2010 Ford Fusion
Ford’s “Car of the Year”
The Ford Fusion hit the jackpot for awards this year. The Hybrid model was named “North American Car of the Year” by a panel of 49 auto journalists in Detroit, and the Fusion (all models) was named Motor Trend’s “2010 Car of the Year.”
One of the reasons Motor Trend editors selected the Fusion was because of its “…impressive bandwidth as a model range…” In other words, the Fusion had something to offer to a lot of different buyers. After analyzing the Fusion lineup, I have to agree. The base “S” model, priced at $19,995, is designed to appeal to the midsize-sedan buyer on a budget. The “SE” offers more creature comforts, including satellite radio, for not that much more. Move up to the midrange “SEL,” and you can order optional V-6 power and all-wheel drive. For those who are bent on performance, the “Sport” delivers 263-hp, a stiffer suspension and 18-inch wheels. And at the top of the line is the award winning “Hybrid,” which I’ve previously reviewed.
Yet, a successful car has to have a lot more going for it than just a broad model range. The Fusion has no problem meeting that requirement, starting with its styling. The 2009 Fusion was pleasant enough looking, but the 2010 model makes a stronger impression. It features a power-dome hood, a bolder three-bar grille and nicely integrated headlights.
The interior has been upgraded as well. The center console was redesigned, and features illuminated cup holders. The instrument panel stands out with blue lighting that radiates out from the center of each gauge. Soft-touch vinyl on the dash and doors enhances passenger comfort, although I am not particularly fond of the pebble grain finish.
The cabin is user-friendly. The power seats in my test car garnered high praise from my critical number-one passenger. Head- and legroom, front and rear, were satisfactory. A large glove box, along with a two-tier console bin and a dash cubby, provided ample storage for odds and ends. The trunk was king-size at 16.5 cu.-ft.
Ford takes pride it its development of high-tech features, and a number of these are available on the Fusion. Buyers can order options, like a navigation system, SYNC interface and a rear-view camera that projects an image on your mirror when reverse is engaged. But more significant in my view is the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert. BLIS informs you with lights on the outside mirrors when cars approach your blind spot. Cross-Traffic Alert sounds a warning when an oncoming car is about to cross your path when you are backing up.
My test car was an SEL model with the V-6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The 240-hp V-6 engine provided plenty of go when a quick burst of power was needed. The six-speed automatic had a manual-shift mode for spirited driving. The handling was nimble, and the ride was slightly firm, but comfortable.
The Fusion is competitively priced with other midsize sedans. The base price for my SEL test car was $24,700. With the optional V-6 engine and Driver’s Vision Package (BLIS, Reverse Sensing, Rear-View Camera, Moonroof and Sony Sound) the bottom line read $28,105.
Snapshot Review:
Revamped Styling
Roomy Interior
Strong Power Train
Nimble Handling
