Fusion offers style, performance
This week, we test drive Ford’s all-new 2006 Fusion SEL. A bit smaller than the Taurus it replaces, mid-size Fusion shares mechanicals with Mazda6, yet sits 2 inches longer in the wheelbase and is an inch wider than the Mazda. Its siblings are Lincoln Zephyr and Mercury Milan, so Fusion is in good company at a reduced price.
Thankfully, Ford engineers didn’t move too quickly from design to showroom for the sake of releasing a “new” model. Fusion stylists and engineers worked in tandem on the effort, and together will attempt to regain the glory years (1992-96) when its Taurus was the best-selling car in America.
Ford’s dealer network is happy, too. Fusion is way better looking than Taurus, and comes in a variety of decor aimed at an economically diverse demographic. The exterior style is elegant, and speaks for itself when parked next to competitors. Best of all, Fusion produces impressive highway fuel mileage numbers, up to 29-mpg with a V-6 to a very impressive 32 with the 4-cylinder.
Fusion’s interior is also well done. The seats are firm yet comfortable, and rear passengers will find acceptable accommodations when it comes to leg and headroom. We also like the dashboard for its gauge simplicity and placement of controls and stereo appointments.
Fusion comes standard in front-drive, 4-door format. Two engines are available via a peppy 2.3-liter, inline 4-cylinder that develops 160-horsepower and the aforementioned V-6 that pumps out 221-horses and 205 pound-feet of torque.
Three distinct trim levels will attract a diverse group of consumers, especially when they realize it takes just $17,145 to park the base four-cylinder, five-speed manual Fusion S in the driveway. The four-cylinder is available in SE dress at $17,900 and top of the line SEL trim for just $18,985. Six-cylinder models come in SE and SEL trim only for $20,625 and $21,710 bases, respectively. An automatic transmission is standard on the V-6 and optional on the four-cylinder.
Some consumers may feel that “base price” means you don’t get much in the line of amenities. Well, think again when it comes to Ford’s new Fusion.
Fusion S features standard items like dual front airbags, four-wheel disc brakes, inside trunk lid release, air conditioning, power steering, tilt/telescope wheel, cruise, cloth front bucket seats, console, 60/40 split folding rear seat, power mirrors, windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, map lights, visor mirrors, rear defogger, theft-deterrent system, and 16-inch tires. (Yes, all for $17,145). When you move into the SE and SEL, numerous comfort and conveniences are added, which your Ford dealer will by happy to expand on.
At this point, most car buyers should be “standard feature” content. Some Fusion options, however, we question. Specifically, shouldn’t anti-lock brakes be standard on the top-of-the-line SEL? Ford thinks otherwise, so you’ll have to dish out another $595.
Our tester came with the ABS option and the following additional optional equipment: A safety package we recommend that features side and side-curtain air bags and more anti-theft features ($595); a Premium Package ($395); heated seats ($295); traction control ($95); Leather seating ($895); and Audiophile Sound System ($895). This brought the bottom line, with $650 delivery, to $25,650.
On the road, Fusion performs fine as the 221-horses under the hood answer every call. The four-wheel independent suspension and standard 17-inch tires help in maneuvering the numerous sharp corners on the Pennsylvania country roads and mountain terrain we frequent. The engine uses regular fuel, and helps Fusion accelerate to 60-mph in just a tad over 8 seconds. We also like the way Fusion stops, thanks to its standard four-wheel disc brakes.
Important numbers include a wheelbase of 107.4-inches, 15.8 cubic-feet cargo capacity; 17.5-gallon fuel tank; 3,280 pound curb weight, and 21 city/29 highway EPA numbers.
Yes, we like the new Ford Fusion, and expect it to regain some of those lost numbers to Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. We rate it a fine 8.5 on a scale of one to 10.