2009 Ford Fusion Road Test
Ford was super proud to announce its 2010 Ford Fusion with 34 mpg highway and 23 mpg city is the most fuel efficient mid-sized sedan for both hybrid and conventional gas models. Wow! Kudos Ford!
But if you don’t want to wait for a 2010 Ford Fusion model, then think about the 2009 Ford Fusion. I recently road tested a glittery sterling gray model and found the 2009 Ford Fusion is an overall good buy for an American-made sedan.
Starting at an MSRP of just $19,000, the 2009 Ford Fusion offers rather sporty handling, a rather zippy engine, a sexy new exterior and, unfortunately, a not-so-good-looking interior. Still, the 2009 Ford Fusion has super techie options with its Microsoft-powered SYNC system with cell phone and MP3 interfaces as well as Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
2009 Ford Fusion Performance
I found the 2009 Ford Fusion’s 3.0-liter V6 engine on my road test model has above average driving dynamics in handling, acceleration, suspension and braking. I’m way into steering dynamics, so I did find the 2009 Ford Fusion to have rather good handling, but the steering was a bit belabored and could be a bit more fun. Acceleration with the 2009 Ford Fusion’s V6 with six-speed automatic is quite athletic for freeway driving and definitely pleasing for neighborhood cruising.
And, for 2009, all Ford Fusions come with optional stability and traction control. (Traction control is standard on all V6 models.)
2009 Ford Fusion Styling
The exterior of the 2009 Ford Fusion definitely has more sex appeal than the previous two model years. The highly concave front grille with lots of chrome looks hefty and upscale. The side lines and curves now look more like a European sedan and the back side with its triangular lights is pleasing.
Unfortunately, the interior of the 2009 Ford Fusion still lacks design appeal. The central dash with its tons of black-and-silver knobs and buttons is confusing and somewhat disheartening. Worse still is the 2009 Ford Fusion’s plastic gauges, which look almost like a child’s toy rather than gauges you’d find in a sporty sedan.
The seats, however, are supremely comfortable with lots of room and a six-way power adjustment with lumbar support. Oh yeah! The central console is super comfy with versatile arm rest, two cup holders and handy shift.
As for technology, the 2009 Ford Fusion is top notch as it comes with Ford’s SYNC option. SYNC’s hands-free connectivity system cannot be found on any other car brand and is definitely something to consider when buy a new car for those who want to use an iPod, MP3 player or cell phone with voice commands.
2009 Ford Fusion Trims
The 2009 Ford Fusion comes in three trim levels: S, SE and SEL. The base S model is available in the four-cylinder engine only as well as cruise control, air conditioning, split rear seats, 16-inch steel wheels, four-speaker stereo with CD player and auxiliary audio jack and tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Great standard features!!
The 2009 Ford Fusion SE upgrades to 16-inch aluminum wheels, six-way adjustable power seats, five-speed automatic transmission, radio controls built into the steering wheel, fog lamps, upgraded interior trims and a six-speaker stereo with six-CD changer.
The top model SEL has a six-speed automatic transmission, keyless entry, 17-inch wheels, upgraded upholstery, automatic climate control, heated mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming mirror and SYNC’s entertainment and communication interface.
Other stand-alone options for the 2009 Ford Fusion include a sunroof, auto-dimming mirror, SYNC, rear parking assist (not available on base S model) and touch screen navigation system (available on SEL only).
Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, Calif.