CD Article: 2007 Ford Fusion SEL V6 AWD

[CD_Editor]

Test Drive:

Now available with all-wheel drive, the Ford Fusion V6 AWD offers significantly better winter traction, reports Editor-in-Chief, Greg Wilson "In everyday winter driving, the main benefits of its AWD appear to be improved traction and stability when accelerating and cornering.  However, I found no improvement when braking in a straight line," he says.  
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[Mitlov]

I don't understand this comment:

In everyday winter driving, the main benefits of AWD appear to be improved traction and stability when accelerating and cornering. However, I found no improvement when braking in a straight line,

NO all-wheel-drive system provides ANY benefit to straight-line braking.

Anyway, good review of what sounds to be a pretty impressive midsize sedan.

[Leviathan]

you can't get AWD with the base 2.3-litre four-cylinder powerplant with either five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.

That's a shame.

[coldcase]

I don't understand this comment:

In everyday winter driving, the main benefits of AWD appear to be improved traction and stability when accelerating and cornering. However, I found no improvement when braking in a straight line,

NO all-wheel-drive system provides ANY benefit to straight-line braking.

Anyway, good review of what sounds to be a pretty impressive midsize sedan.

Totally agree.  AWD serves no purpose when braking.  It's all brake and tires.  That's also true for ALL AWD vehicles and not just this one. The comment in the article makes it look like it's a negative point on that specific car while it's a totally normal result.

[G0dspd]

The AWD sounds cool and everything but at $37,204 ... for a Fusion? ... I don't think so!

You could get a nicely equipped 2WD Camry SE V6 with winter tires ... a lot more space and a better car all around.  If the AWD is a "must", there's a lot of nice CUVs and Subies for that much $$$.

[Julie]

I found the car's looks unappealing when I first saw it on Driving Television.

However, not long ago, I parked right behind a V6 SEL

It looked nice.

And for some reason, although the interior is not the usual style that's appealed to me so far, I really like the way it looks inside.

The reviews have been very good. I'm going to rent this car the next time I need to rent one.

[Mitlov]

You could get a nicely equipped 2WD Camry SE V6 with winter tires ... a lot more space and a better car all around.  If the AWD is a "must", there's a lot of nice CUVs and Subies for that much $$$.

This is so bizarre...this is the second post today where someone is operating under the assumption that the Fusion is a compact car.  Has it been marketed as such in Canada or something?

The Fusion has 100 cubic feet of passenger volume.  Compare that to 97.7 for the Accord and 101.4 for the Camry.  The Fusion is 1 inch longer than the Camry and 0.9 inches shorter than the Accord.  It's about a half-inch wider than either, and offers a trunk with 1.8 more cubic feet of space than the Accord and 1.3 more than the Camry.

The Fusion is significantly larger than the Legacy.  6.5 more cubic feet of passenger room, 4.4 more cubic feet of trunk space, 4.1 inches more width, and 4.0 inches more length.  Not to mention that you can get a Fusion V6 SE AWD (not the SEL) for about the price of a four-cylinder Subaru (even in the States, and Subarus are comparatively more expensive in Canada).

As for price...you're comparing a loaded AWD Fusion to a no-options 2WD Camry.  Equip the Camry like the Fusion and see how the price compares.

[mrthompson]

I like the appearance of the Fusion, except for the clear tail lights.  Ugh...that is so 2001. 

The option of AWD makes it even more appealing.  Would I buy a new one?  Probably not.  Would I pick up a slightly used model?  I would definitely consider it if in the market for a mid-size sedan.

 

[Bullet Blue]

I like the appearance of the Fusion, except for the clear tail lights.  Ugh...that is so 2001. 

  Agreed.

Manufacturers need to get over their clear tail light fetish 

[Cord]

You could get a nicely equipped 2WD Camry SE V6 with winter tires ... a lot more space and a better car all around.  If the AWD is a "must", there's a lot of nice CUVs and Subies for that much $$$.

This is so bizarre...this is the second post today where someone is operating under the assumption that the Fusion is a compact car.  Has it been marketed as such in Canada or something?

The Fusion has 100 cubic feet of passenger volume.  Compare that to 97.7 for the Accord and 101.4 for the Camry.  The Fusion is 1 inch longer than the Camry and 0.9 inches shorter than the Accord.  It's about a half-inch wider than either, and offers a trunk with 1.8 more cubic feet of space than the Accord and 1.3 more than the Camry.

The Fusion is significantly larger than the Legacy.  6.5 more cubic feet of passenger room, 4.4 more cubic feet of trunk space, 4.1 inches more width, and 4.0 inches more length.  Not to mention that you can get a Fusion V6 SE AWD (not the SEL) for about the price of a four-cylinder Subaru (even in the States, and Subarus are comparatively more expensive in Canada).

As for price...you're comparing a loaded AWD Fusion to a no-options 2WD Camry.  Equip the Camry like the Fusion and see how the price compares.

Most of these comments are born of ignorance and prejudice. By all accounts the Fusion is an excellent car but certain people have a hard time wrapping their heads around that idea. They have exactly the same mentality as the "japanese crap" types from 30 years ago. Those attitudes will change, just as previous ones have.

As for the Fusion itself, I'm not a big fan of the tail lights either but once criticisms get down to that level of minutia I think it's clear that the car as a whole is obviously a winner. (I remember the last thread about the Fusion where the criticism centred on the design of the clock - same thing).

[G0dspd]

This is so bizarre...this is the second post today where someone is operating under the assumption that the Fusion is a compact car.  Has it been marketed as such in Canada or something?

The Fusion may have more interior space than a Camry or an Accord but the important thing is how you use it and not having more than the competition.  I've sat in the Fusion a few times and the car is cramped.  The front seats are decent but the headroom could be improved (maybe it's the added padding of the leather seats and the sunroof).  The back seats are the big problem ... you hit your head while entering the car, your head is in the rear window and your knees are stuck in the front seat.  Maybe that's why the Fusion is not seen as a Camry fighter.

As for price...you're comparing a loaded AWD Fusion to a no-options 2WD Camry.  Equip the Camry like the Fusion and see how the price compares.

A no-options 2WD Camry is $25 800 and the top of the line is in the 37 000$.  

Note: I'm not a big fan of the Camry (or any 4-door sedans) but the Fusion is simply not up to par with the competition.  It can still be a decent car at the right price.

[stodge]

Give me the new Mondeo anyday. Though I do like the Fusion and almost bought an I4 auto...

[soj]

"In everyday winter driving, the main benefits of AWD appear to be improved traction and stability when accelerating and cornering. However, I found no improvement when braking in a straight line, notwithstanding the fact that the Fusion's standard anti-lock brakes and powerful four-wheel disc brakes do provide improved steering control when braking on slippery surfaces."

It's definitely worth reiterating this reality given the disproportionate number of SUVs one finds in the ditch when conditions are truly slippery, i.e.: there seems to be a far too prevalent thought that AWD = immunity from snow and ice.  I would go so far as to say that it doesn't even provide improved stability during truly slippery conditions.  Many outings in AWD Audi's on packed snow parking lots as well as thousands of kms on winter ice roads with real 4 X 4's, convinces me of that.  When you're at the very extremes of traction an AWD vehicle behaves no better than a 2WD vehicle and arguably worse as they seem less predictable.   

When it comes to AWD vehicles I'm always reminded of some advice I got from a old hand once; "remember son a 4 X 4 just gets you into deeper trouble, quicker".  I wish more would heed that advice.     

[Chief]

Having recently purchased a Fusion SE 4cyl, 5sp auto for the wife I can say this car is (for the money) amazing.   With numerous options thrown in from the dealer (after negotiating final price) and the 1.9 percent lease rate I was $125 less per month than Accord and Camry, and the buyout at the end of the lease was $2500-3000 less.  I liked both Accord and Camry, both very nice cars, but neither had the sporty feeling that the Fusion has.  That being said the Camry SE V6 is amazing, but it should be since it cost $12000 more sticker to sticker after rebates (not including Toyota's ridiculous 5.9% finance).   I have owned  4 Honda's before, 2 Accords (90/91), and 2 Civics (93/2002) and I must say the older Honda's felt of a higher quality compared to my 02 Civic which I purchased new (felt flimsy compared to my 93 Civic Si purchased new).  As well I own a Nissan Pathfinder... So changing to a Ford was somewhat of a big deal for me.  So far so good.   I would encourage anyone thinking of buying a new midsize car to look at the Fusion and drive one, and drive it hard.  

Funny too, my Civic (automatic) gets the same gas mileage as the Fusion so far, and the Fusion only has 2000km on it, both averaging around 10L/100km in this extremely cold weather in Ontario ie minus 15-30, which includes 5 or more minutes of idling in the mornings while I scrape the cars off.  

I never drove the AWD V6 but I am sure it's very nice.   I didn't feel we needed the V6 since most driving is city and rarely is the car fully loaded with passengers.

Good article Greg, keep up the good work!

[Snowman]

Having recently purchased a Fusion SE 4cyl, 5sp auto for the wife I can say this car is (for the money) amazing.   With numerous options thrown in from the dealer (after negotiating final price) and the 1.9 percent lease rate I was $125 less per month than Accord and Camry, and the buyout at the end of the lease was $2500-3000 less.  I liked both Accord and Camry, both very nice cars, but neither had the sporty feeling that the Fusion has.  That being said the Camry SE V6 is amazing, but it should be since it cost $12000 more sticker to sticker after rebates (not including Toyota's ridiculous 5.9% finance).   I have owned  4 Honda's before, 2 Accords (90/91), and 2 Civics (93/2002) and I must say the older Honda's felt of a higher quality compared to my 02 Civic which I purchased new (felt flimsy compared to my 93 Civic Si purchased new).  As well I own a Nissan Pathfinder... So changing to a Ford was somewhat of a big deal for me.  So far so good.   I would encourage anyone thinking of buying a new midsize car to look at the Fusion and drive one, and drive it hard.  

Funny too, my Civic (automatic) gets the same gas mileage as the Fusion so far, and the Fusion only has 2000km on it, both averaging around 10L/100km in this extremely cold weather in Ontario ie minus 15-30, which includes 5 or more minutes of idling in the mornings while I scrape the cars off.  

I never drove the AWD V6 but I am sure it's very nice.   I didn't feel we needed the V6 since most driving is city and rarely is the car fully loaded with passengers.

Good article Greg, keep up the good work!

Thanks for the post Chief. It is becoming more obvious the Ford has a great car on its hands and is starting to establish some credibility in the market, well done.

[Cord]

The Fusion may have more interior space than a Camry or an Accord but the important thing is how you use it and not having more than the competition.  I've sat in the Fusion a few times and the car is cramped.  The front seats are decent but the headroom could be improved (maybe it's the added padding of the leather seats and the sunroof).  The back seats are the big problem ... you hit your head while entering the car, your head is in the rear window and your knees are stuck in the front seat.  Maybe that's why the Fusion is not seen as a Camry fighter.

I'm calling BS on that. I just took 4 people out of the office and had each one sit in the back of an '07 Camry and the back of an '07 Fusion. Not one could definitively say one was more roomy than the other. And no ones head was in the glass in either car (in fact it takes a quite unnatural posture to do so) nor was anyones knees stuck in the front seat.

A no-options 2WD Camry is $25 800 and the top of the line is in the 37 000$.

According to Toyota's website, a 2007 Camry LE is $27340 and a 2007 FWD Camry XLE is $38,965 before any any options. Unless someone can buy one without freight, block heater, air tax, and tire levy.

[G0dspd]

I'm calling BS on that. I just took 4 people out of the office and had each one sit in the back of an '07 Camry and the back of an '07 Fusion. ...

I'm not getting in the "everybody should fit" argument again.  We've been over this too many times already.    If they (or anybody) like the Fusion and find it comfortable ... good for them and I hope they enjoy it!  IMO the back seats are better in the Camry than in the Fusion.

[prufrock]

As for the Fusion itself, I'm not a big fan of the tail lights either but once criticisms get down to that level of minutia I think it's clear that the car as a whole is obviously a winner. (I remember the last thread about the Fusion where the criticism centred on the design of the clock - same thing).

Wait a minute. What's up with the clock?  If I recall correctly, it was received very positively in that thread.











(I still hate the analogue clock.  )

[Benhaze]

I would go so far as to say that it doesn't even provide improved stability during truly slippery conditions.  Many outings in AWD Audi's on packed snow parking lots as well as thousands of kms on winter ice roads with real 4 X 4's, convinces me of that.  When you're at the very extremes of traction an AWD vehicle behaves no better than a 2WD vehicle and arguably worse as they seem less predictable.

I'm not quite sure I understand your point about stability... Yes, going straight forward, AWD will provide little stability improvement though the lack of torque steer is definitely an improvement (when accelerating). Have you ever tried to compare heavy acceleration on a bumpy road between FWD and AWD?

The potential concern with AWD and its better traction is how easier it is to reach higher speeds that will overcome the friction required to steer or brake for a giving road condition and vehicle weight. True AWD systems distribute the same engine torque to 4 wheels instead of two, providing better traction and handling, but not braking. It's unfortunate your experience of Audi AWD systems is limited to parking lots.

There is a reason why Subarus and Mistsubishis are so popular with drivers making a living going at the "very extremes of traction".

[Cord]

IMO the back seats are better in the Camry than in the Fusion.

There you go. That's fine and a perfectly legitimate statement. In that vein your original statement should've been:

"The back seats are the big problem for me ... you I hit your my head while entering the car, your My head is in the rear window and your my knees are stuck in the front seat.  Maybe that's why the Fusion is not seen as a Camry fighter by me.