Topic: First Drive: 2013 Ford Fusion

[Autos_Editor]

The new Ford Fusion is a stunning design that delivers driving dynamics to match its athletic styling.

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[Oldsguy]

Still waiting to see one in person, but it looks good in th epics. It does seem a bit like an oversized Focus but the design looks fine. On the inside I see it carries on with Ford's "any color as long as it's black" theme and it is sadly afflicted with MFT. The dash seems like a mess in terms of layout but perhaps that is just something that needs some familiarization. Glad to see that unlike the Focus the rear compartment seems to be spacious. All in all a good effort but I do not see evidence that supports the "Omigod" reaction that it got originally at the NAIAS.

[tpl]

It looks very good and has a reasonable choice of powertrains although it is a pity that the base engine could not be replaced by one of Ford's excellent euro  diesels...but I am sure they will do so in the future if they need a quick CAFE boost. ( or when EU6 emissions become the same as EPA specifications in a year or so)  Without checking I'd bet that most of the Fusions in the UK are diesel powered... not that it matters here.

I see on Ford.ca   no mention of the high powered 2.0 ECOboost as an option nor can I see if HID lights are available...I guess a trip to the dealer is required.    I did see that I could buy a Focus ST for about the same price as a Fusion.

[dougjp]

Beautiful looking car indeed, but its a 'fail' for me as the top of the line engine performance is inadequate to say the least. 0-60 in 8.3 seconds from the top of the line version with the most powerful engine option? That's abysmal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eMJPO2ldc9U

Maybe it doesn't matter because there are no demanding enthusiasts left in the world who buy family sedans?

[Snowman]

Great looking car and it desperately needs a 260 HP driveline in both FWD and AWD models.

[D70]

Extensive coverage, well done. The 1.6 Ecoboost engine version will be interesting to experience. The 1.0 version is getting rave reviews in Europe in Fords smaller than Fusion range of vehicles. Less expensive to produce than diesels these Ecoboost engines are to become mainstream

[Rupert]

   Almost got rid of rpm info on the upscale automatic dash...but could'nt quite do it. Anyway cudos for bigger speedo. I suppose there is an engine temp readout somewhere. I like it and think that the HP range is ok considering that there would be a broader torque curve with the ecoboost I suspect; which would probably make this car more than adequate for everyday use. No need for more hp in this age of moves to a smaller oil footprint (and 60 max mph) or AWD IMO; keep it good and simple. I like the revised shape but also liked the previous model, which was a success and think that this will be also.
   The rad grill looks a little like the Aston Martin.

[Solstice2006]

Beautiful looking car indeed, but its a 'fail' for me as the top of the line engine performance is inadequate to say the least. 0-60 in 8.3 seconds from the top of the line version with the most powerful engine option? That's abysmal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eMJPO2ldc9U

I don't think I would rely too heavily on the way the guy in the youtube video gets his results.  From websites, that are unbiased, so not Ford.com, the Fusion reaches 0-60mph in about 6.8 secs.  Here are just two examples,

http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/2013/1596785/ford_fusion_2_0l_ecoboost_awd.html

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20120921/CARREVIEWS/120929976

Have to give Ford kudos for the huge differance in design and powertrain options of this Fusion compared to the previous generation.  Unlike the new Malibu, Accord, Camry, or Altima, which are more like face lifts.  I know some manufactures don't want to mess with success, but it's a competitive world out there, and you have to take chances, bring something different to the table.  Thats why Hyundai and Kia are doing so well, the styling is just so different.

To cut costs though, I think Ford should drop the 2.5L engine in the Fusion line up, and next year offer the 3.5L ecoboost as an engine in an ST trim.  Also this Fusion would like great in a 2-door coupe, like the Mondeo in Europe.

And finally, is Jonathan Yarkony the only working this week? So far this week we have reviews for sports cars, a minivan, a mid size SUV, and now a mid size sedan.  Not that I am complaining, just usually we see at least 3 to 4 writers a week.

[Whofan]

Too, since I saw the first pictures, I thought... Aston Martin look?

I really like the look, but not in the market for a car, too bad, really love it.

[Northernridge]

Good for Ford. I hope it's a hit – I like to see companies rewarded for good design. Also think the pricing is pretty good, I've noticed that compact pricing has crept well within the pricing of mid-sized cars which causes me to think that many mid-size cars, like the Fusion, are relatively good value.

[jaari]

Nice car Ford, if I could get the Sonatas 2.4 and 2.0 engines in it it would be perfect.

[Fobroader]

What a fantastic looking car, good on ya Ford. The Ecoboost/manual combo really makes it unique in its segment, I think this will be a winner for Ford!!

[ArticSteve]

And finally, is Jonathan Yarkony the only working this week? So far this week we have reviews for sports cars, a minivan, a mid size SUV, and now a mid size sedan.  Not that I am complaining, just usually we see at least 3 to 4 writers a week.

Perhaps they're taking a break from being criticized and being sniped at over issues that are a matter of opinion, not fact. 

[Snowman]

And finally, is Jonathan Yarkony the only working this week? So far this week we have reviews for sports cars, a minivan, a mid size SUV, and now a mid size sedan.  Not that I am complaining, just usually we see at least 3 to 4 writers a week.

Perhaps they're taking a break from being criticized and being sniped at over issues that are a matter of opinion, not fact. 

I think you are wrong

[Mike]

Jonathan had a backlog of reviews to put out.  He used all mine up before the honeymoon.  Did you notice it was the 'Mike' show in August?  lol.

Chris was off for a two weeks before that. 

Rest assured though, I have many stories coming soon.

[ArticSteve]

That has just got to be the fastest reply in board history.   


I think you are wrong


And I appreciate that.   

[Mike]

And finally, is Jonathan Yarkony the only working this week? So far this week we have reviews for sports cars, a minivan, a mid size SUV, and now a mid size sedan.  Not that I am complaining, just usually we see at least 3 to 4 writers a week.

Perhaps they're taking a break from being criticized and being sniped at over issues that are a matter of opinion, not fact. 

Nah, you guys Snipe Jonathan the most, and he is still writing away vigorously.

[Snowman]

And finally, is Jonathan Yarkony the only working this week? So far this week we have reviews for sports cars, a minivan, a mid size SUV, and now a mid size sedan.  Not that I am complaining, just usually we see at least 3 to 4 writers a week.

Perhaps they're taking a break from being criticized and being sniped at over issues that are a matter of opinion, not fact. 

Nah, you guys Snipe Jonathan the most, and he is still writing away vigorously.

Perhaps Autos management should learn from this and schedule the releasing of reviews as not to get us all cranky  Just as we recover from one you hit us with another. There should be a bigger gap and for the sake of our sanity don't put Jon and Chris back to back 

[dirtyjeffer]

Nice car Ford, if I could get the Sonatas 2.4 and 2.0 engines in it it would be perfect.

why?  the 1.6 and 2.0L EcoBoost engines are quite comparable.

i too like the looks of this car...but mid $40's is getting a little silly...that is Taurus SHO territory...of course, we all know the usual game here...there is already $3118 in discounts on the hood right now, and i don't even think the car is out yet.

[rrocket]

Nice car Ford, if I could get the Sonatas 2.4 and 2.0 engines in it it would be perfect.

why?  the 1.6 and 2.0L EcoBoost engines are quite comparable.

i too like the looks of this car...but mid $40's is getting a little silly...that is Taurus SHO territory...of course, we all know the usual game here...there is already $3118 in discounts on the hood right now, and i don't even think the car is out yet.

You can get into an Ecoboost AWD Fusion for mid $20's sticker.  Seems like a fair price.