Ford Fusion
Sandi Pedersen, Car Data Co.
The Fusion fits nicely in the Ford lineup between the compact Focus and the larger Taurus sedan.Its sleek lines and distinctive three-bar horizontal grille catches your eye and has become Ford’ssignature mark.
I found the overall appearance of this car particularly pleasing. While the chrome contrastsnicely with the body work the high trunk line and chrome trim tail light clusters give it anoverall classy look.
The model I drove, the SEL, came well equipped. Standard features included Sirius satelliteradio, AM/FM 6CD/MP3, fold flat passenger seat and a feature I’ve really come to love, theMicrosoft Sync voice activated system. This allows you to sync your bluetooth-enabled cell phone,access their phonebooks, and play calls and read text through the speakers. Along with thisstandard equipment came optional automatic headlights, automatic temperature controls, leatherinterior, heated outside mirrors and keyless entry. Add all these features together and it makesthis sedan a force to be reckoned with.
The Ford Fusion provides not only solid high-speed stability but responsive handling and a nice,smooth ride. I was able to take it on a road trip and even though I found the seats slightly softthey still provided a supportive ride. I also was able to achieve maximum comfort with the standardtilt and telescoping steering wheel and six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, great for someonewith shorter legs. The Fusion seats five, the rear-seat passengers have a decent amount of leg roomand you do not get a cramped feeling. Add to this the estimated 18 city miles per gallon and 26highway miles per gallon, for the 3.0L 4V V6 Duratec engine.
Space was also a plus with a good size flat floored trunk. Loading groceries and luggage was aneasy task and all Fusion models include a 60/40 split rear seatback which allows a generous amountof pass-through space.
Ford’s affordable mid-sized sedan, starting in the low $18,000 range, handles better than mostin its class and is fun to drive. The four-wheel independent suspension and precise rack-and-pinionsteering makes it especially enjoyable to drive on twisty roads. Also take into consideration, theupdated styling, which sets it apart from many similar generic looking mid-sized cars, theaffordable pricing which includes a generous amount of standard equipment and the available options. All this makes for a ‘perfect fit’ for buyers looking for value.
I have come to the realization that when I get into a vehicle for the first time, I immediatelylook at the cup holder options. Call me shallow or just an avid coffee drinker, who is seldomwithout a cup, but I found in talking to other people, women in particular, that this is a veryimportant aspect of how we feel about the vehicle.
On a scale of 1-10
Cup holders ‘ 7′
Not only were there several convenient cup holders, buy they were lighted so you could easilymaneuver your drink in the dark.
