2007 Ford Fusion

"Fusion" implies a coming together, a blending—and this car certainly is. In size, it fits neatly between the compact Focus and the (near) full-size Five Hundred. In power, it offers a choice of spirited 4-cylinder or more muscular V-6 engines. In architecture, it adds increased stiffness, smoother ride and American character to the well-respected platform of (Ford Japanese partner) Mazda's Mazda6. So respected is the Fusion as well that it recently received highest ranking in its segment honors for 2006 from the J.D. Power APEAL Study, which recognizes Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) of all-new and redesigned models.


Fusion is so significant because Ford—which virtually owned the U.S. midsize car market with its best-selling Taurus for many years—hasn't been much of a player lately as the Japanese (primarily Toyota's Camry and Honda's Accord) have taken over. Fusion's critically important mission is to reverse that trend. Standard fare for all 2007 Fusion models includes front-seat side airbags, side-impact curtain airbags, and an auxiliary audio input jack. 2007 SE and SEL models receive a fold-down passenger seat as standard. SE models get 16-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, premium 6-disc CD player with MP3 capability, and six speakers—all standard equipment. A new all-wheel-drive setup is available along with other new options such as SIRIUS satellite radio and DVD-based navigation.

Styling

Fusion looks like no other production car in the company's 104-year history. Its bold face, dominated by three thick, chromed bars above the bumper, two more below it and rounded-square headlamps, comes almost intact from the 2003 427 concept car. We like it, and Ford hopes you do, too, because it's the newest face of the Ford passenger. The profile is sleek and wedgy, with a high rear deck (for aero efficiency and trunk room) and triangular taillamps with bright borders and large backup lenses.


The interior is modern, upscale and well crafted, with precision-look, satin-aluminum-trimmed round gauges, soft-touch materials and easy-to-use ergonomics. It challenges the midsize class leaders in roominess, including front shoulder room, rear legroom and cargo capacity. A choice of three themes Medium Light Stone, Camel or Charcoal Black lets buyers personalize their driving environments. The cabin is remarkably quiet at speed, the front buckets are comfortable and supportive, the rear cabin is surprisingly roomy, and the available leather trim impresses with color-contrasting stitching.

Performance and Handling
The Fusion feels much like the fun-to-drive Mazda6 upon which it's based, only smoother. Its chassis is 13 percent stiffer, which allows its 4-wheel independent suspension (short/long-arm front, multi-link rear) to absorb life's lumps and bumps without compromising steering or handling response. "We spent a lot of time to get just the right steering feel," says Fusion Chief Engineer Brian Vought. The highly effective brakes are 4-wheel power discs with optional 4-sensor, 4-channel ABS and electronic brake force distribution (EBD).