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By Ford Company
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Strengths: |
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Crisp handling; good ride quality; bold styling; affordable price; top-technology Sync
interface |
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Changes: |
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For 2009 the Fusion sedan is carried over without major changes, though there are a
number of minor changes to standard equipment and options. Traction control is now
a standard feature on V-6 models, and stability control is now optional. Satellite
radio is now standard on SE and SEL models, and ambient lighting is standard on the
SEL. A new eight-speaker Audiophile sound system with a six-disc changer, audio
input jack, MP3 and satellite-radio compatibility is now optional on the SE and SEL
models. A Sport Appearance Package is new for 2009.
Also new this year is the Blue Suede Package, optional on any front-wheel-drive SE
or SEL model, which adds Charcoal Black interior trim, Alcantara blue suede inserts,
blue stitching, special appliques, painted aluminum wheels and ambient lighting. |
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Value: |
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Ford's affordable mid-size sedan is more fun to drive and handles better than most in
its class while maintaining a good ride and decent back seat space. Some will also
appreciate how its styling takes a different direction out of a field where many of the
models look too similar on the outside. It's also priced a bit lower and has a
generous amount of standard equipment in any of its trims. Fuel economy is good
with the four-cylinder engine. What's more, Ford's voice-activated Sync calling and
audio device is currently one of the most versatile and user-friendly interfaces on the
market. |
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Overview: |
The Fusion comes with two different engines to suit different priorities. For
economically minded buyers, the base 160-horsepower four-cylinder engine provides
adequate performance with the five-speed automatic transmission but feels peppier
with the no-extra-cost five-speed manual. This combination rates at an economical
20 mpg city, 29 highway. Then there's also the 221-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6, which
provides more impressive performance and strong passing power; this engine is only
offered with a responsive six-speed automatic.
Three different models of the Fusion are offered: the base SE, the mid-range SE, and
loaded SEL. The S is only offered with the four-cylinder, while the SE and SEL can be
had with either engine. A road-oriented all-wheel-drive system is available on the SE
and SEL, giving the Fusion more traction to take on slippery winter roads.
With its prominent, brightly chromed grille, wide stance, and rather imposing,
upright appearance, the Fusion stands out in design from the rest of the mid-size
sedan crowd.
It also drives with a little more verve on the road, even if it isn't quite
as smooth and quiet inside as some of its rivals. The four-wheel independent
suspension and precise rack-and-pinion steering make it especially enjoyable to drive
on twisty roads.
The Fusion seats five, and the split-folding back seat allows the already-spacious
trunk to be expanded for larger items, and on SE and SEL models the front
passenger seat also folds down.
In base S form, the Fusion costs less than many cars a size smaller but is actually
equipped quite well with air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry and a sound
system with MP3 compatibility and input jack.
SE models add alloy wheels, fog
lamps, a power driver's seat, a trip computer, and an upgraded audio system with
six speakers, a CD changer, satellite radio, and steering-wheel audio controls. The
SEL at the top of the range features 17-inch alloy wheels, a quad-tipped exhaust,
heated mirrors, door-pad keyless entry, automatic climate control, an overhead
console, ambient lighting and Sync, a voice-activated calling and audio interface that
allows innovative features such as the automatic reading of text messages.
Anti-lock brakes, front side airbags, and side-curtain airbags are standard across the
Fusion model line, but electronic stability control is now optional through the entire
model line.
A DVD-based touch-screen navigation system is available at the top of the line, as is
a premium Audiophile sound system, but there are also several packages that spice
up the Fusion's appearance. |
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Average User Rating |
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Overall |
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5
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Styling |
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3
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Comfort |
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7
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Performance |
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7
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Value |
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7
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