Topic: CD Article: 2006 Ford Fusion

[AVToller]

I hope that Ford does not retune the suspension for "North American tastes". That could kill most of what is inherently good in the chassis.

I too would have concerns about Ford quality and reliability. "At Ford, quality is job one!" Mainly because they still haven't been able to get it consistently. 

[dru2005]

I hope that Ford does not retune the suspension for "North American tastes". That could kill most of what is inherently good in the chassis.

I too would have concerns about Ford quality and reliability. "At Ford, quality is job one!" Mainly because they still haven't been able to get it consistently.

LOL. That's a good one.

[s60]

Another interesting review http://www.cars.com/go/crp/reviews.jsp?makeid=14&modelid=7831&year=2006&revid=48650&revlogtype=22

Ford has made some odd decisions in not offereong certain safety features and transmission choices with the Fusion. The Fusion's
strength will be its driving dynamics, but will that be enough to sway a Honda or Camry customer into the Ford showroom.

This article points put some of the missing bits-
The one area where the Fusion falls short against some of its Japanese competition is safety. For 2006, the Accord will offer standard side air bags and side air curtains across the lineup. Many safety features on the Fusion cost extra.

Antilock brakes add $595 to the bottom line, while traction control costs extra on the SEL model we drove and is not available on the other two trim levels. Side air bags and side air curtains are another $595 on the new Ford sedan. You cannot get stability control on the Fusion.

The Fusion is fairly spartan, too, when it comes to cabin amenities. You can't get a navigation system, which you can on the Camry and the Accord. A power moonroof costs extra on the Fusion SEL; it's standard on the Accord EX and Camry XLE. Nor can you order such desirable features on the Fusion as a rear-seat DVD entertainment, clutchless shifting, adjustable pedals or even a jack for your iPod.

And while the rear seat is spacious, with ample head- and legroom, it lacks vents and individual reading lights. (Typical Ford cheapness)

We were impressed with the Fusion's roomy trunk, but wished it had a standard cargo net or some kind of cargo organizer.

http://info.detnews.com/autosconsumer/autoreviews/index.cfm?id=20374


Ford (North America) just can't seem to finish what they start, its a pity.

[sterling]

Comparing vehicles based on what is and isn't standard is not a very honest way of doing a review. Without knowing the prices involved it really doesn't tell you anything. If car A has a moonroof standard and car B has it optional for $500, does it really mean anything if car A is priced $500 more than car B to start with? In fact, an argument could be made in favour of car B giving customers the option rather than forcing them to pay for something they may not want.

[Shnak]

I was going to say that... sure the Fusion is lacking a low of basic equipment (ABS, air bags, etc.) compared to the Accord and Camry... but it's also priced a LOT cheaper than those cars...

Overall, I think it's one of Ford's best efforts in terms of interior design... quality of materials? I don't know... I'll have to wait and see for myself. Exterior? I think it looks good, except the boy-racer rear white plastic lights. I HATE white plastic lights, you have no idea.

But after the disaster that was the Focus launch and the extremely poor reliability the Focus had for its first 3 or 4 years, I'll wait a few years before saying I like the new Fusion or not... it seems like a nice effort by Ford... but we'll see.

[sterling]

Also, let's make clear that there are some differences between U.S. and Canadian offerings. For example, contrary to what is in the above review, ABS and traction control are standard equipment in the Fusion SEL V6. Even at that, the '06 Fusion SEL's MSRP is almost $4000 less than an '05 Accord EX V6.

[scarberian]

The review is a little light on driving impressions. Nothing memorable about how it corners, steering feedback, or power steering feel or boost. I guess no news is good news.
The article gives the impression that the author feels sorry for Ford, and that he is going easy on them.
Still, you gotta wonder if he is not damning it with faint praise. "It drives very nicely, has excellent interior room, "...ok, nice it is. The article is called First Drive, not In Depth Driving Impressions For Drivers.

OK, its early on, and I hope Ford does well. Too many jobs at stake not to.

So many reviewers have to play nice with the car companies that loan them the cars. Slam them too hard, and you get blacklisted. Toyota did that to a highly respected Canadian auto journalist for months if not a year or more.

[safristi]

Well Yeah.....D'uh Wing needed HIS CLIPPED....wot like runnin' around in Caddie CTS's an ALL...no I'm NOT JEALOUS...where's MY MAGNUM dear...NO not the Champagne...and give me tha hollow tipped BULLITTS!!!!!

[stodge]

I saw an ad for the Camry - 44mpg on the highway, while the Fusion can manage 31mpg. Ford's weakest area in their new cars for me is their engines. I know 44mpg should be taken with a pinch of salt, but that's quite a difference. Unless Ford's figures are more realistic while Toyota's are achievable under laboratory conditions.

[toolatecrew]

I actually had some small interest in the car until I saw no v6 manual tranny combo.

Its not their target market fine I get it. I guess I'll juts have to wait till Ford does deceide to make somehting for the target market that inculdes me before I'd ever consider buying one. 

[sterling]

Stodge, you know the U.S. and Canada have different sized gallons, right?

Ford gets 221HP/ 205 lbft TQ out of 3.0L
Toyota gets 190HP/ 197 lbft TQ out of 3.0L

Based on output it doesn't seem like the engine is a weak point in the Fusion.

[stodge]

I'm used to the UK concept of MPG. If they're different how does to translate to real MPG?

[sterling]

Canadian and UK concepts of MPG are the same. The Canadian and UK gallon = approx 4.55 litres; The US gallon = approx 3.8 litres.

The Fusion 4 cyl also holds its own against Camry:

2.3L 160HP/150TQ vs 2.4L 154HP/160TQ

[stodge]

Damn crazy Americans - they could use the same system as us! 

[Howswedeitis]

Let's just say the Fusion is Ford's answer to beating the Japanese (ie Camry and Accord) at their
own game. Of course it's late in the game but let's see if indeed this new design stacks up.
To my mind, it does having seen the car at the Molson Indy in Montreal and to be sure
in terms of styling it has both of those cars beat. Frankly speaking, that's not difficult considering
the dumpy styling of the Camry and that typically Honda squinty eyed tail light ugly thing that
is so forgetable you can't help to think that these Honda guys are on something that quite
frankly makes their cars some of the blandest on the road. Surely, Ford's powertrain might not
be as "sophisticated" as the Japanese but as a package this car should be a winner.