The Ford Fusion is a solid performer as a midsize sedan.
For 2010, Ford has dramatically restyled the Fusion inside and out. It's a much needed improvement over the edgy but somewhat ugly duckling Fusion of past years. On the outside, the Fusion retains the ponderous chrome grill that marks many current Ford offerings, but it doesn't look out of place with the new, low slung look.
The interior, too, has been freshened, with an updated instrument cluster that is much more flashy and interesting to look at, and other interior accoutrements have been improved.
Also available for 2010 is the all new Fusion Hybrid. Ford touts on its website the availability of a $1,700 tax credit for buyers who purchase the Hybrid model, but that is not the real reason to buy the green variety. The real reason to get the Hybrid is for it's outstanding mileage. According to Ford, the Fusion Hybrid can pull down 41 mpg -- a solid number for a car in this class.
One of the nice features of the Hybrid is the Electric Vehicle (EV) mode. In EV, according to Ford, the Fusion can hit 47 mph, faster than any other similar hybrid. It also means that it should be possible to drive the Fusion on battery power alone for short in city hops. Look ma, no gas!
As in 2009, the Fusion can come equipped with either an inline 4 cylinder or a V6. The I4 displaces 2.5 liters and produces a respectable 175 horsepower. The V6 for 2010 now produces 240 horsepower out of the same 3.0 liter displacement. With either engine, the Fusion is a solid performer. The real performance, however, comes in the form of a 3.5 liter V6 that produces a generous 263 horsepower.
Meanwhile, over on the Hybrid side, the 2.5 liter 4 cylinder coupled with the electric motor produces a combined 191 horsepower.
Prices for the 2010 Fusion start at $19,270 for the base S model, and top out at $27,270 for the Hybrid. The Sport model, which comes nicely equipped with the 263 hp V6, and a number of other nifty sport options, starts at a reasonable $25,825.
For 2010, the Fusion has really come of age, offering style, performance and economy across the line, for almost any budget. In the bang for the buck category, the Fusion may be hard to beat.
