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Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan

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Comments

  • rscherbrscherb Member Posts: 46
    Unless I'm mistaken. I believe that you get sllightly better mileage with a standard transmission than an automatic. I believe I'm right about that.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    The 4 cylinder automatic gets 24/32 with the automatic, the manual gets only 23/31, according to the EPA. The Six Speed from Aisin is why....
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Everything else being equal - manuals do get better mileage. But not on the Fusion/Milan/Zephyr due to the extra gear in the automatic and the different rear gears.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    Rear gears?

    The Fusion/Milan are front wheel drive. Perhaps you mean final drive ratios....
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    PBS Motorweek reported that the suspension/handling of Milan "felt different than Fusion, a little softer".

    Are they correct that the Milan is designed to give a softer ride?

    MPG difference in the 4 cyl is not because of the six speed automatic as the 4 cyl gets a 5 speed auto. I think it is just that automatics have gotten more efficient and therefore the days of assuming you will get better mileage from a manual are over.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    You are right, the four cylinder does get the five speed automatic! Thanks for pointing that out...and it still gets better mileage than the manual...
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Ummm.....errr.....ummm. Yes - final drive ratio.

    Too many years driving RWD cars.
  • badgerfanbadgerfan Member Posts: 1,565
    There was a recent Fusion review in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel by their auto reviewer Mark Savage. Was very complimentary, except for some reason his mileage wasn't that great. May have been a fluke, as the Same non-VVT version Duratech with a 4 speed automatic in my Taurus has always done about 21-24 in my "city" driving and 27-30 in highway driving. I would think Fusion would be as good or better.

    I have read a lot of his reviews and they are generally well balanced and unbiased. Mileage was the only item criticized.

    http://www.jsonline.com/wheels/test/jan06/385045.asp
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    I was only getting 18 mpg the first few weeks. The 3.0L engine takes awhile to loosen up. I'm at 2800 miles and I'm in the 21-22 range in city driving and I expect that to go up a bit more over the next 5000 miles. Winter fuel mixes in the colder climates will also lower the mileage.
  • evandroevandro Member Posts: 1,108
    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.

    I wonder if it was actually tire noise. The Mazda 6 has prominent road noise getting in the car, so I wonder how this addressed in the Fusion. Has anyone compared them?

    TIA
  • jimargejimarge Member Posts: 9
    Hey, thanks for the words of encouragement regarding mileage. I only have 750 miles on my Fusion and am getting 16.9 miles to the gallon with in town driving. Hopefully it will improve with more miles and after a break in period. My dealer claims "first 1,000 miles is worst 1,000 miles" as far as mileage goes. I hope he is right. We really love our Fusion, and we have received an abundance of compliments regarding it.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    We noticed this on the 3.0L Lincoln LS engines as well. There's something about that engine - it takes a few thousand miles to really get broken in. Expect mileage and power to improve over the first 5K or so.
  • ixoceanixocean Member Posts: 2
    We just purchased a 2006 Fusion SEL V6 and absolutely love the car. We're now on our sixth FOMOCO product and swore before this purchase that we were going to Toyota or Honda this time, but after driving them all we chose the Fusion. This car provides a very tight ride, smooth and quiet, but has a nice growl under heavy acceleration.

    This is a nice car and I hope this is a sign of things to come from Ford, they sure need some winners to say afloat!
  • sixheadsixhead Member Posts: 8
    Has anyone seen a picture of the molded splash guards? I've been searching online for a pic before I buy them. Can't seem to find one anywhere.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Are they available now? I tried to find some a couple of months ago and they weren't available.
  • poodog13poodog13 Member Posts: 320
    Unless I'm mistaken. I believe that you get sllightly better mileage with a standard transmission than an automatic. I believe I'm right about that.

    Not according to the specs on this one.....comes down to individual car, and more and more the EPA estimats are coming closer together. If you drive your manual with the sole focus of maxxing milage, you might be able to do better, but if you are a typical manual driver who uses the extra control to "enjoy the driving experience", I doubt you'll see any benefit
  • rparisrparis Member Posts: 368
    After the first several thousand,miles, can present owners comment on the MPG?
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    2899 miles. V6. 21 city, 27 hwy (70 mph). 24 combined.
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    image

    "The interior is purposeful and stylish. Cool features include a huge center console that conceals 12-volt power and MP3-player audio-in jacks. The center console is big enough to swallow laptop computers."

    Since the Ford Edge is getting the AUX input, maybe that also means the Fusion will get it starting with 2007 models.
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    A reporter from a large local newspaper would like to speak to consumers in Southern California who have recently purchased or shopped for a Ford and why they either purchased a Ford or decided on purchasing another vehicle. If you would to speak with the media, please respond to ctalati@edmunds.com with your daytime contact info., city/state of residence no later than January 19, 2006.

    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

  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    I saw that and I assume that will happen. They use the same radio.
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    LINK
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    Interesting, but the car has been out such a short time that it's hard to give that prediction much weight.
  • rparisrparis Member Posts: 368
    Can MP3 audio in be used to plug in an Ipod; if not what is it used for?
  • littleb108littleb108 Member Posts: 1
    Has any one found and auxiliary adapter or IPOD direct connection, or integration that will allow you to play directly out the factory stereo?
  • sixheadsixhead Member Posts: 8
    MP3 Audio...You burn MP3s on to a CD and the radio can play them.
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    You can play "MP3" CDs, but you can't play music purchased and downloaded from iTunes, Napster etc. and update the music without plenty hassle.
    Plugging in a portable MP3 player or iPod is so much more versatile than burning a bunch of CDs and then burning more when you get new music.
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    A reporter is looking to speak with someone who purchased a Ford Fusion, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300 or new Ford Mustang and previously drove an SUV or an import. Please send an e-mail to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Tuesday, January 24, 2005 containing your daytime contact information and a few words about your choices.

    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

  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    Last week I drove a fusion and today I drove the Milan. It seemed to me that the steering was much lighter in the Milan and the suspension was a bit softer. It also seems to me that the seat in Milan was not quite as deep as the Ford.

    There was a week in between, so it is possible that my impressions are mistaken. Have others noticed, or not noticed these differences? Or is there anyone, who is knowlegeable about the design of the two cars, that can confirm or deny these differences?
  • rhallangerrhallanger Member Posts: 7
    I own a Milan.. Premier.. got 5000 miles now on it.. the salesman made a comment to me when I tested both the Fusion and the Milan that I agreed with. It seemed that the Milan was quieter and more smooth than the Fusion. I guess I like the looks a little better too.. especially the rear lights since they are LED on the Milan... I did notice mileage is getting better as it gets broken in.
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    With the autotranny, the whole tranny is covered by the new car warranty.

    With stick, the clutch is not covered against wear and tear under the new car warranty.

    Mark
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    I'm not interested in a stick shift, but since the warranty on a Fusion is only 36,000 miles, clutch wear is probably not going come up as an issue for the factory new car warranty anyway.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    I have test driven a V6 Fusion with the auto trans. Anyone own a 2.3 with the 5spd auto trans? How does it feel? Enough power? Do you feel confident the car has passing and merging power? Every had it filled with 4 adults and luggage? Any drag?
  • fsmmcsifsmmcsi Member Posts: 792
    I read the text of Bill Ford's and Mark Field's presentations today, and if Ford is serious about their Way Forward, they can start by not talking down to potential Fusion buyers. For example, I consider it an insult that a Fusion buyer can not order a Fusion equipped with features reserved for other models built in the same factory. For example, better sound proofing is something which I, and I suspect many others, would gladly pay more for. I could afford a Zephyr, but much prefer the looks of the Fusion, and don't want the "hey look at me, I might have money to steal" attention a Lincoln might draw from criminals.

    However, the Fusion does show that Ford is progressing in their thinking. They do not force SEL buyers to have leather seats, and I much prefer cloth seats for superior comfort in the summer. I have driven with heated and cooled leather seats, and they are OK, but the cloth is simplier, less expensive, and does not generate any additional fan noise. However, they still think that seat heaters are only for leather seats. Why? Our Mercedes has heated cloth seats, and they do come in handy on cold days.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    I think they're heading that direction. Look at the Edge and Mark X: they both offer Navigation and a Vista Roof, something that the Ford model would have never had in the past.
  • bfyerxabfyerxa Member Posts: 78
    Heated seats are awesome in cold weather climates. I have them in my 02 Accord SE (cloth seats) and I'd take them over a moonroof any day. In fact they are probably the main feature that will keep me in that car for a while. I think it is a matter of people not realizing how nice they are (or don't need them in warmer climates). However, Ford does offer a "Canadian Package" on almost any level of Focus which includes heated seats; if only they'd offer it on the Fusion.
  • bfyerxabfyerxa Member Posts: 78
    This has probably been posted not long ago, but I am too lazy to look back that far. So, Fusion owners, how has the thing held up? We all know Ford's first year reliability has been brutal lately and I am eying the Fusion in the not too distant future. It offers the best feature vs price point out there given its characteristics, but I am leery on Ford's build quality. If the first year model holds up reasonably this would bode well for this car (they have managed to clean up the Focus and Escape some what).
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    3000 miles and not a single problem. Except the skunky smell which I think is exactly that - a skunk sprayed the car during transport. I'll have it checked out when I take it in for service.
  • fsmmcsifsmmcsi Member Posts: 792
    You have a sharp eye and thank you for mentioning that! If they really do get past the old way of doing things, it will make the next few years even more interesting and exciting, and not in a good way for their competitors.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    The first year for Ford Five Hundreds and Montegoes seemed to go rather uneventfully, reliability wise. I have 53,ooo miles on my second month of production Five Hundred, and I have not had a single non-warranty repair. The only warranty repair was replacement of the instrument panel storage door lid, which had bubbled.
  • badgerfanbadgerfan Member Posts: 1,565
    I stopped into the Ford dealer I bought my current 2000 Taurus SES from and got a good look at the Fusion in the showroom. The car has simply awesome styling, inside and out and seems to be very spacious and functional, from the dash layout to the trunk. From a styling standpoint, the Fusion is really a knockout and in my opinion is tremendously better looking than Accord, Camry, Maxima, Sonata, or any current GM or Chrysler product in this size range.

    They had about 8 of them in stock and had posted on the showroom glass their "no-dicker" prices for each, which ranged from $2k-$3k off MSRP. Fusion is priced right and I believe will be a big winner for Ford. Looks like you could get a V-6 version out the door for $20K plus or minus $1K or so, if you didn't go hog wild with the bells and whistles.

    Too bad my Taurus is only just getting broken in, now at 5 years and 55K miles! I won't be in the market for another 4-5 years. :cry:
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    Story here
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    After driving both cars back to back, I find the 4 cylinder to have fine performance for what it is. The 4 cylinder though has much more engine noise reaching the cabin. Its a very high pitched noise so it might just be more noticable.

    I also drove an Altima 4 cylinder and the noise level was the same.

    Mark
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    My guess is it will be Zephyr only the first year if for no other reason than manufacturing capacity. If it does appear in the Fusion/Milan it will probably only be in the AWD models at first.

    Capacity is also the reason it won't appear in the 500/Montego/Freestyle for another year or two.
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    It would go in the Zephyr so they can say the Zephyr has something of signifigance that you can't get on the Fusion and Milan.
    If the Fusion can already do 0-60 in 7.0 seconds with the 3.0 engine, there is no crisis to rush in a bigger engine that would eliminate the advantage of upgrading to the Zephyr.
    Maybe the 3.5 will come in a couple years if there is some kind of sport SVT version of the Fusion.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Seems like you've posted this everywhere but in the topic on the car it's about ...
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    Seems like you've posted this everywhere but in the topic on the car it's about ...

    That's because the article mentions the Fusion and I only follow the Fusion threads.

    Has no one posted it in a Zephyr thread yet?
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Nope. Maybe you'd do the honors! :D

    Lincoln Zephyr
  • green2gogreen2go Member Posts: 14
    We have 3000+ miles and no problems whatsoever. Feels very solid. It's a pleasure to get in the car every time. Where are the rest of you, though? I have yet to see another Fusion on the road (MD suburbs of DC)!
  • gene_vgene_v Member Posts: 235
    Ask and you will receive:

    Its called the EDGE.

    http://autoblog.com/2006/01/08/ford-gains-an-edge/
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