Ford Fusion targets import champions

iwhtcimtlfmwmaomopw · 2007-03-05T07:05:58+00:00

Ford Fusion SE - Short Take Road Tests 1 | 2The handsome four-cylinder, five-speed manual Fusion targets theimport champions, but does it stack up?BY JARED GALL, January 2007In our February issue, we ran a comparison test of mid-size sedansfrom which the Fusion was absent. All those cars were new-for-2007models from our 10Best hoopla, where the Accord beat them all to takethe trophy (again). We put together the comparo to see where the also-rans would filter in below the Honda, and if the Accord would remainon top when all the cars were sampled with four-cylinder engines andautomatics (the most-sold combination). Since a V-6 Fusion had alreadylost to the Accord in a previous comparo, it stayed home for this oneas well. But the comparo was a timely reason to get our hands on afour-cylinder Fusion, so we took it.You can't talk Fusions without talking style: This is the best lookingFord sedan in years. A rakish, high beltline with simple, clean sidesand subtle fender flares is topped by an angular greenhouse. Edges inthe sheetmetal are creased, but softer than a Cadillac. The outercorners of the headlights creep up into the hood, as though beingpulled back by the wind rushing over them, and the oversized taillampsget clear lenses that wrap around into the car's flanks. The look isclean and understated, with bright detail work to bring out the luxurylook, like the sparse jewelry of a tuxedo. We like it.Inside, the SE we tested was more Lee Dungarees and Jerzees t-shirt.Nothing wrong with that in a $20,525 car. For $395, our Fusion wasupgraded with the Appearance Package, which includes 17-inch wheelsand spices up the plain black cloth seats with inserts dappled withsporty-looking red stitching. It looks sporty and feels comfortable.The dash, center stack, and steering wheel audio and cruise controlsare intuitively laid out, but unremarkable in their appearance.The same could be said of the Fusion driving experience. Everything isjust fine, but unremarkable. The...

Mar 05, 2007 40 Replies

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El Bandito 19 years ago

'70s Japanese cars seemed to be made out of tinfoil-like steel. Very sturdy engines and transmissions, but they weren't able to keep the body panels from rusting out after 5 years :)

Even nowadays, my sister's 2000 Tercel has some nasty rust spots, but my

1999 GM is rust free (body).

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