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Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan

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Comments

  • dino001dino001 Member Posts: 6,191
    This is very true. It's never about what the company thinks it's adequate, but how it looks versus competition. There is no real need for 27 or 30 speeds bicycles, yet nobody will seriously look at "sufficient" 21-speed that offers the same spread. If the competition pushes big horsepower numbers and it works (sales rise, even if mostly other trims), then you have to offer similar item in order to be considered.

    If they have surplus of 3.0 engines, why then not create Fusion SVT with 3.5 and continue selling 3.0 alongside at better price? Everybody wins ;)

    2018 430i Gran Coupe

  • dball1dball1 Member Posts: 4
    Can you all give me your opinion and experiences with dealers in the DFW area when it comes to service and warranty repairs? I have a 07 Fusion. Thank you!
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    People begin to consider a car because they like the way it looks. Most people don't care or know about HP or Torque.

    People decide to by a car based on price and whether they like the way it FEELS to drive.

    Accordingly, most people would think a Civic SI or a Honda S2000, or a Mazda RX-8 are under powered because people don't like to rev. engines.

    I think this is part of the appeal of trucks is that all that low end torque makes the vehicle feel powerful to the vast majority of people who really don't know how to drive.

    If you don't think the majority of people don't know how to drive, just reflect on the last time you were on the road...

    Mark.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    For PR reasons only, the 3.5 into the Fusion/Milan would make sense. However, look at the stats of the 3.0 with its 221 HP and 205 ft/lbs of torque. Its no slouch and would feel like enough power for most people wanting a V6 sedan. I hope Ford does an SVT version of the Fusion/Milan with a 6speed manual and the 3.5, along with some different trim to differentiate it from other Fusions/Milans on the road. This would give Ford an image boost it needs.
    For most people where a car is made is of no reason not to buy it. Honda/Toyota have done a bang up job on PR in convincing the American consumer they are American companies. :sick:
  • dino001dino001 Member Posts: 6,191
    Accordingly, most people would think a Civic SI or a Honda S2000, or a Mazda RX-8 are under powered because people don't like to rev. engines.

    Usually such people would not buy such cars. Just for their price, one needs to be aware why they are buying it. If they don't, they end up trading it after a year or less.

    People usually don't care about torque numbers, as they don't undestand them. They may looks at HP, especially if the price is similar, looks are acceptable and features comparable. And within the class it's often the case.

    2018 430i Gran Coupe

  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    I guess the Fusion Challenge ads are working.
    2007 2006 change
    13,359 9,143 46.1%

    Milan up 22%, MKZ up 21%.

    Overall Ford daily rental fleet sales down 30%.

    Edge 7,977 up 43% from January.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    "I guess the Fusion Challenge ads are working.
    2007 2006 change
    13,359 9,143 46.1%

    Milan up 22%, MKZ up 21%.

    Overall Ford daily rental fleet sales down 30%.

    Edge 7,977 up 43% from January"

    You won't see the media give Ford Motor Company good news coverage. These numbers are great! I can see why the 07 Fusion is selling, AWD, Nav more goodies for your hard earned dollar. Spread these around the net to other forums and chats. Man@! I love the internet, free speech at its best! ;)
  • theman123theman123 Member Posts: 170
    You beat me to it. Not only is the Fusion challenge starting to work I think the word is starting to get out on the Fusion. A 46% sales increase in February, the slowest month of the year because it's only 28 days. Also, people are doing their taxes. Well, I guess we know what people are spending there tax return on. That is a huge gain for the month. That is very significant.

    Well here's the complete break down in PDF File it's nothing that you don't know already.

    February 2007 Ford sales PDF
    :shades:

    Well Scape2, I dunno how free it is, because we still have to pay for the internet LOL :P
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    $249 for an SE I4 Auto $0 down, $0 first payment
    $289 for an SE V6 AWD!!!! $0 down, $0 first payment.

    Not soliciting, just providing info.

    Mark.
  • sandman46sandman46 Member Posts: 1,798
    The Fusion looks great and is a nice alternative to all the Camcords out there. I personally think the Camry looks like an overweight whale, it's flanks look too fat for the car. Toyota should've made it a bit trimmer like the Accord. Very curious to see what Honda has in store with the '08 Accord. The pic of the coupe looked really sharp. I do hear that the car wil be larger inside and out. Now that does seem like a mistake. The current size is plenty big.
    But even the Civic and Corolla have moved up in size with the Fit and Yaris now being their small entry models. Why must everything keep getting bigger and bigger? Time to leave the size alone and get those mileage figures up into the 40's for every day driving. Now that would be something. Mileage in the 40's without having to be a Hybrid!
    Ford does need to tweak the dash of the Fusion though. All the lighting should have the same color and it shouls all be electroluminesent. Just seems to make for a more upscale dash. And as I drive a '06 Civic, I really love the two tier dash...puts the speedometer much higher in the direct line of sight. Seems like a more intuitive location.

    The Sandman :)
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    I own an 06 Fusion SEL V6, and the lighting should have been either blue or red just to give it a more upscale look. I don't know what you mean thought by "all the lighting being the same color"? Mine is all green?? no other colors that I'm aware of? :confuse:
    I also don't understand why cars need to get larger and larger as they go from model year to upgrade years. Keep them the same size. Add content, add options, tweak the exterior/interiors/engines/supensions ect.. ;)
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Do you realize there is yet another comparison between the Fusion/Camry/Accord???? This time in California! 400 People and the Fusion won again!@ I sure wish the sedan comparision room would open so the Accord/Camry troops can explain how the Fusion won AGAIN!@ :shades:
  • theman123theman123 Member Posts: 170
    It would not do a single thing to change their opinion. The first thing that's going to come out of their mouth is. Oh, it's a paid event by Ford. Oh, Ford paid them to say that. I don't care what some stupid valley girl thinks about a sticking Ford Blah Blah Blah...etc. Scape2 you and I love Ford, but you have to realize that there are some close minded [non-permissible content removed]@#$@s out there. The Fusion Challenge wouldn't do a damn thing to even slightly sway their opinion. Campaigns like the Fusion Challenge are designed to sway people that are "on the Fence" not die hard fans. Die hard fans would instantly dismiss it as BullS@#t Marketing. I guarantee you, Camcord fans counter attack would be that sorry Consumer Reports article that just came out about American cars and how badly they suck despite of there efforts to improve. All in all, opening that forum back up and trying to argue with them would be just a big waste of time. Then edmunds would have to close it again :(
    Camcord fans are D@#$s
    PS
    Let it go Scape2 and anybody else trying to impress a Camcord fan. The Ford Fusion is an American car built in Mexico. So it's not even really an American car according to Camcord fans. To Camcord fans, the Ford Fusion will always be inferior, and not even American car. Most importantly, it will never be anything to them. But, we all know it's an excellent car. Stop caring about what they think. Unless you like wasting your time :confuse:
  • micro99micro99 Member Posts: 51
    Have you got a link to this comparo ? Or can you provide a few quick summary comments ? Sounds like something I`d sure like to know about. Thanks .
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    http://www.fordvehicles.com/fordchallenge/fusion/

    Remember, CAL is very anti-american in their car tastes.

    Keep in mind that an AWD Fusion is comparable in price to the FWD Accord and Camry and AWD does improve performance in the dry on a road course.

    My dealer can't keep the 4 cylinder SEs with MSRP of $19,900 in stock.

    Mark.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Mark - are you hearing from customers that they're responding to the Fusion Challenge ads?
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    I agree with a lot of what you are saying. I admit Ford has had its issues in the past. However this was in the 80's!! I partially blame the media for constantly bashing anything Ford yet letting issues slide with Honda/Toyota products. Afer a while of this people start to believe anything and everything Ford is inferior. I will continue to educate folks about articles/reviews/recalls whichever. Across the internet I have opened some folks minds, have made people question the hoopla about the "legendary" reliability of Toyota and Honda products. Don't get me wrong they are good, but are they really that much better? Nope. Anyhoo.. I'm starting to use other car chats around the net and have met up with others that don't visit Edmunds as much too. Cars are a passion and Edmunds seems to squash the passion that some want to deliver and debate. ;)
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    I guess the challenge is working.. Fusion sales are up 46%!! :)
  • rsantan1rsantan1 Member Posts: 11
    I have a black 2007 Camry SE V6 and love the car. If you like your Milan then that is all that matters. You are correct my Camry was built in the U.S. Answer this question. Why use an AWD Milan for the test? Put a FWD Milan in there also.
  • theman123theman123 Member Posts: 170
    Why ? would it really matter ? We all know that the Milan is still inferior. It's nothing more than a bland rebadged Ford Fusion. This is why Mercury is an also brand Blah Blah Blah.....
    To answer your question ? Because the AWD Milan offers more for the money than the CamCord. They are priced pretty much the same if not they are within a few hundred dollars of each other. If your going to ask that question why not ask ? Why are they doing the Fusion Challenge and Mercury needs more help than anybody? I didn't make the test. The answer to all of those questions. Are, I Dunno I love Ford but I don't work for Ford.
  • theman123theman123 Member Posts: 170
    I understand and admire your passion. However, I feel that your a mouse fighting an Army. I completely agree with you that the Media is out to bash and destroy Ford. Hell, Edmunds liked the Fusion so much in their latest Mid-size family sedan comparison test. Edmunds placed it dead last behind the Honda Sonata that had 4 recalls this past year. Also, to add insult to injury Edmunds basically felt the Fusion was the "Cheapest" in the test but it was a "Cheap" for a reason. It's Cheap and littered with cost cutting. The hood was crooked, the doors were on backwards and the interior leaves allot to be desired to be blunt.

    All I wish for, is that America would get off it's Dead [non-permissible content removed] and stop even reading these magazines and do it's due diligence and consider everything. And make it's own informed decision. The one thing that the Fusion Challenge has brought to light. There is a Night-and-Day difference from what America thinks and what the media thinks. Car-and-Driver held the first event between the Fusion/Camry/Accord. The people picked the Fusion over the Camry and Accord. However, the Fusion is not on Car and Drivers 10 best list. They still worship the dead Honda Accord because it's a Honda and it has a Manual stick for the V6. So much for professional unbiased reporting. :cry:
    PS
    like I said before The internet is a the only place for Freedom of Speak. But we have to pay to use the internet :P
  • dtownfbdtownfb Member Posts: 2,918
    First Ford's problems are more recent then the 80's like Explorer/Firestone debacle, the Focus launch, Taurus neglect, Blackwood, T-bird, etc.

    having said all of this, I guess none of you read the Annual Auto issue for Consumers Report. They gave the Fusion/Milan glowing reports for first year reliability. I counted at least 3 times where they claimed this. This is from a magazine that has never been kind to Ford as far as reliability. Ratings yes but never reliability.

    The problem is you are counting on one car to change entire perception of a company. The Fusion works because it is essentially a stretched Mazda 6. Ford has benefited by watching the Mazda 6 the past few years. Nothing wrong with that. It's about time! they need to do this with some of their other global products.

    Consistency is what will turn Ford around.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    "Why use an AWD Milan for the test? Put a FWD Milan in there also. "

    Pleaes, read the whole article. The sedans are all within the same price range. The whole point is you can get an AWD Fusion for the same price as a Camry SE V6 or an Accord EX V6. Where does the profit from your Camry go by the way?
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    You are very misinformed about Fords reliability of its vehicle line-up. Get out to MSN reliability data and start searching around. You will be very surprised. Once again I blame this partialy on the past media blitz agains Ford Motor Company. The internet is full of information the mainstream media does distribute. Ford builds reliable and quality vehicles. I also feel some of this is just plain stigma, a stigma Ford has to somehow break. How? I feel Ford needs its own media blitz posting facts from other car/review sources showing its vehicles being reliable and quality built.
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    I hear there is a Fusion review.

    Mark
  • dtownfbdtownfb Member Posts: 2,918
    scape2: I think you are the one that has the blinders on. I use many sources to come up with my opinions. Here's what I know about the current Ford lineup.
    Focus: 9 recalls in the first 2 model year. AVerage reliabilty now.
    Taurus: average reliability.
    Fusion/MIlan: excellent 1st year reliability
    500: average reliabilty
    Explorer: Not good. Lots of powertrain issues
    Escape: Not good. Lots of powertrain issues.
    Freestyle: Not good but also not my style

    I wouldn't buy a Focus, Taurus, 500, Escape, Explorer because they are simply too many vehicles that are more appealing on different levels. Whether its performance, fuel economy or reliability.

    The Fusion/Milan is a different story which is why I am consideirng it and on this board arguing with you. :P

    I've heard nothing but positive things about the Fusion/Milan which is why I am shockede they have rebates on them. Hopefully I cna find out more good things like fuel economy.
  • dino001dino001 Member Posts: 6,191
    The rebates and "deals" is the only way domestics can bring enough buyers for the expected volumes as of now. It may change, but there is always a long lag between actual improvement of the product and public's willingness to endorse it by their checkbooks. It will also require years of constant improvements and updates, not only those "troubled" products, but also those products that are seen good today.

    Ford's biggest problem was that even if they had a hit, like Taurus, Explorer, LS in the past, they simply let it slip by doing nothing to those vehicles for too long - the prevalent mindset appeared to be "milk the beast, but do not feed it". Early Explorers or Tauri may have been great compared to their peers, then they slipped further and further, just because their competition was getting better and they were not. Lets just hope Fusion will not share that fate. LS is a different story - it was expensive to make and short on delivery, but with enough promise that some decent improvements would have kept it alive and well. Instead - they murdered it by lack of any development. In that segment you need a face lift every two years and platform change every 6 years. That's the pace domestics seem to completely ignore, which ends up in huge rebates and deep disapointments.

    2018 430i Gran Coupe

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,723
    what sort of powertrain issues should i be having with my explorer or escape?
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    It appears that there will be a refreash between 2010 and 2012 and that the next generation will be on the same platform as the European Mondeo.

    Of course Ford always sticks to their long term plans. I know the 2008 500 was introduced at NAIS in January and that the 2008 Taurus was announced as the same car in February but really. they have a long term plan....

    Mark.
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    I'm curious too. Our Explorer has been absolutely perfect for the year+ that we've owned it. I don't see many problems with them on the "problems" threads either. All they talk about over there are very old Explorers that have over 100k miles on them and need some lovin'.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    And what about all those Civic recalls? they don't count, or the CRV fires? or the massive Honda transmission recalls? or the Toyota sluge? or the transmission failures on the introduction of the Camry? I can go on and on also. Contrary to your beliefs the Focus is an excellent car and recalls were years ago. Heck, even the Escape is rated very high in reliability. Please, visit msn reliability data for starters. Compare lets say, an 06 Taurus to an 06 Accord.. You will be very surprised.
  • dtownfbdtownfb Member Posts: 2,918
    I have read on the Edmunds forum (and other sources) about differential issues and transmission issues. The differential seems to show up fairly early.
  • dtownfbdtownfb Member Posts: 2,918
    OK you win. All Fords are reliable. I guess I bought into the media bias against Ford.

    can we get back to the the Fusion?
  • theman123theman123 Member Posts: 170
    LOL,
    Damn Scape2 are you a car salesman. You made dtownfb give in. Maybe I was wrong about some of the camcord fans. I can't believe that some people are seeing the light. I really did not think that was possible. Of course dtownfb may have said that just to be sarcastic, Oh well.

    One more thing, when everybody gets a chance read this months Consumer reports. In this months magazine they have the best family sedans for under $25,000 The Fusion/Milan are amongst the best. Also, I might have read it wrong but I think they said that the Fusion has a higher first year reliability than the Camry.
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    ...the best family sedans for under $25,000 The Fusion/Milan are amongst the best.

    What they need to do is look at something like best family sedans than can be purchased for under something like $18,000. Then you would have 4 cyl Fusion/Milan (and Mazda6) vs. Corolla and Civic (I guess).
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Nope, not a sales person. Just a person on a one man mission to educate consumers! Yes, Toyota/Honda are good cars. But you would be surprised at what people don't know about Ford/GM products. I blame this part solely on the media. We have been inundated over the years by the constant bashing of Ford/GM products and it is now a mindset for some to just bypass anything and everything Ford/GM and go right to Toyota/Honda showrooms. You would be surprised at how many people had no clue about the Camry and its stumble in its first year of debut with its transmission issues. Toyota did a great PR job in keeping this laid low. The media lambasted Ford and the Escape for its first year debut and its recalls. Yet if you actually read the recalls on the 01 Escape it was for a small number and lot of Escapes/Tributes. I can go on and on here... ;)
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    yes you read that correctly.

    Mark.

    (the 4 cylinder Camary actually had BELOW AVERAGE reliabilty!)
  • dtownfbdtownfb Member Posts: 2,918
    I guess the fact that I owned 3 Fords and 3 GM vehicles (I'm only 39) I can't make my own opinion about the quality of vehicles. Nope brainwashed by the media.

    CR did rate the Fusion/Milan well which is why I originally starting posting on this board. Plus I had a chance to sit in the Milan at the local auto show. I liked the looks of the interior and there is a dealership 2 miles from house that has the "Engine for life". Hopefully I will get permission to buy a new car this summer.

    Maybe scape2 you should start a new thread called "The Media vs. GM/Ford". Or "GM/Ford: No Spin Zone". ;)
  • snobuff60snobuff60 Member Posts: 1
    Would appreciate hearing from any Fusion owners who have the V6 AWD concerning fuel milage. I know you pay a penalty for AWD, but just wondering what that amounts to in real-world driving.
  • kmaurerkmaurer Member Posts: 48
    I'm the proud owner of a new Fusion SE V6. I'm very happy with the car and think it's leaps and bounds better than other products Ford has put out in the past. I'm a little puzzled by the "low" selection on my 6-speed automatic. What gears does this engage? On my old-tech 4-speed auto, low was gears 1 and 2. Is this still the case? I'm just trying to figure out when I would use this.

    Thanks in advance.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Did it not occur to you to read the owner's manual?
  • savethelandsavetheland Member Posts: 671
    "I guess the fact that I owned 3 Fords and 3 GM vehicles (I'm only 39)."

    Oh man, what do you mean you are only 39? You are ALREADY 39 and may be too old to drive Fusion, but still not old enough for Grand Marquis. So no Ford for you. But Camry is okay, but it has nothing to do with reliability – it is just lifestyle. But wait there is still 500, oops – Taurus. At least it is roomier and has better chassis and steering than Camry.
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    Still trying to figure that out, its more than an overdrive lock out. drops about 2 gears.

    Mark
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    The truth is, with all these fancy transmissions that makers are coming out with (auto stick,auto shift ect) The truth of the matter is 95% of drivers use D, R and P the most... ;)
  • kmaurerkmaurer Member Posts: 48
    Of course I've checked the manual. I read it cover to cover the night I bought the car. Here is what the manual says about Drive and Low:

    D (Drive)
    The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transaxle operates in gears one through six.

    L (Low)
    Provides more engine braking when the accelerator pedal is released than D (Drive).

    My concern is that I regularly have to drive hilly terrain (I-80 between Salt Lake and Park City in Utah), and I'm wondering if Low would help eliminate the constant transmission shifting when going up hilly terrain. I don't want to just try it and end up doing severe damage to the transmission and engine.
  • john_doe_wnyjohn_doe_wny Member Posts: 28
    I seen a Ford Fusion with the new car stickers and dealer plates still on it with the drivers side parking and brake light out. I know these things happen but with Ford trying to make a good impression with these cars wouldn't you think they would fix it before they let someone take it out to drive? The first thing I thought was that it looked like a black eye...something Ford doesn't need anouther one of. (I'm a Taurus owner)Just my thoughts. Thanks
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    You can't damage the transmission - the computer shifts the tranny and it won't make a shift that can damage it. It simply keeps the engine RPM around 4K and keeps the engine engaged even when you release the throttle. It's not an overdrive lockout so it wouldn't help in that situation.

    Just try it. You can't hurt anything.
  • dino001dino001 Member Posts: 6,191
    Going uphill is usually not a problem for automatic transmission. Up- and downshifting is generally OK. If it bothers you, turning off overdrive would suffice, especially on interstate.

    "Low" is mostly for steep and long hills, to avoid overcooking brakes. And I mean really long ones - lasting miles, like serpentines when you go 20-30 mpg and have to turn all the time. It usually makes the car stay on first or second gear. It's certainly not for interstate use :sick:.

    2018 430i Gran Coupe

  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    The truth is, with all these fancy transmissions that makers are coming out with (auto stick,auto shift ect) The truth of the matter is 95% of drivers use D, R and P the most...

    True, but the manually shiftable automatic on the Mazda6 only costs about $50 more than the Ford version. I am guessing that they are using the same transmissions. With the Mazda transmission, it is clear what you are doing if you flip it over to manual and downshift.

    Fusion has just D and L because they had originally planned to put a CVT in.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Fusion has just D and L because they had originally planned to put a CVT in.

    I reported that and I think it was true - originally. But I've seen too many new Fords coming out with it so I think they're doing it on purpose now. I think it's fine if they would simply add the manumatic controls. I think the lack of manumatic controls is simply a cost cutting problem which I hope has been resolved already for the next generation of vehicles. It's not so much that people want it and use it but rather that it looks bad for Ford to not even offer it when other less expensive cars use it.

    If I was in charge I'd make it mandatory across the lineup.
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