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Ford is saying this is a reward for the great launch on the vehicle. Applies to Milan also.
Mark.
D plan - Dealership employee price.
Z plan - Ford retiree price.
X plan - Ford partner price.
Any rebates for these programs are in addition to any other rebates. When using these plans the price is already printed on the invoice and the dealer can't charge any additional fees (not even the infamous Documentation Fee or as I like to call it Additional Dealer Profit). They also can't keep any dealer direct rebates.
Tell it to Audi and Subaru, pal. They write an article, like AWD has just been discovered and they were first to jump on it.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Pretty much all the Five Hundreds I see on the road are AWD. Granted I live in the snow belt, but I bet it'll work for the Fusion as well...
with all wheel drive?
Car Camparo
Bye
Just read the 4th place review. It's so full of inconsistencies and contradictions it's pitiful.
With that being said, it's sad to see that it was mainly a lack of feature content that killed the Fusion. If they test it again when it comes with navigation, standard airbags, stability control and the 3.5 V6, I'm sure it will beat out the Accord.
I don't see what's wrong with the interior the way it is in black. A lot of European cars are like that. I actually find the Fusion's interior to be pretty classy.
The Fusion really is in trouble when the 2007 Altima, Sebring, Aura and 2008 Accord come out.
Who buys a $30k Camary? Just consider the auto options out there for $30k!
Mark.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Just wanted to clarify something. The Impala is not considered a midsize family sedan. Rather it is a fullsize family sedan. While I agree that the test could have included the G6, Malibu, Altima, Legacy, Galant, 6, Passat, and possible even the Lacrosse, they are not the key players in this segment. Before anyone gets worked up over this comment, let's face the fact that the only car that can hold a candle to the mainstays, Accord and Camry, is the Fusion. I'm sorry for those Malibu, G6, Galant and Lacrosse lovers, but they don't come close to the competition. Furthermore, the Passat and Legacy, in V6 form, are pricey. The Galant, 6, and Altima are outdated. So really in this segment, the key players are the Accord, Camry, Sonata and Fusion.
Now as for placement, I both agree and disagree. While I can understand that the Sonata has high feature content for the dollar, it isn't as stimulating to drive, or for that matter look at, as the Fusion. So really those two could have gone either way. I do agree that with time the Fusion will jump a notch or two among these cars, but it will need a more powerful engine, and a more refined interior and available technological upgrades. Again, these are coming soon, but they aren't here yet.
I am the proud owner of an 06 Fusion SEL I-4 with auto trans, safety package and ABS. After the college grad rebate, Ford rebate and matching down, I was out the door for less than $400.00 over the sticker price on the car of $21650. Now compare this to the competition and there's hardly a comparision in my book. The design of the car is both striking yet beautiful. And you do get a lot for the money.
My last comment is that I completely agree that there were a lot, and I mean a lot of inconsistencies in the reviews of these cars. I won't even start to breakdown every comment. I will only say that for $10,000.00 less, I own the most fun to drive car in this test. Not to mention the one with the best looks (IMO) and more than enough features for the dollar. And did I mention I saved 10 grand. Yes, I know that a whole bunch of people will reply stating that the Fusion may not (or as they will put it "will not") be as reliable as the Honda or Toyota, it may not have as high of resale value, it may not be as safe, it may not offer bluetooth or navigation, but it's still way cheaper and a blast to drive. And really, for $10,000.00 more, they Accord and Camry must provide all these things, and offer autodriver (similar to autopilot). BTW, that was sarcasm there so nobody get all in a tizzy.
I agree that, at a $7,000 difference in the as tested price of fusion and Camry, the Camry should have been knicked from 1rst place, for that alone. Also, the Camry should not be in the competition to begin with, b/c at 30,000, you are not a midsize family sendan, you are near luxury or at least premuim. It should compete against buicks or something. Toyota follows the crowd and prices there products high. That is not a problem, but if you are a professional, or at least human, you can see that at 7K diff, the camry does not belong in this test.
You know, next time, Edmunds should include these four cars and a Bently. I bet the bently would win due to the Fusions lack of feature content. I would say put in a Cadillac but Edmunds would not let an American car walk away with top honors. Who ever let that happen before with the SUV comparo a few years back was probably shot.
When you get into a $25,000 SEL V6, there are so many other choices out there that the Fusion just becomes another member of the pack.
That same interior that looks classy in a $19k car looks el cheapo in a $25k car.
Even a v6 SE stickers under $22k.
This test totally blew it because the didn't compare apples to apples. It is like comparing the Toyota Solara to a Mustang GT because both are 2 door coupes.
A $30k Toyota Camary does not compare to a $25k Fusion.
Mark.
I agree it is impossible for $25k cars to compete head-to-head with $30k cars. The winners are pre-ordained.
But still they should have included a G6, Altima, Legacy and a Passat. The G6 may not be all that great but it is still a new competitor that deserves to be mentioned. The Altima was refreshed for last year, and it's still very competitive. And the Passat and Legacy in V6 form are a bit pricey, but still in the same ballpark as the $30K Camry.
I agree that no Malibu, Mazda6, or Galant should be included because they are too old and were features in the previous midsize comparison.
I'm hoping this test can be done within a year or two with the playing field expanded to more than just 4 cars. I agree with those who say the price discrepancy in this test was too high.
~alpha
I am new around here.
I just got a job selling Ford Cars and Trucks.
I really want to get an idea of what everyone thought of the Fusion's buying experience.
What can I do to help everyone make the right choice?
What do I not want to do?
What do you Like about the Fusion?
Thanks
Ryan, PA, Crest Ford
I'll have to wait till MORE 5 speeds are made and trickle out to the masses. Welcome Ryan
2018 430i Gran Coupe
I get paid on hold back at my dealer so selling a 40k + F250 is at INVOICE is about the same commission as selling a Focus at sticker...and who can sell a Focus at sticker?
As for the Fusion, find out what the customer currently drives and show them the Fusion that is on par with the equipment in that car.
Its always easier to up sell when Mr. Customer says "but I wanted a ..." then to downsell from something you already showed him that is over his budget. "But that one you should me is so nice, surely you can get me that car at my price which is $50 less than where we are now..." NOT
Remember that the MARKUP on the cars is in the options...As there are not many options on a Fusion, there is not a lot of markup.
Also TALK LEASING! This gives you a repeat customer in 39 months!
Most important though is to SELL YOURSELF! People should GO ANYWHERE to buy a Ford, there are probably 20 Ford dealers within a 20 min drive of your dealer. WHY SHOULD I BUY FROM YOU!
Mark.
Of course he did. I was making the point that you can't say 5-speed or even 6-speed today when describing a manual transmission because there are 5, 6 and even 7 speed automatics now.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
We need to train people to stop saying 5 speed or 6 speed and to simply start saying "manual" when they mean a manual transmission.
Now if I could just get my dealer to give me a demo car
Before I got this job i had no idea how much ford had improved their interiors. Every thing you touch feels soft and upscale,In the new cars (Fusion,500,Freestyle) anyway.
Switching subjects, Has anyone seen the 2008 freestyle, Ford almost cut it, But they changed their minds. They added the big three bar grill. Looks cool
Well, it certainly isnt winning that many sales for Hyundai.. http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060327/SUB/60324026&SearchI- D=73239979929311
"For those of us who have a level head about dollars earned and what we can really afford.."
As per usual, you are making pretty darn wild assumptions about what buyers of 29/30K Accords and Camrys can really afford. How do you know?
Where actual feature content is concerned regarding the Fusion SEL V6 and Camry XLE V6, the Camry tested has AT LEAST $3 grand worth of stuff that Ford has found unnecessary to offer on ANY Fusion- Navigation, SmartKey, Stability Control, Bluetooth, Dual Climate Control, all come to mind... subract those items off the tab, and the Camry premium is about $2000 (MSRP).
~alpha
To be honest some of that stuff is just fluff.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I don't know how you can draw that conclusion from the article. It doesn't say anything about what the sales numbers for the 2006 Sonata have been. The numbers I have seen have been significantly above those of the prior-gen Sonata.
And I'll support it by the following lines from the article:
"Last year, Hyundai Motor America touted the redesigned 2006 Sonata as capable of taking on the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Part of that was bringing its sales volume into the big leagues of 150,000 units a year.
Yes, the Sonata is reaching its sales targets this year. But how Hyundai is getting those Sonata sales suggests potential long-term trouble for the automaker's volume leader."
That would indicate to me, sales numbers for the 2006 Sonata are on track to reach 150K.
~alpha
Certainly there are buyers that just have to have all the bells and whistles, and the manufacturers and dealers just drool over those customers, but it sure seems a bit ridiculous to load this class of car up with gadgets to push the price close to $30K. For that kind of money you are pushing into near luxury car territory.
I just really have to question some of the stuff that some put in cars. There seems to be to many gadgets at to high of a price.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
As for all the fleet sales... I wonder why Hertz et. al. are buying so many Sonatas--at a good price according to the article--when they supposedly have a resale value problem. We know these rental agencies don't plan on keeping these cars more than a year or two. Why instead don't they buy, say, more Fusions? Or even Camrys? Ford and Toyota do sell to fleets, and everyone knows that Camrys hold their value better than Sonatas, so even though the Camry costs more up front, they will get it back when they sell the cars. Right? Are the rental car companies stupid or something?
1. Expense on vehicle #1: 25K+tax-12.5K
2. Expense of vehicle #2: 20K+tax-8K
Comes slightly in #2 advantage. So it is all math - depends what the possible differences are and also on simple availability as well. Toyo may sell to fleets, just not as much, the discount may not be great as their motivation is only so-so. Hyundai will sell with bigger discount, has more cars available for sale, the vehicle #2 may be even cheaper than numbers projected on MSRP/retail customer price difference.
And don't worry - Fusion will show up in fleets soon enough - once Taurus is completely unloaded, you'll see Fusion at Hertz.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Compared to the class average, the Hyundai is higher than average, after 12 months on the market... in Fleet Sales, Incentives, and Days To Turn. Hyundai has reasonable explanations for Fleet and Days To Turn, but who knows if thats just PR smoke? Retail incentives on the other hand.... not very impressive....
~alpha
OK, I didn't think it was that complicated but I guess I was wrong. Try saying the following:
Butts in seats
Butts in seats
Butts in seats