Upgrading Your 2017-2018 Fusion Grille: What Aftermarket Buyers Need to Know
Replacing the factory grille on your 2017-2018 Ford Fusion with this honeycomb gloss black version transforms the vehicle's front-end aesthetics. This specific aftermarket part is designed for direct fitment on those model years, offering an aggressive, sportier look compared to the stock chrome or body-colored options. Buyers should understand this is a cosmetic upgrade that requires proper installation to achieve the advertised OEM-style appearance.
Key Considerations Before Buying
- Verify your exact Fusion trim level (SE, Titanium, Sport, etc.) as bumper configurations can affect fitment, despite the product's specified 2017-2018 range.
- This gloss black honeycomb pattern is prone to showing water spots and minor road debris more visibly than matte or chrome finishes, requiring more frequent cleaning to maintain its showroom look.
- Unlike some grille replacements, this appears to be a complete assembly rather than an overlay, meaning you'll be removing the entire original grille, which requires careful bumper disassembly.
What Our Analysts Recommend
High-quality aftermarket grilles for the Fusion will have precise honeycomb mesh spacing that matches OEM dimensions to prevent odd gaps. Check that the gloss black finish is UV-resistant automotive-grade paint or plastic to prevent premature fading or chalking. The mounting tabs and clips should be robust, as flimsy attachment points are a common failure point in this category.
Grilles Market Context
Market Overview
The aftermarket grille segment for the 2017-2018 Fusion is active, with options ranging from cheap ABS plastic overlays to full OEM-style replacements like this one. The honeycomb design has become the dominant trend for sporty aesthetics, largely replacing the older horizontal bar styles. Products are typically sourced from specialized manufacturers and sold through third-party Amazon sellers.
Common Issues
The most frequent complaints in this category involve fitment problems where the grille doesn't sit flush with the bumper, requiring modification. Other issues include poor paint quality that chips easily, plastic that becomes brittle in cold weather, and packaging that leads to broken tabs during shipping. Some products also omit necessary hardware for installation.
Quality Indicators
Look for products that specify material composition—high-grade ABS or polypropylene is preferable. Quality is often revealed in the details: reinforced mounting points, a consistent gloss finish without orange-peel texture, and proper inclusion of installation hardware or detailed instructions. Verified purchaser photos showing successful, gap-free installations are a strong positive signal.
Review Authenticity Insights
Grade B Interpretation
A 'B' authenticity grade with an estimated 10% fake review rate for this grille is actually quite strong for the automotive aftermarket category on Amazon, where incentive-driven reviews are common. The 4.80 adjusted rating from verified purchases suggests the near-perfect 5.00 average is slightly inflated but still reflects genuinely satisfied customers.
Trust Recommendation
Focus your analysis on the 90% of reviews deemed authentic, particularly those with detailed installation photos and mentions of long-term durability (6+ months). Be slightly skeptical of overly vague 5-star reviews that don't mention fitment, finish, or installation process, as these may constitute the estimated 10% questionable feedback.
Tips for Reading Reviews
Prioritize reviews that discuss the actual installation challenge on a 2017-2018 Fusion, not just general praise. Look for mentions of specific tools used, time taken, and whether factory clips were reused. Reviews noting the product's performance after a winter season or car washes are especially valuable for assessing material quality.
Expert Perspective
The data indicates this is a well-regarded product within its niche. The high volume of verified purchases (147 reviews) combined with a sustained 4.80 adjusted rating points to reliable performance for most buyers. The specific callouts for the 2017-2018 Fusion model years suggest the seller has correctly tailored the product for that platform, reducing the universal fitment issues that plague broader 'one-size-fits-many' grilles. The gloss black honeycomb design aligns perfectly with current customization trends for this generation Fusion.
Purchase Considerations
Weigh the transformative aesthetic benefit against the effort of bumper removal and installation, which is not a simple plug-and-play task. Consider if your vehicle's front bumper has any existing damage or modifications that might complicate fitment. The gloss finish will require commitment to maintenance to keep its appearance, unlike more forgiving textures.
Comparing Alternatives
Shoppers should compare this product's price, included hardware, and seller responsiveness with other complete honeycomb grille assemblies specifically listed for the 2017-2018 Fusion, not universal fit kits.
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