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The Ford Fusion as Ford’s first midsize sedan is doing quite well. Built at Ford’s stamping and assembly plant in Hermosillo, Mexico, the Fusion is Ford’s Americas (North and South) model, while it also offers a version of the Fusion in Europe for that market. It made its first appearance in showrooms in 2006, and has been an ever-improving hit ever since.
It’s also at the Hermosillo plant that the Fusion’s sisters (Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ) are assembled, though the Fusion itself is the most popular of the three in the line. Using the CD3 platform, which is also shared by Mazda’s 6 sedan, the Ford was designed to replace the Mondeo in Europe and Latin America, except in Argentina, where the Mondeo is still sold.
What many may not know is that the now ubiquitous “three-bar grille” design seen on nearly every Ford began with the introduction of the Fusion in late 2005. The car is among Ford’s smallest compact Focus and the full-size (and completely redesigned) Taurus. Ford must have done something right, as the model has been a hit since its launch.
Sold in three trims (S, SE, and Charged SEL), Fusion’s available engine packages consist of a well-fueled 4-cylinder engine and a V6 engine. The smaller mill still produced a healthy 160 horsepower while the V6 delivered adequate power, at 221 horsepower, though that’s been upgraded to 260 for 2010. Manual and 5-speed automatic transmissions are available in S and SE, while the SEL comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. and the V6.
The Fusion continues to evolve. In 2007, Ford made all-wheel drive available with V6 models, which is a popular feature, especially in the northern climate. There are a wide variety of options and standard features, even the S model features convenience keys normally only found on higher line models.
When it comes to safety, Ford boosted the Fusion with the addition of front-seat side and curtain airbags in 2007 as well. An anti-theft alarm system was also included as standard equipment, and previously both were only available as additional cost options. DVD navigation and satellite radio also debuted in 2007, as options.
Tire pressure monitoring and anti-lock brakes became standard equipment in 2008 to reflect consumer desires for even more safety features. The very popular Microsoft-designed SYNC system was also added to Fusion’s list of already popular teams.
Perhaps the most exciting element of the Fusion is its redesign for 2010, which is now hitting the showrooms and the roads today. Bigger, roomier, and more powerful across the lineup, it’s also offered as a very fuel-efficient gas-electric hybrid that offers an EPA rating of 41 miles per gallon in the city, which is pretty impressive. Horsepower is also impressive, at 155 ponies.
Today’s Ford Fusion is a vast improvement on the evolution of Ford models from even 10 years ago. Its twin attributes of value and true comfort and convenience are making it a force in the midsize sedan segment, which has traditionally been dominated by certain foreign automakers.