I like the Fusion a lot, but is it car of the year material? It's not even all new. I really don't know what Motor Trend is thinking on these "____ Of the Year" awards anymore. They either pick the the lamest, most economical vehicle in the pool (Outback was SUV of the year, WTF?) or something completely ridiculous and irrelevant to most buyers (GTR last year).
I do not miss my subscription to that magazine. #fordfusion
If FromaBuick6 has to watch one more Chevy commercial, he's going to punch Howie Long in the face was starred
If FromaBuick6 has to watch one more Chevy commercial, he's going to punch Howie Long in the face was unstarred
@PotbellyJoe - As seen on I-287: Yeah, that's true. And despite 20+ pages of write up about how they chose the winner, the result is usually pretty bogus. At least they combined it with Import COTY about a decade back, preventing crap like the '97 Malibu, '93 Probe and '88 Grand Prix from winning. Seriously, the list of previous winners is a great big cavalcade of suck.
Also, I can't wait to see what the '10 Truck of the Year is. Did anybody even come out with a new truck this year? That's got to be the most bogus award of all.
Edited by If FromaBuick6 has to watch one more Chevy commercial, he's going to punch Howie Long in the face at 11/17/09 9:50 PM
If FromaBuick6 has to watch one more Chevy commercial, he's going to punch Howie Long in the face was starred
If FromaBuick6 has to watch one more Chevy commercial, he's going to punch Howie Long in the face was unstarred
I particularly like the fact that this is a domestic that has pretty nice styling AND the underpinnings to make it worth driving. Ford has to be the domestic with the most on the ball lately. #fordfusion
@zeeboid: I'm kind of a mix. I drive mostly high end cars of many manufacturers. But I really admire great engineering; the kind where the synergy of the design reaches an orgasm of driving enjoyment. It doesn't matter where the design comes from.
But I don't think people who look at automobiles as some kind of statement of nationalistic pride are really paying attention. No mass manufactured vehicle today is a pristine product of only one country. As such, the global origin of the things makes 'national pride' arguments sort of like Mexican Wrestling. Everyone is wearing a mask, and the moves are choreographed for fan enjoyment.
But this is a good car. No excess baggage with that simple observation.
@DoctorNine: "But I don't think people who look at automobiles as some kind of statement of nationalistic pride are really paying attention"
I agree with you there. never quite understood why some of the manufactures just can't quite go that little extra mile. example: The 300c and Chargers not having a 6sp, some of the leather in cars obviously inferior, etc.
"As such, the global origin of the things makes 'national pride' arguments sort of like Mexican Wrestling"
Not so much there. even with that, many fail to take into account all the R&D to get acar to where it is going (90ish % of which is spent within the country of origin) not to mention where the profit is going (country of origin once again) simply put, the company has more invested (in all respects) in its home country, and the home country benifits most from that company's success.
don't get me wrong, I am all for a global marketplace, and competition. (without competition, you have ntohing but crap because there is no encouragement to do better.)
And I have never purchased a NEW car so I have never practiced what I preached (Though the only foreign machines i've ever had have been 3/3 motorcycles and 0/15 cars. I have not yet been able to afford a Victory, and Harley Davidsons are too much like Puppies for me (leaving a puddle wherever they go))
@DoctorNine: "But I don't think people who look at automobiles as some kind of statement of nationalistic pride are really paying attention"
I agree with you there. never quite understood why some of the manufactures just can't quite go that little extra mile. example: The 300c and Chargers not having a 6sp, some of the leather in cars obviously inferior, etc.
"As such, the global origin of the things makes 'national pride' arguments sort of like Mexican Wrestling"
Not so much there. even with that, many fail to take into account all the R&D to get acar to where it is going (90ish % of which is spent within the country of origin) not to mention where the profit is going (country of origin once again) simply put, the company has more invested (in all respects) in its home country, and the home country benifits most from that company's success.
don't get me wrong, I am all for a global marketplace, and competition. (without competition, you have ntohing but crap because there is no encouragement to do better.)
And I have never purchased a NEW car so I have never practiced what I preached (Though the only foreign machines i've ever had have been 3/3 motorcycles and 0/15 cars. I have not yet been able to afford a Victory, and Harley Davidsons are too much like Puppies for me (leaving a puddle wherever they go))
MotorTrend can go to hell, but the Fusion can go to hell and back. I've yet to hear about any bad news from owners up here, and that's saying something.
If a car can handle Alaska, it can pretty much handle anything. #fordfusion
@Ford Tempo Fanatic: That's not trial by fire, it's trial by frost heave. And mile upon mile of frozen tundra.
I'm originally from Minnesota, so I kinda know where you're coming from, but around there if you get stuck in a drift help will be by probably within a week. For you guys, spring.
@Elhigh: Which is why its a good thing me, and most of Alaska's natives, choose Ford Tempos for their daily drivers. Those things put almost everything else to shame in the snow, while being reliable enough to get you home and back.
I remember in the early eighties when Motor Trend named the Renault AMC Alliance as Car of the Year. I never trusted their judgment after that. #fordfusion
I bought my '10 Fusion a couple months back. With less than 2500 miles on the clock , it's a bit too early to be certain but so far I have not suffered the slightest twinge of buyer's remorse.
I bought a black SE with the 2.5 ltr I4 and MS Synch, sunroof and parking sensors (it was a package, I think). I opted for the I4 for the mileage (I've consistently seen 31-32mpg on the hwy) and had no need for the AWD (I live in Southern California, after all), I am amazed at how well the I4 and 6-speed slush box motivates the Fusion. I'm absolutely thrilled with the way the car drives. The lighter weight mil gives the car better balance than the V6 version and the car handles much better than I had hoped, feeling quite planted in the curves. When I tested the V6 it felt a bit nose-heavy. The only feature I wish the car had is "manual mode" for the slushie.
So yeah, good on ya Ford! Don't worry about the Camcord out selling this car. Keep up the good work and that won't last.
I've always had a soft spot for the Fusion, if anything the Milan version is even ever more slightly better. The first time I've said that about a Mercury in years.
I say good for them. One of the first new age Ford cars to come out of Ford NA. #fordfusion
Amalgamated Stainless Headers, est.1978 promoted this comment
Tiberiuswise is all ate up with sarcasm was starred
Tiberiuswise is all ate up with sarcasm was unstarred
@Amalgamated Stainless Headers, est.1978: I sat in a Transit Connect at SEMA and I have to say I was pretty disappointed. I know it's meant to be a commercial vehicle, but the fit and finish of the interior plastics was pretty poor.
It was quite a letdown since I liked the idea of it so much. #fordfusion
@Amalgamated Stainless Headers, est.1978: I have seen a few around the butt-end of Manhattan. There's at least one white one and one black one that live around here. Probably more than one whitey but I've never been diligent enough to compare door labels. #fordfusion
I test drove one when I was shopping for the Fusion. I was so damned enamored with the TC that I almost bought one instead of my car. I can't think of a more utilitarian vehicle out there. The fusion had it beat as a commuter though. Since I accumulate the majority of my miles driving to and from work, the Fusion won by a hair. #fordfusion
@FlakJack: True but with all the on-board Sensors and it's Braun, it Edged out the competition, even though it isn't as bold as the Mach3 concept. #fordfusion
@YankBoffin: The 2011 Ford Fusion model refresh will add protective Microfins below the grille and an enhanced Indicator lubricating strip across the lip of the hood.
(/me wants photochop skills).
I prefer the Hyundai Excel shave engineering, whether 2-blade or Sensor 3-bladed, to the Mustang Mach 3 for my lesbian bits; the Fusion 5-blade is ridiculous.
Truly budget minded new car shoppers don't buy Hybrids anyway.
If someone wants to be noticed, they'll buy an Insight or Prius. If they want a fancy comfy car they can say is also a Hybrid, they'll buy hybrid versions of Fusion or Camry.
Most buyers on the proverbial hybrid 'fence' would be less alienated by the Fusion.
Wes, from what I read, I am assuming that you would recommend a standard (non hybrid) Fusion over all 3 of the hybrid options?
I would have to say that option seems the most reasonable so I am curious as to what you think, considering you've driven all of the hybrids back to back.
@Big Red: I really like the bargain basement fusion with the 2.5 and the manual. If you're going to go ahead and get leather and an auto, you might as well get the hybrid.
Wes, in terms of driving dynamics, would you say the new Prius is:
much better
slightly better
about the same
slightly worse
much worse
than the New Insight?
From reading the Prius review I guess it is slightly better, but if the Prius corners better, brakes more responsively and better, and dives and leans less, then the Prius will be a real winner compared to the Honda.
11/19/09
Then again, I've never really agreed with MT's choices.
11/17/09
I do not miss my subscription to that magazine. #fordfusion
11/17/09
Too much gray area. #fordfusion
11/17/09
Also, I can't wait to see what the '10 Truck of the Year is. Did anybody even come out with a new truck this year? That's got to be the most bogus award of all.
11/17/09
11/18/09
why don't you take your love for America and...
nope, can't do it. I can't even pretend to be a foreign car loving person. #fordfusion
11/18/09
But I don't think people who look at automobiles as some kind of statement of nationalistic pride are really paying attention. No mass manufactured vehicle today is a pristine product of only one country. As such, the global origin of the things makes 'national pride' arguments sort of like Mexican Wrestling. Everyone is wearing a mask, and the moves are choreographed for fan enjoyment.
But this is a good car. No excess baggage with that simple observation.
11/18/09
I agree with you there. never quite understood why some of the manufactures just can't quite go that little extra mile. example: The 300c and Chargers not having a 6sp, some of the leather in cars obviously inferior, etc.
"As such, the global origin of the things makes 'national pride' arguments sort of like Mexican Wrestling"
Not so much there. even with that, many fail to take into account all the R&D to get acar to where it is going (90ish % of which is spent within the country of origin) not to mention where the profit is going (country of origin once again) simply put, the company has more invested (in all respects) in its home country, and the home country benifits most from that company's success.
don't get me wrong, I am all for a global marketplace, and competition. (without competition, you have ntohing but crap because there is no encouragement to do better.)
And I have never purchased a NEW car so I have never practiced what I preached (Though the only foreign machines i've ever had have been 3/3 motorcycles and 0/15 cars. I have not yet been able to afford a Victory, and Harley Davidsons are too much like Puppies for me (leaving a puddle wherever they go))
11/18/09
I agree with you there. never quite understood why some of the manufactures just can't quite go that little extra mile. example: The 300c and Chargers not having a 6sp, some of the leather in cars obviously inferior, etc.
"As such, the global origin of the things makes 'national pride' arguments sort of like Mexican Wrestling"
Not so much there. even with that, many fail to take into account all the R&D to get acar to where it is going (90ish % of which is spent within the country of origin) not to mention where the profit is going (country of origin once again) simply put, the company has more invested (in all respects) in its home country, and the home country benifits most from that company's success.
don't get me wrong, I am all for a global marketplace, and competition. (without competition, you have ntohing but crap because there is no encouragement to do better.)
And I have never purchased a NEW car so I have never practiced what I preached (Though the only foreign machines i've ever had have been 3/3 motorcycles and 0/15 cars. I have not yet been able to afford a Victory, and Harley Davidsons are too much like Puppies for me (leaving a puddle wherever they go))
11/17/09
If a car can handle Alaska, it can pretty much handle anything. #fordfusion
11/17/09
I'm originally from Minnesota, so I kinda know where you're coming from, but around there if you get stuck in a drift help will be by probably within a week. For you guys, spring.
Maybe. #fordfusion
11/17/09
I speak from experience. ;) #fordfusion
11/17/09
11/17/09
11/17/09
I bought a black SE with the 2.5 ltr I4 and MS Synch, sunroof and parking sensors (it was a package, I think). I opted for the I4 for the mileage (I've consistently seen 31-32mpg on the hwy) and had no need for the AWD (I live in Southern California, after all), I am amazed at how well the I4 and 6-speed slush box motivates the Fusion. I'm absolutely thrilled with the way the car drives. The lighter weight mil gives the car better balance than the V6 version and the car handles much better than I had hoped, feeling quite planted in the curves. When I tested the V6 it felt a bit nose-heavy. The only feature I wish the car had is "manual mode" for the slushie.
So yeah, good on ya Ford! Don't worry about the Camcord out selling this car. Keep up the good work and that won't last.
11/17/09
Not that it wins Car of the Year - just the Motor Trend association. #fordfusion
11/17/09
11/17/09
I say good for them. One of the first new age Ford cars to come out of Ford NA. #fordfusion
11/17/09
That'll get me $300 in the office pool. In the imaginary office where people care about cars instead of sports, anyway.
11/17/09
11/17/09
You've seen one in person Stateside? #fordfusion
11/17/09
Are you in the US?
I haven't even seen one, and I'm in Detroit (granted I'm not frequently in the Dearborn area any more). #fordfusion
11/17/09
Amalgamated Sports Hater? #fordfusion
11/17/09
11/17/09
11/17/09
It was quite a letdown since I liked the idea of it so much. #fordfusion
11/17/09
11/17/09
11/17/09
I test drove one when I was shopping for the Fusion. I was so damned enamored with the TC that I almost bought one instead of my car. I can't think of a more utilitarian vehicle out there. The fusion had it beat as a commuter though. Since I accumulate the majority of my miles driving to and from work, the Fusion won by a hair. #fordfusion
11/17/09
None in Detroit? Weird. #fordfusion
11/17/09
I used to see all the "Dearborn" vehicles early, now I see all the Warren tech center ones. #fordfusion
11/17/09
11/17/09
You could say it's the best a man can get. #fordfusion
11/17/09
11/17/09
11/17/09
There's even a battery powered Fusion. #fordfusion
11/17/09
11/17/09
I can't even go a week without replacing the blades. #fordfusion
11/18/09
(/me wants photochop skills).
I prefer the Hyundai Excel shave engineering, whether 2-blade or Sensor 3-bladed, to the Mustang Mach 3 for my lesbian bits; the Fusion 5-blade is ridiculous.
11/17/09
I found this handy list of COY winners for your continued amusement. Renault Alliance!
[www.motortrend.com] #fordfusion
11/17/09
11/17/09
11/17/09
And more trivia on the table ;-) the previous winners of the NA COTY [en.wikipedia.org]
Canadian COTY [en.wikipedia.org]
International COTY from Road & Travel magazine [en.wikipedia.org]
Automobile's magazine Al-stars
[en.wikipedia.org] #fordfusion
11/17/09
07/02/09
If someone wants to be noticed, they'll buy an Insight or Prius. If they want a fancy comfy car they can say is also a Hybrid, they'll buy hybrid versions of Fusion or Camry.
Most buyers on the proverbial hybrid 'fence' would be less alienated by the Fusion.
07/01/09
I would have to say that option seems the most reasonable so I am curious as to what you think, considering you've driven all of the hybrids back to back.
07/01/09
07/01/09
much better
slightly better
about the same
slightly worse
much worse
than the New Insight?
From reading the Prius review I guess it is slightly better, but if the Prius corners better, brakes more responsively and better, and dives and leans less, then the Prius will be a real winner compared to the Honda.
07/01/09