Ford Fusion Story

In size, Ford Fusion fits neatly between the compact Focus and the full-size Five Hundred. In power, it offers a choice of spirited 4-cylinder or more muscular V-6 engines. In architecture, it adds increased stiffness, smoother ride and American character to the well-respected platform of Mazda's Mazda6. So respected is the Fusion that it recently received highest ranking in its segment honors for 2006 from the J.D. Power APEAL Study, which recognizes Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) of all-new and redesigned models.

Standard fare for all 2007 Fusion models includes front-seat side airbags, side-impact curtain airbags, and an auxiliary audio input jack. 2007 SE and SEL models receive a fold-down passenger seat as standard. SE models get 16-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, premium 6-disc CD player with MP3 capability, and six speakers—all standard equipment. A new all-wheel-drive setup is available along with other new options such as SIRIUS satellite radio and DVD-based navigation.

How It Looks

Fusion looks like no other production car in Ford’s 104-year history. Its bold face, dominated by three thick, chromed bars above the bumper, two more below it and rounded square headlamps, comes almost intact from the 2003 427 concept car. The profile is sleek and wedgy, with a high rear deck (for aero efficiency and trunk room) and triangular taillamps with bright borders and large backup lenses.

The interior is modern, upscale and well crafted, with precision-look, satin-aluminum-trimmed round gauges, soft-touch materials and easy-to-use ergonomics. It challenges the midsize class leaders in roominess, including front shoulder room, rear legroom and cargo capacity. A choice of three themes Medium Light Stone, Camel or Charcoal Black lets buyers personalize their driving environments. The cabin is remarkably quiet at speed, the front buckets are comfortable and supportive, the rear cabin is surprisingly roomy, and the available leather trim impresses with color-contrasting stitching.

How It Feels

The Fusion feels much like the fun-to-drive Mazda6 upon which it's based, only smoother. Its chassis is 13 percent stiffer, which allows its 4-wheel independent suspension to absorb life's lumps and bumps without compromising steering or handling response. The highly effective brakes are 4-wheel power discs with optional 4-sensor, 4-channel ABS and electronic brake force distribution (EBD).

How It Moves

The standard Duratec 2.3-liter four, a more powerful version of the one optionally available in Focus, generates a respectable 160 hp and 156 lb.-ft. of torque, yet scores 31 (I4 auto) mpg on the EPA highway test. The available Duratec 3.0-liter V-6 is good for 221 hp, 205 lb.-ft. and an impressive 28 mpg EPA highway. Both boast aluminum construction, dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, intake Variable Cam Timing (i-VCT) and electronic throttle control. The inline four mated with the optional 5-speed automatic transmission makes the Fusion Ford's third California Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV). It can also be teamed with a standard 5-speed manual, while the V-6 drives through Ford's advanced 6-speed automatic. Both move the 3,100-lb. Fusion smartly, the V-6 with strong authority.

Features and Options

Included on the long list of standard features are all-season tires on 16-inch wheels, 4-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo, power door locks with remote keyless entry, power windows, 60/40 spring-assisted fold-down rear seats, air conditioning, speed control, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, front-seat side airbags, side-impact curtain airbags, auxiliary audio input jack, enhanced side intrusion protection system and Ford's Personal Safety System. The top-of-the-line SEL gets 17-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, automatic temperature control, premium 6-CD/MP3 6-speaker stereo, wood or piano black interior trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and climate controls.

Options vary by model, but every Fusion is backed by Ford's 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Our test mid-level SE sported the available (black interior only), new I4 SE Appearance Package, which includes a black chrome grille, fog lamps with color-keyed bezel, 17-inch SEL wheels, and red stitching and accents on door trim, seats and steering wheel.

A lot of satisfied Ford truck and SUV owners looking for an economical and affordable family car now, for the first time in years, have an excellent choice at Ford.