A product renaissance at Ford Motor Company is under way. Ten years ago, a thorough re-engineering of a volume seller after just three years on the market would have been seen as conspicuous consumption in Dearborn. But in late 2008, with so much riding on the automaker’s future product portfolio, the blue oval crew has released a heavily revised Fusion for the most difficult and competitive place in the market.
What is it?
Introduced for 2006, the first generation Fusion was a late-arriving replacement for the ill-fated Contour “world car.” Fusion rides on Ford’s impressive CD3 platform, which was co-developed with Mazda, and it also sold as the nearly identical Mercury Milan and the luxury-equipped Lincoln MKZ.
Ford pushed forward a substantially upgraded, though not entirely redesigned Fusion for 2010, moving it way ahead in the automaker’s normal product development cycle. When it goes in sale in late March, most buyers won’t realize that this is really Fusion version 1.5, not 2.0. Different from the A-pillar forward, the C-pillar back, inside, underneath and under hood, the ‘10 Fusion shares only its basic structure and door shells with the ‘06-’09 model.
Fusion is available in five flavors – base S, volume SE, premium SEL, Sport and Hybrid. We’ve taken a look at three automatic transmission-equipped models, a four-cylinder SEL, a six-cylinder SEL and a Sport.
What’s it up against?
The Fusion competes in the most heated segment of the market. Few manufacturers don’t play in the midsize sedan arena. Ford bills the Fusion as a bit more athletic than class leader Toyota Camry, so we’d pit it up against the Honda Accord, the Mazda Mazda6 (which shares its CD3 platform and powertrains with the Fusion), the Subaru Legacy, the Nissan Altima, the Volkswagen Passat and CC and, proudly waving the red, white and blue, the Chevrolet Malibu.
Any breakthroughs?
Fusion is available with the widest range of powerplants in its class – all of which are mated to six-speed transmissions. In an era of simplifying, Ford has pulled out all the stops and offered a Fusion for every family.
We’ll cover the fuel-sipping Fusion Hybrid in a separate report; this review serves as a basic overview of the other three power plants, which range from a 175-horse 2.5-liter four-cylinder (mated to either a manual or automatic), to a 240-horse 3.0-liter V6 all the way up to the range-topping 263-horse 3.5-liter V6 (Sport only).
Ford offers all-wheel-drive with either V6 engine, a fairly unique feature for this class that’s bound to gain it some market share in wintry climates.
How does it look?
Classy. Unlike previous applications of Ford’s three-bar chrome grille, the Fusion doesn’t look as much like a rolling advertisement for Gillette. Its front fascia, with optional chrome details and standard projector-beam headlamps, looks like it’s something straight out of Ford’s European product portfolio. We’re especially fond of the thin chrome strips that surround the lower grille and fog lamp openings, as well as the subtle power dome-style hood.
Viewed from the side, the previous generation doors are somewhat at odds with the modern front, but if you didn’t park the ‘10 next to its predecessor, you’d likely never know it. Ford does a much nicer job disguising length than General Motors does with the Malibu.
Out back, the Fusion gets new tail lamps, a bumper with simulated diffuser and a trunk-integrated third brake light. Our only kvetch is the excessively busy trunk lid. With a series of odd bulges, a chrome lip, the third brake light and the obligatory badging (which doesn’t include an engine size badge, thus bound to confound salesmen everywhere), there’s just too much going on.
Unlike nearly all of its rivals, wheels are standard across the line, ranging from 16s on the base S up to 18s on the Sport.
And on the inside?
Ford aimed for a simple, upscale look, and the automaker mostly succeeds. The overall effect is understated but contemporary with lots of corporate parts bin materials. If you’ve been in a 2008 or newer Ford, you’ll recognize the center stack components, a myriad of small, nearly identical buttons that are difficult to discern at first glance. Isn’t this what automakers were trying to get away from just a few years ago? We don’t find the design objectionable, we just question what’s better: Sensory overload or the sparse look of few buttons. At least the new parts bin switches and knobs operate with precision, unlike the clunky old systems Ford relied on forever.
We found the seats and driving position to be just right. A standard tilt and telescoping steering wheel and an eight-way power driver’s seat in all but the base model meant we never had a tough time dialing in a comfortable position. The driver has a better view out than before thanks to a third brake lamp that migrated away from the rear parcel shelf. Fusion’s door sills are just the right height to avoid the bathtub feel we occasionally get in the Malibu and Camry.
Suddenly the bean counters are listening to the buyers – or at least the media – because “improved interior materials” is the season’s buzz phrase. Fusion gets it right – the combination of textures is pleasing throughout and generally upscale. With few exceptions, every surface is covered in an expensive-feeling, soft-touch material. A flimsy dash-top bin and a rickety coin holder mounted just left of the steering column stand out as the only cheap touches in an interior that is both more inviting and more interesting than the Camry and Accord.
Import shoppers won’t be disappointed by the high feature content, which seems almost early-2000s Korean in its comprehensiveness on top-end models. The SEL luxury model features dual-zone automatic climate control, Ford’s Microsoft-developed Sync system, heated leather seats and options like a 12-speaker Sony audio system, a blind spot warning system cribbed from Volvo and a rearview mirror-mounted compass.
Fusion’s interior isn’t class-leading; we’ll give that nod to the typically Germanic Volkswagens. Yet it’s a well thought out, convenient design that, over time, makes you feel comfortably at home – and it’s a marked improvement over the rather mediocre inner trappings of its predecessor.
But does it go?
In previous encounters with the first generation Fusion, we were impressed with its tossable nature, but we were turned off by its coarse, bouncy ride. Boy, have things changed.
No longer does the Fusion react poorly to dips and swells in lumpy pavement; the new model is poised and composed even when pushed to the limit. In around-town driving, the suspension delivers a luxury car ride that’s neither too harsh nor too plush. Ford achieved this with mere fine tuning; the basic design is a carry-over from the 2009. A heavily revised front sway bar and a thicker rear sway bar improve cornering grip without any trade-offs in ride quality.
In order to save a little fuel, Ford has made electric power steering standard across the line, except on the Sport model, where buyers will find a traditional hydraulic system. We’re still not totally sold on having ones and zeros tell the front wheels what to do, but Ford has done a nice job of disguising the inherent limitations of a hydraulics-free system. There’s a little hesitation just off center, road feel seems simulated and we occasionally caught the system playing catch-up with resistance, but in the sort of driving most Fusions will encounter, the electric system is acceptable.
It should come as no surprise that the Sport model proved to be the most fun to drive. It offers tire-spinning power accompanied by a growling soundtrack. Ford told us not to expect the EcoBoost version of this engine under the hood of any Fusion any time soon, but we aren’t sure we believe them. That said, this mythical high-performance Fusion will absolutely need all-wheel-drive; the Sport’s 263 ponies way overpower the front wheels.
Ford set up a nice autocross course to show off the Fusion’s handling; but what it best illustrated was that the Sport is positively overpowered for a front-wheel-drive vehicle. We were able to get our best autocross times out of the entry-level four-cylinder.
That four-banger is not only more powerful and more refined than its 0.2-liter-smaller predecessor, it’s more efficient. Ford predicts a rather wild 6 mpg gain on the highway, putting it at a class-leading 34 mpg or more, pending EPA testing. That gain comes as a result of engine and aero tuning, as well as an in-house-developed six-speed automatic transmission. The six-speed fired off smooth shifts but hunted for gears under aggressive driving. Again, most Fusions won’t see an autocross course, so we think it’s a great on-road setup.
The midlevel powertrain is 240-horse 3.0-liter V6, a modified version of the outgoing motor. It doesnt endow the Fusion with the robust performance you’d expect out of 240 horsepower – leave that for the Sport – but it possesses satisfactory mid-range grunt and emits a refined engine note.
Why you would buy it:
A stylish, pleasant-driving, comfortable four-door is on your wish list. Or, you’re interested in driving the most fuel efficient vehicle in the most competitive segment of the market.
Why you wouldn’t:
You have an outdated phobia of Detroit-badged cars.
Leftlane’s bottom line
Fusion is finally a stand-out in this incredibly crowded class. If any volume vehicle is going to help pull Ford out of the doldrums and into the mainstream again, it’s this car. The challenge, of course, will be winning over Camry and Accord buyers. Fusion offers a pleasing blend of sport and comfort with a number of upscale touches and a unique style. It’s at least as refined and as well screwed together as the Toyota and it’s nearly as athletic as the Honda. Ford should be proud of this one – it’s not quite a grand slam smacked out of the ballpark (and through the windshield of a Camry in the parking lot), but it’s definitely a solid home run.
2009 Ford Fusion base prices:
S, $19,270; SE, $20,545; SEL, $23,975; Sport, $25,828.
Words and photos by Andrew Ganz.
12/13, 12:09 AM
posted by:
tyler_is_aero_tt
I would take this over the Camry, Accord, and most definitely the Malibu.
12/13, 12:40 AM
posted by:
Badass Z51
Oh God! Will you point that thing away from me…………damn! The imports still don’t have a thing to worry about. The front looks like Ford started to give birth to a Saab and then decided to have a late term abortion… realizing, “hey, we don’t build Saabs”.
12/13, 1:05 AM
posted by:
howsmydriving
“Kvetch”? Just because Ford owns Volvo is no excuse for LLN to use Swedish words.
12/13, 1:07 AM
posted by:
C6Racer
If I couldn’t have a Malibu, I’d still take this over any Japanese import. Those Accords and Camrys are the most boring looking cars in the world.
12/13, 1:33 AM
posted by:
Captain Crunch
.Hey look. Another FoMoCo product I won’t buy.
Badass is right, that front looks like a cheap Saab knockoff and the rest of the car just looks cheap.
12/13, 2:23 AM
posted by:
JSurfer1451
I would buy this over a Camry or Malibu, but I would still rather have an Accord than this. Especially an Accord coupe.
12/13, 4:38 AM
posted by:
cnyfusionguy
Does anyone know if the new Fusion has a tilt-telescoping wheel like the old one. It seems that Ford is getting away from that.
12/13, 6:58 AM
posted by:
DrFill
Ford’s best vehicle
Why two V6’s
Haven’t beaten torque-steer yet, huh?
They Hybrid is supposed to be the real thing
Realistic sales goal: Accord sales divided by 2
DrFill
12/13, 7:17 AM
posted by:
DrFill
Looks like Fusion Hyubrid is on it’s way to Hybrid sedan class leadership
(Is this BizarroWorld?)
The interior design is pretty rank, but it looks like they hit everything else
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0812_2010_ford_fusion_hybrid_first_drive/index.html
If only they put as much thought into their other vehicles
DrFill
12/13, 7:43 AM
posted by:
Lionwithoutpride
If Ford makes it a few more years then this model ought to start picking up some strong sales numbers for them. The current financial problems in Detroit have probably added 5 more years of “I just don’t trust the domestics” to the mindsets of Americans. And this occurs just when the first glimmers of hope were appearing in terms of public perception. Dangit.
There is one thing that bothers me . . . when is Ford going to realize that the steering wheel controls should be closer to the old 10 and 2? Even for those who drive at 9 and 3 it is easier if the buttons are up higher and are differing shapes, so you do not have to look down as much.
12/13, 8:01 AM
posted by:
dren
The big grill is growing on me. The side panels do seem a bit out of place. The front and rear look nice. I don’t see why Ford doesn’t bring over the Mondeo instead. The Fusion is a nice looking car, but the Mondeo is very sexy. I’d buy an Accord over the Fusion, mainly the coupe V6, but this would get a purchase over the GM and especially Chrystler alternatives.
12/13, 8:20 AM
posted by:
jayjc08
Personally, I think even if some people see it as a “saab copy”… I think it would be a pretty damn good looking Saab. Atleast the front.
I don’t remember who it was, but I was arguing about power output of the hybrid vs. the Camry. Well, not to be glutinous for the sake of arguing, but MotorTrend finally gets the numbers right, and I got them right.
” the Fusion Hybrid delivers more total system power (191 hp versus the Camry Hybrid’s 187 hp)”
12/13, 8:34 AM
posted by:
jayjc08
But damn. The more I look at this thing, the more I love it. I’m not too fond of the interior, just a bit boring to me, but that’s about the only issue I have with it.
For me, the choice would be between the Accord, Fusion or Malibu. I’m the kind of person who’s concerned about the cars looks, so the Accord is out because of it’s BMW-ish looks, which actually come out pretty cheap. I do like the Accords interior though.
The Malibu looks nice, drives nice and is nice. I don’t see anything extremely special though, just another mid-size sedan with a bit more character that’s trying to look classy (pulls it off pretty well). And the rear seats are just a little bit short on legroom.
12/13, 10:36 AM
posted by:
Andrew
cnyfusionguy, yes, the ‘10 has a tilt/telescoping wheel.
howsmydriving, “kvetch” is Yiddish, ya schmuck! (ok, really, I don’t think you’re a schmuck… my Yiddish vocabulary was running low).
12/13, 11:14 AM
posted by:
tripleonefive
Wow it has 4 more hp in the hybrid with Toyota’s stolen used technology lol. Trying to find the smallest thing to put it over lol
This Fusion is def better than the last one BUT its still a Ford and not a proven reliable product like the Camry or Accord.
I would take this over the Malibu (which I rented last month) and the Sebring but wait the Hyundai Sonata is still around and the Mazda 6. Ford still has to wait in the back of the line
Its Accord, Camry, Sonata ,Mazda 6, Altima ,Fusion, Malibu, Sebring
Nice but still no competition for the J2. Ford needs to knock it out the box with something spectacular to make someone who is driving a superior j2 vehicle to want toswitch to an unproven vehicle from a company like Ford
12/13, 11:15 AM
posted by:
IGC
Another ugly american car.
And some americans still wonder why better equiped, more reliable and better designed japanese and european cars cope their market.
12/13, 11:48 AM
posted by:
wbent
IGC….You are completely off your rocker on this one. Numbers don’t lie. Fusion has a higher “Things gone wrong score” than nearly all in its class even the mighty Camry myth. Hubcaps got to love em.
12/13, 12:55 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
This thing looks sweet overall. Only the back end is maybe a little bland but it may be better in person. I think in black with smoked-chrome accents (including the grill) this would be awesome. All the write-ups are raving about the excellent driving dynamics versus the segment competition.
In this class, the new Mazda 6 is a major letdown. The thing just does not evoke excitement – maybe a bit more than the Camry but actually less than the dullard Accord. That’s pretty bad. Given that I’d rank the the class as follows:
….. Fusion (new)
….. Legacy
….. Malibu LTZ (this seems like a large step over the other Malibus)
….. Accord
….. Sonata
….. Mazda6
….. Malibu (other models)
….. Camry
The top 3 models I ranked because they are the only models that bring anything interesting to the segment from a driving or styling standpoint. Below that it becomes a boring vanilla housewife pallete of vehicle offerings. Accords and Camry’s may sell well, but only an idiot would get a boner over them because they are as boring as can be (that includes the Camry SE which is not all that sporty).
12/13, 1:01 PM
posted by:
Stinky007
I wouldn’t buy this. It’s one generation behind the Euro Mondeo…
12/13, 1:03 PM
posted by:
A4
well if i were to go buy a car in this class right now i have no idea what it would be but i do know that it would be a malibu ltz, passat, or this. and certainly not a cramry.
12/13, 1:24 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
Forgot about the Passat. I’d generally tie that with the Accord in my rank, but really once you get it decently optioned it outprices the rest by a few K so it drops off the radar.
One other car that maybe should be there is the TSX. Once you get past that ugly-a$$ grill it is not too bad, and if not for th grill I’d put it in the number 2 position overall, but because it is ugly as sin and a bit overpriced (about $3k) I’m dropping it in rank to the Sonata level.
12/13, 1:25 PM
posted by:
illwill
I still like the Malibu a bit more, but damn, ford nailed it.
12/13, 1:53 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
Forgot about the Altima too. Damn this segment is crowded.
Anyway I’d slot the Altima below the Accord, tied with the Sonata. The Altima is a resonably fun ride though still a bit too soft, but unless it has changed for 2009 the cheap interior plastics were among the worst I have ever seen of late, the design is nearly forgetable, and the option packaging is terrible, forcing me to buy a load of crap I don’t want (tech package) to get one thing I do (leather). That packaging prices it sky-high for what I want thus pushing it into parity with the Sonata, which is a boring car but decent for the money.
12/13, 2:00 PM
posted by:
Blakkarr
It’s not a government car that’s for sure. Looks a lot better than the last.
FORD actually makes better and more reliable cars than TOYOTA or HONDA. Proven by independent studies by consumer groups like J.D.Power and Consumer Reports. FORD has never been that far off the mark in that regard. They just never get the credit they are due.
The problem is that putzes like I’ve read here just blindly believe what any other person tells them as long as it sounds like what they believe. The truth is the TOYOTA has been dropping the ball, their quality is slipping, and HONDA is falling behind as well in this segment. The proof is the new Malibu and the Fusion.
12/13, 2:12 PM
posted by:
Blakkarr
DETROIT should go back to making FR coupe and sedan like in and through the 1980s but of course far better. Stop competing in an over-populated market segment and provide worthy alternatives. DETROIT used to be the king of inexpensive FR cars with performance potential to spare.
Go back to that, rebuild on that. By not competing in that way, you avoid comparisons and can stand firmly on your own two feet. German cars won’t fit until you start comparing CADILLACs and LINCOLNs, but then they were always a different breed of luxury and DETROIT can stand on that. But for most people a good FR car with good F/econ is more than enough.
FORD accelerate the Falcon and snap up some of those GM plants to build it here. Focus (no pun intended) on V6 and smaller power. The 2.5L i5 always sounds boss.
Be American car companies making American cars again and stop trying to make American versions of Japanese cars.
12/13, 2:30 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Why can’t they offer a 6 spd manual in the Sport? If it’s overpowering the front wheels then put the control back in the driver’s left foot where it belongs.
12/13, 3:55 PM
posted by:
tripleonefive
FORD actually makes better and more reliable cars than TOYOTA or HONDA. Proven by independent studies by consumer groups like J.D.Power and Consumer Reports.
JD and CR do not prove the resale and reliability of new Fords that have only been out for 3 years We have already dismissed those publications Even the domestic lovers dont consider those reliable
Please use a another source to prove your statemn otherwise please stop lying
12/13, 3:59 PM
posted by:
tripleonefive
A 90 day study and a 3 year study can tell NOTHING about a car. We will see in 10 years if the cars are reliable. Ford needs to stop lying and saying their quality is unsurpassed by J2 bc its a blatant LIE and the little credibility they do have will be lost. Keep making cars and hope that the the american public is stupid enough to take a chance on their inferior vehicles.
12/13, 4:49 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
1115 is the type of guy who picks up his boyfriend in his 1992 Accord, pops in a Britney Spears CD, and takes him to McDonalds to impress him. When his gay lover says “WTF is this?” 1115 replies “but Claude, I’m giving you the best – because Honda sells, Britney sells, and McDonalds sells. Now hurry up and finish those McNuggets and then then bend me over the hood of my Accord out back behind the dumpster. And look! I have vanilla shake dripping off my lips!”
12/13, 5:29 PM
posted by:
DrFill
555
So if a car isn’t reliable in 3 years, it will be in 10 years?
Are you trying to set a record?
For making less sense than NeedForOil
Most people only keep their cars 4 years!
If you have a better source for reliability than CR and JD, let’s have it!
DrFill
12/13, 5:47 PM
posted by:
Lionwithoutpride
Further proof that DrFill can be objective. One point for the J2 fans.
Further Proof that 1115 (aww, bring back the old s/n tripleonefive!) has no clue what empirical research is. Subtract one point from J2 fans.
DrFill, ya’ll really need to find a way to vote 1115 off the island.
12/13, 6:24 PM
posted by:
tripleonefive
Once again we have the circle jerk of idiots who use a MR company to prove their cars reliability rather than KBB and NADA which are used in US courts of law
It will be proven reliable in 10 years or more It took the J2 that long to prove their worth and it will take that long for D3 to get on track
Vote off the island Is that your final answer …geez you are corny
Your sister is still a whore
12/13, 7:29 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
Say what you want, but the Fusion definitely IS a great car, no matter how you twist it.
12/13, 7:29 PM
posted by:
elviososa
hmmmmm….the back looks strange…actually the back looks like a after thought…and ugly!
12/13, 7:33 PM
posted by:
DrFill
They measure car monetary value, as in trade in and insurance claims
Not empirical quality and reliability
When you say circle jerk
You mean when we all surround you and laugh, right?
DrFill
12/13, 8:22 PM
posted by:
Lionwithoutpride
As another poster pointed out the other day . . . tripleonefive, why do you keep talking about things like wanting to be bukkaked by the rest of us? Why do you keep talking about giving some guy head while you’re driving? It isn’t impressive and it is very creepy. I don’t remember any posters saying they were clinical psychologists or psychiatrists; so, I’m sorry buddy, you’ve come to the wrong place for help.
(God I feel sorry for his parents or the cleaning lady who has to clean the fecal matter off the walls of his cage when he’s done posting)
12/13, 8:43 PM
posted by:
tripleonefive
LOL nice try but you guys are still a circle jerk Ask your sister about that she knows. KBB and Nada are the only factual source of evaluating a cars worth and its used in US courts of law
If the D3 made better cars they would be worth more
No Dr Fill i mean you and the rest of the idiots are surrounding the D3 with hope
There is NO proof that the Fusion is a great car. It looks better but does it last ? 10 years we will know
Keep trying with the comebacks
12/13, 10:47 PM
posted by:
DB9
^trinity
Just wondering, are you also the GM sycophant “need more oil…”? Like I’m not complaining or anything…Hey, in some weird way it’s actually kind of funny:-)) Now it’s not ready for primetime or the road so don’t quit school just yet…
Come to think of it…if this site was a forum…you could start threads that could become “epic”…nah…lacks that certain je ne sais quoi…to be blunt – no style.
Now seriously, yeah I know, exam time again and the pressure is getting to you; your trolling needs some work though;-) Like…circle jerk, dead/whore sisters…come on… If your going to flunk your classes at least do it in style.
DB9
PS. The KBB…well…here’s how they put it, “…in addition, the values we provide are based on several factors including, but not limited to, the current marketplace which can be erratic and inconsistent.” Same as in real-estate market dictates the price not the product.
Peace bra;-)
))
12/14, 3:22 AM
posted by:
somedude
no matter what you say this thread has generated almost 40 posts … there is something about ford or fusion that draws you all here, even your stupid comments between each other
12/14, 3:56 AM
posted by:
A4
okay well forget the passat anyway, id just buy another Jetta GLI… i have yet to find another sedan that made me smile like that one.
12/14, 8:26 AM
posted by:
VictorRaikkonen
They still missed the bar with this one… seriously, why will they not just import the falcon.
12/14, 9:40 AM
posted by:
DrFill
1115
Let’s keep your family’s Christmas Dinner activities on the down low
Sounds like a circus, and your the performing monkey in the middle
I’ll check YouTube next week for highlights
DrFill
12/14, 11:28 AM
posted by:
Mutant@DCX
I need to shave my face this morning, I don’t know where that came from…
12/14, 12:27 PM
posted by:
tripleonefive
DB9 or Mr Saturday Night Keepo working on trying to show that the D3 have competitive cars and get off the internet and go out for dinner or something
12/14, 11:57 PM
posted by:
vortec4200
Last time I checked, a 3 year reliability report tells me a whole lot about my truck…and that 1115’s wife has consistently stared at the headliner (which hasn’t sag yet, can’t say the same for her tits) for 3 years while I was screwing her in the cargo area.
The NADA KBB tells me what my truck is worth for resale after she wipes her face with the seat fabric after I come all over her…for 3 years.
12/15, 1:18 AM
posted by:
olds307
How about 20 year? I wish I had access to registration statistics to prove what I already know: GM and Ford probably tied in most common 20 y/o vehicles currently registered, then Mercedes, then Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, BMW, ……. and the rest, Nissan, Subaru, VW, there are very very few left.
12/15, 9:14 AM
posted by:
Ramatai
I’d rather have the Mondeo “http://www.ford.co.uk/Cars/Mondeo” looks much better and from what I can tell is the same car. Still nice to see Ford gettin it right again.
12/15, 12:51 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Fusion just bores me; might as well be a chrysler. This one looks a little smoother, though.
The Contour failed because it was seen as a replacement for the Tempo. would’ve done much better had it been sold alongside the Tempo for a minute.
” Ford bills the Fusion as a bit more athletic than class leader Toyota Camry.” HOW THE HELL IS THE CAMRY/ES THE CLASS LEADER? LLN, IF YOU’RE GOING TO MAKE THAT STATEMENT, MAKE SURE YOU’RE MENTIONING SALES. Class sales leader, yes. Class leader, no.
“Ford has pulled out all the stops and offered a Fusion for every family.” Where’s the 2-door?
“Import shoppers won’t be disappointed by the high feature content.” That could be important.
“Why you wouldn’t:
You have an outdated phobia of Detroit-badged cars.”
That’s a darn good point, LLN.
” It’s at least as refined and as well screwed together as the Toyota.” That’s not really aiming for the skies.
aero_tt, JSurfer1451, dren, jayjc08, Ramatai: The only commuter coffin I’d buy is the Mazda6. The Malibu is the best there is, but it might as well be a maytag washing machine.
C6Racer: “Those Accords and Camrys are the most boring-looking cars in the world.” Those looks serve their purpose. happy medium.
Lionwithoutpride: “The current financial problems in Detroit have probably added 5 more years of ‘I just don’t trust the domestics’ to the mindsets of Americans.” you’re probably right.
tripleonefive: Not sure Ford stole toyota’s technology so much as picked it up. Toyota’s hybrid system is the smartest I’ve seen.
“This Fusion is def better than the last one BUT its still a Ford and not a proven reliable product like the Camry or Accord.”
Camry/es doesn’t belong in a sentence with accord/tl, at least as far as quality is concerned.
It’s Malibu, Accord/TL, Mazda6/Fusion, Sonata, Passat, Legacy, Jetta, Altima, Sebring and camry/es.
IGC: “And some americans still wonder why better equiped, more reliable and better designed japanese and european cars cope their market.” WHAT?
mayer_ray_nagin: “Damn this segment is crowded.” Bread and butter.
Blakkarr: “FORD actually makes better and more reliable cars than TOYOTA or HONDA.” And more boring, seems to be the general consensus. The only ford that I’d have to have would be the exploder.
“The problem is that putzes like I’ve read here just blindly believe what any other person tells them as long as it sounds like what they believe.” welcome to America!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TS4v_kj9rw4
“stop trying to make American versions of Japanese cars.” good advice. Vego/Horizon ….
tripleonefive: “JD and CR do not prove the resale and reliability of new Fords …” The freeway proves reliability. The guy who buys your old car proves resale. For that particular car, anyway.
“We will see in 10 years if the cars are reliable.” We’ll see how reliable the cars have been over 10 years.
“Ford needs to stop lying and saying their quality is unsurpassed by J2 bc its a blatant LIE and the little credibility they do have will be lost. Keep making cars and hope that the the american public is stupid enough to take a chance on their inferior vehicles.”
This statement makes no sense.
mayer_ray_nagin: “1115 is the type of guy who picks up his boyfriend in his 1992 Accord, pops in a Britney Spears CD, and takes him to McDonalds to impress him. When his gay lover says “WTF is this?” 1115 replies “but Claude, I’m giving you the best – because Honda sells, Britney sells, and McDonalds sells. ”
Very important point — just because sopething is popular doesn’t make it great, and just because something is great doesn’t mean anybody will buy it.
tripleonefive: “Once again we have the circle jerk of idiots who use a MR company to prove their cars reliability rather than KBB and NADA which are used in US courts of law.” None of those sources proves reliability.
1c3d0g: The Fusion is not a great car, but it’s good enough.
tripleonefive: “If the D3 made better cars they would be worth more.” Same could be said, theoretically about EVERY manufacturer, from toyota to Rolls-Royce.
“There is NO proof that the Fusion is a great car.” There never will be, but maybe some people will analyze FACTS and come to the CONCLUSION that the the Fusion is a great car.
VictorRaikkonen: “why will they not just import the falcon?” I’ve been clamoring for a US RHD Falcon for years.
olds307: “How about 20 year? I wish I had access to registration statistics to prove what I already know: GM and Ford probably tied in most common 20 y/o vehicles currently registered …”
But you have to take it as percentage sold. You’d find that the No. 1 vehicle is the Pontiac Grand Am.
Subarus seem to last forever.
12/18, 4:16 AM
posted by:
bghewy
You guys are not the only people wondering why the US does not import the Falcon. Us aussie fans dont know why either. We are so lucky to have the Falcon and to a lesser extent the Commodore ( I am so blue oval ). You guys would love the all new Falcon, so much car for so little money.