Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Most popular vehicles
Popular New Cars
- New Acura MDX
- New Acura RDX
- New Audi Q5
- New BMW 3 Series
- New BMW X3
- New Buick Enclave
- New Cadillac Escalade
- New Chevrolet Equinox
- New Chrysler 300
- New Dodge Challenger
- New Ford Edge
- New Ford Escape
- New Ford Expedition
- New Ford Explorer
- New Ford F-150
- New Ford Focus
- New Ford Mustang
- New Honda Accord
- New Honda Civic
- New Honda CR-V
- New Honda Fit
- New Honda Odyssey
- New Honda Pilot
- New Hyundai Elantra
- New Hyundai Santa Fe
- New Hyundai Sonata
- New Hyundai Tucson
- New Jeep Compass
- New Jeep Grand Cherokee
- New Jeep Wrangler
- New Mazda 3
- New Mazda 6
- New Mazda CX-5
- New Nissan Altima
- New Nissan Maxima
- New Nissan Rogue
- New Porsche Cayenne
- New Ram 1500
- New Subaru Crosstrek
- New Subaru Forester
- New Subaru Impreza
- New Subaru Outback
- New Tesla Model S
- New Tesla Model X
- New Toyota 4Runner
- New Toyota Camry
- New Toyota Corolla
- New Toyota Highlander
- New Toyota Prius
- New Toyota RAV4
- New Toyota Sienna
- New Toyota Tacoma
- New Volkswagen Jetta
- New Volvo XC60
- New Volvo XC90
Popular Used Sedans
- Used BMW 5 Series
- Used Chevrolet Impala
- Used Chevrolet Malibu
- Used Chrysler 200
- Used Dodge Charger
- Used Ford Fusion
- Used Ford Taurus
- Used Honda Accord
- Used Honda Civic
- Used Hyundai Elantra
- Used Hyundai Sonata
- Used Tesla Model S
- Used Toyota Camry
- Used Toyota Corolla
- Used Volkswagen Jetta
Popular Used SUVs
- Used Acura MDX
- Used Acura RDX
- Used Ford Edge
- Used Ford Explorer
- Used Honda CR-V
- Used Honda Pilot
- Used Hyundai Santa Fe
- Used Jeep Compass
- Used Lincoln Navigator
- Used Mazda CX-5
- Used Nissan Rogue
- Used Subaru Crosstrek
- Used Subaru Forester
- Used Tesla Model X
- Used Volvo XC90
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
In particular, Ford made sure that customers could specify both the I-4 and V-6 versions of the car with the same slate of available options – realizing that engine choice should not dictate how richly optioned a car can be.
AMEN to THAT! I was actually leaning Hyundai Sonata until I found out that to get a manual shift and a 4cyl., you get no premo options selection whatsoever (I don't consider floormats to be a premo option). E.g., you want a sunroof? Sorry buddy - you gotta pop for a slushbox and V6. Alloy wheels? Slushbox; V6. Well, they can just peddle their cars to folks who aren't particular about equipment then. I'm not going to be making any sacrifices if I don't have to... which leads me nicely to the Fusion...
With the Fusion, I can get the sunroof (I use my sunroof 10 times more often than I use my AC), a stick (maybe when I'm 40 I'll be ready for a car that shifts itself), a 4 banger (which should be plenty of fun to work with the stick and won't kill me if gas spikes to $3/gallon) and a comfortable cloth interior (I reserve leather for home furniture as the temp in my home never drops below 20F or climbs above 100).
I don't see the big issue with the engines that some others see here. These folks saying that 220hp isn't enough are probably the same folks who were measuring performance in cubic inches 25 years ago. After emissions controls in the early 70's, it seemed anything less than 350ci was "underpowered". What was the base engine in a 75 Caddy? 460ci? Wow - how sporty!
I'm more a performance guy than a numbers guy. From memory, when CD tested a Mazda 6 with the 4 banger and 5spd stick combo a couple years back, it hit 60 in 7.9 seconds. Perhaps I live in a different world, but to me, these numbers are perfectly adequate (dare I say powerful) and I drive very briskly. I do not plan on towing a Boston Whaler through the Rockies anytime soon either, so tow ratings don't excite me. HP for the sake of HP means little to me. The way I figure, if it's bragging rights a person needs, their ride is probably the least of their concerns.
From the options sheet, right now I think I'm looking at an SE. I don't need 17 inch wheels and actually I like the looks of the 16 inch design a bit better than the fluted/vented seventeens. Hmmmm... what can I say? I think this car is going to not only be an amazing looker, but a great value too! Anyone else as excited as me to drive one of these things?
I am, I think Ford caught allot of people by surprise on this one. I think they are going to sell a ton of these cars. Ford is going to have one heck of a 1-2 punch. the Fusion $17,995 and the 05 Mustang (V6 of course) $19,000 something. If this thing sells like I think it can it should have a very positive impact on there market share. I can't wait to drive this thing now. I've always loved this car because the way it looked and the fact it's based on the Mazda 6 (handling). Now with that price of $17,995 (the less expensive in the segment) it's a no brainer. They just need to nail the quality and have a great launch like the did with the 05 Mustang(minus the shortage due to demand). This thing is going to be a Major hit for Ford.
to gogphers1:
I agree with you on a couple of things but. I've had an econo car for a while a (95 Escort) with Cloth. Sometimes I swear those seat cushions must be made from plastic. Hey, live a little I want leather and a sunroof I'd like for my butt to sit on something soft a comfy. Also, I've always wanted a car with a sunroof. I actually like the "17 on the 4 banger. And I want the Audiophile stereo so I can listen to some music in a car where the STEREO WORKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!
And sounds good too
LOL
I wonder...will the AWD have virtually the same great handling (and horsepower)? Or will it be more like the AWD versions of the Vibe/Matrix--much slower than the FWD and with a much less aggressive steering/suspension system?
Not that I'm an expert, but I don't see why it wouldn't. We're already going to see a 6-speed MTX mated to the Duratec23 when the AWD MAZDASPEED Mazda6 hits the streets in a few months. Then you have the CVT in the Five Hundred and Freestyle that mates to the V6 and AWD.
Will the vulcan v6 finally die with the Taurus (I guess it will probably hang around with the Ranger), that has to be the worst engine I've ever sampled in terms of power and refinement.
I can't count how many times I haven't been able to keep up with a 4cyl Camry or Accord from a stop light with my wifes Taurus (company car w/ vulcan 3.0), with the A/C on it will barely accelerate. Yuck.
LMAO
Well I don't think it's going to topple Honda, Toyota, or Hyundai.
The base price of $17,995 doesn't include side airbags or ABS - nor does it include freight. If you were to add those items based on Ford's "test" pricing page, the MSRP jumps up to 19,235 then add on freight.
The Sonata GL is $17,895 with ABS, side and curtain airbags, and traction control - no freight. Traction control is only another $100 on the Fusion but you have to bump up to a V6 to get it.
The Accord LX is $19,775 without freight and it has ABS, side and curtain airbags. Traction control with probably be on the 2006.
"I wonder...will the AWD have virtually the same great handling (and horsepower)?"
The difference will be similar as to that of the 500 FWD/AWD. It's a light AWD system overall, and doesn't interfere much with the dynamics of the vehicle, if anything maybe you feel the rear end be a bit more settled in extreme maneuvers as experienced with the 500 AWD.
Diesel,
"Will the vulcan v6 finally die with the Taurus (I guess it will probably hang around with the Ranger), that has to be the worst engine I've ever sampled in terms of power and refinement. "
Yes the 3.0L Vulcan will die in the next 2 years (the Ranger needs it till it's redesigned). The engine is terribly unrefined, gas-hog (for the power it puts out), old-tech overall. The only benefit from it was it was a very strong and reliable engine, but it needs to die. In it's place, (depending upon the vehicle) the 2.3L I-4, or 3.0L Duratec will be other options.
Have you been in a Sonata? I thought they looked pretty good, both the outgoing version and the new version, but sitting in them at the auto show last spring was enough to tell me that I would not want one. But that is just my fussiness about seat comfort.
For the outgoing version the IIHS crash test results for Sonata take it off my list, anyway...perhaps the new one will do better, though.
Of course, I have not yet had the chance to sit in the Fusion/Milan...and it has not been crash tested.
Sonata - I have seen them at the dealer but haven't sat in one yet. The exterior isn't anything exciting - that's a good thing in mid size sedans. It's not offensive or daring. IMO, the Fusion is much more exciting and appealing design. But then again I like the Bangle Bungle, the Element, and the Xb.
Hyundai is going for a large slice of the pie. They've invested a billion dollars into the new plant in Alabama. They're targeting Honda and Toyota. Hyundai is who they have to fear. Also, I read this AM that the Sonata qualifies as a large car - not midsize - based on EPA measurements.
And I say all of this as a Ford shareholder. Trust me, I'd love to see the Fusion get some serious market share but they're 3 years behind the competition.
If you think the Vulcan is bad, that means you probably aren't old enough to have driven cars in the 70's and 80's as I can remember a lot of them (even big block V-8's) that were much worse.
A little history lesson: I swore off GM products when my 1983 "Iron Duke" powered Chevy Celebrity turned out to be the same crap GM had with their Citations from circa 1979. Bought a 1990 Taurus with Vulcan. At the time Taurus was introduced a few years before that, the 3.0 Vulcan was truly a state of the art engine, and blew away both in performance and fuel efficiency most anything on the market that was affordable.
I drove that Taurus for ten years, and can't say that I was all that dissapointed in its performance. My 2000 Taurus SES Duratec is admittedly much better, but it is interesting how perceptions change.
The original Taurus certainly didn't have a better powertrain than the competition it was the overall design that was a break thru for Ford. I'm not saying the Fusion will have that kind effect on the market place, but I do think it has a chance to give Ford the shot in the arm that is needs and will be a nice addition to the attention the Mustang has gathered.
Bottom line, the Fusion can't get here soon enough.
You make a good point. Though I didn't drive in the 70's, my first car was a handed down 75 Buick Regal with a 2brl 350 that my grandpa gave me. Wasn't a bad car for a 16 yr old to plow around in, but performance was certainly out of the question.
Sure the vulcan was a good engine in its day, but 2005 is a long way from 1986, and this engine hasn't seen many updates to make it competitive. Your run of the mill modern 4 cylinder is much better. My wife had a 2000 Impala 3.4 that offered much better performance than the 3.0 vulcan in her last two Taurus's, not that I like the Chevy 3.4 either.
The two engines I've owned that have enjoyed the most was the 2.5L Duratec in a '98 SVT Contour I used to own (if only the rest of the car didn't fall apart) and the 3.5L v6 in my 01 Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan VQ 3.5 is just a gem. The Pathfinder makes my wifes vulcan powered Taurus feel like a slug.
Go Big Ten
The Fusion is cheap, however. That is a desirable quality in a midsizer. But I am inclined to think that the Fusion won't be a huge hit and won't steal too terribly many sales from the Camcord altima and Malibu. Why? Because there are already a lot of competant players in the field. Add in the G6, LaCrosse, Ford's own Mazda 6 and Milan, all of which are roughly similarly priced, and I begin to wonder just how much market can be taken? I really want to like the Fusion, but what can it base it's sales on? Safety? Nope, taken. Superior drivability? Uh-uh. Refinement seems to be the only advantage that the Fusion could have, but I have a feeling that, like some of GM's upcoming cars, this will be a catch-up car. By that I mean catching up, not the delicious tomato-based condiment. Looks like another cheap midsize sedan to me.
The Milan looks better to me just because its styling is better. It may also have a better interior (not that the Ford's is bad at all, it's actually pretty good). Also, in order to successfully steal a lot of sales, Ford may want to consider a coupe/convertible/wagon variant. I mean, the Camry has a sedan, coupe, and convertible all counting toward its sales (Solara's full name is Camry Solara) and the Accord has a coupe/sedan and the Malibu has a hatchy-thing/sedan. Also, by the time the hybrid comes, the other's will have hybrids as well.
Ford's attempt is good, and what I'm saying may be totally untrue, but these are just the feelings I get. Also, the Sonata just got redesigned, the Camry will be soon.
""i remember when my '89 sho with a 3.0 24v v6 with 200 hp was over the top; and it was! ""
Or a Corolla GT-S from the mid-80's. 110 or so hp!
Ford has studied this hard and the results are that Americans simply don't want to pay more to for a Ford with side airbags at this price level.
The Jetta is a different catagory of vehicle than the Focus.
I think side airbags are going to be standard by 2008 anyway but ANT can answer that.
Regarding ABS, all government and insurance industry studies conducted to date fail to prove that any lives were ever saved by ABS.
Notwithstanding same, stability control seems to have a huge effect in reducing fatalities. We might all get government mandated ABS through the back door of mandatory stability control.
Ford is adding Advance Trac to the standard equipment on trucks and SUVs. Its already standard on Explorers and will next become standards on extended Econolines.
As for finding a Focus with all the safety features being hard, try finding one with a stick that isn't the ST. I hate automatic transmissions. (except for CVTs). The convenience of a typical automatic for me just does not even come close to compensating for the control I have to give up.
Mark
The Fusion is cheap, however. That is a desirable quality in a midsizer. But I am inclined to think that the Fusion won't be a huge hit and won't steal too terribly many sales from the Camcord altima and Malibu. Why? Because there are already a lot of competent players in the field. Add in the G6, LaCrosse, Ford's own Mazda 6 and Milan, all of which are roughly similarly priced, and I begin to wonder just how much market can be taken? I really want to like the Fusion, but what can it base it's sales on? Safety? Nope, taken. Superior drivability? Uh-uh. Refinement seems to be the only advantage that the Fusion could have, but I have a feeling that, like some of GM's upcoming cars, this will be a catch-up car. By that I mean catching up, not the delicious tomato-based condiment. Looks like another cheap midsize sedan to me.
The Milan looks better to me just because its styling is better. It may also have a better interior (not that the Ford's is bad at all, it's actually pretty good). Also, in order to successfully steal a lot of sales, Ford may want to consider a coupe/convertible/wagon variant. I mean, the Camry has a sedan, coupe, and convertible all counting toward its sales (Solara's full name is Camry Solara) and the Accord has a coupe/sedan and the Malibu has a hatchy-thing/sedan. Also, by the time the hybrid comes, the other's will have hybrids as well.
Ford's attempt is good, and what I'm saying may be totally untrue, but these are just the feelings I get. Also, the Sonata just got redesigned, the Camry will be soon.
WOW!!!
First of all welcome to the Fusion/Milan forum. But I have to wonder what cars you like chris65AMG. I don't know what to say a benz fan on a Ford fourm. that's something you don't see everyday. A benz fan thinks the Ford Fusion is a "Cheap Mid-sized sedan" I would have never seen that coming. Then you praised a Mercury !!!! what are you crazy!!!! AMG benz fan don't praise a Mercury, that's I mean that's .............. Well you are a Benz fan, anything under $40K is probably cheap. Also, the fact that you didn't call both cars the sorriest thing on 4 wheels MAN!!! I'm moved
OK, enough of the ribbing, I'm just messing with you. How do you think this is a catch up car ? The only thing that's really hurting the Fusion is it's engines. OH I forgot AMG HP rules the world. The Fusion is going to have one of the biggest back seats if not "THE" biggest backseat in the class. Also, it's the only one that offers a 6-speed auto. It's pretty close to all the other cars in it's class as far as power/weight goes, so it's should be just as fast if not faster then everybody else in the segment. Lastly I think it's going to have one of the biggest if not the biggest trunks in the segment. To top it all off, it's the less-expensive car in it's class. Those things mean allot to people.
The biggest thing that you have overlooked is that. Ford has already announced that the Fusion is going to have AWD version with a 3.5 V6 with about 250-280 HP. I'm guessing this AWD version is going to have a 5 or 6 speed MTX. Most importantly it's going to have a hybrid version. Correct me if I'm wrong, nobody in that class has AWD and has no immediate plans on making a AWD/Hybrid version of the same car. Only the Accord has a hybrid powertrain. With gas prices floating around $2.00/gallon it's almost certain to be a hit. Also, Ford has a little experience with hybrid vehicles (Ford Escape hybrid and Mercury Mariner hybrid). So, when it comes to hybrids, Ford is not a stranger to these parts. I'm sure they had that on the Benz website
But I am inclined to think that the Fusion won't be a huge hit and won't steal too terribly many sales from the Camcord altima and Malibu. Why? Because there are already a lot of competent players in the field. Add in the G6, LaCrosse, Ford's own Mazda 6 and Milan, all of which are roughly similarly priced, and I begin to wonder just how much market can be taken? I really want to like the Fusion
Oh come on the G6, man the Mazda 3 is better than the G6. the Lacrosse a BUICK you must really hate Ford if you don't think it's going to out do a Buick. Man that's kinda Low. Oh and the Malibu the Fusion kills the Malibu and indeed everybody in the segment when it comes to appearance (IMHO). The Malibu is chunky looking, where as the Fusion/Milan look more modern and clean looking sedans. So the Malibu is going to take an L.
Now when it comes to the Camcord I dunno. I don't think it's going to take over right away because people love reliable appliances. However, that said I think it's going to be a snow ball effect much like with the 500. Especially with a AWD and Hybrid version. I'm sorry I don't see to much "catch-up" in this car. Thats 3 versions of the same good car, 2 more versions than anybody in the segment.
Aight, let the cursing begin
My wife will be on special assignment at work at the end of the year requiring us to buy her a car since she will lose her company car for about 18mos. I wasn't planning on buying her a new car, but we will look at a Fusion, I just don't like the idea of eating the depreciation since we will only need it for 18mos. If I can talk her into driving a manual, maybe a Mustang GT ragtop will work.
Where's the stability control? Where's the traction control on the 4-cylinder models? Does the Fusion come with active head restraints? I realize that there are buyers out there who don't want some of these items, but at least make them available for people who do!
Hyundai makes ABS, front/side/curtain airbags, traction control, stability control, and active head restraints standard on every 2006 Sonata, regardless of trim level or engine size.
Ford, the bar has been raised. You can do better.
Ford is considering the following features for future model years of the Fusion. These features will not be available for the 2006 Model Year. To help us gauge interest in these features, please select the options you would add to your Fusion if they were available at the listed price.
Safety & Security Package (side and curtain airbags, perimeter alarm) - $650.00
ABS - $650.00
Traction Control (V6 engine only) - $100.00
Stability Control (potential future option) - $510.00
Everything above except for the perimeter alarm is standard on every 2006 Sonata. To get the equivalent safety items in a Fusion, you would have to pay an additional $1,910!
I find it very funny that Ford is bragging about undercutting the competition in price, even the Koreans. It's no wonder. The Fusion is a decontented car when it comes to safety. Add all the safety options that are standard on the Hyundai and the Fusion is nowhere near as competitive with the Sonata when it comes to price.
Someone a few posts back mentioned government mandated stability control/ ABS. This a bad idea, as are most government mandates regarding automobiles. All you do by mandating these systems on cars is limit choice which is always a bad thing in a free market system. This may not seem like a big deal to many of us, but the price of making these systems standard on all cars will put them out of reach to a considerable percentage of buyers, which completely negates the egalitarian "safety for everyone" spirit of such laws. Better to give people the option to pay less if the want/ need to. Companies like Ford are having enough trouble making money without the government telling them how to do business.
Ok, sorry for the politics. Back to the Fusion.
That's what will sell the Sonata, among other things. I wasn't aware of the Ford's apparant lack of safety items until I read them, and I'm a little chivved. In my earlier posts I was being pretty critical of the Fusion, but apparantly for the wrong reasons. However....
a) a six speed in an auto doesn't mean too much. I like the 4 speeds in LeSabres more than the six speed in the Five Hundred. But there's nothing like a seven-speed :P
Most of that stuff is for bragging rights. True, it does wring more power out of an engine.... but some of the cost cutting in the Fusion's safety equipment would make me feel like the whole price scheme is smoke and mirrors.
But in order to see how these things pan out, I guess we'll have to wait for a test drive....
Now time to burn people. This is my favorite part! *sarcasm*
""The biggest thing that you have overlooked is that. Ford has already announced that the Fusion is going to have AWD version with a 3.5 V6 with about 250-280 HP. I'm guessing this AWD version is going to have a 5 or 6 speed MTX. Most importantly it's going to have a hybrid version. Correct me if I'm wrong, nobody in that class has AWD and has no immediate plans on making a AWD/Hybrid version of the same car. Only the Accord has a hybrid powertrain. With gas prices floating around $2.00/gallon it's almost certain to be a hit. Also, Ford has a little experience with hybrid vehicles (Ford Escape hybrid and Mercury Mariner hybrid). So, when it comes to hybrids, Ford is not a stranger to these parts. I'm sure they had that on the Benz website ""*
The Camry has three variants (Camry/Solara/Solara convt.). It will have a hybrid version out probably before Ford. The Accord comes in two variants. And a hybrid. I really don't think that people will care if they can get an AWD hybrid. In my opinion that would push the cost a little too high for a *sniff* Ford. I'm guessing that the AWD version will have that @$^#! CVT. Not a hazard to guess, eh? Even though Ford isn't a stranger to hybrids, I have a belief that the Altima Hybrid (which is due out about the same time as the Fusion/Camry) and the Camry Hybrid will utilize their hybrid drive better. Just a hunch.
"". Hey, I'd like to get all the options for the cheapest price too, but there's more to the equation (at least from Ford's point of view) than that.""
I think just last year one of the main criticisms of the Camry was that it didn't have ABS standard across the board. They made it standard for this year and their sales rose. Hmm :confuse:
According to the press release that was link by Ant a while back:
Available options on the ‘S’ model of Fusion include a 5-speed automatic transmission, Safety and Security package (incorporating seat-mounted side air bags, first- and second-row side air curtains and an anti-theft perimeter alarm) and four-wheel anti-lock brakes.
Stability control would, I think, already include traction control. The real Fusion also starts $500 below the Hyundai. So perhaps the extra $1910 becomes only an extra $750...but we won't know until they actually release the prices of the options.
In all candor, I find some of the discussion on this board a little insulting. I'm perfectly comfortable with Ford's choice to make side airbags optional on the Fusion/Milan. If you want them, buy them. They're optional. Personally, I think this whole airbag/safety argument is just a red herring.
Is there really anyone out there who isn't going to buy a car specifically because they aren't comfortable with the knowledge that other models out there of the same vintage might not be equipped with side airbags? Give me a break. These folks are looking for some good reason not to like this car and if it weren't the lack of standard side airbags, it would be something else. In marketing, we refer to this phenomenon as cognitive dissonance. I.e., you gather information specifically to support a preconceived notion - decision first, information gathering next rather than the other way around.
Cars are like people. None of them are perfect and choosing one to live with involves some level of sacrifice. If the biggest issue someone has with the Ford is that it doesn't leapfrog the Accord in terms of HP and standard airbag count, I'll consider that a ringing endorsement.
CVT? I love it. NOT having a CVT available on the Fusion is one thing keeping me in my Five Hundred for now and not in a Fusion. But, when the AWD Fusion comes out about the same time as the 3.5L Five Hundred, I am going to have some deciding to do....
According to the press release that was link by Ant a while back:
Available options on the ‘S’ model of Fusion include a 5-speed automatic transmission, Safety and Security package (incorporating seat-mounted side air bags, first- and second-row side air curtains and an anti-theft perimeter alarm) and four-wheel anti-lock brakes"
I don't think so. Look at the placement of the four-wheel anti-lock brakes statement. It is outside of the inclusionary parenthesis describing the safety and security package. ABS is a separate option that is not part of the safety and security package. Even the build a Fusion website allowed me to select both options and added the price of each as a different item.
Someone else mentioned "smoke and mirrors" when it comes to Fusion pricing. I think that is an excellent analogy to describe Ford's apparent attempt to make the Fusion look like it is the least expensive car in it's segment. It is the least expensive, but only if you do not include all the safety items that are standard on the Sonata.
Actually, it's pretty cheap today. VW offers their ESP as an option for only $280 or includes it on every model they make.
Now I'm not saying make it mandatory, but it seems cheap enough to offer as an option.
The difference here is that Toyota made this decision themselves, probably based on their own market research. There was no governmental body forcing them to do it. Of course I have no problems if a company decides to make every option standard if that's how they want to do it. It's the concept of the government deciding these things that's a bad idea.
By the way, I seriously doubt making ABS standard on the Camry was the sole reason their sales went up. There's lots of other factors at work there. Personally, I would like as much choice as possible when it comes to options, rather than getting stuck paying for things I don't want. Another dynamic at work here is that a lot of people get sucked into thinking that when something is standard, they are not paying more for it.
But I also heard that the rumors are that Toyota will be sumitting a vehicle for NASCAR approval for 2006. They have until July 1.
Look up any dealer's inventory on forddirect.com and try to find a Ford Focus with side airbags. Its far easier to get a moonroof which is a more expensive option.
Dealers order what sells.
And the fact remains that Ford customers in the past are not willing to shell out more bucks for safety features.
Want to know where the stability control is? Its in the parts bin gathering dust after it was offered on the Focus and no one ordered it.
Also air bags are not a substitute for good vehicle structure. Most cars without side airbags are not doing well in the side impact test. But even some cars that have the side airbags aren't doing so well.
The 2005 Hyundai Sonata scored an "acceptable" for front impact and a "poor" for side impact and the car was tested with side airbags. The current Elantra rated good for front and poor for side with side airbags. www.highwaysafety.org
Ford has more cars and trucks rated as "good" and/or "best pick" than any other car brand.
Hyundai has yet to have a car rated as "best pick" You can slap makeup on a sow but its still a sow.
Mark
I absolutely agree with this statement. However, its important to note that
passenger sedans tested in the IIHS side impact DONT pass without side airbags in any case thus far, and side airbags are NOT standard on the Five Hundred or Fusion. The strong safety cage is VERY important, but even vehicles like the 2004 Galant, which rated a "GOOD" for structure in that test but lacked airbags...ARE RATED POOR OVERALL.
Your statement with respect to Ford's Best Picks is a bit misleading. Actually, Honda does a better job percentage-wise of having 'Best Picks', but they dont have a great NUMBER simply because more Fords are offered.
~alpha
Generally speaking, I'm pretty hard on Ford and GM. That's only because I think that for them to regain market share (or keep it, for that matter) they have to be aggressively better than the competition. The Fusion as a car is fine to me. The pricing thing will discourage some people from buying it, though.
I think the Camry's sales picked up this year because they redid the taillights so they look snazzy. Just my opinion though.
IIHS did not test Five Hundred side impact yet however the side impact rating from NHTSA is FIVE STARS without side airbags. This is the only vehicle ever tested to score five stars without side airbags which shows that a good structure can result in a good side impact performance.
Unique to Ford Five Hundred is that the seats are mounted on cross beams rather than on the floor pan. The cross beam remains rigid during a side impact and gets pushed inward pulling the seat and the passenger out of the way of the intruding vehicle.
With seats mounted on the floor pan, the floor pan crunches up like tin foil and the passanger in the seat the point of impact of the intruding vehicle.
Mark
However, I can tell you unequivocally that in our area [Portland OR], finding ANY mainstream Ford product that has the safety features as options ON THE LOT is very difficult. Couldn't do it with a Focus search, couldn't do it with a 500 search. Either they sell very quickly and what is left are the cars without the airbags, or the dealers are misreading the market. Cars that have the safety options are often loaded up with other useless bullpucky [sunroofs, leather, partridge-in-pear-tree] that mean you can't just "optionally" get the airbags and ABS - you have to pay for all of the other stuff, whether it means anything to you or not.
No point in offering potentially life-saving features as "options" if you have to order from the factory and wait months to get a car - not with the competition [already cited ad nauseum] offering this stuff as standard or easily available.
Sorry - I believe Honda has the right idea: on average, 2-3 trim levels for every model, with clearly defined equipment levels and few, if any, factory "options". Sometimes it makes them look a bit more expensive than the competition, but not to any real disadvantage in the marketplace. The Detroit approach to "options" just complicates life for everyone from the factory to the dealer to the customer, all in the name of making the car seem less expensive than it really is.
Is that an excuse for the ABS situation? NO. In that case, it is just Ford wanting to advertise and make available cars for a lower price....How wise that is is for others than me to debate.
Makes me wonder where Honda is going to get the side airbags it will need for the 1.3 million vehicles it should sell in the US in 2006 with standard side airbags??
It's not production capacity - Ford is probably afraid that by adding the side airbags and building the cost into the MSRP may scare customers away.
BUT...if you take the survey at the Ford Fusion web site, you will find that AWD is __not__ available. Ford is "considering" it for future revisions. Ah well, there's always Subrau or Audi A3.
Ford's not the only domestic decontenting a car by removing safety gear to "lower price". Do you see a lot of safety gear on base Cobalts, IONs or Malibus? Uh Uh.
6 Explorer trim levels plus options and packages,
5 F-150 trims with 3 cab styles, 3 bed lenghts and 3 engines! oh and there is a King Ranch and for 06 a Harley-Davidson package. CONFUSING?
the 500 has basically 6 trim levels, SE, AWD SE, SEL, AWD SEL, LIMITED AND LIMITED AWD. True not many FWD Limited were made. Same with Freestyle
Now the Fusion you have S, SE, SEL and SE-V6 and SEL-V6.
Mustang comes in Coupe deluxe and Coupe Premium, GT deluxe and GT Premium. For 06 they are adding the Pony Package which is really a trim level all its own.
Expedition don't even get me started...
Fortunately my dealership has a rather large inventory but even so, safety options are hard to come by except for on the Freestar.
Mark
Ford says 0-60 acceleration times for the Fusion/Milan will be 8.5 seconds. Looking at the previous midsize sedan comparison test...
Accord - 7.5
Altima - 7.3
Galant - 7.3
Camry - 7.6
6 - 7.8
Malibu - 8.3
2006 Sonata - above 8.0????
ENGINES
Fusion/Milan - 24-valve DOHC V6, 3.0L, 221hp
Accord - 24-valve SOHC V6, 3.0L, 240hp
Altima - 24-valve DOHC V6, 3.5L, 245hp
Galant - 24-valve SOHC V6, 3.8L, 230hp
Malibu - 12-valve OHV V6, 3.5L, 200hp
Camry - 24-valve DOHC V6, 3.3L, 225hp
6 - 24-valve DOHC V6, 3.0L, 220hp
Sonata - 24-valve DOHC, 3.3L, 235hp
PRICES
Ford Fusion $17,995 / $21,275
Mecrury Milan $18,995/ $21,995
Hyundai Sonata $18,495 / $21,495
Honda Accord $18,510 / $24,465
Chevrolet Malibu $19,825 / $21,890
Toyota Camry $19,735 / $23,070
Nissan Altima $19,880 / $23,880
Mazda 6 $19,555/ $23,855
Mitsubishi Galant $19,595/ $23,095
Judging by all this, I'd say the Fusion/Milan have a great future mainly because of thier low price and feaures. Otherwise, their performance is only adequate, definetly not class leading. The cars itself are also smaller than most of the competition, which makes me wonder how roomy the interior is. Thank god for the 6 speed transmission and sporty handling. The Milan and Fusion also need to offer nav systems like their competitors do. Hopefully this feature will debut soon, along with the AWD version.
If only Ford improved the engines on the Fusion and Five Hundred, I can see them becoming class leaders.
Mark
Mark