Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan

snakeweasel

I can touch key directly and enter the information, whereas some other aftermarket units you have to twirl the joy stick and move around, to pick the correct letter, which I found frustrating.

The only aftermarket ones that I have seen where you have to move a "joy stick" or something like that are the less expensive hand held ones that are not really designed for car use. The more expensive, yet still a fraction of the price of factory equipped nav systems, have touch screens like a factory equipped one.

The great think about the aftermarket ones is you can take it out of one car and use it in another. The nav system in my caddy cannot be used in my daily drive yet my hand held can be taken anywhere (other cars, boats, planes or on foot).

akirby

What we really need is a built-in touchscreen LCD with basic stereo that allows you to add your own components (hidden) while maintaining the factory integration.

Think of it like your home theater. You have a display (LCD screen) and A/V receiver (head unit and speakers) and you can add any A/V components that you want (satellite, cable, OTA tuner, cd player, dvd player, laserdisc, etc.

So you can add a XM or Sirius module, aftermarket Nav, computer, mp3 player, etc.

That's the future.

scape2

Wow! what a huge difference in the inside temperature of the car. Looks great too! I highly recommend this being done of you have a Fusion or Milan.. Take a look. Please notice I have left some before and after tint pics in the album..
http://www.carspace.com/scape2

maverick

If Ford is doing so poorly why are they trying to sell some of their European products? We're in a fuel crunch, I'd love to see the KA, which is available in Mexico. How about the Fiesta and the Focus C-Max? I know that the Mazda 5 is a rebadged European Ford, why not more? As I state everytime I post bring over the duratorq diesels. Volkswagon is selling out of the TDIs. Dump the Freestar, Monterey and go with the C-Max.

akirby

2 general reasons: 1) even with the higher fuel prices it's still not clear how big the market is for these much smaller, fuel efficient "B" cars. 2) the existing european vehicles don't meet U.S. crash and/or emissions standards.

Ford has already announced that their U.S. B car will be built by Mazda, but that's at least a couple of years out.

As for diesels, it gets down to fuel type and emissions requirements in addition to consumer acceptance. What is successful for a niche vehicle like the VW might not be successful on a larger scale.

Finally, the jury is still out on whether the public will accept and buy these ultra small cars and/or diesels in large enough numbers to support bringing them over from Europe.

sturm_ruger

According to WindingRoad.com and Motor Trend magazine, coupe versions of the Fusion and the Lincoln MKZ are a go. Both two-doors will likely get the Duratec 3.5 engine, which will be optional on the Ford, standard on the Lincoln.

windingroad.com

savetheland

Mazda is not enough. It is a niche marque. Ford would sell much more Ford Focuses than Mazda3s. And more Fiestas than Mazda1s.

exalteddragon1

Wonder if they will change the lincoln coupe name to Mark IX? In this case, I don't think they should, they should keep the brand equity with the fusion/MKZ names. ANd any a Mark IX should be RWD anywhay.

Good news though, better this than a wagon

mz6greyghost

The MKZ will stay (it's supposed to stand for "Mark Z", BTW), but they really should consider the Milan coupe as well.

That being said, I think it's a great idea from Ford, as long as they don't G6-ify it and make it look like garbage. I think the Fusion has got the "look" that excels in both sedan and coupe form, unlike the G6.

An idea that Ford should consider is to offer the 3.5L V6 with 6-speed manual on the coupe ONLY, similar to what Honda did with their V6/6-speed manual option initially.

jaxs1

Besides the simple audio input jack in the 2007 Fusion, later in 2007 there will be a dealer installed kit that will add full iPod controls via the steering wheel and integrated charging without using any of the standard power ports.

http://news.com.com/Carmakers+race+to+accommodate+iPods/2100-11389_3-6101744.htm- l?tag=fd_carsl

buckwheat

Ford insisted that the new model names be pronounced "Mark X" and "Mark Z," rather than simply citing the letters.

Ford said it got an earful from people who thought the new naming scheme was downright confusing. The customers and dealers were unanimous in telling us that, Ford spokesman Jim Cain said. "We decided with finality that we're going to launch these vehicles as the MKX (pronounced em-kay-ex) and the MKZ (pronounced em-kay-zee)."

http://tinyurl.com/zxpqg

samnoe

More info:

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060804/AUTO01/608040392/1121- /AUTO

explorerx4

great idea. now i won't have to wonder why i'm listening to static on 102.5 when i get in my car the kids drive it.

mr_anton89

I'm going to purchase a Fusion SE, but I think that waiting for an 07 is best.

06
- Get it now (not an issue, i can wait)
- Current incentives (1.9% for 60 months although I expect 0% to come soon)

07
- Standard side airbags
- Lower total MSRP: $690
- Mp3 jack

Anybody see a flaw in my thinking that waiting for an 07 is better?

jaxs1

No reason to get an 06 unless you are are trying to avoid getting the audio jack and side airbags.
I am sure there are people who are bothered by side airbags and audio jacks.

scape2

No, no flaw. Besides, you will also get a longer warranty.
Fusion won JD powers Appeal award for the mid size sedan segment! Also, go to MSN auto site and read the reviews on the Fusion by thier writers.

Are you getting the SE V6 or SE I4? auto or manual with the I4? Color?

mr_anton89

Definitely going with the automatic, but havent decided on I4 or V6 yet. Driving about 1600 miles a month says go with I4, but i've read that MPG is not that much better than V6 and the I4 is adequate. I like the idea of a 6 speed auto tho. Any thoughts about this?

akirby

If you're going with the automatic I'd recommend the V6. It's very smooth, you get the extra gear and you don't have to worry about the cartridge oil filters. And if you ever need it the power is there (with a little torque steer). Just remember it takes about 5K miles for the engine to loosen up. Until then your mileage and power will seem low.

mr_anton89

Are there any 07's on dealer lots yet/did production begin yet?

jeffyscott

I have not driven fusion with V6, but I did drive a Mazda 6 with one. I expected there would be a more significant difference between the 6 and the 4 than there actually was. The I-4 is adequate, IMO and the V6 did not make me feel like "wow this car is really more powerful" it just seemed adequate to me also.

Actually I was supposed to be test driving the 4 cyl and they put me in V6 by mistake. The only thing that tipped me off was when the indicator showed that the car was in 6th gear.

akirby

The V6 will seem sluggish until it loosens up which I already reported takes about 5K miles. FWIW it's just as quick as my 2000 Lincoln LS V8 (albeit with a lot of torque steer).

scape2

This really depends on you. Are you going to use the car more as a daily commuter? Or is it also going to be your primary travel vehicle. If it is going to be a daily commuter, get the I4 Automatic. Shifting is for the birds in traffic If you want a nice cruiser with plenty of passing speed when the vehicle is loaded down with family and luggage, get the V6 hands down...

scape2

The Sable 3.0 does not have VVT like the Fusion/Milan 3.0 have. I agree with the V6 needing some break-in time. I have just over 3,000 and the engine/trans feels more responsive.
I owned a 3.0 Duratec in an Escape. It was a nice engine don't get me wrong. But the 3.0 in the Fusion spins up nicely. When you push the pedal it takes a split second for the engine to spin up. But when it does.. its nice..

scape2

I like the opera lighting on my Fusion SEL V6. Came in handy when a friend and I went to a concert. Had to park in an unlit lot. I felt apprehensive, but the neighborhood was good. While walking out to the car I was hitting the unlock button and the whole dog gone car lit up!! Headlights, interior lights, opera lights nice, very nice....

explorerx4

the mazda version of the v6 is less torquey than the fusion.
look at past reviews, it lacks low end power.

bj02176

I second that the Fusion needs time to break in, at first you'll notice surging and not so stellar acceleration. It was the same with my 2005 Escape it gets extremely better.

I was actually on my way to buy a 2007 Toyota Camry thank god Ford gave me a good deal all around.

They are having all kinds of "Toyota woes". Me I'm at 6000 miles or so and all is well, no hesitation, no rattles, no vibration at 70 miles per hour, no nothing. Well still can't see out of the back too well, can't see that improving.

Also I'm still getting that rattle from the flashlight I placed in the passenger door, I need this car to have rattles like my previous cars and this does the trick.

What I don't understand is that when I pull out in traffic and step on it a bit, suddenly everyone is so far behind.

All in all for a Mexican built car just as good as a Japaness product.

mschmal

Got my 06 Fusion SE 4 with Auto and Sport Pkg yesterday. D-plan price was $18,034 from an MSRP of $19,800, plus I took the 1.9% for 60 months.

My 97 Escort tripped 100k and the check engine light went on all in one day. Thought this was a sign.

I got Merlot with Camel interior.

The Fusion pickings are getting PRETTY thin on the ground. Don't expect 0.0% for 60 on these cars, they will be gone before it comes down to that.

My partner will be the primary driver for this car so I don't mind the Auto 2 much, and he insisted on it.

Oh and my insurance only went up $400 per year (NJ) and I did not have collision or comprehensive on the Escort.

Mark

jeffyscott

the mazda version of the v6 is less torquey than the fusion. look at past reviews, it lacks low end power.

Edmunds list the Mazda6 V6 with 199 ft-lbs @ 5000 rpm and the Fusion with 205 @ 4800. This is not much of a difference.

Is there a greater difference at lower RPM? If so, why would this be the case when it is the same engine? :confuse:

Interestingly in the I4 it appears to go the other way. The Mazda has slightly higher torque (155 vs. 150) at the same rpm (4000) and the same peak HP at lower RPM compared to the Ford. It would be interesting to know what the torque of the V6 is at 4000 rpm for comparison.

Taken together this would mean there is less difference between the 4 and the 6 in the Mazda than there is between these two engines in the Ford.

Oh, and I also just remebered when I drove the I-4 it was just me but when I drove the V6 it was me, my wife, and a sales woman. So with maybe about a couple hundred pounds due to the engine plus two extra people the V6 was moving about an extra 500 pounds.

mschmal

I believe that the HP in both cars is actually the same.

However, Ford published its HP figures using the SAE test. When the Fusion was preproduction, Ford saying the Fusion would be around 210hp. After the new SAE test they realised they were grossly under estimating HP.

Mark.

damianinpa

I read on MSN autos that the 2007 will offer a DVD navigation w/ Sirius? Can anyone confirm..not seeing this info elsewhere. Also, which models on the line will offer the Nav? Anyone know the 2007 options, please post.
Thanks,
Damian

dan1

I am renting a Milan right now for a week and personally I would not buy the 4 cyl auto which this car has, but thats just me. From a stop there is just no power it is almost dangerous if you have to pull out in traffic. Once the revs get up past about 3k it starts to pull. Other than that the car is nice, it feels solid and doesn't rattle. The handling is good and the breaks are great. I have been going back and fourth between Bozeman and 3Forks Montana about 26 miles and it said the avg is 38 mpg actual 27+ mpg.

baggs32

Are there any 07's on dealer lots yet/did production begin yet?

Production did begin and you can now "build and price" as well as search inventory for one on Ford's website.

http://www.fordvehicles.com

cougar052

Yes, navigation. Not sure if it's part of Sirius radio or not. Coming later in 2006 on the 2007 model in what FORD calls the Job2 options. Job1 was the initial production of Fusion/Milan/MKZ that has already started. You should go to blueovalnews.com and read the info there. They also have the FORD order guides.

jaxs1

No sign of the aux input, nav or Sirius radio in the information on the Fordvehicles website. Maybe those items are still months away.

baggs32

I believe the aux input is standard, located in the center storage bin under the arm rest, and Sirius can be ordered from the factory or dealer installed. The nav isn't going to be available until JOB2 which IIRC is in November or December of this year.

akirby

the breaks are great

You broke the rental car already? What's great about that?

explorerx4

those numbers are the max torque. i have a foucus with the 2.3 and it has plenty of power. i would like the next larger size vehicle.

jaxs1

I know it's supposed to be standard, but they make no indication that it has it. Usually they will highlight new features in the printed specifications, mention it the description of the standard and optional radios, and maybe even show a photo of it in the interior photo gallery on the site.
I'm sure it's coming since it was announced on other Ford sites, but the question is whether the aux input will be on the very first 2007 Fusions or is it going to be added later in the model year.

mschmal

I posted this a while back.

EXTERIOR CHANGES & AUDIO CHANGES
New Colors Added:
— Dark Amethyst(PG)
— Silver Birch(JP)
— Alloy(G5)
NEW STANDARD FEATURES
• Mast Antenna
• Audio Input (iPod) Jack
• Fold-down Passenger Seats (SE, SEL only)
NEW OPTIONS
• All Wheel Drive (available with V6 engine)
• Satellite Radio (available on SE, SEL)
• DVD-based Navigation (available on SE, SEL)
• Rear Spoiler (available on SE, SEL)
NEW PACKAGES AVAILABLE
I4 Appearance Package
Availability:
— Optional on I4 SE
— Available only w/the following exterior colors:
Black, Tungsten or Red Fire
— Available only w/Charcoal Black interior
— Not available w/leather seats
Includes:
— Black chrome grille
— 17" SEL wheels w/black painted pockets
— Foglamps w/color-keyed bezel
— Red stitching and leather accents on seats, door
trim, steering wheel and console

mschmal

Hit enter 2 soon.

Job 2 currently starts 9/04/06. (subject to change)

My dealer for one is not ordering alot of Job 1 Fusions so other dealers might be doing the same which means you might not see alot of 07s until end of September.

1 note, the "ipod" jack is just a 1/8" mini jack. To play music, you will still have to use the controls on your ipod. Coming by the spring will be true ipod integration as an option. With this system, you can control your ipod through the steering wheel controls and through the head unit. Your iPod will also be charged up.

The I4 Appearance package looks great, I'll try to find photos.

Mark.

baggs32

I'm sure it's coming since it was announced on other Ford sites, but the question is whether the aux input will be on the very first 2007 Fusions or is it going to be added later in the model year.

I found the answer. The text below is straight from the 2007 Fusion official order guide and includes revisions up to June 12th.

Important Note regarding Job 1 and Job 2:
The following items become available with Job 2
• Standard equipment: Audio input jack, Mast antenna, Flat fold passenger seat (SE, SEL)
• Optional equipment: All Wheel Drive, Rear Spoiler, Satellite Radio, DVD-based Navigation
• New colors added: Silver Birch, Dark Amethyst, Alloy

I was under the assumption the jack would be standard for JOB1 since it is in the Mustang, Edge, etc. but I guess I read it wrong.

badgerfan

Someone at work just bought a red SE V-6 Fusion. Gotta say that in my opinion Fusion has absolutely the best styling of all the competition in the midsize class vehicles that are affordable to the average consumer. (I mean to not include Caddies, BMW's, Mercedes, Infinity, etc by this statement)

First day I saw this one, it happened to be parked a few rows away from a 2007 Camry. The Camry looked like a bulbous dour beast compared to the Fusion. Seems the new Camry is having its new model growing pains as well, with transmission issues. By contrast, I have seen few, if any posts regarding issues with Fusion/Milan.

Too bad my 2000 Taurus SES Duratech is still fairly young in miles and age and only has 60K miles on it! It has been running great as well, by the way. A car which has been much underrated by the press and buying public.

scape2

Taurus is a great car! The unfortunate thing is its reputation as a rental mobile. My in laws have had 3 over the last 15 years and all proved to be very reliable, trustworthy vehicles. They now own an 04 SES and it runs great, no problems whatsever.

savetheland

Is pretty fast. It is faster and nicer (in riding) than Sable with Duratec. Sable is more comfortable though but thats it.

May be Fusion has different 2.3 (with VVT or whatever) than Focus? Focus is really fast from stop. But reliability is another issue. Sable is very reliable - had no issues in 4 years/ 75K miles. Well actually I would like to upgrade handling and ride but Sable is so dependable so do not know do I really need a new car.

jgonzalez2

Well I'm currently researching the Milan. I'm looking to buy a new car and I test drove it about a week ago. I found it to drive better than the fusion and I liked its styling. Anyways, I was just wondering what some of you Milan owners paid for your cars and what model you chose. This will be helpful when it comes down to negotiating with dealers LOL thanks

mschmal

The 2.3L engine does have infinitely variable valve timing. This greatly improves high rpm torque. It just appears that the Focus and the Fusion have a slightly different tuning.

Here is a quicker summary of engine featuers:
Duratec 23 - 2.3L DOHC 16V I-4 (Focus ZX4 ST and Fusion)


The Duratec 23 - 2.3L DOHC 16V I-4 engine is standard on Focus ZX4 ST and Fusion S, SE and SEL I-4 models and comes with a standard 5-speed manual transmission. A 5-speed automatic transmission is optional on Fusion (late availability). A 4-speed automatic transmission is not available on Focus.

Major features and benefits: Aluminum engine block and cylinder heads help contribute to low vehicle weight for great off-the-line acceleration

Air Induction System (AIS) with an extended life air filter that is designed to last 15 years or 150,000 miles under normal driving conditions (Focus)

Camshafts are driven by a timing chain, not a belt, for more robustness

intake Variable Cam Timing (iVCT) advances or retards the intake cam timing up to 29 degrees, helping to deliver substantial torque while reducing emissions

Provides power on demand for strong off-the-line performance and mid-range acceleration

Variable Intake System ( VIS ) controls the intake manifold runner length. At higher engine speeds (above 3000 rpm), butterfly valves open to create short runners for improved engine power

DOHC design helps improve engine breathing and performance by using four valves per cylinder

Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection (SEFI) enhances the fuel delivery system by providing fuel at precisely the right moment for optimum performance

Includes long-life stainless steel exhaust system

150,000-mile tune-up interval with regular fluid and filter changes (Fusion) - under normal driving conditions


Specifications
Type 4-Cylinder, In-line Dual Overhead Cam,16V

Powertrain Electronics
Powertrain Control Module

Displacement
2.3L (140 CID)

Horsepower
151 SAE net @ 5750 rpm (Focus)
160 SAE net @ 6250 rpm (Fusion)

Torque
154 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm (Focus)
156 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm (Fusion)

Compression Ratio
9.7:1

Bore and Stroke
3.44 in. x 3.70 in.

Engine Block Material
Cast Aluminum

Cylinder Head Material
Cast Aluminum

Main Bearings
5

Valve Lifters
Mechanical Bucket

Fuel Delivery
Sequential Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection

Fuel
Regular Unleaded (87 octane minimum)

Exhaust Single, Stainless Steel w/Catalytic Converter

scape2

All of the sudden I am seeing more and more Fusions/Milans on the road. I think the extended warranty along with the word is just getting around about these wonderful cars..

venus537

"The Camry looked like a bulbous dour beast compared to the Fusion. Seems the new Camry is having its new model growing pains as well, with transmission issues. By contrast, I have seen few, if any posts regarding issues with Fusion/Milan"

I see a 2007 Camry in my work parking lot everyday (no, it's not mine). It looks very elegant except for that dopey front grill. The Fusion on the other hand has an eye catching front grill, but I don't see anything exceptional about the rest of the car's styling.

I think you know that the number of posts regarding car problems has no statistical validity.

Someday you'll give up that Taurus of yours and see what you're missing.

theump

:mad: Don't knock the Taurus!!!.Especially the gen iv(4)models.I've owned 2-04's(traded one in on for the fusion).Both cars (SE and SES) are excellent vehicles.Both cars performed perfectly!!ZERO COMPLAINTS on either of them!.I kept the SES model for the duretec power!.It is great on gas milage as well...(30+ hwy and 21-23 city) (besides ...my wife would kill me if a got rid of her BABY!!!

badgerfan

I am not missing anything significant in driving my Taurus, except maybe car payments. It has tight, but not punishing handling, no rattles, good performance all around, comfortable firm seats, decent fuel efficiency, etc. Far underrated, in my opinion, and reliablility of my sample of one has been excellent.

I never said that number of posts in Edmunds has statistical validity. However there seem to be absolutely no posts on any significant Fusion issues posted by anyone anywhere in the Edmunds forums to date, and a whole lot of them on Camry transmission problems, so I have to believe
Toyota has some birthing pains going on with 2007 Camry that Ford seems to have avoided with Fusion.