The Ford Fusion As Ford's Premier Mid-Size Sedan
The Ford Fusion and its place in the market point out that it's probably truly the first actual 'world car' from the Dearborn, Michigan automaker. Built at the Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico stamping and assembly plant, it's been Ford's 'go-to' mid-size sedan for the both North and South America since making its first appearance in late 2005 for the 2006 model years.
It is also in Hermosillo's plant that the Fusion's sisters (Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ) are assembled, though the Fusion itself is the most popular of the three in the lineup. Making use of the CD3 platform, which is also shared by Mazda's 6 sedan, the Ford was designed to replace the Mondeo in Europe and Latin America, except for Argentina -- where the Mondeo is still being sold.
Ford enthusiasts like to point out that the Fusion began the evolution to the corporate 'three-bar grille' a variation of which is by now featured on every model in the FoMoCo line-up. It is also positioned in between the compact Focus and the full-size Taurus in Ford's product offerings. The Fusion has been a hit since its debut, by the way.
The Fusion was introduced in three trim levels; S, SE and full-on SEL -- that had all the bells and whistles. There are two engines offered, with the standard being an inline four-cylinder that puts out 160 horsepower, which is very nice, and a V6 powerplant that initially delivered 221 horses. The V6 can be had with the SE and SEL. A 5 speed manual or automatic transmission is available in S and SE models, while a 6 speed automatic comes with the SEL.
The Fusion continues to evolve. In 2007, Ford made all-wheel drive available with V6 models, which is a popular feature, especially in northern climes. There are a wide variety of options and standard features, with even the S model featuring convenience touches normally found only in higher-line models.
Additionally, front-seat side airbags and also side curtain bags were made standard on all three trims, along with a new perimter anti-theft alarm system. Up until 2007, all had been optional. Ford also made available a DVD-based navigation setup, along with satellite radio.
In recognition of changing consumer tastes and a increased desire for safety features - some of which were mandated by the federal government - Ford also threw a tire pressure monitoring system and anti-lock brakes into the mix in 2008. Ford's popular Microsoft-engineered SYNCH package was also made available on the Ford Fusion that year.
Perhaps the most exciting element to the Fusion is that of its redesign for 2010, which is now hitting showrooms and roads today. Bigger, roomier and more powerful across the line, it is also being offered up as a very fuel efficient gas-electric hybrid that delivers an EPA-rated 41 miles per gallon in the city, which is quite impressive. Horsepower is also impressive, at 155 ponies.
Ford alone of the three domestic automakers seems to have made it through the recent and ongoing downturn in the auto sales market relatively less-damaged than its two domestic competitors. Sales reflect this, as its recently reported an improvement year-over-year versus the still-declining sales figures the other two domestics have recently reported. The Fusion competes in a market segment traditionally dominated by certain Japanese automakers, so it has its work cut out for it, but it seems to be doing well. - 21392
It is also in Hermosillo's plant that the Fusion's sisters (Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ) are assembled, though the Fusion itself is the most popular of the three in the lineup. Making use of the CD3 platform, which is also shared by Mazda's 6 sedan, the Ford was designed to replace the Mondeo in Europe and Latin America, except for Argentina -- where the Mondeo is still being sold.
Ford enthusiasts like to point out that the Fusion began the evolution to the corporate 'three-bar grille' a variation of which is by now featured on every model in the FoMoCo line-up. It is also positioned in between the compact Focus and the full-size Taurus in Ford's product offerings. The Fusion has been a hit since its debut, by the way.
The Fusion was introduced in three trim levels; S, SE and full-on SEL -- that had all the bells and whistles. There are two engines offered, with the standard being an inline four-cylinder that puts out 160 horsepower, which is very nice, and a V6 powerplant that initially delivered 221 horses. The V6 can be had with the SE and SEL. A 5 speed manual or automatic transmission is available in S and SE models, while a 6 speed automatic comes with the SEL.
The Fusion continues to evolve. In 2007, Ford made all-wheel drive available with V6 models, which is a popular feature, especially in northern climes. There are a wide variety of options and standard features, with even the S model featuring convenience touches normally found only in higher-line models.
Additionally, front-seat side airbags and also side curtain bags were made standard on all three trims, along with a new perimter anti-theft alarm system. Up until 2007, all had been optional. Ford also made available a DVD-based navigation setup, along with satellite radio.
In recognition of changing consumer tastes and a increased desire for safety features - some of which were mandated by the federal government - Ford also threw a tire pressure monitoring system and anti-lock brakes into the mix in 2008. Ford's popular Microsoft-engineered SYNCH package was also made available on the Ford Fusion that year.
Perhaps the most exciting element to the Fusion is that of its redesign for 2010, which is now hitting showrooms and roads today. Bigger, roomier and more powerful across the line, it is also being offered up as a very fuel efficient gas-electric hybrid that delivers an EPA-rated 41 miles per gallon in the city, which is quite impressive. Horsepower is also impressive, at 155 ponies.
Ford alone of the three domestic automakers seems to have made it through the recent and ongoing downturn in the auto sales market relatively less-damaged than its two domestic competitors. Sales reflect this, as its recently reported an improvement year-over-year versus the still-declining sales figures the other two domestics have recently reported. The Fusion competes in a market segment traditionally dominated by certain Japanese automakers, so it has its work cut out for it, but it seems to be doing well. - 21392
About the Author:
Andy Zain is the admin of Ford Fusion Forums , a place where fans and owners can get the right information for tuning, customization and general discussions on anything about Ford Fusion. Get the information you need when you visit Ford Truck Forums
posted by X - Men @ 2:04 AM
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