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Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan

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Comments

  • frasierdogfrasierdog Member Posts: 128
    My last 3 Ford products have been made in Canada or the US. All 3 have been very good quality.

    The new Fusion will be made in Mexico. I hope that Ford has found a way to instill the idea of quality ownership in the Mexican worker. I have worked for 2 companies with production facilities in Juarez, Mexico and was never impressed with the work ethic or end quality. I would have been SO much happier with the Fusion if it was made in Canada or the US.

    And for anyone who says I am making a rash generalization, yes, I sure am. But, I hope Ford gets the production facility in tip top shape with low worker turnover.

    My suggestion for anyone buying a Fusion is to get one made before mid December or after mid February.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    The almighty Honda/Toyota pillars are showing cracks my friends. For those of us who actually get out and read other net sites, there are plenty of peeved off Honda/Toyota owners out there. After years and years of Ford/GM bashing people it has become a norm for some to ASSUME Ford/GM just will never build a good quality/reliable vehicle. Magazines and reviewers don't help this stigma either. Myself, I have learned there is no advantage in owning a Honda/Toyota product. I am not the only person who is finding this out. Get out on the net, read other chats. In my book the magazine writers, car reviewers are the ones that are behind the times, and behind the curve. Vehicle reliability is up across the board. Toyota/Honda no longer rule this realm. I bought an 01 Escape XLT V6 4WD in late 01. I cannot tell you how many of the Honda CRV clan told me my Escape was less reliable, less quality, ect... My Escape was going to breakdown, blah, blah... I now have 58,000 miles, and going strong.. I won't pay the premium price for Toyota/Honda and buy into the hoopla magazine writers/reviewers claim...
    Sorry for getting of on a tangent...
    The Fusion will be a great car. If you get out on the net and read how this car was developed it will surprise you.
  • buckwheatbuckwheat Member Posts: 396
    http://www.freep.com/money/autonews/fusion27e_20050827
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    Slightly off topic, but here is a good example of how the press loves to bash Ford.

    The Toyota sluge problem shows up in 0.03% of vehicles. And people shrug.

    So far the NHTSA has received 550 complaints regarding the infamous cruise control switch. The press is going crazy.

    This switch was installed on 16 million vehicles!!!

    For you Math Wizs thats 0.000034375%.

    Real facts are that it is no longer Reliability that seperates the Japanese from the Domestics, in my opinion its the Quality or what you get for the buck.

    The Fusion really looks like it is going to have the same type of quality build, features, drive, handling, etc., that people expect from Japanese brands.

    Whether you buy a Fusion or a Cam/cord is really going to be a matter of personal taste.

    An example of where Ford failed in the "quality" end of the design is the Ford Freestar. First they used an old unpleasent powertrain on the van. Then they made it worse by putting a ridiculously high sticker price on the van. Is no wonder that now they have $6,000 rebates on them. (reliability seems pretty crappy as well)

    Mark
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    The Fusion really looks like it is going to have the same type of quality build, features, drive, handling, etc., that people expect from Japanese brands.

    Hmm...I was hoping it would be more european-like in terms of those things like quality (not to be confused with reliability), handling., etc. Japanese-like reliability would be nice too.

    I thought Japanese cars were known for just reliability, meaning that they keep running and don't break. I don't think of a light, tinny japanese car, with cheap interior as high in quality.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I haven't heard anything about it, so I'm not sure I'd characterize the press as "going crazy" about that.

    -juice
  • nick28nick28 Member Posts: 5
    I have one semester left of college and once I'm working full time, I'll be looking to finally get a new car. I'm mostly partial to trucks, but if I decide to go with a car, I will definately be looking at a Fusion.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    the MPG ratings for the Fusion? 4cyl vs 6? auto vs manual? ect?? Gas prices have jumped here to $2.67 a gallon@!!!@! YEEEEE ouch... :cry:
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    The Toyota sluge problem shows up in 0.03% of vehicles. And people shrug.

    So far the NHTSA has received 550 complaints regarding the infamous cruise control switch. The press is going crazy.

    This switch was installed on 16 million vehicles!!!

    For you Math Wizs thats 0.000034375%.

    The Toyota number is documeted by actual cases - not those reported to NHTSA. How many cases of sludging were reported to NHTSA?

    As a Ford shareholder, I expect more of them.
  • 14871487 Member Posts: 2,407
    My man, you are on the money 100%. I have never seen you posting on edmunds before but I agree with you. I am not a Ford fan per se, but I do hope the press gives it a fair shake. If they dont, it is doomed for rebates. If a car doesnt get strong reviews off the bat, it is in trouble. I think the Fusion is a strong effort from Ford, especially in terms of exterior styling and considering it's price it a good alternative to the Sonata/Camry/ Accord 4 cylinder. The notion of import superiority in reliability is a myth supported by a loyal automotive press who can't get their minds out of the 80s. Every domestic vehicle is handicapped from the start because it's not made my a company headquartered in Japan or Germany. it's really a shame that these journalists are so emotionally attached to imports and in most cases aren't capable of evaluating a vehicle solely on it's merits.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I like the Fusion, don't get me wrong, but what compelling difference does it have compared to the Mazda6? Doesn't the Mazda already have 219hp, so what is 2hp going to change?

    I like the 6 as well, but it hasn't put a dent in Camry/Accord sales, and it has the V6/manual combo. Not to mention 3 body styles.

    Are expectations too high for this vehicle? Will the sheer number of Ford dealers help it outsell the 6 by such a wide margin?

    I'm curious to hear, besides styling, what will set this car apart.

    -juice
  • exalteddragon1exalteddragon1 Member Posts: 729
    The car did need to be a bit larger (interrior room) than it is. That is probably the biggest reason the Mazda has not dented the camcord sales, interrior room.

    The five hundred is a great car first and foremost because they made it very big without guzzling too much gas.

    The new Camry is reportedly going to be even bigger than the current one. This is going to put the fusion into a different category for many potential buyers.

    I do not think the fusion will be a flop, though. Especially when the new 3.5L comes out and if ford decides to put a manumatic and Nav into it.

    Just my take, thanks. :D
  • green2gogreen2go Member Posts: 14
    You might be interested in this link:
    http://www.ford.com/en/company/about/corporateCitizenship/report/articlesHermosilloFelixGu- illen.htm
    It's the manager of Ford's Hermosillo, Mexico facility talking about how their turnover rate is less than 1%. Lots of other info in the links on that page about the plant where the Fusion is being built. Bottom line -- it's a world class facility.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Ok, that's one important improvement. But it hasn't helped the Five Hundred much. I guess that car has other issues.

    Oh I don't think it'll flop, I'm just asking out of curiosity. Seems like you find strong opinions one way or the other, it'll fail miserably or be a best seller, depending on who you ask.

    -juice
  • badgerfanbadgerfan Member Posts: 1,565
    What rate of sales did Ford expect from the Five Hundred? Not so sure they are disappointed. If I add up Five Hundred+Montego+Freestyle all produced out of the Chicago factory, through end of July this calendar year they have sold 123,930 vehicles( 62,693 Five Hundreds, 15,803 Montegos, and 45,434 Freestyles). Assuming sales are steady through the rest of the year, that estimates out to 212,451. That might be close to full production for that plant anyways.

    In this age of super fragmented market niches with probably as many brands and models as have ever existed in the US marketplace, I doubt if you will ever see any one model command the volume as in the past.

    What annual capacity will the Mexican Fusion plant have, anyone know?
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    ANT may be able to verify, but I thought that the 3 models combined were intended to have annual sales volume of 250K units. The Five Hundred, from my understanding, is close or exceeding targets, but the Freestyle and Montego are lagging.

    ~alpha
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    Ateixiera,

    The Mazda6 was downgraded to 210HP for MY2006, it's now a 11HP difference.

    Alpha,

    240-250K roughly if they wanted to maximize it...but anything over 200K for all combined vehicles, is what the priority was, which shouldn't be hard to exceed.
  • navigator89navigator89 Member Posts: 1,080
    As juice says there is a lot of controversy surrounding the Fusion/Milan. I personally think the pair will be quite successful, although I don't think they are going to match or beat Accord/Camry sales anytime soon. Maybe they'll beat these two in a couple of years, when the Fusion earns a good name and reliability.

    Anyway Karl says there'll be a First Drive on the Fusion/Milan soon on Edmunds, as the embargo was lifted on Sept 1. I sure can't wait to read the road test!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Cool, but the 6 needed a boost in low-end torque more than anything. I'll drive one once they're out.

    -juice
  • unknownmatunknownmat Member Posts: 9
    There are a few issues.

    First, as you said, Mazda simply doesn't have the dealer network to support Ford/Toyota level sales.

    Second, the 6 is slightly too small for the American market. I believe its sales have actually been quite good in other markets, particularly in Europe. The Fusion has been widened and lengthened to make up for this, and if you have a chance to sit in one you will see that it feels a lot bigger than the 6.

    Whether or not expectations are too high remains to be seen, but they have addressed the size issue, and it will obviously be supported by Ford's network of dealers. If it is as fun to drive as the 6 then it should do well.
  • toomanyfumestoomanyfumes Member Posts: 1,019
    of the Fusion in the new Car & Driver. Very positive review. I can't wait to test drive one. :D
    2012 Mustang Premium, 2013 Lincoln MKX Elite, 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Sounds good. I guess it needed to be bigger if it was going to replace the Taurus in the lineup. The Mazda6 is quite a bit smaller than the Taurus, at least on the outside.

    -juice
  • f111df111d Member Posts: 114
    On CNN last Sat. afternoon interviewed Matthew Simmons talked about something many may or may not be aware of --- we are at the beginning of the crude oil decline as far as present day affordable production resources. Even the so called Mid-East Golden triangle is in depletion, this from a 2003 report which Washington was made aware of for what that's worth. Mr. Simmons is the energy advisor to the President and has been investigating energy investor consultant/etc.
    I will include one of hundreds of URL articles available on the web.

    Ant14--- I know Ford has been offering The E85 or FFV option on many vehicles, but it seems most engines are not the multi valve engines? Any chance the Fusion engines will be available with this flexible fuel option. Of course here in Ohio which I've seen many Ford FFV badged vehicles running around, probably 100%unleaded. We only have one station in all of Ohio, hopeful Katrina will wake up America and we'll get back to saving energy again that started way back in late 70's.
    Anyhow in the corn belt a friend in Kansas City told me E85 pumps $2.31gallon as 87 unleaded when over $3.00. Info on E85
    http://www.e85fuel.com/e85101/faqs/e85.php?topic=E85101

    Ant 14 just how much of stretch is it to offer this? I've heard besides the PCM programming was a optical sensor that sensed the percentages of ethanol - unleaded. But then I noticed most engines are the two valve heads?

    Note to our host "Kirstie H, "not sure if there is a E85 forum, but since I and my eldest son are looking at this vehicle in the near future I posted here? My son lives in Illinois so FFV would make it all the more desirable. Illinois has dozens of ethanol production facilities.

    Matthew Simmons http://www.iags.org/n0331043.htm one of many URL's

    TNX
    Paul

    I'm doing my part since 79 with Solar Domestic Hot water that's still working and I'm now replacing my Air to Air heat pump with a Geothermal heat pump. Now if Ohio would only encourage ethanol again? Time to bug my representitive? What's his name?
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    Oil shortage is an issue that has been brewing the past couple of years, just Katrina has accelerated the issue. And it's not solely an issue of shortage, there's politics involved, no petrol companies not wanting to invest in building more refineries (it would mean more of it would be available, therefore the cost would drop), plus emerging markets such as China and S.E. Asia that have developed as well.

    Ford would be concentrating more on the Hybrid and diesel route, rather than E85. Although there are still some vehicles available with E85, or even gas powered CV if need be. When the Vulcan 3.0L dies out, it'll take most of the E85 availability with it.
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    We can not grow enough corn to produce the fuel we would need to replace gasoline. In addition the net energy that you get out of going that route is small, if not negative. The price is cheap only because of government handouts to ADM and governments not collecting 40-50 cents per gallon in taxes.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=106996
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    I think the gas prices forum is more appropriate for this particular conversation. Since this is the Fusion/Milan forum, we like to stick to just talking about those vehicles.

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
    Review your vehicle

  • green2gogreen2go Member Posts: 14
    This is what Ford says. I'm sure these are highway numbers; city would be lower:

    Fusion I-4 delivers 31 mpg, Fusion V-6 deliver 29 mpg
    Hybrid model to be introduced in 2008
  • alman08alman08 Member Posts: 282
    i think that's an excellent idea.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    The Fusion is garnering very favorable initial reviews, which is great news for 1) consumers and 2) FORD. The car is easily the most attractively styled in the segment, though I dont care for the taillamp arrangement. However, I think its a pity that Ford has so obviously skimped on safety. ABS and side curtains are optional on a 2006 family conveyance? Please. And stability isnt even offered?

    Really looking forward to driving one. Although I wasnt impressed with the interior of the Milan that I spent some time in (dinky gauges, hard dash plastic on top, flimsy center console storage cover above HVAC vents), the ride/handling compromise of this car looks great.

    Do we know MPG yet?

    ~alpha
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    Currently being tested and awaiting certification.

    Looking at 23/30 for I-4 Manual, 23/31 I-4 Auto, 21/29 V6 Auto... those are the goals, still awaiting final numbers.
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    I kid you guys not, we just had a customer trade in her new 2005 Accord for a preowned Ford Expedition.

    She was concerned that all the airbags in the Accord would smother her children in the even of an accident.

    Personally I would rather drive a car that had a strong structure to start with, rather than a car that used side airbags to "substitute" for a strong structure. I would reserve judgement on the optional airbags until we see a side impact test.

    The Mazda 6 really bombed the side impact with out side air bags test but supposedly Ford spend a lot of time strengthening the structure to better send up to a side impact.

    Mark
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    Not sure what your point is...so some woman is foolish enough to suddenly decide that airbags will smother her children (a thought that apparently did not occur to her before she bought the Accord). Does this mean that we should want a car without side air bags, thus increasing our chance of injury when she hits us with her Expedition?

    I'll take both a strong structure and the side airbags, thanks. Making the airbags optional is fine as long as they make them available at any trim level and do not require to much else with them. Ford could have left out the silly "anti-theft perimeter alarm"...but the air bag package at $595 MSRP is something that I would pay for.
  • savethelandsavetheland Member Posts: 671
    The is Fusion review in last MT. They compared Fusion interior to be equal or better than Accord’s. Riding quality and suspension as was expected is better than Accord, Accord wins on straight line because of more powerful engine, but loses on twisty mountain roads. V6 and is improvement over Mazda6. I already get excited. If it is bigger and better than Focus – then I am in.
  • f111df111d Member Posts: 114
    Ok if E85 not going to be available my son in the corn belt(Rockford, IL.) just lost interest, his 2002 S-15 is now running E85 @ $1.85 gallon. He ask well then a diesel? He on his own, it's just not cost effective at this time dad. Engineer for fuel controls for jet engines. What are people thinking, here in Rockford multi-fuel capabilty is what will sell now.
    He is asking for a e-mail at Ford to write his questions. I'm doing his leg work, the fuel controls are used on the Blackhawk/variants, helicopter which is also by Coast Guard.
    Seven days week since Iraq.
    TNX
    Paul
  • bewhite25bewhite25 Member Posts: 35
    http://www.carsmart.com/content/shared/articles/templates/index.cfm/article_id_int/722">link title
  • f111df111d Member Posts: 114
    Just got a e-mail from the Project Director for the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition reference the recently signed Energy Bill allocated grant programs specifically for Flexible Fuel Hybrids. Without quoting, He made special note towards Ford.
    So if you buy a Hybrid Fusion hopefully it will be FFV capable. If you're going "green" might as well go as versatile as possible.

    Paul
    .
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosinsider/0509/06/A01-304951.htm
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    Different from the article just posted:

    http://www.detnews.com/2005/insiders/0509/06/0auto-304565.htm
  • fsmmcsifsmmcsi Member Posts: 792
    The elevated gasoline prices and the newly lowered power ratings of the Japaneese engines make this a very good time for Ford to launch the new Fusion/Milan/Zephyr.

    The new GM-Ford joint venture 6-speed automatic transmission, the AWD, and the new 3.5 V6 will really keep the monentum going. A wagon version would be nice, but I guess that the Edge/Aviator/CX-7 will serve that function.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Five Hundred gets 21/29 so I thought the Fusion could do slightly better. Maybe in the real world it will.

    -juice
  • xmf314xmf314 Member Posts: 154
    I drove a Fusion at a Ford event here in Southern California last week. I think Ford may have a winner with this vehicle.

    To my eye, the styling is great. Even the three bar grill and the clear taillights, which looked a little polarizing in photos, looked good in the flesh.

    The interior was stylish and well put together with lots of soft-touch surfaces, and the seats appeared to be comfortable during my short drive.

    I particularly liked the firm steering. In contrast, I have rented pontiac G6s, and Chevy Malibu's and hated their disconnected, no feel steering. I hope the Fusion hastens the end of over boosted steering.

    Even thought my visit with the Fusion was short, I came away very impressed.
  • savethelandsavetheland Member Posts: 671
    From http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosinsider/0509/06/A01-304951.htm:

    "In one market test in Orange County, Calif., Ford lined up Fusion against segment leaders Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Chevrolet Malibu. The majority chose the Fusion as the favorite. But when they learned the Fusion was a Ford, many switched back to Camry."
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    They have a nice article about the Fusion. And surprise! surprise! For a mag that is known to lean toward anything but domestic brands.. they had some good things to say about the Fusion. They say the fit/finish and quality of interior materials equals Honda/Toyota. Best part was the driving experience.... Well folks.. looks like Ford may just have a contendor on its hands. Time.. it will take time for consumers to warm-up to the possibility Ford may have just built a car to compete. ;)
    Get out on the net. More and more reviews are popping up. :shades:
  • 307web307web Member Posts: 1,033
    Didn't magazines say things like that about the Contour several years ago?
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    You asked if magazines also said nice things about the Contour when it came out. About its handling, yes. About the car's fit, finish and room, NO. They were very critical, especially of its pricing, which they said (correctly, it turns out) was much too close to that of the Taurus.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosconsumer/0509/07/F01-305650.htm
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosconsumer/0509/07/F03-305970.htm
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Keep in mind that's the home team, those guys probably loved the Aztek.

    I'm not saying it's bad, just that a positive review from them doesn't mean anything at all.

    when they learned the Fusion was a Ford, many switched back to Camry

    That's in import-leaning California, so there's the other side of the fence.

    -juice
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    Keep in mind that's the home team, those guys probably loved the Aztek.

    Not really.

    They don't seem to be too fond of the Aztec's new wannabe twin either. ;)
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