CD Article: 2007 Ford Fusion SEL V6 AWD

[2latecrew]

I had a Fusinion (4cyl Auto) for a week as a rental. I was hoping to get a 6 cyl but at then end of the week I was happy to see the outstanding gas milage the trip computer showed. I think it was over 31 MPG from a week of mixed (well 60 highway0 driving. While I wouldn't call the handeling "sporty" its certainly a notch above prety well every 4 door renal I've had. Very impressive. Fit and fisih were very good. It was to me notably bigger inside than a Mazda 6. I would find the interior jsut fine size wise. I think if I had to have a company car (which would be a dometic0 in this class the Fusion would win hands down.

As a former Subaru owner I prefer full time AWD but the option of any AWD is a good thing. The lack of manual tranny with the v6 and/or AWD is a killer for me though. I know it likley wouldn't be a big seller so Ford may not care but I'd pick a Mazda 6 over a fusion simply for that fact even if it cost more.

My father is replacing his old Maxima and I actually told him he should at least test drive the Fusion in a comparison with Camary and Accord.

They really do need to get that 3/5 L 6 in a 37 K fursion though.

Fusion SVT anyone?

[Mitlov]

It's got to be an individual preference thing, because the Camry and the Fusion have identical rear-seat headroom ratings of 37.8 inches.

[Snowman]

I would go so far as to say that it doesn't even provide improved stability during truly slippery conditions.  Many outings in AWD Audi's on packed snow parking lots as well as thousands of kms on winter ice roads with real 4 X 4's, convinces me of that.  When you're at the very extremes of traction an AWD vehicle behaves no better than a 2WD vehicle and arguably worse as they seem less predictable.

I'm not quite sure I understand your point about stability... Yes, going straight forward, AWD will provide little stability improvement though the lack of torque steer is definitely an improvement (when accelerating). Have you ever tried to compare heavy acceleration on a bumpy road between FWD and AWD?

The potential concern with AWD and its better traction is how easier it is to reach higher speeds that will overcome the friction required to steer or brake for a giving road condition and vehicle weight. True AWD systems distribute the same engine torque to 4 wheels instead of two, providing better traction and handling, but not braking. It's unfortunate your experience of Audi AWD systems is limited to parking lots.

There is a reason why Subarus and Mistsubishis are so popular with drivers making a living going at the "very extremes of traction".

I agree with Benhaze.


When you're at the very extremes of traction an AWD vehicle behaves no better than a 2WD vehicle and arguably worse as they seem less predictable.

I will disagree with that statement. A FWD car and a AWD car are night and day at the handling limits.

[Eric Green]

Ford appears to have a good product here- maybe not the Euro-Mondeo, but a good vehicle and well priced.

Would I consider it? Not a chance.

Why: 1) Because I can't get it in a wagon. I don't want or need a SUV/crossover thingie. I want a wagon, dammit. A better-priced Audi A4/A6 Avant or BWM 3-Series T.

2) Because I can't get it in a diesel. Ford makes no end of clean diesels for the Euro market; why can't I get one here? Right now.

Ford brings a diesel, SW Fusion to market, and sure, I'd look seriously at it. Until then, I reckon, with the Fusion sedan,  Ford has just answered a question that no one has asked.

[Mitlov]

Ford brings a diesel, SW Fusion to market, and sure, I'd look seriously at it. Until then, I reckon, with the Fusion sedan,  Ford has just answered a question that no one has asked.

Considering that essentially none of its competitors come with either a wagon or a diesel (including the Camry, the best-selling passenger car in the United States), I think that Ford answered a question that plenty of people asked.  Except for the AWD, the Fusion is aimed directly at the fantastically-selling Camry and Accord, and from what I've read, it competes very nicely with them.

[coldcase]

"In everyday winter driving, the main benefits of AWD appear to be improved traction and stability when accelerating and cornering. However, I found no improvement when braking in a straight line, notwithstanding the fact that the Fusion's standard anti-lock brakes and powerful four-wheel disc brakes do provide improved steering control when braking on slippery surfaces."

It's definitely worth reiterating this reality given the disproportionate number of SUVs one finds in the ditch when conditions are truly slippery, i.e.: there seems to be a far too prevalent thought that AWD = immunity from snow and ice.  I would go so far as to say that it doesn't even provide improved stability during truly slippery conditions.  Many outings in AWD Audi's on packed snow parking lots as well as thousands of kms on winter ice roads with real 4 X 4's, convinces me of that.  When you're at the very extremes of traction an AWD vehicle behaves no better than a 2WD vehicle and arguably worse as they seem less predictable.   

When it comes to AWD vehicles I'm always reminded of some advice I got from a old hand once; "remember son a 4 X 4 just gets you into deeper trouble, quicker".  I wish more would heed that advice.     

Wrong.  AWD equals more grip.  AWD doesn't help while breaking but in other situation you have 4 wheels working instead of 2.  Next time there's an ice storm maybe you should jump on one foot on the sidewalks instead of your 2 feet and tell us how your butt hurts. 

[Eric Green]

Sorry, Mitlov, no one is asking for yet another fast-depreciating, otherwise-indistinguishable, mid-sized domestic sedan. You want quality and durability and resale value? Buy the Accord/Camry.

You want something out of the ordinary? Buy a Sube. Or a diesel Ford Modeo/Fusion, available in SW. Call the SW a "Sport-Cross" or something equally daft, and it will sell to people who don't want a crossover/SUV, but still don't want to drive a SW. Look at Mitsubishi, with the Canadian-market-only wagon. It won't be a big seller, but it is a niche vehicle that will sell steadily, IMO.

This from Ford, which just killed off the Focus SW, which took >30% of the Focus market in Canada.  I despair for Ford's product planning capabillities.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

fast-depreciating, otherwise-indistinguishable, mid-sized domestic sedan. You want quality and durability and resale value?

Ok the Fusion is none of those. Consumer Reports gives them very good ratings as far as reliability, especially when considering it was in its first year of production. The handling is above average relative to the camcord, much as its cousin the Mazda6. And its looks are distinctive relative to the rest of the mid-sizers, love it or hate it.

I had a V6 SEL for a few days. It worked very well all round. Very good handling, quiet, reasonable mileage for its size. I brought 3 clients out for lunch in it. No one complained about room.

If I was in the market for a mid-size sedan, it would definitly be on my list.

[PJungnitsch]

The AWD sounds cool and everything but at $37,204 ... for a Fusion? ... I don't think so!

I'd be a little hesitant. Used AWD Fusions are not showing up yet in Alberta but the Autotrader has low mileage '06 AWD Five Hundreds starting at  $ 22,000.00 That would seem like a better deal, almost a third off new.

Speaking of which, one of the local dealers had a brand new 2006 FWD Five Hundred on the lot today marked down from 34,300 to 23,000. That's with the V6, 6 speed auto, ABS, SAB, traction control, keyless, fogs, power everything, etc.

That's some mighty tasty depreciation for those who need a family car. 23,000 plus 400 admin, 150 air/tire, X 1.06 = 25,000 on the road. Is Ford shoveling money at the dealers before the Taurus renaming?

[articsteve]

Sorry, Mitlov, no one is asking for yet another fast-depreciating, otherwise-indistinguishable, mid-sized domestic sedan. You want quality and durability and resale value? Buy the Accord/Camry.

 

The only way Ford can move the Fusion is thru cheap lease and finance rates.  This car is most forgettable.  They need to exceed the competition to be successful.  Time is running out.  FAST

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Spoken as a Toyota partisan.

The last time I looked, the lease rate on a new Camry was lower than that on the Fusion. That may have changed since. The critics have all put the Fusion pretty much at par with the Asian brands. And reliability tracking has put it well in the ballpark it needs to be in.

[UmroAyyar]

I sat in the Fusion SEL at the autoshow in all the seats. Fabulous car, comfortable, materials are very nice, rates up with the reviews as well. Only caveat, no flat floor in the rear, I was told that was because of AWD.

2007 Camry has almost flat floor in the rear, my son doesn't fall in the car anymore.
Big_thumb how is the rear centre seat for adults, any complains due to that hump in the middle?

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I sat in the Fusion SEL at the autoshow in all the seats. Fabulous car, comfortable, materials are very nice, rates up with the reviews as well. Only caveat, no flat floor in the rear, I was told that was because of AWD.

2007 Camry has almost flat floor in the rear, my son doesn't fall in the car anymore.
Big_thumb how is the rear centre seat for adults, any complains due to that hump in the middle?

I had three clients, so no one had to sit in the centre rear seat. I'd suspect it wouldn't be the best seat in the house, but that's the case with all the mid sizers. For three across the back seat the Taurus (nee FiveHundred) would be the way to go.

[articsteve]

Spoken as a Toyota partisan.

The last time I looked, the lease rate on a new Camry was lower than that on the Fusion. That may have changed since. The critics have all put the Fusion pretty much at par with the Asian brands. And reliability tracking has put it well in the ballpark it needs to be in.

Spoken as a Toyota partisan.

Just know where my bread is buttered.     Toyota doesn't create exceptional vehicles, but they make cars exceptional well. 


The last time I looked, the lease rate on a new Camry was lower than that on the Fusion.

See your Optometrist asap. 

Lease rate on Camry is the lowest it has been; currently  5.5%   Red Tag is coming up and supply is steady so you will see a dip, maybe. 

Lease rate on Fusion is 1.9%   (see very recent Fusion review)

Great for buyers, bad for a company that loses 6 Billion a year with no end in sight.

[Mitlov]

Spoken as a Toyota partisan.

Just know where my bread is buttered. 

Just curious...do you actually work for Toyota, Artic, or was this a joke?

[sirAQUAMAN64]

The AWD sounds cool and everything but at $37,204 ... for a Fusion? ... I don't think so!

I'd be a little hesitant. Used AWD Fusions are not showing up yet in Alberta but the Autotrader has low mileage '06 AWD Five Hundreds starting at  $ 22,000.00 That would seem like a better deal, almost a third off new.

Speaking of which, one of the local dealers had a brand new 2006 FWD Five Hundred on the lot today marked down from 34,300 to 23,000. That's with the V6, 6 speed auto, ABS, SAB, traction control, keyless, fogs, power everything, etc.

That's some mighty tasty depreciation for those who need a family car. 23,000 plus 400 admin, 150 air/tire, X 1.06 = 25,000 on the road. Is Ford shoveling money at the dealers before the Taurus renaming?

That would be tempting if I were shopping for a larger family sedan. Very decent all-around package, tonnes of room, at a fantastic price.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Fusion was higher last time I looked.

From Oakville Toyota website. 4.9% at 60 months? Subsidize much?

[soj]

I would go so far as to say that it doesn't even provide improved stability during truly slippery conditions.  Many outings in AWD Audi's on packed snow parking lots as well as thousands of kms on winter ice roads with real 4 X 4's, convinces me of that.  When you're at the very extremes of traction an AWD vehicle behaves no better than a 2WD vehicle and arguably worse as they seem less predictable.

I'm not quite sure I understand your point about stability... Yes, going straight forward, AWD will provide little stability improvement though the lack of torque steer is definitely an improvement (when accelerating). Have you ever tried to compare heavy acceleration on a bumpy road between FWD and AWD?

The potential concern with AWD and its better traction is how easier it is to reach higher speeds that will overcome the friction required to steer or brake for a giving road condition and vehicle weight. True AWD systems distribute the same engine torque to 4 wheels instead of two, providing better traction and handling, but not braking. It's unfortunate your experience of Audi AWD systems is limited to parking lots.

There is a reason why Subarus and Mistsubishis are so popular with drivers making a living going at the "very extremes of traction".

Ahh, I thought this might illicit some comment particularly from those not familiar with prairie/northern driving conditions.  The very slippery conditions I'm referring to are black ice, hard pack snow particularly at temperatures above -10 to -15 C, and actual ice (cleared lake/river ice).  Conditions where unless you've got studs, AWD makes absolutely no difference when cornering nor to cornering stability.  Both black ice and hard packed snow are quite common conditions out here given that snow removal and salting in many western municipalities is largely unheard of except on major arteries.  Similarly, salt isn't used much on highways as it's largely ineffective below -15 C.  Consequently, both hard pack (because of drifting) and black ice are common as well. 

As for ice roads, well you don't exactly find that Subarus and Mistsubishis are the hot ticket.  When they go sailing off into the weeds (figuratively speaking of course), not only do they have a tendency to loose air dams and lots bumper bits but their relatively low clearance and nice flat floor pans tend to make them wonderful toboggans that ride up on snow nicely, i.e.: high centered big time.  The consolation is that usually they're still upright.

Anyway that's what I meant by the extremes of traction, not those inspiring rally shots of Quattro's (in their day) clawing their way around corners spraying gravel everywhere.  And finally, my experience with Quattros was not limited to parking lots, I just didn't have the financial resources to deal with the repercussions of drifting one into the ditch at moderately high speeds.  The cost of repairs on Subarus and Mistsubishis must be less, I guess.

[Cord]

Lease rate on Fusion is 1.9%   (see very recent Fusion review)

No sense letting facts get in the way I guess. Lease rates on the Fusion were 1.9% on 2006's and these rates ended on Jan 8. Current lease rates on 2007's are 3.6% for 24, 36, or 48 months. 2007's have never had rates lower than 3.6%.

[soj]

"In everyday winter driving, the main benefits of AWD appear to be improved traction and stability when accelerating and cornering. However, I found no improvement when braking in a straight line, notwithstanding the fact that the Fusion's standard anti-lock brakes and powerful four-wheel disc brakes do provide improved steering control when braking on slippery surfaces."

It's definitely worth reiterating this reality given the disproportionate number of SUVs one finds in the ditch when conditions are truly slippery, i.e.: there seems to be a far too prevalent thought that AWD = immunity from snow and ice.  I would go so far as to say that it doesn't even provide improved stability during truly slippery conditions.  Many outings in AWD Audi's on packed snow parking lots as well as thousands of kms on winter ice roads with real 4 X 4's, convinces me of that.  When you're at the very extremes of traction an AWD vehicle behaves no better than a 2WD vehicle and arguably worse as they seem less predictable.   

When it comes to AWD vehicles I'm always reminded of some advice I got from a old hand once; "remember son a 4 X 4 just gets you into deeper trouble, quicker".  I wish more would heed that advice.     

Wrong.  AWD equals more grip.  AWD doesn't help while breaking but in other situation you have 4 wheels working instead of 2.  Next time there's an ice storm maybe you should jump on one foot on the sidewalks instead of your 2 feet and tell us how your butt hurts. 

Wrong analogy, a vehicle whether AWD or 2WD still has four feet on the ground or ice as the case may be.  As for AWD equating to more grip, AWD equates to more grip if there is grip.