Ford Fusion Review
The Ford Fusion is a mid-size vehicle produced by Ford Motor Company. The Fusion is built at Ford’s Hermosillo Stamping & Assembly plant in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. Production on the first Fusions began on August 1, 2005. The Fusion is positioned between the compact Ford Focus and full-size Ford Taurus. It was the first production car to feature the Ford three-bar grille.
First Generation (2006-2009)
The Fusion was available in S, SE, and SEL trims. The base engine was a 160 hp Mazda-designed 2.3 L Duratec, paired with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. SE and SEL models had a 221 hp 3.0 L Duratec with a 6-speed automatic. The Ford Fusion won in comparison tests over the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord based on styling, handling, and “fun to drive” by subscribers of Car and Driver and Road and Track magazines.
In 2007, all-wheel drive became an available option on V6 models. Sirius Satellite Radio also become available as an option on SE and SEL models. Also, an auxiliary audio input jack for audio transmission from a portable audio player were added as well as a DVD-based navigation system.
For the 2008 model, ABS became a standard feature, as well as a tire pressure monitoring system. New optional features included a rear parking assist, Ford’s “SYNC” multimedia & communication system, and ambient interior lighting. The DVD navigation was replaced with a new generation system featuring voice commands. Two packages were added to the list of options: Sport Appearance Package and Moon and Tune package. The Moon and Tune package included an Audiophile 8-speaker audio system.
For 2009, electronic stability control was added as an option. A new appearance option with blue trim became available, and some revisions were made to the exterior.
Second Generation (2010+)
For the 2010 model year, Ford significantly updated the Fusion. Powertrain options are similar to those that debuted on the 2009 Ford Escape, including a new 2.5L I-4 and 3.0L Duratec V6 engine paired to Ford’s new 6F35 six-speed transmission. The new 3.0L V6 has 240 hp and can use E85 fuel, while the 2.5L has 175 hp. Both engines engines include adaptive knock control and aggressive deceleration fuel cutoff features to improve fuel efficiency. Interior upgrades include an optional 8″ screen navigation control system, a new center console design, and Ford’s new “Ice Blue” illumination for controls and gauges that is also equipped on the current Ford Focus and Ford F-150.
Hybrid Version
The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid was launched in the U.S. market in March 2009. It is a gasoline-electric hybrid powered version of the Fusion sedan. The hybrid had an initial sale price of US$27,270. EPA fuel ratings for the Ford Fusion Hybrid are 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. The Fusion Hybrid qualified for a hybrid tax credit of US$3,400 prior to March 31, 2009. The credit drops to US$ 1,700 if purchased by September 30, 2009, and to US$850 if purchased by March 31, 2010. This credit will be phased out by April 2010. This hybrid gets better EPA-estimated fuel economy than Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Nissan Altima Hybrid, and Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. However, the Toyota Prius still has the best fuel economy in mid-size vehicles, though it has less room and is shorter and narrower. In a publicity stunt, a Fusion Hybrid managed 81.5 mpg on a 1,445.7-mile trip with 1 full tank of gas.