Overview:
This week we’re looking at the new for 2006 Ford Fusion. New cars used to be risky business for consumers in the old days. I remember the first Datsun (Name change to Nissan) I bought in 1968 and it was so new parts were a pain to get if you needed them. I guess it could be true today, because as it has been said “change a grain of sand on the beach and the whole world is different”. But generally that is no longer true.
These guys are pretty good, but if that were always true there wouldn’t be the word “Recall” in our vocabulary. From what I could tell this past week of driving, and I did a lot of that in this Fusion, this car is pretty “Bullet-Proof” in all areas that can be seen and felt.
The first thing you notice, and Ilona was way off in her estimate of price on this one, is that the car is much more expensive looking than the price would indicate. Perhaps US automakers have learned from the Japanese how to compete. We seemed to have forgotten from our unchallenged years of building cars for the world.
General Info:
Handling & Performance:
It should be noted here that Fusion will replace Taurus for Ford’s Race program. And I found it to be really capable on the Crest Test. Thirty miles of twists and turns that will wear you out but it didn’t seem to tire the Fusion. I suspect the only negative in this area is the “Low” range on the auto transmission. It found it fairly useless over 25 MPH or you’d be running at 5,000 rpm. But “Drive” range is ok and shifting is very smooth but required too much braking downhill without an effective lower range.
Styling:
I like it because it’s simple clean lines won’t go out of style.
Fit and Finish:
very good
Cost:
Very competitive. Ford came to play. There are options that would take it to a few thousand, but the standard equipment is plenty. This is worth the time to look if you’re in the market for this price range car.
Conveniences:
Well endowed.
Consumer Recommendation:
Whenever I’m asked these days what car to buy I start with their answer to personal intentions. Wants, needs and what activity level and kinds of uses they will have for the car or truck they buy. THEN, I move right to the best buy for their hard earned money. Buy American – especially if they live in America , because that is even more of a reason to support U.S. automakers who contribute greatly to what makes this wonderful country work. In any case it is high time we looked after our own because that helps us all and that economic boost will ripple well beyond our borders. We’ve beat up on US car makers long enough beginning in 1960 to now. Even Moses only had to wander in the desert for 40 years. Enough already – buy American.
Recognized Competition:
Ford Fusion $17-22,000, Mercury Milan $18-23,000, Mitsubishi Galant $19-27,000, Mazda 6 $19-28,000, Honda Accord $18-29,000, Nissan Altima $18-30,000, Dodge Stratus $20-24,000, Chrysler Sebring $20-32,000, Subaru Legacy $22-34,000, Toyota Camry $18-28,000, Kia Optima $16-20,000, Pontiac G6 $17-29,000, Chevrolet Malibu $17-23,000, Hyundai Sonata $17-23,000.
Good News:
Solid yet simple styling, shockingly great ride, Midsize big 5 seater for the family.
Bad News:
Low range on the auto trans is poorly geared.
Standard Equipment:
2.3 liter inline 4-cylinder 160 horsepower engine, 5-speed auto trans, fog lights 17” aluminum wheels, power mirrors, climate control, audio with in dash MP3/CD player, analog clock, information center, power windows and locks, leather wrapped wheel with speed, audio and climate controls, 6-way power driver seat, illuminated vanity mirrors, 60/40 rear seat power steering , 4-wheel disc brakes, tilt and telescopic wheel, keyless entry, child latch safety system, anti-theft and illuminated entry.
Gas Stats:
24 City and 32 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $18,985.
