The Fusion comes with two different engines to suit different priorities. For economically minded buyers, the base 160-horsepower 4-cylinder engine provides adequate performance with the five-speed automatic transmission but feels peppier with the no-extra-cost five-speed manual. This combination rates at an economical 20 mpg city, 29 highway. Then there's also the 221-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6, which provides more impressive performance and strong passing power; this engine is only offered with a responsive six-speed automatic.
Three different models of the Fusion are offered: the base SE, the mid-range SE, and loaded SEL. The S is only offered with the 4-cylinder, while the SE and SEL can be had with either engine. A road-oriented all-wheel-drive system is available on the SE and SEL, giving the Fusion more traction to take on slippery winter roads.
With its prominent, brightly chromed grille, wide stance, and rather imposing, upright appearance, the Fusion stands out in design from the rest of the mid-size sedan crowd. It also drives with a little more verve on the road, even if it isn't quite as smooth and quiet inside as some of its rivals. The four-wheel independent suspension and precise rack-and-pinion steering make it especially enjoyable to drive on twisty roads.
The Fusion seats five, and the split-folding back seat allows the already-spacious trunk to be expanded for larger items, and on SE and SEL models the front passenger seat also folds down.
In base S form, the Fusion costs less than many cars a size smaller but is actually equipped quite well with air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry and a sound system with MP3 compatibility and input jack. SE models add alloy wheels, fog lamps, a power driver's seat, a trip computer, and an upgraded audio system with six speakers, a CD changer, satellite radio, and steering-wheel audio controls. The SEL at the top of the range features 17-inch alloy wheels, a quad-tipped exhaust, heated mirrors, door-pad keyless entry, automatic climate control, an overhead console, ambient lighting and Sync, a voice-activated calling and audio interface that allows innovative features such as the automatic reading of text messages.
Anti-lock brakes, front side airbags, and side-curtain airbags are standard across the Fusion model line, but electronic stability control is now optional through the entire model line.
A DVD-based touch-screen navigation system is available at the top of the line, as is a premium Audiophile sound system, but there are also several packages that spice up the Fusion's appearance. A Sport Appearance Package adds a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch machined wheels, a darkened grille, and other appearance revisions to match. Most noteworthy this year is the new Blue Suede Package, which
adds the sport suspension and 18-inch wheels, suede-like blue Alcantara inserts inside, and a charcoal black interior with black stitching.
Crisp Handling
Good Ride Quality
Bold Styling
Affordable Price
Top-technology Sync Interface
For 2009 the Fusion sedan is carried over without major changes, though there are a number of minor changes to standard equipment and options. Traction control is now a standard feature on V-6 models, and stability control is now optional. Satellite radio is now standard on SE and SEL models, and ambient lighting is standard on the SEL. A new eight-speaker Audiophile sound system with a six-disc changer, audio input jack, MP3 and satellite-radio compatibility is now optional on the SE and SEL models. A Sport Appearance Package is new for 2009.
Also new this year is the Blue Suede Package, optional on any front-wheel-drive SE or SEL model, which adds Charcoal Black interior trim, Alcantara blue suede inserts, blue stitching, special appliques, painted aluminum wheels and ambient lighting.
Ford's affordable mid-size sedan is more fun to drive and handles better than most in its class while maintaining a good ride and decent back seat space. Some will also appreciate how its styling takes a different direction out of a field where many of the models look too similar on the outside. It's also priced a bit lower and has a generous amount of standard equipment in any of its trims. Fuel economy is good with the four-cylinder engine. What's more, Ford's voice-activated Sync calling and audio device is currently one of the most versatile and user-friendly interfaces on the market.
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