2006
I4 SEL Ford Fusion
Ford Moves On
Susan Frissell
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SPECS |
All-new from Ford, Fusion is ready to face the competition, namely strong contenders Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Equipped with a DOHC V6 optional engine, and the Mazda6 platform, the new Fusion comes at a decent price and with acceptable fuel economy.
Available in three trim levels (S, SE, SEL), Fusion is a smaller sedan with two available engines: 2.3-liter, four-cylinder on the base Fusion, and a 3.0-liter DOHC V6, 210 horsepower.
We enjoyed driving the Fusion and look forward to trying the performance version. The interior isn't luxurious by any stretch, but it's comfortable and accommodating for most drivers. We found the seats to be lacking in support. The lumbar helped but when considering long drives, Fusion's seats would make for a tired back.
Controls are easily operated and within reach and visibility is quite good. Although Fusion's interior isn't stylish, it's functional and resembles other Ford interiors.
Driving the Fusion one gets the sensation of a larger car. The same size as Accord and Camry, Fusion is easily handled and maneuvered. The ride is stable and if you closed your eyes, you might just think you were driving a European import.
Competition in this category is tough and not only includes the two industry leaders Camry and Accord, but also encompasses such other mid-size cars as Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra and Kia Optima. Fusion is competitively priced; the 4-cylinder with manual transmission starting at $17,795.
Along with its bigger brother the Five-Hundred, Fusion is here to eventually replace the ever-popular Taurus. According to Ford, Fusion's design was inspired by its 427 concept car. From the rear, Fusion resembles any one of its European competitors, but from the front, it smacks of Ford. You can't miss the identifiable three-bar chrome grille familiar to Fords. And of course, the blue oval which is placed in the middle of the grille. A less "edgy" front end would suit us better.
Our test car, the top-of-the-line SEL trim level, came with several options including the safety and security package (side air curtain, driver/passenger air bag, anti-theft perimeter alarm, $595), the SEL Premium Package (heated power mirror with puddle lamps, electrochrome mirror, compass, auto lamp on/off delay headlamps, $395), heated front seats ($295), anti-lock brakes ($595), leather seating ($895) and audiophile sound system ($420).
As with most domestics, amenities are often optional so by the time you've added on those goodies you've become accustomed to, the price hikes upward. At least the safety equipment could be standard as most buyers consider this a top priority.
Which is not to say Fusion's standard equipment doesn't satisfy. The Fusion comes with AM/FM/in-dash MP3 and 6-CD changer, analog clock, electric auto temperature control, power windows/locks, leather wrapped steering wheel, 6-way power drivers seat with lumbar, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, 60/40 rear seat, 6 cupholders, power steering, tilt/telescoping wheel, among others.
Fusion's base engine, the 2.3-liter is comparable with Camry's base engine, a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (166 hp.) and Accord's 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (160 hp.). With higher fuel economy ratings, Accord and Camry surpass Fusion's 23/31 mpg.
If you prefer a Mercury, look to the Milan (Fusion's stablemate) for their 2006 model whose base price is a tad higher at $18,995.