than my wife’s Fusion but in the Fusion the 2.0 is far from a dog. It does prefer premium fuel though. You’re still under warranty, have you had the lack of power documented by the dealer?

 

[jsean]

Fusion at some point shared the same chassis as the Volvo P2 cars - a very good shell to have wrapped around you.

The Taurus was based on the P2 derivative, the D3 platform. It’s partly why I was really wanting to get a Taurus. The Fusion was based on the CD3/CD4. The CD4 platform was well rated safety wise, I wonder if it was derivative of the P2/D3 platform.