2008 Ford Fusion

Ford's midsize Fusion hit the streets in 2005 as a 2006 model and has accumulated more than a few kudos for value, quality, and safety. Now in its junior year, Fusion gets more standard features—including anti-lock brakes (ABS) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)—plus the (optional; standard on SEL) wondrous new Ford SYNC "total connectivity" communication and entertainment system that enables hands-free integration of Bluetooth-enabled cell phones and portable media players into its audio system via wireless technology and USB connectivity. Other notable optional new features include reverse sensing, a door-mounted keyless entry keypad and interior ambient lighting.

Styling

With its Ford signature three-bar grille, athletic stance and creased character lines along its flanks leading to its tall rear deck, Fusion brings bold American style to a midsize sedan segment typically characterized by blandness. That is good timing for Ford, since the class has been heating up of late with a plethora of expressive new entries. A new-for-2008 Sport Appearance Package includes a black chrome grille, a rear spoiler, color-keyed fog lamp bezels, 18-inch wheels and tires, sport suspension, chrome exhaust tips, red seat inserts and red stitching on the seats, steering wheel and center console, and a brushed aluminum radio surround.


Fusion's warmly trimmed interior is quiet and comfortable with convenience features such as a covered dash-top storage bin, a center clamshell armrest, a fold-down front-passenger seat (in SE and SEL models) and one-touch, spring-assisted 60/40 fold-flat rear seats. It also totes a very large trunk, complete with handy grocery hooks. Three interior accent looks are available—wood, carbon graphite or piano black—with or without optional leather trimmed seating.


Fusion's powertrain choices are a 160-hp 2.3-liter inline four or a 221-horse 3.0-liter V-6. Both aluminum engines boast dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, variable intake cam timing and electronic throttle control to optimize both performance and efficiency. The four-cylinder can be paired with a 5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic, and with the latter is rated as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) in California and other California-emissions states. The 3.0L V-6 drives through an advanced 6-speed-automatic transmission.

Performance

Fully independent suspensions front and rear give Fusion athletic handling along with a surprisingly smooth ride, and ABS becomes standard for 2008. Very few midsize sedans offer all-wheel drive, and AWD Fusions have earned well-deserved praise on both slick and dry surfaces in Ford's 2007 Fusion Challenge Fusion comparative consumer testing and advertising campaign where Fusion was preferred over both Camry and Accord in Washington, DC and Los Angeles. In our test-driving, we found the four-cylinder more than adequate, the V-6 quite lively, and the Fusion's steering, braking and handling more like European sedans than a typical family car.