2009 Ford Fusion

Upsetting the status quo

Mac Demere / autoMedia.com

Looking to escape the Toyota Camry/Honda Accord status quo? Tired of seeing yourself—or at least an identical version of your car—regularly coming the other way? Ever try to open the door of the wrong car of the same make, model and color in a mall parking lot? Do you desire a bolder styling statement than regularly found in the four-door sedan segment? Do you live where it snows a lot and all-wheel drive would be more than handy? With bold, distinctive styling, a choice for two powerful engines, available all-wheel drive, quality, impressive fuel economy and a very attractive price, the 2009 Ford Fusion may be the answer to all these questions.

Updates for 2009

With a starting price of about $19,000 and full-loaded models coming in around $25,000, fuel economy approaching 30 miles per gallon and two powerful engines, the 2009 Ford Fusion should be on the shopping list of every mid- and full-size car buyer. Fusion attributes—power, price, luxury and more—are very competitive—and often better than—the Camry and Accord.

For 2009, several items that were previously optional are now standard on the Fusion. This list includes satellite radio on mid-level SE and top-level SEL models, automatic transmission on four-cylinder SELs and traction control on V6 models. Also, there are new Blue Suede and Sun & SYNC packages. The Blue Suede package includes a choice of four metallic paint colors, black interior trim and blue synthetic-suede fabric seat inserts with black leather surrounds for extra bolster. Highlights of the Sun & SYNC package are a moonroof, Ford’s SYNC hands-free mobile communications system developed by Microsoft, auto-dimming mirror and an up-level sound system.

Performance

The 2009 Ford Fusion’s standard engine is a 160-horspower, 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder. It boasts double-overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and an electronically controlled throttle. On the base S and SE, it is fitted with a five-speed manual, while a five-speed automatic is optional. The four cylinder’s ratings are 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway (with manual transmission).

About a third of Fusion buyers select the optional 221-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6. Like the four, this potent six also has double overhead cams operating four valves per cylinder. Aluminum-alloy engine block and head(s) on both engines reduces weight, aiding both economy and performance. The V6 FWD is rated at 18 miles per gallon for city driving and 26 miles per gallon on the highway. The six is available only with a six-speed automatic transmission. Six forward gears helps the Fusion produce good fuel mileage without compromising low-speed acceleration. Something else that also aids the ability to accelerate quickly away from a stop and merge easily onto a busy highway while still maintaining good cruising fuel economy: Both engines have variable valve timing on the intake camshafts. In addition, both engines can go up to 90,000 miles between maintenance intervals, though regular fluid and filter changes are still required. All Fusions are built in Hermosillo, Mexico.

Features and Options

Sixteen-inch-diameter “painted” aluminum wheels are standard on SE models, while the top-level SEL gets 17-inchers standard. Two options packages—the Sport Appearance and the Blue Suede packages—each offer 18-inch aluminum wheels fitted with 225/45R18 tires. Front-wheel drive is standard on Fusion, but those who live in snowy areas will appreciate the forward traction offered by the optional all-wheel drive. This advanced AWD system not only shifts torque fore and aft like conventional systems but also side to side. The computer monitors vehicle speed and how much the driver is turning the steering wheel and pressing the accelerator. It then makes sure power goes to whichever tires have the most grip. Even if only one wheel has traction, the Fusion can keep moving.

Traction control—which helps prevent the wheels from spinning uselessly on slippery roads—is now standard on V6-equipped Fusions. Anti-lock braking systems are standard on all Fusion models. Electronic stability control—Ford calls its version AdvanceTrac—is optional on the Fusion.