Ford Fusion Test Drive

[mustang84]

Source

Went to the Fusion NY event this morning. Let me say before this that I'm a pretty big Ford fan and am very biased.

Still, this car was superb. I think the interior is beautiful in both the wood and the black lacquer "piano black" finishes, the fit and finish was top notch and on the level of my Accord - in some places better! Window switches were great, so were the buttons on the dash and the door panels. The vents were nice and the metal touches here and there add a lot. The buttons on the steering wheel were also really high plastic quality.

I was also utterly shocked when I tore off down the first straight-away. With 221 hp I was expecting modest acceleration, but this car shot out with a beautiful exhaust note and pretty damn impressive acceleration for a family sedan. The combo of 205 lb ft of torque and the six speed auto really help. Keeping in mind too, that although my V6 Accord has 240 hp, it makes only 210 lb ft of torque and has the 5-speed auto.

I also really liked that unlike my Accord and the Nissans I've driven, there wasn't any noticable torque-steer. I didn't have a lengthy opportunity to test the handling, which was frustrating because I wanted to see how the car stacked up against the Mazda6. Still, through the few turns the steering was tight and over an area set up with bumps the suspension was great at soaking up the road bumps (thanks I'm sure to the lengthened wheelbase). In turns it just stayed glued to the road and pretty flat, unlike my Buick-body-roll Accord.

I spoke for a few minutes with a Ford marketing guy (pretty high up in the chain, from what some of the other guys said about him) who was manning the Fusion station. He was really enthusiastic about the car and seemed genuinely thrilled that I liked it so much. He asked how I like the 3-bar chrome grille, which I'm fond of. A few interesting notes from him:

-AWD comes out in a year, is only available with the V6 models.

-Duratec 35 *won't* be available in any of the standard models of the Fusion. It is being "saved" for "other applications." I asked if he meant the Five Hundred and he said "Yeah, that and we're looking at other things"

-When someone asked about an SVT model, he just smiled and said "I can't say, but you know anything is possible" which at the time seemed to indicate it would happen

-Finally, an interesting piece of info was that this was the first time Ford had set up an event like this in the NY area. They were worried about attracting a big crowd. My reservation was the earliest available, 8AM, and there were a pretty good number of people there. I'm sure places like St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Dallas get a bigger draw though as opposed to import-favoring NY.

Few more pics:
Front 3/4 at Ford Innovation Drive
Rear 3/4
Driving the course

[Guest Josh]

I'm sorry but that interior looks too "busy" like there are far too many distractions for the driver to worry about.

[Northstar]

The Fusion will probably do well for Ford, but I don't see it toppling the Accord or Camry, and probably not the Altima either. I just can't get over why Ford would put the piano black finish around the radio but not the HVAC... it makes it appear half-assed to me.

[mustang84]

I don't think it'll topple it either, but I could see 150-200k sales depending on how much capacity the Hermosillo plant has. It seems to be a competent, value-oriented package. I can't wait to see the motor mag comparisons.

[Mule Bakersdozen LS]

It looks like a much better car at least than Malibu (though that's not at all hard), and I think its capable, very reasonably priced, nad in most cases, decently-equipped. I think it'll help Ford's cause, and it needs to-all their other cars coming out are disappointments from what I'm seeing.

[regfootball]

I'm sorry but that interior looks too "busy" like there are far too many distractions for the driver to worry about.

[post="587"][/post]

really Josh?

Fusion will begin its anhilation of the Malibu shortly.......

Edited August 19, 2005 by regfootball

[regfootball]

DUDE!  You're missing the buttons on the steering wheel.  It isn't a Pontiac if it isn't covered with button and vents.

[post="708"][/post]

you're right! sorry! I found a better picture of it.

pontiac interior.....

[pow]

ROFL

Anyway, I think the Fusion will be an excellent family car. Can't wait to see it in person! Interior looks particularly rich in this pic: http://fusionunleashed.com/forums/index.ph...type=post&id=19

[regfootball]

ROFL

Anyway, I think the Fusion will be an excellent family car. Can't wait to see it in person! Interior looks particularly rich in this pic: http://fusionunleashed.com/forums/index.ph...type=post&id=19

[post="726"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

my only reservations about the fusion interior are its a bit boxy and its relation to the mazda 6 is far too obvious. I don't really like the mazda6 interior anymore. Its like they took the heavenly Euro mondeo interior and tried to press fit it into the Mazda 6 scheme.

Am I the only one that gets tiny hint of Lincoln LS in the Fusion's rear 3/4 styling? Nice.

Most people won't even get into comparing features, etc. between the Malibu and Fusion. Most folks will catch a passing glance of the sexy Fusion front end and go 'what's that?' and then a killer guppy Malibu will drive by shortly thereafter. Just comparing the two front ends will send about 90% of those folks looking for the Fusion. The Malibu has a serious styling deficiency in comparison to the looks inside and out on the Fusion. MMMMMM, I smell something grilling, and it smells like thousands of rebate dollars for the Malibu, plastered on the hood. Edited August 19, 2005 by regfootball

[HarleyEarl]

Yes, I may have a built-in GM bias, but, this car is so stullifying dull. Dear sweet mother of pearl, American auto manufacturers, bring some style back, I beg you. And stop with these dated Germanic interiors...they are so yesterday...you are way too late with this.

[The O.C.]

really Josh?

Fusion will begin its anhilation of the Malibu shortly.......

[post="703"][/post]

I have never, never, EVER laughed so hard in all my freakin' life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OMG....my eyes are STILL tearing up......

[Flybrian]

Its funny 'cause its true.

[Cremazie]

Is that the interior concept for the New G8? lol I like the fusion, inside and out, it is prolly by far my favorite in it's class, it is different than the rest, looks liek a mazda interior, I smell good things comming out of Detriot, I hope it keeps comming, maybe it will stop the bleeding someday!

[Petra]

Ford had better hope that the Fusion is a smash hit. They really need it to be. For the record, I think it will do great.

[HarleyEarl]

I think Ford is on the wrong path with their very dull sedans. I don't think they will see the sales that they are hoping for.

[will75]

I like most of the interior a lot, then they put a fisher price set of gauges and that way-to-old looking radio and ruin the whole thing! Not really liking the taillights either, but you could always go Mercury... That Bonnie picture was hilarious! Edited August 21, 2005 by will75

[4gm]

Fusion = huge success. Once production gets up to speed, Ford won't be able to build them fast enough. In a year or two I think the Fusion and Accord will be fighting for the 2nd best selling passenger car spot.

[RichW5]

really Josh?

Fusion will begin its anhilation of the Malibu shortly.......

[post="703"][/post]

Thanks Reg. You found the ideal car for my wife. She has at least one fan in every room of the house, two in most. However, a few more vents in the console would help.

As a GM person I believe that the Fusion will do well, just not the anhilation of the Malibu.

While the 'BU is a nice vehicle, it suffers from the GM BORING STYLING syndrome. Bring back Harley Earl, not the ghost, but the styling leader.

[stroke]

the fusion is hot.Hell yeah it will sell.Dont complain about the interior atleast its not like the taurus ford is improving and this car alone coule just sell more than the accord maybe camry.Hopefully they dont sell most of these to rental fleets.

[andy82471]

Sorry to burst your bubbles, FORD fans but while the FUSION is a decent car no doubt, it doesn't stand a chance against Camry, Accord or even the Altima. Once again FORD is just following the herd instead of leading it. The interior looks too cluttered. The upcoming Camry will roast the FUSION in just about every auto rag comparo test. So will the Accord and Altima all of which are soon getting six speed automatics as well. This car came five years too late, IMHO. I think the most promising domestic I see in the future is the SATURN AURA. 3.6L DOHC VVT 260 HP and six speed automatic. PLEASE GM NOT PUSHROD FOR THE AURA. DONT EVEN THINK ABOUT IT.

[mustang84]

Sorry to burst your bubbles, FORD fans but while the FUSION is a decent car no doubt, it doesn't stand a chance against Camry, Accord or even the Altima. Once again FORD is just following the herd instead of leading it. The interior looks too cluttered. The upcoming Camry will roast the FUSION in just about every auto rag comparo test. So will the Accord and Altima all of which are soon getting six speed automatics as well. This car came five years too late, IMHO. I think the most promising domestic I see in the future is the SATURN AURA. 3.6L DOHC VVT 260 HP and six speed automatic. PLEASE GM NOT PUSHROD FOR THE AURA. DONT EVEN THINK ABOUT IT.

[post="2102"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

By the time the new Camry comes out, the Fusion will have a 3.5L Duratec making anywhere between 250-280 hp and have AWD offered. There are also sporty ST and SVT versions planned. Not to mention that its price currently undercuts most others competitors. The car is based on the sporty Mazda6 platform, so it should have excellent handling. It has a distinctive front end that sets it apart and a decent interior. By your comment on it being five years too late, wouldn't that make the Aura six years too late? How can you say it doesn't stand a chance against the Camry et. al when it hasn't even been driven and reviewed yet? Not singling you out, but these blanket statements were made about the Five Hundred before it came out, and it is meeting sales targets and has proven to be a competent vehicle that just needs a little more power. The 2006 Fusion should do even better since it is uses a sportier, lighter platform and has 18 extra horsepower.

The only way I can't see the Fusion succeeding is if people can't get past perception that only the Japanese and Germans build competitive vehicles.

[I hope GMRULES again]

"The only way I can't see the Fusion succeeding is if people can't get past perception that only the Japanese and Germans build competitive vehicles." That's the biggie. The interior will be a surprise for current Ford owners and will import owners even consider a first year vehicle from Ford?

[Paolino]

really Josh?

Fusion will begin its anhilation of the Malibu shortly.......

[post="703"][/post]

OMG... I'm absolutely DYING over here! I've laughed at a few things online before, but this one actually made me tear up! That is just TOO funny!! I definitely can appreciate the "balls" vents... but none for the passenger if he's male? No dual-balltronic?

Now, I can understand Josh's comment about the interior being a little too "busy"... I can appreciate that. However, it's not as busy as others, and definitely not as boring as some *cough* Malibu *cough*

The quality looks nice, and the interior with the wood looks gorgeous. I have to say, I was certain I'd never see myself in a Ford ever, but if the size/price is right, I could consider this.

It definitely looks like more car than the Malibu--looks more refined, like the generous use of chrome in the front, etc.

Only time will tell with this car, but I think this may be the next "Taurus" in terms of popularity for Ford. Edited August 23, 2005 by Paolino

[Paolino]

I think the most promising domestic I see in the future is the SATURN AURA. 3.6L DOHC VVT 260 HP and six speed automatic. PLEASE GM NOT PUSHROD FOR THE AURA. DONT EVEN THINK ABOUT IT.

[post="2102"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

I thought it was already stated that the 3.5L pushrod V6 was going to be offered in the Aura with the 3.6L as an option, rated at 250hp?

[andy82471]

I thought it was already stated that the 3.5L pushrod V6 was going to be offered in the Aura with the 3.6L as an option, rated at 250hp?

[post="2211"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Hmm, didn't know GM was going to offer the 3500 OHV. I always thought the two powertrains for the Aura is gonna be the 2.4 I4 and the 3.6 DOHC V6. If GM is smart they will keep it that way. Throwing the pushrod V6 is really going to screw things up. As far as the FUSION goes, can anyone say REBADGED MAZDA6. I read that the 3.5L Duratec is not going to be available in the FUSION anytime soon as the larger motor is being reserved for bigger cars and SUVs like the 500, FREESTYLE etc. The interior of the AURA looks so much nicer than the FUSION at least in the pics anyway.