Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Sedan. There are some subtle differences from the conventional gas model but they are worth noting. The most important is a big difference in fuel economy in this Hybrid. The power behind the Electric Motor is the Nickel Metal Hydride battery under the rear seat.
With 41 City Highway MPG fuel economy coupled with a stylish Sedan you have difficulty telling the difference from other non-Hybrid sedans. Toyota Prius of recent fame and then “Infamous” notoriety is quickly identifiable in its unusual styling. This Ford doesn’t broadcast its Green-ness by looking different from a commonly styled sedan.
It is not hard to understand this Fusion was named 2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year. It simply is larger and more comfortable than the early hybrids but also delivers great fuel numbers.
When I stepped into the next review vehicle – Mustang – for a return to the past, I was quickly reminded of gas stations. I don’t think I’ll invest in Exxon or Mobil or any other oil stock. We don’t have crystal balls – well maybe you do, but I wish I could look into the future for real and see if the rest of the Gas Stations are removed from street corners. Remember when there used to be one on every corner at every major intersection? Then in the mid 1970s half of them disappeared as motoring changes were taking their toll on the industry.
General Info:
Parts – .
Assembly – Mexico
Class: – Midsize
Cars: – Edge, Escape, Escape Hybrid, E-Series Van, E-Series Wagon, Expedition, Explorer, Explorer Sport Trac, F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, Fiesta, Flex Focus, Fusion, Fusion Hyrid, Mustang, Ranger, Shelby GT500, Taurus and Transit Connect.
Opinion:
One has to wonder where all electric will be taking us. The big hype is that this somehow will use less fossil fuel. But electricity is generated using coal and other fossil fuels. Further, if everyone plugged in their cars into the electric grid will the system handle the added use.
In summer when everyone turns on their air conditioners – Zap ! So what will happen when everyone plugs in their cars? From all the things I read it would appear ‘all electric’ is the trend. Ford will introduce the Focus All Electric next year that gets about a hundred miles per full charge. Great commuter but the direction seems to be happening without any discussion of how all this electricity is going to be produced.
Hello Nuclear power plants sprouting up like mushrooms. That will be met by those opposing that kind of power generation, so a bunch of “Brown Outs” should silence those nay sayers. Problem is that it take 20 years for each to come on line. Oh well, I guess we have a lot of “Bail out” money left in Obama’s “Stash”.
Up to 47 miles per hour in the EV (Electric Vehicle) mode. More importantly you will be able to drive 700 miles on one gas fill up. Although the 2.5 liter engine produces 156 horsepower, when combined with the electric motor you have 191 hp to give great performance.
Styling:
This is a sedan that looks like any that provides a roomy and comfortable ride while providing the economical operation. Some hate the distinctive chrome grill, like friend and auto designer and professor Merkel, but I’m sorry Merkel, I like it and suspect many agree. And the overall look is to my liking as well. I particularly like that it doesn’t have to look like a Prius or Honda Insight or very early GM Saturn divisions EV1. Well, we’ve come a long way baby and I like the fact that Fusion doesn’t have to be an Ugly Betty to be Green. Nice job Ford.
Fit and Finish:
Very good.
Cost:
Very competitive. The unknown is what cost will be attached to the Electric part of the equation. The good news is that there has been no Bad press on repair costs after nearly a decade of playing around with Electric and Hybrid cars and trucks. That would be pretty hard to suppress if the results are bad. If you work in the auto repair business and have experience with EV’s please share with other readers. Email me with your thoughts and experience.
Conveniences and comfort:
The instrument cluster is a neat tool to know how you are using energy. You catch yourself “Running Silent” and it feels really good – even ‘responsible’, know what I mean?
Recognized Competition:
Ford Fusion $20-28,000, Acura TSX $29-38,000, Buick La Crosse $27-33,000, Chevrolet Malibu $22-27,000, Chrysler 300 $27-45,000, Chrysler Sebring $20-35,000, Dodge Avenger $20-22,000, Dodge Charger $24-38,000, Honda Accord $21-31,000, Hyundai Sonata $19-27,000, Kia Optima $18-23,000, Mazda 6 $18-28,000, Mercury Milan $22-28,000, Mitsubishi Galant $22-24,000, Nissan Altima $20-30,000, Pontiac G6 $19-32,000, Saturn Aura $23-27,000, Subaru Legacy $20-30,000, Suzuki Kizashi $19-27,000, Toyota Camry $19-29,000, Volkswagen Jetta $18-25,000, Volkswagen Passat $27,915.
Standard Equipment:
2.5 liter 4-cylinder 156 hp engine, E-CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) automatic transmission, 17” aluminum wheels, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, traction control, electronic stability control, front, side and side curtain air bags, SOS post crash alert system, perimeter alarm, tire pressure monitor system, power windows & locks, tilt and telescopic leather wrapped wheel with cruise and audio controls, leather trimmed heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, 60/40 split rear seat, power windows and locks, Audio with CD/MP3 with Sirius satellite, SYNC voice activated system, fog lights, power heated mirrors, keyless entry, climate control and LATCH child safety system.
Gas Stats:
$2.85/ Gal avg. February 16 ‘10
for more information.
41 City and 36 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $27,270.
