Autoword: Four-Cylinder Ford Fusion Melds Finesse, Function

Autoword:
Four-Cylinder Ford Fusion Melds Finesse, Function

Mark Maynard Another

MARK MAYNARD

11-03-03

The Fusion sedan was a breakthrough car for Ford Motor Co. when it debuted in 2005, and it has gone on to become Ford's best-selling car. Last year it had a sales record of 219,219, which was the first Ford car since 2004 to break 200,000 annual sales.

The versatile Ford Fusion has become Ford's best-selling vehicle. Photo courtesy of Ford.

Fusion is No. 5 among the top selling midsize sedans, behind the Camry, Accord, Altima and Sonata, but well ahead of at least eight others, including the Mazda6, Chevy Malibu and VW Jetta.

Part of the sales success is the variety of Fusion models, from standard to luxurious, four- and V-6 engines, six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, all- or front-wheel drive, a 263-horsepower Sport model and hybrid version that gets 41 mpg in the city and 36 highway.

I've just tested a front-wheel drive Fusion SE with 175-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and manual shifter. The car was set up to be a sporty sedan with 18-inch performance tires and attractive, 10-spoke alloy wheels, a leather-trimmed and stitched steering wheel with cruise controls and a rear spoiler.

The starting price is $22,100, and the as-tested price was just under $24,000.

The clutch is light, gear engagement is precise and the pedals are right for heel-toe shifting. The car is a nimble mover. Gearing is a little short, which encourages the driver to move into higher gears. And at 65 mph in sixth, the engine is spinning a little fast at 2,500 rpm, but it is not noisy and the cabin is well soundproofed. The engine revs may explain EPA highway fuel economy of 29 mpg. The automatic raises mileage to 33 mpg highway and 23 mpg around town.

But there is a fun factor to the manual and in the stance of this car, particularly in the tester's Blue Flame Metallic paint and 10-spoke alloy wheels. The interior materials and textures are good and durable with quality assembly. Black-fabric seats have white piping and white stitching. Door panels have fabric inserts with cup holders and stash space. Lighted gauges have blue-to-back fade and white lettering; controls are large and easily found.

Front seat capacity is broad and supportive with headroom that seems taller than the stated 38.7 inches. The back seat may be the most comfortable of any midsize competitor. The seatback has a relaxed angle, the center tunnel is low, and there is plenty of foot room. Trunk space of 16.5 cubic feet is large and expandable by a folding seatback.

The Fusion's finesse, function and attention to detail make it an easy sell.

Mark Maynard is driving in cyberspace at Mark.Maynard@uniontrib.com.

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Autoword: Four-Cylinder Ford Fusion Melds Finesse, Function Mark Maynard Another

Autoword:
Four-Cylinder Ford Fusion Melds Finesse, Function

Mark Maynard Another