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Ford Fusion (North America)
Encyclopedia
The Ford Fusion is a mid-size car
produced by the Ford Motor Company
since the 2006 model year. The 2010 model was awarded the Motor Trend Car of the Year
and its hybrid version won the 2010 North American Car of the Year
Award. The Fusion is manufactured at Ford's Hermosillo Stamping & Assembly
plant in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, where the similar and now discontinued Mercury Milan
and the Lincoln MKZ
are also built. All three cars utilize the CD3
platform, which is, in fact, Mazda
's current GG chassis as used for the Mazda6 (M/Y 2003–2008). Ford has used every evolution of the Mazda G platform
since 1983.
Production on the first Fusions began on August 1, 2005. The Fusion replaced the Mondeo
for the Latin American markets—except in Argentina (where the current European Mondeo is available) and in the United States and Canada (where it superseded the then mid-size Taurus
). By United States Environmental Protection Agency
size category, the Fusion is positioned between the compact Ford Focus and full-size Ford Taurus
.
However, in the Middle East it is sold alongside the Mondeo
. Versions sold there are available only with the 2.5-litre engine. The V6 engine is not available in that region, unlike in the United States, Canada and Latin America.
The Fusion was the first production car to feature the "new face of Ford" three-bar grille, which (along with two matching bars below the bumper/fascia forming a five-bar design) was first seen on a retro V-10 powered rear wheel drive concept car
called the Ford 427, unveiled in 2003 at the North American International Auto Show
(NAIAS) in Detroit. The look has since been used on most of Ford's product line.
-designed 2.3 L Duratec 23 I4, paired with either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. SE and SEL models were available with a 221 hp 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6
and a 6-speed automatic.
The Fusion shares some interior parts with the otherwise unrelated Mk III Ford Mondeo
, such as part of the console and the seats. Both automatic
and manual transmission
s are available (the latter only with the I4 engine
).
Ford's early advertising campaign for the Fusion in the United States was entitled "Life in Drive", while in Canada it was "Create a Reaction". In January 2007, the company launched a new campaign for the Fusion titled "Fusion Challenge" (later renamed "Ford Challenge"). The American Ford Fusion emerged the winner over the Toyota Camry
and Honda Accord
based on the attributes of styling, handling, and “fun to drive” in head-to-head comparison tests with the Japanese sedans performed by subscribers of Car and Driver
and Road and Track magazines in the Washington D.C. and Los Angeles regions.
For 2007, all-wheel drive became available on V6 models. Sirius Satellite Radio
is available as an option on the SE and SEL models. The front passenger fold-flat seat was introduced and became standard on the Fusion SEL and SE models. Also, the Fusion now has front-seat side airbags and a side air curtain as standard features, as well as an anti-theft perimeter alarm. (All were previously available as cost options.)
Also added is an auxiliary audio input jack for audio transmission from a portable audio player along with some equipment modifications. A DVD-based navigation system also became available.
For the 2008 model year, ABS
became a standard feature, as did a tire pressure monitoring system
. New optional features include rear parking assist, Ford's "SYNC
" multimedia and communication system, and ambient interior lighting. The DVD navigation was replaced with a new generation system featuring voice commands, and for the first time navigation is available also with manual transmission. Finally, 2 packages were added to the options list: Sport Appearance Package and Moon and Tune package. The latter makes the Audiophile 8-speaker audio system available on the SE trim line. Several colors were deleted and some others added.
For 2009, electronic stability control was added as an option. A new appearance package with blue trim became available, and revisions were made to the exterior color palette as well.
In Mexico the Fusion was offered in two trim levels in 2006: SE and SEL, with automatic transmission only. For the 2007 model year, the S trim was introduced and a manual transmission was newly available for the S and SE trim levels. These two trims had standard 16-inch alloy wheels, while the SEL trim had 17-inch alloy wheels standard. The 2008 model year added Ford's Ford SYNC
to the SEL trim. The manual transmission was discontinued after 2008 in Mexico due to poor sales. The 2009 model year was a very short one in Mexico because the 2010 Fusion arrived in dealerships by late February 2009.
:
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
:
Although the frontal offset test for 2007 (later release) to present model is rated good overall by IIHS, injury measures from head/neck and right leg/foot is rated acceptable.
the Fusion, along with the Mercury Milan
and Lincoln MKZ
, with new front and rear end fascia designs and interior and powertrain revisions. Powertrain options are similar to those that debuted on the 2009 Ford Escape
, including the new 2.5 L I4 and 3.0 L PIP Duratec series V6 engine coupled to Ford's new 6F35 six-speed transmission. The 3.0 L Duratec now provides 240 hp with E85 fuel capability, while the I4 provides 175 hp. The 3.5 L Duratec 35 producing 263 hp is standard in the Fusion Sport. The I4 and 3.0 L V6 engines include adaptive knock control and aggressive deceleration fuel cutoff features to improve fuel economy. Interior redesigns include a new optional 8" screen navigation control system, a new center console design, and Ford's new trademark "Ice Blue" illumination for the controls and gauges that is shared with the current Ford Focus and Ford F-150.
In July 2007, Motor Trend
reported that Ford's Special Vehicle Team
tuner group planned to release a Fusion GT in late 2009 or early 2010. Its 3.5-liter Eco-Boost V-6 would make about 340 horsepower. No such vehicle has been announced by Ford to date.
The refreshed version comes in 4 trim levels: S, SE, SEL and Sport. In Mexico, the S trim now comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers, unlike the American and Canadian models that come with 16-inch alloy wheels. The SYNC system is not available in this trim. The SE trim now has two engine choices. A 4 cylinder and a V6 are available, and come standard with 17-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers, fog lights, and colored keyed mirrors. The SEL trim comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, the SYNC system, and is also available in 4 and 6 cylinder engines. Leather upholstery is standard. A sunroof is also available in the SEL trim. The Sport trim adds spoilers, side skirts and comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels.
The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
is a gasoline-electric hybrid
powered version of the mid-size
Fusion sedan launched to the U.S. market in March 2009, with an initial sale price of US$27,270. EPA ratings for the Ford Fusion Hybrid are 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. In city driving a full tank delivers 700 miles. In April 2009 editors of Kelley Blue Book
named the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid to its 2009 list of "Top 10 Green Cars".
The Fusion Hybrid qualified for a hybrid tax credit
of US$3,400 prior to March 31, 2009. The credit dropped to US$ 1,700 if purchased by September 30, 2009, and to US$850 if purchased by March 31, 2010. This credit phased out on April 1, 2010.
This model gets better EPA-estimated fuel economy than the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Nissan Altima Hybrid, and the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, viewed as its competitors in the mid-size sedan segment.
2010 "Top Safety Picks" rating for the mid-size
category. Due to the fact that Ford
recently modified and strengthened the roof structure of the Flex, Fusion, and MKT vehicles, these 2010 ratings apply only to Lincoln MKZ
s, Mercury Milan
and Fusions built after April 2010.
was investigating into floormat-related unintended acceleration in 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. According to NHTSA's estimate, as many as 249,301 cars could be affected.
On May 28, 2010, the NHTSA issued a statement that the stacking of all-weather floor mats from any manufacturer on top of the factory floor mat could cause accelerator entrapment. In their press release they stated the following: "NHTSA is urging drivers of 2010 Fusions to make sure they do not stack the rubber “All Weather” floor mat on top of the secured carpeted floor mat. Further, drivers are reminded to ensure that any driver-side floor mats (whether they are the carpeted floor mat or all weather floor mat) are properly installed and restrained by the retention hooks on the floorboard. Depending on vehicle and floor mat design, it is possible for unsecured floor mats to interfere with accelerator or brake pedals in a wide range of vehicles. Therefore, NHTSA reminds all drivers of all makes and models to check the driver-side floor mats for secure installation and to follow all manufacturer instructions for installing the mats."
of the Fairmont
. Ford, however, lost a trademark
lawsuit to the Pep Boys
auto parts store, which has a line of tires under the Futura brand. American trademark law generally considers a name abandoned if the owner does not use it for three calendar years and the long history of the name in the Ford line did not impress the court.
The Futura name was originally introduced as a Lincoln
concept car
in 1955. The Lincoln Futura
later was converted to the Batmobile for the television series Batman
(1966–1968). In 1961, it was first used as the designation of an upper trim level on Falcons which continued through 1970, and then on a 2-door coupe version of the Ford Fairmont
from 1978–83. The name was also used by Ford Australia
as a trim line for the Falcon
until the release of FG (MY 2009). Pep Boys does not operate in Australia, thus there was no conflict of trademark in that country.
The Fusion also became the new body style for Ford automobiles in NASCAR
beginning in 2006, replacing the Taurus
. This marked the first time since the Torino
in 1968 that Ford introduced a new model that went racing in NASCAR at the same time as its launch. It debuted at the 2006 Daytona 500
and won its first race a week later in California
when Matt Kenseth
took the checkered flag. For safety reasons, the Car of tomorrow
became the car style for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series from the 2008 season, but Ford continued to use the Fusion name. Kenseth took his #17 Fusion to victory lane in a rain-shortened Daytona 500 in 2009. On February 20, 2011, the #21 Motorcraft
Ford Fusion driven by 20 year old Trevor Bayne
won the Daytona 500, echoing the NASCAR Hall of Fame
Inductee, David Pearson, when he won it in a similarly-decorated Mercury in 1976
. The #21 car is owned by the legendary Wood Brothers.
.
An article reflecting on the retirement of the Taurus however noted that whatever its faults, Ford did sell a large volume of them, and at the time production ended, the Taurus was still outselling the smaller Fusion and larger Ford Five Hundred
combined, thanks to Taurus' large fleet sales. For the 2007 model year, approximately 77% of Fusion sales were retail (as opposed to fleet). This sales mix has contributed, in part, to the Fusion's relatively high residual value
compared to the Taurus.
Ford also sells the Fusion in Mexico and Brazil. In Brazil, it became the highest-selling car in its class in 2008.
Mid-size car
A mid-size car is the North American/Australian standard for an automobile with a size equal to or greater than that of a compact...
produced by the Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
since the 2006 model year. The 2010 model was awarded the Motor Trend Car of the Year
Motor Trend Car of the Year
The Motor Trend Car of the Year is an award given by Motor Trend magazine, an American monthly that is published since 1949.- Background :...
and its hybrid version won the 2010 North American Car of the Year
North American Car of the Year
The North American Car of the Year is an automobile award voted annually in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The jury consists of no more than 50 automotive journalists.-Example:-Pre-1994:-1994-1999:-2000-2009:...
Award. The Fusion is manufactured at Ford's Hermosillo Stamping & Assembly
Hermosillo Stamping & Assembly
Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly is an automotive factory owned by Ford Motor Company, located in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico — and currently producing Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ models for the North American market...
plant in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, where the similar and now discontinued Mercury Milan
Mercury Milan
The Mercury Milan is a mid-size sedan based on the Mazda designed Ford CD3 platform built by Ford Motor Company and distributed by the Lincoln-Mercury division. It is a twin of the Ford Fusion, while being slotted below the luxury-spec Lincoln MKZ sedan...
and the Lincoln MKZ
Lincoln MKZ
The Lincoln MKZ, initially named the Lincoln Zephyr, is a mid-size, entry-level luxury car from the Lincoln division of the Ford Motor Company. Lincoln revived the Zephyr name in the fall of 2005 as a platform-mate for the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan; the vehicles were based on the CD3 platform,...
are also built. All three cars utilize the CD3
Ford CD3 platform
The Ford CD3 platform is a Ford global midsize car automobile platform. It was designed by Mazda. The original Mazda chassis code for the CD3 platform is Mazda G platform, which Ford Motor Company has used every evolution of since 1983...
platform, which is, in fact, Mazda
Mazda
is a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Fuchū, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.In 2007, Mazda produced almost 1.3 million vehicles for global sales...
's current GG chassis as used for the Mazda6 (M/Y 2003–2008). Ford has used every evolution of the Mazda G platform
Mazda G platform
The Mazda G platform is an automobile platform for midsize cars. It has been used by a number of vehicles from Mazda in Japan and abroad.Prior to 1981, Mazda coded the rear wheel drive Capella platform as "S1" in the VIN code...
since 1983.
Production on the first Fusions began on August 1, 2005. The Fusion replaced the Mondeo
Ford Mondeo
The Mondeo was launched on 8 January 1993, and sales began on 22 March 1993. Available as a four-door saloon, a five-door hatchback, and a five-door estate, all models for the European market were produced at Ford's plant in the Belgian city of Genk...
for the Latin American markets—except in Argentina (where the current European Mondeo is available) and in the United States and Canada (where it superseded the then mid-size Taurus
Ford Taurus
The Ford Taurus is an automobile manufactured by the Ford Motor Company in the United States. Originally introduced in the 1986 model year, it has remained in near-continuous production for more than two decades, making it the fourth oldest nameplate that is currently sold in the North American...
). By United States Environmental Protection Agency
United States Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is an agency of the federal government of the United States charged with protecting human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress...
size category, the Fusion is positioned between the compact Ford Focus and full-size Ford Taurus
Ford Taurus
The Ford Taurus is an automobile manufactured by the Ford Motor Company in the United States. Originally introduced in the 1986 model year, it has remained in near-continuous production for more than two decades, making it the fourth oldest nameplate that is currently sold in the North American...
.
However, in the Middle East it is sold alongside the Mondeo
Ford Mondeo
The Mondeo was launched on 8 January 1993, and sales began on 22 March 1993. Available as a four-door saloon, a five-door hatchback, and a five-door estate, all models for the European market were produced at Ford's plant in the Belgian city of Genk...
. Versions sold there are available only with the 2.5-litre engine. The V6 engine is not available in that region, unlike in the United States, Canada and Latin America.
The Fusion was the first production car to feature the "new face of Ford" three-bar grille, which (along with two matching bars below the bumper/fascia forming a five-bar design) was first seen on a retro V-10 powered rear wheel drive concept car
Concept car
A concept vehicle or show vehicle is a car made to showcase new styling and or new technology. They are often shown at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or may not have a chance of being produced....
called the Ford 427, unveiled in 2003 at the North American International Auto Show
North American International Auto Show
The North American International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan at Cobo Center, usually in January. It is among the largest auto shows in North America.-History:...
(NAIAS) in Detroit. The look has since been used on most of Ford's product line.
2006–2009 model
At its launch, the Fusion was available in S, SE, and SEL trims. The base engine was the 160 hp MazdaMazda
is a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Fuchū, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.In 2007, Mazda produced almost 1.3 million vehicles for global sales...
-designed 2.3 L Duratec 23 I4, paired with either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. SE and SEL models were available with a 221 hp 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6
V6 engine
A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
and a 6-speed automatic.
The Fusion shares some interior parts with the otherwise unrelated Mk III Ford Mondeo
Ford Mondeo
The Mondeo was launched on 8 January 1993, and sales began on 22 March 1993. Available as a four-door saloon, a five-door hatchback, and a five-door estate, all models for the European market were produced at Ford's plant in the Belgian city of Genk...
, such as part of the console and the seats. Both automatic
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
and manual transmission
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
s are available (the latter only with the I4 engine
Internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high -pressure gases produced by combustion apply direct force to some component of the engine...
).
Ford's early advertising campaign for the Fusion in the United States was entitled "Life in Drive", while in Canada it was "Create a Reaction". In January 2007, the company launched a new campaign for the Fusion titled "Fusion Challenge" (later renamed "Ford Challenge"). The American Ford Fusion emerged the winner over the Toyota Camry
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a series of mid-size automobiles manufactured by Toyota since 1982, and sold in the majority of automotive markets throughout the world...
and Honda Accord
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a series of compact, mid-size and full-size automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1976, and sold in a majority of automotive markets throughout the world....
based on the attributes of styling, handling, and “fun to drive” in head-to-head comparison tests with the Japanese sedans performed by subscribers of Car and Driver
Car and Driver
Car and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. Its total circulation is 1.31 million. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, who purchased prior owner Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2011...
and Road and Track magazines in the Washington D.C. and Los Angeles regions.
For 2007, all-wheel drive became available on V6 models. Sirius Satellite Radio
Sirius Satellite Radio
Sirius Satellite Radio is a satellite radio service operating in North America, owned by Sirius XM Radio.Headquartered in New York City, with smaller studios in Los Angeles and Memphis, Sirius was officially launched on July 1, 2002 and currently provides 69 streams of music and 65 streams of...
is available as an option on the SE and SEL models. The front passenger fold-flat seat was introduced and became standard on the Fusion SEL and SE models. Also, the Fusion now has front-seat side airbags and a side air curtain as standard features, as well as an anti-theft perimeter alarm. (All were previously available as cost options.)
Also added is an auxiliary audio input jack for audio transmission from a portable audio player along with some equipment modifications. A DVD-based navigation system also became available.
For the 2008 model year, ABS
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
became a standard feature, as did a tire pressure monitoring system
Tire pressure monitoring system
-General:A Tire Pressure Monitoring System is a system designed to monitor the air pressure inside the pneumatic tires on various types of vehicles...
. New optional features include rear parking assist, Ford's "SYNC
Ford Sync
Ford SYNC is a factory-installed, integrated in-vehicle communications and entertainment system that allows users to make hands-free telephone calls and control music and other functions using voice commands...
" multimedia and communication system, and ambient interior lighting. The DVD navigation was replaced with a new generation system featuring voice commands, and for the first time navigation is available also with manual transmission. Finally, 2 packages were added to the options list: Sport Appearance Package and Moon and Tune package. The latter makes the Audiophile 8-speaker audio system available on the SE trim line. Several colors were deleted and some others added.
For 2009, electronic stability control was added as an option. A new appearance package with blue trim became available, and revisions were made to the exterior color palette as well.
In Mexico the Fusion was offered in two trim levels in 2006: SE and SEL, with automatic transmission only. For the 2007 model year, the S trim was introduced and a manual transmission was newly available for the S and SE trim levels. These two trims had standard 16-inch alloy wheels, while the SEL trim had 17-inch alloy wheels standard. The 2008 model year added Ford's Ford SYNC
Ford Sync
Ford SYNC is a factory-installed, integrated in-vehicle communications and entertainment system that allows users to make hands-free telephone calls and control music and other functions using voice commands...
to the SEL trim. The manual transmission was discontinued after 2008 in Mexico due to poor sales. The 2009 model year was a very short one in Mexico because the 2010 Fusion arrived in dealerships by late February 2009.
Engines
- 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6V6 engineA V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
, 221 hp and 205 lbft - 2.3 L Duratec 23 I4 160 hp and 156 lbft
Crash testing
National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is an agency of the Executive Branch of the U.S. government, part of the Department of Transportation...
:
- Frontal Driver (2006, 07, 08 early release):
- Frontal Driver (2008 later release, 09-present):
- Frontal Passenger (2006, 07, 08 early release):
- Frontal Passenger (2008 later release, 09-present):
- Side Driver (no side airbag, 2006 only):
- Side Driver (side airbag):
- Side Rear Passenger (no side airbag, 2006 only):
- Side Rear Passenger (side airbag):
- Rollover FWD:
- Rollover AWD:
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a U.S. non-profit organization funded by auto insurers, established in 1959 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. It works to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes, and the rate of injuries and amount of property damage in the crashes that...
:
- Frontal Offset (2006, 07 early release): Acceptable
- Frontal Offset (2007 later release, 08-present): Good
- Side Impact (no side airbag, 2006 only): Poor
- Side Impact (side airbag 2006, 07 early release): Acceptable
- Side Impact (2007 later release, 08-present): Good
- Roof Strength (2006–10 mfg before May 2010): Acceptable
- Roof Strength (2010 mfg after April 2010–present): Good
Although the frontal offset test for 2007 (later release) to present model is rated good overall by IIHS, injury measures from head/neck and right leg/foot is rated acceptable.
2010–present model
For the 2010 model year, Ford significantly updatedFacelift (automobile)
The automotive facelift comprises changes to a car's styling during its production run — often including new sheetmetal and/or interior design) with minimal changes to its underlying mechanicals — allowing a carmaker to freshen a model without complete redesign.A facelift retains the...
the Fusion, along with the Mercury Milan
Mercury Milan
The Mercury Milan is a mid-size sedan based on the Mazda designed Ford CD3 platform built by Ford Motor Company and distributed by the Lincoln-Mercury division. It is a twin of the Ford Fusion, while being slotted below the luxury-spec Lincoln MKZ sedan...
and Lincoln MKZ
Lincoln MKZ
The Lincoln MKZ, initially named the Lincoln Zephyr, is a mid-size, entry-level luxury car from the Lincoln division of the Ford Motor Company. Lincoln revived the Zephyr name in the fall of 2005 as a platform-mate for the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan; the vehicles were based on the CD3 platform,...
, with new front and rear end fascia designs and interior and powertrain revisions. Powertrain options are similar to those that debuted on the 2009 Ford Escape
Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is a compact SUV sold by the automaker Ford Motor Company introduced in 2000 as a 2001 model year and priced below the Ford Explorer. Although technically it's a crossover vehicle, it is marketed by Ford as part of its traditional SUV lineup rather than its separate crossover lineup...
, including the new 2.5 L I4 and 3.0 L PIP Duratec series V6 engine coupled to Ford's new 6F35 six-speed transmission. The 3.0 L Duratec now provides 240 hp with E85 fuel capability, while the I4 provides 175 hp. The 3.5 L Duratec 35 producing 263 hp is standard in the Fusion Sport. The I4 and 3.0 L V6 engines include adaptive knock control and aggressive deceleration fuel cutoff features to improve fuel economy. Interior redesigns include a new optional 8" screen navigation control system, a new center console design, and Ford's new trademark "Ice Blue" illumination for the controls and gauges that is shared with the current Ford Focus and Ford F-150.
In July 2007, Motor Trend
Motor Trend
Motor Trend is an American automobile magazine. It first appeared in September 1949, issued by Petersen Publishing Company in Los Angeles, and bearing the tag line "The Magazine for a Motoring World". Petersen Publishing was sold to British publisher EMAP in 1998, who sold the former Petersen...
reported that Ford's Special Vehicle Team
Special Vehicle Team
Special Vehicle Team, also known as SVT, is an arm of Ford Motor Company responsible for the development of the company's highest-performance vehicles, much like Mercedes-AMG, BMW M, Chrysler's SRT division and GM's Performance Division. SVT is the successor to the SVO division.The current SVT...
tuner group planned to release a Fusion GT in late 2009 or early 2010. Its 3.5-liter Eco-Boost V-6 would make about 340 horsepower. No such vehicle has been announced by Ford to date.
The refreshed version comes in 4 trim levels: S, SE, SEL and Sport. In Mexico, the S trim now comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers, unlike the American and Canadian models that come with 16-inch alloy wheels. The SYNC system is not available in this trim. The SE trim now has two engine choices. A 4 cylinder and a V6 are available, and come standard with 17-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers, fog lights, and colored keyed mirrors. The SEL trim comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, the SYNC system, and is also available in 4 and 6 cylinder engines. Leather upholstery is standard. A sunroof is also available in the SEL trim. The Sport trim adds spoilers, side skirts and comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels.
Hybrid electric version
Ford Fusion Hybrid
The Ford Fusion Hybrid is a gasoline-electric hybrid powered version of the mid-size Ford Fusion sedan developed by the Ford Motor Company, and launched to the U.S. market in March 2009 as a 2010 model, together with its twin the Mercury Milan Hybrid. The Fusion Hybrid is manufactured at Ford's...
is a gasoline-electric hybrid
Hybrid electric vehicle
A hybrid electric vehicle is a type of hybrid vehicle and electric vehicle which combines a conventional internal combustion engine propulsion system with an electric propulsion system. The presence of the electric powertrain is intended to achieve either better fuel economy than a conventional...
powered version of the mid-size
Mid-size car
A mid-size car is the North American/Australian standard for an automobile with a size equal to or greater than that of a compact...
Fusion sedan launched to the U.S. market in March 2009, with an initial sale price of US$27,270. EPA ratings for the Ford Fusion Hybrid are 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. In city driving a full tank delivers 700 miles. In April 2009 editors of Kelley Blue Book
Kelley Blue Book
Kelley Blue Book, headquartered in Irvine, California, is the United States' largest automotive vehicle valuation company. The company's website is a source for new and used vehicle pricing and information...
named the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid to its 2009 list of "Top 10 Green Cars".
The Fusion Hybrid qualified for a hybrid tax credit
Hybrid tax credit
The U.S. Energy Policy Act of 2005 established a federal income tax credit of up to $3,400 for the purchase of new hybrid vehicles, purchased or placed into service after December 31, 2005. Vehicles purchased after December 31, 2010 are not eligible for this credit...
of US$3,400 prior to March 31, 2009. The credit dropped to US$ 1,700 if purchased by September 30, 2009, and to US$850 if purchased by March 31, 2010. This credit phased out on April 1, 2010.
This model gets better EPA-estimated fuel economy than the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Nissan Altima Hybrid, and the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, viewed as its competitors in the mid-size sedan segment.
2011 Engines
- 2.5 L 0-60, 8.0 secondsDuratec 25 I4 175 hp, 172 lbft. torque; 23 mpg city/33 mpg highway/26 mpg combined (automatic); 22/30/25 (selectshift, SE/SEL trims); 22/32/25 (manual, S trim); 22/29/24 (manual, SE trim)
- 3.0 L 0-60, 7.4 secondsDuratec 30 V6V6 engineA V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
240 hp, 223 lbft. torque; 20/28/23 FWD; 18/26/20 AWD, gasoline/E85E85E85 is an abbreviation for an ethanol fuel blend of up to 85% denatured ethanol fuel and gasoline or other hydrocarbon by volume. E85 is commonly used by flex-fuel vehicles in the US, Canada, and Europe. Some of the benefits of E85 over conventional gasoline powered vehicles include the potential...
flex fuelFlexible-fuel vehicleA flexible-fuel vehicle or dual-fuel vehicle is an alternative fuel vehicle with an internal combustion engine designed to run on more than one fuel, usually gasoline blended with either ethanol or methanol fuel, and both fuels are stored in the same common tank... - 3.5 L 0-60, 6.5 secondsDuratec 35Ford Cyclone engineThe Cyclone engine is Ford Motor Company's latest DOHC V6 family of gasoline engines. It will gradually replace the Mondeo family of V6 engines over the next several years. The first version, a 3.5 L Duratec V6, appeared in September 2006 in the Lincoln MKZ...
V6V6 engineA V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
263 hp, 249 lbft. torque (Fusion Sport); 18/27/21 FWD; 17/24/19 AWD - 2.5 L 0-60, 7.8 secondsDuratec 25 I4 156 hp, 136 lbft. torque for hybrids; 41/36/39
Safety
The Ford Fusion line-up was included in the Insurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsurance Institute for Highway Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a U.S. non-profit organization funded by auto insurers, established in 1959 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. It works to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes, and the rate of injuries and amount of property damage in the crashes that...
2010 "Top Safety Picks" rating for the mid-size
Mid-size car
A mid-size car is the North American/Australian standard for an automobile with a size equal to or greater than that of a compact...
category. Due to the fact that Ford
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
recently modified and strengthened the roof structure of the Flex, Fusion, and MKT vehicles, these 2010 ratings apply only to Lincoln MKZ
Lincoln MKZ
The Lincoln MKZ, initially named the Lincoln Zephyr, is a mid-size, entry-level luxury car from the Lincoln division of the Ford Motor Company. Lincoln revived the Zephyr name in the fall of 2005 as a platform-mate for the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan; the vehicles were based on the CD3 platform,...
s, Mercury Milan
Mercury Milan
The Mercury Milan is a mid-size sedan based on the Mazda designed Ford CD3 platform built by Ford Motor Company and distributed by the Lincoln-Mercury division. It is a twin of the Ford Fusion, while being slotted below the luxury-spec Lincoln MKZ sedan...
and Fusions built after April 2010.
Safety Concern
In June 2010, it is reported that National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is an agency of the Executive Branch of the U.S. government, part of the Department of Transportation...
was investigating into floormat-related unintended acceleration in 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. According to NHTSA's estimate, as many as 249,301 cars could be affected.
On May 28, 2010, the NHTSA issued a statement that the stacking of all-weather floor mats from any manufacturer on top of the factory floor mat could cause accelerator entrapment. In their press release they stated the following: "NHTSA is urging drivers of 2010 Fusions to make sure they do not stack the rubber “All Weather” floor mat on top of the secured carpeted floor mat. Further, drivers are reminded to ensure that any driver-side floor mats (whether they are the carpeted floor mat or all weather floor mat) are properly installed and restrained by the retention hooks on the floorboard. Depending on vehicle and floor mat design, it is possible for unsecured floor mats to interfere with accelerator or brake pedals in a wide range of vehicles. Therefore, NHTSA reminds all drivers of all makes and models to check the driver-side floor mats for secure installation and to follow all manufacturer instructions for installing the mats."
Background on name choice
The Fusion was originally to be called the Futura, which was last used in North America as the name of a two-door versionFord Futura
The Ford Futura is a large car made by Ford Australia between 1962 and 2008. Although the last Futura was part of the BF Series Ford Falcon range it was badged and marketed as the 'Ford Futura' rather than the 'Ford Falcon Futura'. Ford Australia first used the Futura name on the Ford Falcon Futura...
of the Fairmont
Ford Fairmont
The Ford Fairmont is a compact car produced by Ford Motor Company for the North American market. Introduced for the 1978 model year, the Fairmont was produced in several bodystyles until it was replaced by the Ford Tempo for the 1984 model year...
. Ford, however, lost a trademark
Trademark
A trademark, trade mark, or trade-mark is a distinctive sign or indicator used by an individual, business organization, or other legal entity to identify that the products or services to consumers with which the trademark appears originate from a unique source, and to distinguish its products or...
lawsuit to the Pep Boys
Pep Boys
The Pep Boys — Manny, Moe & Jack , branded as Pep Boys Auto and commonly abbreviated as Pep Boys, is a full-service and tire automotive aftermarket chain....
auto parts store, which has a line of tires under the Futura brand. American trademark law generally considers a name abandoned if the owner does not use it for three calendar years and the long history of the name in the Ford line did not impress the court.
The Futura name was originally introduced as a Lincoln
Lincoln (automobile)
Lincoln is an American luxury vehicle brand of the Ford Motor Company. Lincoln vehicles are sold mostly in North America.-History:The company was founded in August 1915 by Henry M. Leland, one of the founders of Cadillac . During World War I, he left Cadillac which was sold to General Motors...
concept car
Concept car
A concept vehicle or show vehicle is a car made to showcase new styling and or new technology. They are often shown at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or may not have a chance of being produced....
in 1955. The Lincoln Futura
Lincoln Futura
The Lincoln Futura was a concept car designed by the Lincoln division of Ford Motor Company. It was built by Ghia entirely by hand in Italy at a cost of $250,000 and displayed on the auto show circuit in 1955...
later was converted to the Batmobile for the television series Batman
Batman (TV series)
Batman is an American television series, based on the DC comic book character of the same name. It stars Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin — two crime-fighting heroes who defend Gotham City. It aired on the American Broadcasting Company network for three seasons from January 12, 1966 to...
(1966–1968). In 1961, it was first used as the designation of an upper trim level on Falcons which continued through 1970, and then on a 2-door coupe version of the Ford Fairmont
Ford Fairmont
The Ford Fairmont is a compact car produced by Ford Motor Company for the North American market. Introduced for the 1978 model year, the Fairmont was produced in several bodystyles until it was replaced by the Ford Tempo for the 1984 model year...
from 1978–83. The name was also used by Ford Australia
Ford Australia
Ford Australia is the Australian subsidiary of Ford Motor Company and was founded in Geelong, Victoria, in 1925 as an outpost of Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. At that time, Ford Canada was a separate company from Ford USA...
as a trim line for the Falcon
Ford Falcon (Australia)
The Ford Falcon is a full-size car which has been manufactured by Ford Australia since 1960. Each model from the XA series of 1972 onward has been designed, developed and built in Australia and/or New Zealand, following the phasing out of the American Falcon of 1960–71 which had been re-engineered...
until the release of FG (MY 2009). Pep Boys does not operate in Australia, thus there was no conflict of trademark in that country.
NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
beginning in 2006, replacing the Taurus
Ford Taurus
The Ford Taurus is an automobile manufactured by the Ford Motor Company in the United States. Originally introduced in the 1986 model year, it has remained in near-continuous production for more than two decades, making it the fourth oldest nameplate that is currently sold in the North American...
. This marked the first time since the Torino
Ford Torino
The Ford Torino is an intermediate automobile produced by the Ford Motor Company for the North American market between 1968 and 1976. The car was named after the city of Turin , which is considered the Detroit of Italy...
in 1968 that Ford introduced a new model that went racing in NASCAR at the same time as its launch. It debuted at the 2006 Daytona 500
Daytona 500
The Daytona 500 is a -long NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race held annually at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. It is one of four restrictor plate races on the Cup schedule....
and won its first race a week later in California
California Speedway
Auto Club Speedway is a two-mile , low-banked, D-shaped oval superspeedway in Fontana, California which has hosted NASCAR racing annually since 1997. The track was also used for open wheel racing events until 2005. The racetrack is located near the former locations of Ontario Motor Speedway and...
when Matt Kenseth
Matt Kenseth
Matthew Roy "Matt" Kenseth is an American stock car driver. Kenseth currently drives the No. 17 Crown Royal Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for Roush Fenway Racing...
took the checkered flag. For safety reasons, the Car of tomorrow
Car of Tomorrow
The Car of Tomorrow, sometimes called CoT or "Car of Today", is the car style for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Larger and boxier than the design it replaced, the Car of Tomorrow is safer, costs less to maintain, and was intended to make for closer competition.The car was introduced in the 2007 Cup...
became the car style for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series from the 2008 season, but Ford continued to use the Fusion name. Kenseth took his #17 Fusion to victory lane in a rain-shortened Daytona 500 in 2009. On February 20, 2011, the #21 Motorcraft
Motorcraft
Motorcraft is an auto parts brand of Ford Motor Company.-History:The Ford Motor Company launched this auto parts division in 1972 to provide replacement parts and original equipment parts. This brand replaced Autolite as Ford's official parts brand. Autolite is still a brand name in use today, but...
Ford Fusion driven by 20 year old Trevor Bayne
Trevor Bayne
Trevor Bayne is an American NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series race car driver. He drives the No. 21 Motorcraft/QuickLane Ford Fusion for Wood Brothers Racing in the Sprint Cup Series, and the No. 16 Ford Mustang for Roush Fenway Racing in the Nationwide Series.Bayne began his racing...
won the Daytona 500, echoing the NASCAR Hall of Fame
NASCAR Hall of Fame
The NASCAR Hall of Fame honors drivers who have shown exceptional skill at NASCAR driving, all-time great crew chiefs and owners, and other major contributors to competition within the sanctioning body. NASCAR committed itself to building a Hall of Fame and on March 6, 2006, the city of Charlotte,...
Inductee, David Pearson, when he won it in a similarly-decorated Mercury in 1976
1976 Daytona 500
In the 1976 Daytona 500, Richard Petty was leading on the last lap when he was passed on the backstretch by David Pearson. Petty tried to turn under Pearson coming off the final corner, but didn't clear Pearson. The contact caused the drivers to spin in to the grass in the infield just short of the...
. The #21 car is owned by the legendary Wood Brothers.
Land speed record success
Ford Motor Company announced its attempt to use a fuel cell version of the Fusion, Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999, to set a land speed record on Aug. 10–17 during Bonneville Speed Week in 2007. The Fusion 999 project was born in early 2006 when Ford fuel cell engineering manager Mujeeb Ijaz approached Roush Racing about doing a project to demonstrate the performance potential of a fuel cell-powered vehicle. The team from Roush, led by Rick Darling, worked with a team of Ford engineers and technicians led by Matt Zuehlk to come up with a vehicle design that could meet the goal of exceeding 200 mi/h on the Bonneville salt flats fueled only by hydrogen. On August 15, 2007, the vehicle set the fastest fuel cell ground vehicle speed record of 207.297 mi/h. The car was driven by retired Ford engineer Rick Byrnes, a long time Bonneville racerBonneville Speedway
Bonneville Speedway is an area of the Bonneville Salt Flats near Wendover, Utah, that is marked out for motor sports. It is particularly noted as the venue for numerous land speed records....
.
Consumer response
According to Ford, consumer response to the 2006 Fusion had exceeded their expectations, with 30,000 sold during the first quarter of 2006. By October 2009, the Fusion became one of the top ten best-selling cars in the U.S. for the first time, as well as the best-selling car by a domestic automaker.An article reflecting on the retirement of the Taurus however noted that whatever its faults, Ford did sell a large volume of them, and at the time production ended, the Taurus was still outselling the smaller Fusion and larger Ford Five Hundred
Ford Five Hundred
The Ford Five Hundred is a full-size sedan that was produced by the Ford Motor Company during the 2005 to 2007 model years in North America. In North America, the name evoked the classic Fairlane 500 and Galaxie 500 models of the 1950s through 1970s.-Overview:The Five Hundred was introduced at the...
combined, thanks to Taurus' large fleet sales. For the 2007 model year, approximately 77% of Fusion sales were retail (as opposed to fleet). This sales mix has contributed, in part, to the Fusion's relatively high residual value
Residual value
Residual value is one of the constituents of a leasing calculus or operation. It describes the future value of a good in terms of percentage of depreciation of its initial value....
compared to the Taurus.
Ford also sells the Fusion in Mexico and Brazil. In Brazil, it became the highest-selling car in its class in 2008.
Awards
- In July 2006, Strategic Vision gave the Fusion its Total Quality Award as the best-quality midsize sedan on the American market.
- In March 2006 the International Carwash Association named the Fusion America's "Most Washable Car."
- In November 2009, the 2010 Ford Fusion line-up was selected as the 2010 Motor Trend Car of the YearMotor Trend Car of the YearThe Motor Trend Car of the Year is an award given by Motor Trend magazine, an American monthly that is published since 1949.- Background :...
, beating a field of nearly two dozen contenders.
- In December 2009 Car and DriverCar and DriverCar and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. Its total circulation is 1.31 million. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, who purchased prior owner Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2011...
magazine listed the 2010 Fusion Hybrid as one of the "10 Best Cars". The piece stated that the Fusion Hybrid was the most advanced of all the cars they tested.
- In January 2010 the Fusion Hybrid won the 2010 North American Car of the YearNorth American Car of the YearThe North American Car of the Year is an automobile award voted annually in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The jury consists of no more than 50 automotive journalists.-Example:-Pre-1994:-1994-1999:-2000-2009:...
Award at the Detroit Auto Show, and was named "Best of 2010" by Cars.com.
Reviews
- In a December 2005 test, Car and DriverCar and DriverCar and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. Its total circulation is 1.31 million. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, who purchased prior owner Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2011...
ranked the Fusion just below the first-place Honda AccordHonda AccordThe Honda Accord is a series of compact, mid-size and full-size automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1976, and sold in a majority of automotive markets throughout the world....
, edging out the Toyota CamryToyota CamryThe Toyota Camry is a series of mid-size automobiles manufactured by Toyota since 1982, and sold in the majority of automotive markets throughout the world...
and Hyundai SonataHyundai SonataThe Hyundai Sonata is a mid-size car/full-size car manufactured and marketed globally by Hyundai Motor Company. From the sixth generation onwards, it is known as the i45 in the Australian, Singaporean and New Zealand markets...
by only a few points. "The Verdict: Not your father's Taurus"
- Consumer ReportsConsumer ReportsConsumer Reports is an American magazine published monthly by Consumers Union since 1936. It publishes reviews and comparisons of consumer products and services based on reporting and results from its in-house testing laboratory. It also publishes cleaning and general buying guides...
has also given positive reviews to the Fusion, as it had to the previous Taurus. It rated the Fusion Hybrid the top domestic sedan for 2010. In 2009, the magazine's automotive editor, Rik Paul, said, "The Ford cars outscored Honda's Accord and Toyota's Camry, the two top-selling cars in America, 'which many people view as the paradigms of reliability'," referring to the Fusion and Mercury Milan.
- Ford Fusion ranked highest among midsize cars in the JD Power APEAL study for 2006.
- In the January 2009 issue, Motor Trend rated the Fusion Hybrid ahead of the Toyota Camry Hybrid. and in the February 2009 issue rated the Fusion Hybrid ahead of the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Nissan Altima Hybrid, and the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid.
Yearly American sales
| Calendar Year | Total American sales |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 16,983 |
| 2006 | 142,502 |
| 2007 | 149,552 |
| 2008 | 147,569 |
| 2009 | 180,671 |
| 2010 | 219,219 |