- Lots of equipment for the price
- Flexible options list
- 4-cylinder engine provides good balance of power and economy
- Entertaining to drive
- Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) version in California and some other states
- Interior is a bit Spartan
- No optional navigation system or electronic stability control
- Engine is noisy
- No manual mode for automatic transmission
- Available as a four-door mid-size sedan
- $19,635 base (4-cyl SEL), $23,655 as tested
- 2.3 liter inline 4, 160 hp @ 6500 RPM, 150 lb-ft @ 5000 RPM, 5-speed automatic, PZEV emissions
- Front wheel drive
- EPA fuel economy estimates: 24 MPG city, 32 MPG highway
- Also available with a 5-speed manual and 3.0 liter V6 (automatic only)
- Built in Mexico
- Warranty: 3 year/36,000 mi bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance
- Best rivals: Chevy Malibu, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima
My tester had a 2.3 liter 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed automatic. The engine was noisy but powerful. I liked the fact that it met PZEV emissions, as do all 4-cyl automatic Fusions sold in CA, ME, MA, NY and VT.
The Fusion's feature list is a nice compromise between the traditional endless combinations of American cars and the take-what-we-give-you attitude of many Japanese cars. That allows for interesting combinations such as our tester: climate control, heated leather seats, airbags all around, but no sunroof. My wife Robin loves heated seats but her fair skin means that sunroof=sunburn, so we appreciate the flexibility; sunroof and heated seats come bundled together on cars like the Accord EX.
Tick off all the options boxes and the 4-cylinder Fusion still comes in under $25k, over $2k less than a comparably-equipped Camry XLE. That said, desireable features like a navigation system and electronic stability control are not available on Fusion.
Overall, the Fusion is a great combination of economy, practicality and enjoyability. If you're shopping for a mid-size, it definitely warrants a look.
