2007 Ford Fusion

The standard Duratec 2.3-liter four, a more powerful version of the one optionally available in Focus, generates a respectable 160 hp and 156 lb.-ft. of torque, yet scores 31 (I4 auto) mpg on the EPA highway test. The available Duratec 3.0-liter V-6 is good for 221 hp (18 more than in the larger Five Hundred), 205 lb.-ft. and an impressive 28 mpg EPA highway. Both boast aluminum construction, dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, intake Variable Cam Timing (i-VCT) and electronic throttle control. The inline four mated with the optional 5-speed automatic transmission makes the Fusion Ford's third California Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV). It can also be teamed with a standard 5-speed manual, while the V-6 drives through Ford's advanced 6-speed automatic. Both move the 3,100-lb. Fusion smartly, the V-6 with strong authority.

Interior

Included on the long list of standard features are all-season tires on 16-inch wheels, 4-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo, power door locks with remote keyless entry, power windows, 60/40 spring-assisted fold-down rear seats, air conditioning, speed control, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, front-seat side airbags, side-impact curtain airbags, auxiliary audio input jack, enhanced side intrusion protection system and Ford's Personal Safety System. The top-of-the-line SEL gets 17-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, automatic temperature control, premium 6-CD/MP3 6-speaker stereo, wood or piano black interior trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and climate controls.


Options vary by model, but every Fusion is backed by Ford's 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Our test mid-level SE sported the available (black interior only), new I4 SE Appearance Package, which includes a black chrome grille, fog lamps with color-keyed bezel, 17-inch SEL wheels, and red stitching and accents on door trim, seats and steering wheel.


While U.S. midsize car competition from domestic and offshore sources is strong and getting stronger, we think the well built, well equipped, fine driving and very reasonably priced Fusion will fulfill its vital mission of bringing Ford back into the thick of it. To begin with, a lot of satisfied Ford truck and SUV owners looking for an economical and affordable family car now, for the first time in years, have an excellent choice at their own Ford dealers. (www.fordvehicles.com)