Overview
Save America; buy an American car. If you feel even the slightest inclination in that direction, your time may have come. The 2010 Ford Fusion, and in particular, the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, delivers contemporary styling, a first-class driving experience, and world-class fuel mileage.
EPA ratings for the Ford Fusion Hybrid are a stupendous 41/36 mpg City/Highway. The Fusion gets eight more miles per gallon in city driving and two more on the highway than does the Toyota Camry Hybrid. In a mid-size sedan as roomy and competent as this one, that is exciting efficiency.
The best news is, you don't have to drive the Fusion Hybrid like you're in a funeral cortege to achieve 40-plus city mpg; these are real-world figures. During Los Angeles morning rush, we drove the Fusion Hybrid in heavy traffic from the Sunset Strip 10 miles west along hilly, snaking Sunset Boulevard to the beach, then south to Santa Monica Pier, all the while proceeding at a distinctly non-funereal pace. Without fuss, the Fusion delivered an impressive 41.5 mpg.
What's more, in city driving, a full tank takes the Hybrid an amazing 700 miles.
Besides the Hybrid, the 2010 Ford Fusion lineup offers a choice of three different engines: a 2.5-liter inline-4 of 175 hp, a 3.0-liter flex-fuel V6 of 240 hp, and a performance-tuned 3.5-liter V6 of 263 hp. The combined horsepower of the Hybrid's gas engine and electric motor is 191 hp, but the literally instantaneous torque of its forceful electric motor makes it feel like more.
Most of the new Fusion's dimensions are unchanged from the previous model, but mechanically and in styling, the 2010 model exhibits vastly more than a mere freshening of last year's model. The new exterior, nicely enhanced with chrome, has a muscular, crisp Euro panache that is, if anything, pleasingly Saab-like.
The various gas-engine 2010 Fusion models we drove are similarly comfortable, commodious, and in the case of the Sport model, excitingly agile. Offered in a range of trim levels, the new Fusion is a compelling mid-size car with agile handling and world-beating fuel thrift.
Model Lineup
The 2010 Ford Fusion offers five variants: S, SE, Sport, SEL and Hybrid.
Fusion S ($19,270) comes standard with cloth upholstery, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power locks, instrument cluster with message center, keyless entry and trunk release, AM/FM/CD/MP3 with four speakers, remote decklid release, capless fuel filler, trip computer, cruise control, speed-sensitive wipers. It comes with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, six-speed manual transmission, 16-inch wheels, body-color bumpers and door handles, tinted glass, black power mirrors. A six-speed automatic is optional.
Fusion SE ($20,545) adds six-speaker audio, fog lamps, fold-flat passenger seat, body-color mirrors, six-way power driver seat, Sirius satellite radio, steering wheel audio and cruise controls, illuminated visor mirrors, and 17-inch wheels. A six-speed select-shift automatic is optional. Also optional is a 3.0-liter V6 flex-fuel engine ($2,490) and comes with six-speed automatic.
Fusion Sport ($25,825) adds 3.5-liter V6 engine, sport-tuned suspension, six-speed select-shift automatic, 18-inch wheels, chrome trim, rear spoiler, dual exhausts, unique side rocker moldings and front fascia, SYNC communication system, auto-dimming rearview, eight-way power driver seat, unique interior trim and center console applique. All-wheel drive ($1,850) is available.
Fusion SEL ($23,975) comes with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and upgrades with leather heated seats, dual-zone temperature control, SYNC communications system, halogen headlamps, auto-dimming rearview, heated outside mirrors, eight-way power driver seats, six-way power passenger seat, leather shifter, leather steering wheel, keyless entry pad, six-speed select-shift automatic and 17-inch wheels. A 3.0-liter V6 flex-fuel engine with six-speed automatic transmission is optional.
Fusion Hybrid ($27,270) comes fitted with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine, Hybrid 275-volt sealed battery, permanent magnet-electric motor, regenerative braking system, LCD graphic instrument panel, reverse-sensing system, Hybrid badging, 17-inch wheels, E-CVT electronic constant-velocity automatic transmission.
Optional packages: Sun & SYNC Package with auto-dimming rearview mirror with microphone and compass, power moonroof, SYNC communication system; Driver's Vision Package with blind-spot information system, rearward camera in rearview mirror; Moon & Tune Package with moonroof, Sony audio with 12 speakers; Electronics Package with heated seats, six-way power passenger seat, ambient lighting, automatic headlights, blind-spot information system, dual-zone temp control, heated mirrors with puddle lamps, console rearview camera, keyless entry pad. Additional options: voice-activated navigation system (Sport, SEL, Hybrid), engine-block heater, reverse-sensing system.
Safety features that come standard on all Fusion models include dual front, side-impact, and side curtain airbags (with crash-severity sensing), seatbelt pretensioners, anti-lock brakes, and traction control, tire-pressure monitoring. Also available are a rearview camera, a reverse sensing system, and all-wheel drive.
The Ford Fusion – America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan – today was named MOTOR TREND’s 2010 Car of the Year®. The award comes hot on the heels of Fusion setting record-breaking sales for 2009.
“Ford has proven its resilience in these tough times by delivering to market a car with broad appeal to a broad range of consumers,” said Angus MacKenzie, MOTOR TREND editor-in-chief. “The Fusion range has matured into a competitive roster of midsize sedans, able to compete with sales juggernauts such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. It is no surprise the Fusion now ranks in the top 10 best-selling cars in America.”
The prestigious award from MOTOR TREND comes at a time when Fusion sales are already at an all-time high, further positioning the vehicle as a formidable contender in the competitive midsize sedan market.
“The MOTOR TREND Car of the Year award is another testament of our commitment to delivering a world-class car lineup,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Ford Global Product Development, who accepted the golden calipers on behalf of the Ford team. “Whether it is the best-in-class fuel economy or quality unsurpassed by Toyota or Honda, the Fusion and Fusion Hybrid are clear evidence that Ford is serious about our car lineup.”
To win the coveted Car of the Year award, Fusion outperformed the competition – including the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan – in six new categories: design achievement, engineering excellence, intended function, efficiency, safety and value.
“The Fusion brought a vast assortment of choice that has the potential to appeal to every type of driver, from the eco-conscious to the sport-minded,” said MacKenzie. “The Fusion’s combination of comfort, fuel efficiency, assortment and technology made it a clear winner among our panel of judges.”
The 2010 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid are the most fuel-efficient sedans in America. The new models offer more power; class-exclusive technologies, such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) and Ford SYNC®; and more total passenger and luggage capacity than the Toyota Camry.
The Fusion lineup expanded in the 2010 model year to include all-new Hybrid and Sport models and a new selection of gas-powered engines – all paired with six-speed transmissions – that deliver even more horsepower and better fuel economy.
Fusion: A hit from the start
The Ford Fusion has been generating excitement among journalists and consumers alike since the nameplate first launched in the fall of 2005. In fact, the introductory model – which marked Ford’s re-entry into the midsize sedan market – was a finalist for MOTOR TREND’s 2006 Car of the Year award.
Since then, Fusion’s popularity has continued to soar – and so have sales. Fusion set a sales record in April – the first full month of sales for the redesigned 2010 model and the new Fusion Hybrid – and overall sales are already at an all-time high for 2009.
With its quality unsurpassed by Toyota or Honda, best-in-class fuel economy, class-exclusive technologies and significant residual value improvement, the 2010 Ford Fusion is clearly delivering the key attributes that midsize sedan buyers want.
“Even at a time when industry-wide sales are down 26 percent, Fusion sales continue to grow,” said Ford Sales Analyst George Pipas.
The new Fusion Hybrid model has played an important role in Fusion’s success. The vehicle delivers an EPA estimated 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway. It also offers innovative new technology – SmartGauge(TM) with EcoGuide – that coaches hybrid drivers to maximize fuel efficiency.
According to Fusion Marketing Manager Jonathan Richards, car buyers are so passionate about Fusion that they are choosing to buy the high series models – Hybrid, SEL and Sport.
“Data show that high series models account for 50 percent of sales,” he said. “Customers are also embracing technology offerings like voice-activated navigation, SYNC and Sony® Audio.”
Richards says the introduction of a Sport model is also drawing praise from Fusion customers, as is the new six-speed gearbox with SelectShift(TM) transmission.
The Ford Fusion is Ford’s bold attempt to get back some of the market share it lost from the Camry, Accord, and Altima. Once upon a time, Ford was the go-to automaker for a solid midsize sedan ( remember the old Taurus? ). Since the Taurus stagnated, the triple threat from Japan has taken over the midsize sedan market. Ford is finally back in the game, with a real player – the 2007 Ford Fusion.
The first thing you’ll notice about the Fusion is the daring 3-bar grille that dominates the front of the car. It looks fantastic in black, and sorta ‘meh’ in other colors. If you’re buying a Fusion, try to stick with the black – it just looks amazing. In fact, a black Fusion is one of the best looking midsize sedans on the road today.
As far as performance, Ford falls a little short with both the 4 cylinder and the V6.. though notably so in the V6. There’s just a little 3.0 liter V6 under the hood, instead of the larger 3.5 liter found in the Camry and Altima. Horsepower is way down – to the tune of 40+ HP. The 4 banger is down just a little across the board – not a big setback there. The real surprise is the gas mileage – it’s very low compared to the competition. For instance – the Fusion 4 cylinder is rated at 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway. Even the old-ish Accord gets a 24/34 rating. The newly redesigned Altima rocks it at 26/34 – all with an automatic transmission. That being said, the Fusion does offer refreshing styling, as well as an option AWD system, if you go with the V6. I don’t know if the Fusion is good enough to take over the Japanese Big Three, but it’ll sure make them stand up and take notice.
2007 Ford Fusion Specs
* 160 HP 2.3 liter 4 cylinder engine
* 221 HP 3.0 liter V6 engine available
* AWD system available with V6 engine
* Side and side-curtain airbags standard
* EPA Says : 23 MPG city / 31 MPG highway ( 4 cylinder )
* EPA Says : 20 MPG city / 28 MPG highway ( V6 )
* 5 speed manual, or 6 speed automatic transmission
2007 Ford Fusion Reviews
Cars Everything reviews the 2007 Ford Fusion and writes – ‘The 221-hp V6 engine provides enough power, although the Fusion will not likely be mistaken for a sports sedan. The Fusion can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 8 seconds, a reasonable performance though not as quick as the V6 versions of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.’
MSN Autos reviews the 2007 Ford Fusion and writes – ‘There is some wind noise above 60 mph, but the upscale looking interior is generally pretty quiet. The front bucket seats are supportive and crisply styled gauges have a custom appearance. A tilt/telescopic steering wheel and a manual or automatic height-adjustable driver’s seat help provide a comfortable driving position for people of various sizes.’
Car and Driver reviews the 2007 Ford Fusion and writes – ‘Everything is just fine, but unremarkable. The steering wheel asks reasonable effort and provides decent feedback, but is a little too light and a touch numb. The clutch pedal is smooth, but also a tad uncommunicative and travel is as long as some of our commutes. The shifter isn’t bad, but it isn’t good enough to elevate it above what can be found in any competing car; and whoever decided it should be topped with a softball-sized knob must be a recent transfer from Ford’s commercial truck division.’
Automotive.com reviews the 2007 Ford Fusion and comments on the transmission- ‘The six-speed automatic transmission is very smooth. Shift into Drive and it works well. It’s one of the few six-speed automatics in this class. However, it does not offer a semi-manual shifter. Shifting from D to L only locks out fifth and sixth gears. (We wonder how many people actually use semi-manual shifters so this may not be an issue for you.) Also, there’s no indicator showing the driver what gear it’s in at any given moment and around town it’s difficult to tell by feel. (Again, you may not care.)’
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