Ford announced today it was pricing the base model of its new mid-sized Fusion sedan just $5 below $18,000, $500 less than the base 2006 Hyundai Sonata and the 2005 Honda Accord. The press release said it was "the latest salvo in the company s plan to recapture car market share." We don't remember what the first salvo was, but if the Fusion makes it as a value player, the company may just get its wish.

Fusion Models (prices include destination and delivery):

· Fusion S: 2.3-liter Duratec 23 I-4, 160hp, five-speed manual — $17,995.

· Fusion SE: (16-inch aluminum wheels, six-speaker six-CD/MP3 stereo, leather seating surfaces and power moonroof). Traction assist is also available on V-6 versions of the Fusion SE. 221-horsepower, 3.0-liter Duratec V6, six-speed automatic transmission (yes, GM, they make those) — $21,275.

· Fusion SEL: 17-inch aluminum wheels, automatic temperature control, upgraded or piano black interior trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel, redundant audio and climate controls. With optional 5-speed automatic transmission — under $20,500.

Related:
Spy Photos: 2006 Ford Fusion [internal]

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