I hit the 5,000 mile mark today in my Fusion SEL V-6. I have to say, I am still loving life in "D"!!!
Get it? That was a play on their commercials. OK, I'll refrain from any more attempts at humor.
Just wanted to say, I love this car and have not had one problem with it over the 5,000 miles and 3 1/2 months I've owned it. Came from the factory, via the dealer, perfect. Not many people can say that. Not even a squeak or rattle.
Honda now uses a timing chain in their engines. I have ownership experience with both 4 cyls and the Honda 2.4l engine is better in almost every way (although Mazda's 2.3 is not bad). Ford's 3.0L may be tried and true, but it is far from spectacular. And Honda's 3.0 has been around for a while and frankly is superior. Don't kid yourself - Ford still need to catch up in 4 and 6 cyl arena.
That said these motors are all good and I could live with any of them. But Honda has the better of these motors, period.
I was all set to get a new Fusion, however I am still not so shore about making the leap, giving my 99 Contour SE been nothing but perfect for 4 years now. Even in sub zero temp, one turn of the key and she is ready to go. Don't even have to warm up the engine to get going. How does the Fusion perform in that respect? I am also not too giddy about the Fusion's power at 3200+ lbs. My Contour is no where close to that kind of power but it has 1,2,D shifting and is only 2700 lbs. I may just have to wait for the Edge at 250+ hp or until Fusion gets that kind of power. No more 4 bangers for me.
And Honda's 3.0 has been around for a while and frankly is superior. Don't kid yourself - Ford still need to catch up in 4 and 6 cyl arena.
You do know that Ford does have iterations of the Duratec30 that rival the 3.0L from Honda. You just don't see them in "basic" Ford and Mercury vehicles as they save them for the PAG lines. That's one thing I like about Honda, they don't save all of the "good stuff" for the luxo marque.
I won't argue that Honda has better engines either because overall they do. But saying that other manufacturers need to catch up isn't entirely true. Honda does jump ahead most of the time but when someone catches up, well, they catch up.
I think Ford should have done something special with the Duratec35 that would have made Honda have to catch up but as it stands they didn't and Honda will make them play catch-up again in the future.
20 - 21 mpg combined. I commute from Bowie, MD to Washington, DC everyday, with 3 occupants, total. Approximately 10 miles of highway driving at 70-75 MPH (HOV lane ) and 12 miles of city, stop and go traffic. Straight highway driving, I can easily get 27-29 mpg. Straight city driving, only averaging 17-19 mpg.
Even in sub zero temp, one turn of the key and she is ready to go. Don't even have to warm up the engine to get going. How does the Fusion perform in that respect?
Well, here in the DC area, we've only had about 2 weeks of below freezing weather early in December. At that time, I just turned the key, flipped on the seat heater, and drove off. By the time I was to the highway, approx. 3 miles, everything was very warm and running smoothly.
I think you've hit the nail on the head in terms of a major issue with the NA manufacturers. They aim at the current Toyonda levels so by the time they get there Toyonda moves ahead again. They need to aim higher. Ford's new 3.5L should be 300hp capable with full VVT and cylinder de-activation. Put that engine rated at 250hp in the Fusion (over 250hp in FWD is a waste) and bingo. Then put a 300hp version in an AWD model.
By not aiming ahead, these guys are making cars that are good but only match "last years" Toyonda. Then you cannot justify selling at the same price hence the discounts. Actually, I would love to buy a Ford or GM again, but every time I do I get burned by a poorly built POS. So I go back to my boring Honda Accord and drive trouble free...
Ford is tuning their engines for more torque at lower rpms and for better emissions which hurts fuel economy. Peak HP is never a good metric. Take the S2000: 237 hp but only 162 lb-ft of peak torque. The Fusion only has 221 hp but 201 lb ft of torque. Put those two engines in the same car and the Ford engine will be quicker because of the higher torque.
Ford is also under reporting hp in some cases. The 2005 mustang is advertised at 300 hp but chassis dynos have confirmed that it's putting out at least 320 hp. On 87 octane fuel.
I feel the same way you do about Ford not going beyond the imports. If the new Camry gets 268hp, why didn't Ford go beyond that with it's new 3.5L engine. How long will it take Ford to catchup, if ever? I am tired of them making bold statements about "Moving forward" and "Built for the road", when they can't even match the power of the boring Camry. Come on Ford woo me with something like a FWD 270 Fusion and 290 AWD. This should be their new way of thinking. It will also go a long way towards establishing them as a leader once more, not just a follower. I think they have starting making better cars but still hurt by their image. IMHO, Ford needs to build some barn burner to rebuild it's image. A 300hp AWD Fusion Coup will do a lot for it's image.
Obviously peak horsepower is not a great metric. In fact power is basically force X speed so the torque curve is your true metric. I disagree about Ford tuning these engines for torque - that 3.0L has never been very "torquey" and even with VVT it is not that great. The Nissan Q engine, BWM's VANOS engines, etc., show what a full blown VVT engine can do (or even the new VW/Audi 2.0L turbo). Torque peak comes in around 2000 rpm and stays there until the 6K region - torque curve looks like a table top! Stomp the gas and you get a smooth flow of power all they way through the range - no peaks or valleys.
As for 8 cyl engines, notice I qualified my statements with 4 and 6 cyl engines - I will not argue the v8s. Everyone is under reporting their high horsepower engines to the tune of 20-50 hp. The Ford GT is probably well over 600hp!
The problem with the 3.5L is that it's about 2 years late due to technical problems. It should have already been in production.
But I'd still be willing to bet if you compare torque curves, fuel requirements and emissions the Ford 3.5L will be very competitive. I'd be surprised if it's not putting out close to 260 hp on 87 octane fuel with lower emissions and a better torque curve than the 268 hp toyota engine. You can always increase peak hp by increasing the redline but that won't translate into better off the line performance.
In reality 240-250hp with a nice broad torque curve, ULEV-II emissions, low mileage, smoothness, regular gas etc., would be great. IMO anything over 250hp with good torque in a FWD car is too much and a waste. Unfortunately the public is fixated on hp numbers. Heck, I'd be happy with 220hp with the above attributes (the current 3.0L does not have them). Seems to be (one of) Ford's problem in cars lately. Design a half decent car but then not have a motor to match. If the Fusion had the 3.5L described above, I'd bet it would clean up in the magazine comparos plus generate much more interest in the showroom.
First, the 268 hp from Toyota turned out to be inflated. Ford and Mazda both have a reputation for UNDER estimating HP which is why the Fusion is now rated at 221 instead of 210.
Second, Fords new 3.5 will use VVT. However cylinder deactivation really isn't viable on an overhead cam engine. The exception is Honda's VTEC which works differently from every other Manufacturerer, but the aren't sharing the patents.
Third I agree that HP in an FWD car is not inthe catagory of MORE is BETTER. Just go floor a Maxima. I just spoke to a kid with a turbo Golf GTI and he said the Torque Lag is so bad the car wants to completely change lanes.
Fourth I think smoothness and refinement is much more important than the raw hp numbers. What gives a sense of Power and Refinement is when you don't hear as MUCH engine as you expect based on how hard you flooring the car.
I agree that Honda can put some amazing engines out, but they have also missed the boat (previous generation Civic Si anyone?)
Unfortunately the public is fixated on hp numbers.
You got that right...and it is just silly. I don't know about where you live, but around here the typical driver probably rarely goes above over 3000 rpm. People are very pokey, they take 1/2 mile to get up to 60 mph. They should not care what the HP number is at 6000 or 7000 rpm....but they do.
My wifes Jetta with a "lousy" 150 or 160 HP is plenty adequate. This is because most of the torque is there even at about 2000 rpm.
Has anyone compared the Mazda 6 sport with the Milan? It seems that the Mazda would appeal to a younger audience, has a 50,000 mile warranty,built in navigation (for $2000), good rebates although more expensive etc. However, according to consumer magazine the reliability is below average?
Any thoughts. My 23 year old son is comparing both vehicles.
The Mazda is definitely smaller plus the obvious differences in styling. Some have complained that the Mazda6 suspension is much harsher than the Fusion/Milan. Can't go wrong with either one.
I still fail to see the infatuation with horsepower numbers. OK, Granted, maybe the Camry and the Accord have more horsepower than the Fusion. I honestly don't know and I don't care. What I do know is that my Fusion SEL has more power than I'll ever need. I'm not some old fuddy duddy either. I'm 32, male, and I like to drive fast. Trust me, I have no complaints with the Fusion. Anytime I step on the far right pedal really hard the car jumps and I'm gleefully thrown backwards into my beautiful black leather seat with contrast oatmeal stitching. There may come a day when some Camry owner passes me when I'm pressing down on my favorite little pedal, but I'll just give that driver a smug little smile, content in the knowlege that he or she is just jealous that my car is so much prettier than theirs. Then I'll get a nice laugh when I see that Camry pulled over by the boys in blue, because if someone passes me, they're gonna get a ticket.
Sounds all good, but from a marketing stand point HP sells. We all know just about any car today has more go than the vast majority of us will ever need. Then again do you think the Fusion would of placed second to the Acord in most reviews if it had 250hp? I know hp is way overrated. My Contour SE with all of 125hp got ticketed doing 90mph.
But the funny thing is it does not seem sell itself :confuse: . My understanding is the majority of buyers end up opting for 4 cyl Camrys and Accords. So I guess the best marketing strategy would be to advertise a 500HP model...but then when you get to the showroom, you find out the 500 HP model cost $150,000 :surprise: , then the salesman says...but we do have this model in a 200 HP V6 for $20-25,000 or the 160 HP 4 cyl for under $20K .
My Bonneville and Intrigue with V6 engines and 1000lbs heavier deliver the similar mileage as my I4 Focus in my commute, 60% of which from stop light to stop light. Did I mention the fun and safety driving more powerful cars?
Sixhead, your not alone about your confusion over HP. It doesn't make any sense but all of the idiots who at the city red lights flatten the pedal to feel the torque and revs. then quickly flatten the brake pedal again for the next red light an 1/8 of a mile ahead love these comparisons. It's machismo, fantasy, and an argument with no logic built for low intellect males and females. Unfortunately, that's the market that the Auto manufacturers are serving these days. In fact, just this week Robert Lutz of GM, was talking about the strange bipolar auto market in the US. Muscle cars with 500 HP on one hand and then the Hybrid cars on the other. My favorite about how oblivious and innane consumers are is the JD Powers & Assoc. 2004 reviews of complaints over cars in service for one year. The one with the highest complaints that year was the Hummer2. Why you ask??? Well they said that they were expecting better gas miliage! I couldn't stop laughing at that one. Imagine a 3.5 ton car blasting down the road with huge/thick nobby tires, one passenger inside, blasting the AC. Now come on.....is it any wonder why the world cannot understand what makes Americans tick? The whole HP argument makes me incredulous. To me 210 or 221HP doesn't make the least amount of difference. I like the way the Fusion looks and the price is right. The only question for Ford now is the future reliability of this car. That will get Ford more consumers into the showroom to try out their cars.
Finally got around to driving a fusion. I liked it even more than I thought I might. In the showroom they had the tungsten gray color, which made the chrome grill, that I am not too fond of, look okay to me.
The best thing was the comfortable driving position that I easily found. This does not happen often for me. In most cars I have to reach too much for the steering wheel, when I have the seat set at a comfortable distance from the pedals. The Ford telescoping wheel actually telescopes out enough for me, yay .
The 4 cyl automatic had enough power for me. Engine was kind of noisy when accelerating, but very quiet when cruising. Other than that about the only noise I heard was a little wind noise. I think this was just the normal sound of air flowing around the car, made more noticable by the lack of other noises. Very nice handling but with a pretty smooth ride also.
The only new disappointment is that the dark interior color that I would prefer is not avaiable in the Fusion S and I don't really want the added features of the SE. The disappointing factors that I already knew about are...not getting the 6 speed trans with the 4 cylinder and no ESC available.
The 268 horse rating of the Toyota 3.5L is NOT an inflated figure. For 2006, all Toyota engines have been re-rated and are SAE certified (same with Honda).
FWIW, the 221 Fusion can barely outrun the 190 horse 2006 Camry XLE, and is actually slower in passing tests. The Sonata and Accord V6s majorly trounce the Fusions accelerative abilities, and the 6 speed 268 horse Camry will as well (likely to clock about 6 seconds to sixty).
The Fusion, Milan, and Zephyr were prominent at the LA Auto show, and we observed many people looking at them, especially the Fusion. It sure seems spacious inside, and Ford wisely made the footwells wide enough, the console narrow enough, and the steering column telescoping, things they did not get right with the Five Hundred.
Sorry, but safe driving, including allowance of proper following distances, does work. The fact that some people refuse to drive properly is no reason not to drive properly. By the way, I mostly drive in southern CA, not some remote area with little traffic. I leave an even greater following distance when some unsafe driver is following me too closely, and if they are really too close, will slow down or brake to give them the message. It usually works, and I have often seen what appears to be a wife telling her husband to back off and drive properly when I do so.
If I decide to go drag racing I'll be sure to trade for a Camry.
It seems that some people have a very narrow view of motoring... :P Mention HP figures and they think "speeding", mention acceleration times and they think "drag racing". Poor little people... :shades:
I suppose my "Live in the USA, Buy USA" point of view is invalid too.. I live in Detroit and come from a third generation "Big 3" family..(Althoug I Personally do not work for the Big 3)
I would walk before I bought a Japanese name-plate Car. The Big-3 needs a kick in the pants and the Fusion is just that kick(albeit just the beginning) Here in Detroit, The Big 3 are well known for inferior cars (Blame the Unions)and i would pass over 95% of the American made junk. With that said, The Fusion is a new breed indeed. I am proud of my Fusion as it looks killer (unlike the boring "Married with Children" or Soccer Mom" looking Camrys and Accords)and I could care less if the Toy or Honda beet me at the drag strip. This car makes a bold statement and hardly blends into the road like the boring and plain Japanese rivals. Please let me know the last time any of you thought "WOW, the Camry is a real headturner" or That "Accord sure is fast".. I think the difference between the owners of the Japanese rivals are content with their "smart" purchase.. I think Fusion owners are proud and excited owners of their cars. Afterall, shouldn't you actually enjoy your driving experience?
I'm with you Sixhead.. I could care less if some Soccer-Mom Japanese car is 1-2 seconds on the drag strip faster then my fusion.. I have a heavy foot and my Fusion SEL has ample getty-up. What kinda reject cares about blasting through the city anyway? As long as I have the HP to merge on the HWY or pass some 90 year old Blue Hair, then I'm happy.. And the ONLY Japanese car I have seen that is even remotely as classy and stylish as my Fusion is the Nissan Maxima with the sport package (over 30 grand)and I STILL like the Fusion's looks better and the 6 G's I saved to boot!
There is also more to driving than straight-ahead acceleration.
The fusion handling seemed great to me. Going around curves, turning corners, changing lanes...it has a real nice feel. Yet it still has a nice ride on our crappy rough roads. Accord steering felt too light to me.
The fusion 4 wheel disc brakes also seemed to stop the car nice and quick, when I tried a pretend panic stop on my test drive.
It is interesting Ford does not offer a built in navigation or a spoiler for the Milan. Does anyone have any experience with after market built in navs and if so what is the specific name? My 22 year old son is deciding between a Honda (great car, but very common), the Milan. The Honda offers many items he would like, but expensive.
One can get a TomTom you can take from car to car and update readily for far, far less than the cost of any built in factory Nav system. There are many other brands also available...
I agree with you, however, my son thinks it looks slopppy and the resale of the car will be greater. I am located in Boston and the theft rate of portable navs is quite high, and my son soes not want to constatnly put it out of sight. One would think that since Ford wants to compete with Accord, Camry, etc. they would offer this as an option.
If you personally like nav and know you will use it often enough to get your moneys worth out of it from your own personal useage, then get it. Resale value is absolutely not a reason to buy nav. In fact, your total depreciation will be more with nav than without it. Options like nav and rear seat dvd systems lose a higher percentage of original value at resale than the car as a whole. A $1500 and $2000 dvd entertainment system and nav system only add a few hundred dollars to resale value after a few years. You can't justify nav by saying it will pay for itself with added resale value. Some options like A/C and automatic transmission (on most cars) are needed for resale and will return to you most of the initial cost at resale time, but not nav.
wow, finally something about the car...regarding your fitment in the car, how tall are you? did you find you had sufficient head and leg room? how about in the hips? it sounds like you were favorably impressed with the car.
I didnt say anything about sports sedans, all I discussed was acceleration. It seems that everyone in here equates only that aspect with driving enjoyment, which I never mentioned. All I said is that the Fusion V6 is slower than most V6 competitors, which is true.
I am 5'11", but my legs are fairly long...which is why I was so glad to find that the wheel telescoped out enough for me. It has seemed to me that many telescoping wheels do not come out far enough to achieve maximum comfort, like the Fusion's did for me. I beleive it was the most comfortable driving position I have found in any car.
Usually I find Ford seats to be among the most comfortable for me because the seats are deeper than most, the fusion did not disappoint in that regard.
I really felt at home in the car right away.
Head room and leg room were fine as was hip room...but I am not a wide person. There was adequate rear seat leg room behind me too...not like the insane amount in a 500, but enough.
This car (or milan) is at the top of my list now. I'll probably get a 2007 or 2008 sometime in the next 1-2 years.
i'm almost 6'4" so headroom and legroom are important. i was encouraged by the design when i heard that ford widened the mazda platform to better suit american drivers. i need to test drive a manual to see how the clearance is for the clutch engagement...lots of times there isn't enough room from the bottom of the steering wheel to your thighs, when engaging/disengaging the clutch.
I'm a midget and I need a car that has 500 HP so that I can feel like I'm finally in charge on the road. While I love the wonderful styling of the Camry, which is so sexy and the immensly powerful engine that spits out so much power, I just couldn't decide. That's when I decided that instead of the Fusion, which only has 210 HP, I would buy a used Yugo and really impress the girls.
I had very briefly driven a milan with manual transmission. I did not like the manual, shifter seemed kind of clunky and clutch seemed kind of high to me...which might lead to the steering wheel interference that you mention.
I plan to go for an automatic as I don't want to commit to 10-12 more years of shifting. Especially given the fact that there is actually a small gas mileage penalty for the manual.
Comments
Get it? That was a play on their commercials. OK, I'll refrain from any more attempts at humor.
Just wanted to say, I love this car and have not had one problem with it over the 5,000 miles and 3 1/2 months I've owned it. Came from the factory, via the dealer, perfect. Not many people can say that. Not even a squeak or rattle.
That said these motors are all good and I could live with any of them. But Honda has the better of these motors, period.
How does the Fusion perform in that respect? I am also not too giddy about the Fusion's power at 3200+ lbs. My Contour is no where close to that kind of power but it has 1,2,D shifting and is only 2700 lbs. I may just have to wait for the Edge at 250+ hp or until Fusion gets that kind of power. No more 4 bangers for me.
You do know that Ford does have iterations of the Duratec30 that rival the 3.0L from Honda. You just don't see them in "basic" Ford and Mercury vehicles as they save them for the PAG lines. That's one thing I like about Honda, they don't save all of the "good stuff" for the luxo marque.
I won't argue that Honda has better engines either because overall they do. But saying that other manufacturers need to catch up isn't entirely true. Honda does jump ahead most of the time but when someone catches up, well, they catch up.
I think Ford should have done something special with the Duratec35 that would have made Honda have to catch up but as it stands they didn't and Honda will make them play catch-up again in the future.
20 - 21 mpg combined. I commute from Bowie, MD to Washington, DC everyday, with 3 occupants, total. Approximately 10 miles of highway driving at 70-75 MPH (HOV lane
How does the Fusion perform in that respect?
Well, here in the DC area, we've only had about 2 weeks of below freezing weather early in December. At that time, I just turned the key, flipped on the seat heater, and drove off. By the time I was to the highway, approx. 3 miles, everything was very warm and running smoothly.
By not aiming ahead, these guys are making cars that are good but only match "last years" Toyonda. Then you cannot justify selling at the same price hence the discounts. Actually, I would love to buy a Ford or GM again, but every time I do I get burned by a poorly built POS. So I go back to my boring Honda Accord and drive trouble free...
Ford is also under reporting hp in some cases. The 2005 mustang is advertised at 300 hp but chassis dynos have confirmed that it's putting out at least 320 hp. On 87 octane fuel.
I think they have starting making better cars but still hurt by their image. IMHO, Ford needs to build some barn burner to rebuild it's image. A 300hp AWD Fusion Coup will do a lot for it's image.
As for 8 cyl engines, notice I qualified my statements with 4 and 6 cyl engines - I will not argue the v8s. Everyone is under reporting their high horsepower engines to the tune of 20-50 hp. The Ford GT is probably well over 600hp!
But I'd still be willing to bet if you compare torque curves, fuel requirements and emissions the Ford 3.5L will be very competitive. I'd be surprised if it's not putting out close to 260 hp on 87 octane fuel with lower emissions and a better torque curve than the 268 hp toyota engine. You can always increase peak hp by increasing the redline but that won't translate into better off the line performance.
Second, Fords new 3.5 will use VVT. However cylinder deactivation really isn't viable on an overhead cam engine. The exception is Honda's VTEC which works differently from every other Manufacturerer, but the aren't sharing the patents.
Third I agree that HP in an FWD car is not inthe catagory of MORE is BETTER. Just go floor a Maxima. I just spoke to a kid with a turbo Golf GTI and he said the Torque Lag is so bad the car wants to completely change lanes.
Fourth I think smoothness and refinement is much more important than the raw hp numbers. What gives a sense of Power and Refinement is when you don't hear as MUCH engine as you expect based on how hard you flooring the car.
I agree that Honda can put some amazing engines out, but they have also missed the boat (previous generation Civic Si anyone?)
Mark
You got that right...and it is just silly. I don't know about where you live, but around here the typical driver probably rarely goes above over 3000 rpm. People are very pokey, they take 1/2 mile to get up to 60 mph. They should not care what the HP number is at 6000 or 7000 rpm....but they do.
My wifes Jetta with a "lousy" 150 or 160 HP is plenty adequate. This is because most of the torque is there even at about 2000 rpm.
Any thoughts. My 23 year old son is comparing both vehicles.
But the funny thing is it does not seem sell itself :confuse: . My understanding is the majority of buyers end up opting for 4 cyl Camrys and Accords. So I guess the best marketing strategy would be to advertise a 500HP model...but then when you get to the showroom, you find out the 500 HP model cost $150,000 :surprise: , then the salesman says...but we do have this model in a 200 HP V6 for $20-25,000 or the 160 HP 4 cyl for under $20K
Our 4cyl 5spd with economy and "fun to cruz" does
put a smile on our mugs.
My Bonneville and Intrigue with V6 engines and 1000lbs heavier deliver the similar mileage as my I4 Focus in my commute, 60% of which from stop light to stop light. Did I mention the fun and safety driving more powerful cars?
In fact, just this week Robert Lutz of GM, was talking about the strange bipolar auto market in the US. Muscle cars with 500 HP on one hand and then the Hybrid cars on the other.
My favorite about how oblivious and innane consumers are is the JD Powers & Assoc. 2004 reviews of complaints over cars in service for one year. The one with the highest complaints that year was the Hummer2. Why you ask??? Well they said that they were expecting better gas miliage! I couldn't stop laughing at that one. Imagine a 3.5 ton car blasting down the road with huge/thick nobby tires, one passenger inside, blasting the AC. Now come on.....is it any wonder why the world cannot understand what makes Americans tick? The whole HP argument makes me incredulous.
To me 210 or 221HP doesn't make the least amount of difference. I like the way the Fusion looks and the price is right. The only question for Ford now is the future reliability of this car. That will get Ford more consumers into the showroom to try out their cars.
The best thing was the comfortable driving position that I easily found. This does not happen often for me. In most cars I have to reach too much for the steering wheel, when I have the seat set at a comfortable distance from the pedals. The Ford telescoping wheel actually telescopes out enough for me, yay
The 4 cyl automatic had enough power for me. Engine was kind of noisy when accelerating, but very quiet when cruising. Other than that about the only noise I heard was a little wind noise. I think this was just the normal sound of air flowing around the car, made more noticable by the lack of other noises. Very nice handling but with a pretty smooth ride also.
The only new disappointment is that the dark interior color that I would prefer is not avaiable in the Fusion S and I don't really want the added features of the SE. The disappointing factors that I already knew about are...not getting the 6 speed trans with the 4 cylinder and no ESC available.
FWIW, the 221 Fusion can barely outrun the 190 horse 2006 Camry XLE, and is actually slower in passing tests. The Sonata and Accord V6s majorly trounce the Fusions accelerative abilities, and the 6 speed 268 horse Camry will as well (likely to clock about 6 seconds to sixty).
alpha
If I decide to go drag racing, I'm trading for this!
By all means, bring the Camry!
Reference the 12/05 issue of Car and Driver for times (or the 12/05 issue of Motor Trend)
alpha
Sorry, but safe driving, including allowance of proper following distances, does work. The fact that some people refuse to drive properly is no reason not to drive properly. By the way, I mostly drive in southern CA, not some remote area with little traffic. I leave an even greater following distance when some unsafe driver is following me too closely, and if they are really too close, will slow down or brake to give them the message. It usually works, and I have often seen what appears to be a wife telling her husband to back off and drive properly when I do so.
It seems that some people have a very narrow view of motoring... :P Mention HP figures and they think "speeding", mention acceleration times and they think "drag racing". Poor little people... :shades:
I'd say anyone who thinks people buy Camrys for performance has a very narrow view of the marketplace.
I would walk before I bought a Japanese name-plate Car.
The Big-3 needs a kick in the pants and the Fusion is just that kick(albeit just the beginning)
Here in Detroit, The Big 3 are well known for inferior cars (Blame the Unions)and i would pass over 95% of the American made junk.
With that said, The Fusion is a new breed indeed. I am proud of my Fusion as it looks killer (unlike the boring "Married with Children" or Soccer Mom" looking Camrys and Accords)and I could care less if the Toy or Honda beet me at the drag strip.
This car makes a bold statement and hardly blends into the road like the boring and plain Japanese rivals.
Please let me know the last time any of you thought "WOW, the Camry is a real headturner" or That "Accord sure is fast"..
I think the difference between the owners of the Japanese rivals are content with their "smart" purchase..
I think Fusion owners are proud and excited owners of their cars.
Afterall, shouldn't you actually enjoy your driving experience?
I have a heavy foot and my Fusion SEL has ample getty-up. What kinda reject cares about blasting through the city anyway? As long as I have the HP to merge on the HWY or pass some 90 year old Blue Hair, then I'm happy..
And the ONLY Japanese car I have seen that is even remotely as classy and stylish as my Fusion is the Nissan Maxima with the sport package (over 30 grand)and I STILL like the Fusion's looks better and the 6 G's I saved to boot!
This is true but the Mexico plant also has the highest quality rating of ANY FORD Plant at 89%..
You will see these models are VERY well built and the fit and finish rivals Merceds or Honda..
The fusion handling seemed great to me. Going around curves, turning corners, changing lanes...it has a real nice feel. Yet it still has a nice ride on our crappy rough roads. Accord steering felt too light to me.
The fusion 4 wheel disc brakes also seemed to stop the car nice and quick, when I tried a pretend panic stop on my test drive.
My 22 year old son is deciding between a Honda (great car, but very common), the Milan. The Honda offers many items he would like, but expensive.
Resale value is absolutely not a reason to buy nav. In fact, your total depreciation will be more with nav than without it.
Options like nav and rear seat dvd systems lose a higher percentage of original value at resale than the car as a whole.
A $1500 and $2000 dvd entertainment system and nav system only add a few hundred dollars to resale value after a few years.
You can't justify nav by saying it will pay for itself with added resale value. Some options like A/C and automatic transmission (on most cars) are needed for resale and will return to you most of the initial cost at resale time, but not nav.
~alPHa
Usually I find Ford seats to be among the most comfortable for me because the seats are deeper than most, the fusion did not disappoint in that regard.
I really felt at home in the car right away.
Head room and leg room were fine as was hip room...but I am not a wide person. There was adequate rear seat leg room behind me too...not like the insane amount in a 500, but enough.
This car (or milan) is at the top of my list now. I'll probably get a 2007 or 2008 sometime in the next 1-2 years.
I plan to go for an automatic as I don't want to commit to 10-12 more years of shifting. Especially given the fact that there is actually a small gas mileage penalty for the manual.