Author : James Raia
The longstanding popularity of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and
Nissan Altima have prompted other manufacturers to attempt to infiltrate
the midsize sedan market. Few have succeeded, but the Ford Fusion, a
2006 newcomer built in Mexico, could quickly join the major players.As the replacement for the Taurus, the Fusion is categorized in the
premium midsize class, but its base price of $21,710 and its top-end
$25,650 plateau position the car economically well against the market's
stronghold trio.My weekly test vehicle was the top-of-the-line SEL, one of three Fusion
models. The V6 has a 3.0 liter, 221-horsepower engine with a six-speed
automatic transmission. The S and SE models offer 160 horsepower
and five-speed automatic or manual transmissions.The six-speed automatic performed admirably. During my test, I logged
more than 500 miles, primarily in freeway conditions. But I also drove
the Fusion on steep San Francisco hills and on suburban San Jose
streets. Steering to quietness, comfort to ride quality, the Fusion
warranted above-average marks in all scenarios.Ford claims the Fusion accelerates from 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds, which
isn't as fast as the claims of some competitors. But the vehicle never
seemed sluggish.The Honda Accord gets great design and comfort marks to correspond
to its superior performance and resale value. But the Fusion matches
the Honda, at least in my test vehicle, in the former two areas. Its resale
value, of course, is untested.Way too many vehicles in varying shades of red are on the road these
days. But one fine choice for the Fusion is Dark Blue Pearl matched with
a medium gray interior. The combination works particularly well
considering the angular, handsome body design. In short, the car drew
plenty of attention -- for all the right reasons.The Fusion's instrumentation is also a plus. The design is understated
with easy-to-read gauges and a thoughtful, simple concept. The
odometer and speedometer dials aren't flush, but presented in
independent circles positioned about a half-inch off the surface. The
style promotes easier reading.The vehicle's front head and foot room is fine, at least it was for a 6-foot
driver. I didn't have any passengers during my week's trek, but the rear
cabin has a spacious appeal rather than a construction-afterthought
look.The SEL standard features list is extensive -- 17-inch aluminum wheels
to fog lamps and an attractive, well-positioned analog clock to six
cupholders. Power windows, doors and locks and an AM/FM/MP3/CD
changer, leather-wrapped steering wheel and dual vanity mirrors are
also among the standard equipment.My Fusion also included a long list of optional equipment that added
more than $3,000 to the price. Leather front and rear seats and the
increasingly popular heated front seats function added nearly $1,200.
An upgraded sound system added $420) and anti-lock brakes added
another $595. The safety and security package (side curtain airbags
and anti-theft alarm) and the premium package (heated mirrors, puddle
lamps and compass) combined for another $990.As others have discovered, it's difficult to compete against the time-
tested offerings of Honda, Toyota and Nissan. But the Fusion should do
just fine against the mighty trio.The Weekly Driver: 2006 Ford FusionSafety features – Dual front airbags (standard); front and side
curtain airbags (optional)Fuel Mileage (estimates) – 21 mpg (city), 29 mpg (highway).Warranty – Bumper to bumper, 3 year/36,000 miles; Corrosion,
5 years/unlimited miles; (24-hour) roadside assistance program, 3
years/36,000 miles.Base price – $21,710.00
Keyword : Ford Fusion, Car Reviews, New Cars, Automotive
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