My review this week is the 2013 Ford Fusion. Five years ago, Ford Execs tasked their designers to develop “ the New Face of Ford” for the next decade. The Fusion is the first of the new breed of Fords.
The first thing you notice about the Fusion is it’s looks. It has great lines and a fantastic looking front end. I think that the Fusion has a grille that is a cross between Jaguar and an Aston Martin. Funny thing, didn’t Ford own those two brands at one time? Curious…
Any way you look at it, the Fusion is smokin’ hot. While driving around Southern California this week, I was stopped three times by people asking what car I was driving and how they could get one. One lady parked her two old week Camry next to the Fusion and said she could kick herself for not waiting for the Fusion.
Keep in mind that this was happening in the land of “buy an import Californians” none the less.
Of course, the Fusion is more than just a pretty face. Loaded with technology and more choices than a Burger King menu, the Fusion is all about having it your way. The Fusion is available with five different powertrains. The base model is a 2.5 liter 4cyl engine. Then you can upgrade to either a 1.6 liter EcoBoost 4 cylinder, a 1.6 liter EcoBoost engine with Start Stop technology, a 2.0 liter EcoBoost engine, or a Gas Electric Hybrid Fusion. Then we go into 6 speed automatic or 6 speed automatic transmissions. This is before we even talk about the S, SE or Titanium trim levels. It seems that Ford is determined to offer a Fusion for every taste.
The Fusion goes right after the Camry, Accord, and Altima. With great fuel economy and room for five adults, the Fusion hits the competition right where they live. The Fusion has an upscale interior, comfortable seats, a quiet ride, great handling and a powertrain for everyone. When you add the My Ford Touch telematics, Bluetooth, iPod, and USB connectivity, and of course, multiple power plugs and cupholders, the Fusion seems much more user friendly than the imports.
I drove all of the Fusion versions and was particularly impressed with the Hybrid model. Power and response were great and handling was good. I was even impressed with the Fusion’s regenerative brake system because it wasn’t grabby at low speeds like most.
With an EPA certification of 47mpg Hwy/ 47mpg City/ 47mpg Combined, the Fusion beasts the Camry Hybrid by a whopping 8 mpg highway and 4 mpg city. The Fusion Hybrid has been certified as the most fuel efficient mid-sized sedan in America. And yes, there is a plug in hybrid on the way soon.
The Fusion is not some goofy looking econobox like many Hybrids. The Fusion is a nice, comfortable, roomy, great looking car. No more sacrificing style and comfort in the name of fuel economy. The Fusion is a “green” car that you can appreciate for its looks. Although, many say that some people love the goofy looking “green” cars because it shots out “look at me, I’m saving the planet.” I think the Fusion says the same thing while looking great.
The Fusion has a $21k starting price for the base model with the 2.5 liter engine. However, most of those will be fleet cars. (rental or company cars) The main sellers will be the EcoBoost and Hybrid models in the mid to upper $20k range. The most loaded Titanium version will sell in the low $30s, which is ultra competitive for the segment.
Ford has made a huge statement with the new Fusion. Buyers that once considered an Accord, Camry, or Altima will have to give the 2013 Fusion a serious look before making a choice. Comparing apples to apples, the Fusion is at the top of the list. Lets see how open minded the American consumer really is.
I give the Fusion a 5 out of 5 star rating.
If the Fusion is the new face of Ford, then it should be smiling. Mike Herzing
