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2010 Ford Fusion Review

April 4, 2009

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

A gargantuan love-it-or-hate-it three-bar chrome grille sits out front
Motor Trend

Substantial without being too flashy, though there's an awful lot of chrome up there
Jalopnik

Ford's SmartGauge instrument cluster... can display a dizzying array of information
Automobile Magazine

Considerably improved interior and exterior styling
Car and Driver

The 2010 Ford Fusion has been significantly restyled for this model year, and while the latest Ford Fusion isn't exactly the next generation of Fusion, it does represent a major evolutionary step.

The Ford Fusion and Ford Fusion Hybrid are both "five-passenger mid-size [sedans]," according to the Detroit News, and they are available in a wide range of trims. ConsumerGuide reports that, along with the "new Sport, Fusion should reprise S, SE, and SEL trim levels, all with front-wheel drive." The most noticeable change to the new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and its conventional siblings comes in the styling department, where Motor Trend says that a "gargantuan love-it-or-hate-it three-bar chrome grille sits out front." Editors at Motor Trend clearly love it, calling the latest Ford Fusion the "best looking of the new Fords." Jalopnik is also impressed with the "sleeker styling," which they find even more impressive since "the original Fusion was pretty strong on [that] front to begin with." Jalopnik expands upon their earlier praise, noticing that the "freshened grille is combined with lower bumper styling elements reminiscent of the Euro-only Ford Mondeo along with a character line along the hood which all combines to [create] new faces that's substantial without being too flashy." The Detroit News comments that Ford's ultimate goal with the refresh was to "provide a more aggressive look" to the 2010 Ford Fusion, something that rarely happens in the mid-size sedan segment.

The interior of the 2010 Ford Fusion also wins some serious praise in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, especially the styling found on the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Jalopnik feels that the interior "changes made were for the better," and reports that "by moving the belt line of the IP up, the 2010 Fusion now appears less cramped and more inviting."

The only real complaint about the interior comes from Jalopnik, where reviewers say that they're "not sure how we feel about the painted accents in the Sport model which remind us more of boy-racers than urban sophisticates."

Conclusion

A major styling upgrade is just what the doctor ordered for the 2010 Ford Fusion.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:A gargantuan love-it-or-hate-it three-bar chrome grille sits out frontMotor TrendSubstantial without being too flashy, though there's an awful lot of chrome up thereJalopnikFord's SmartGauge instrument cluster... can display a dizzying array of informationAutomobile MagazineConsiderably improved interior and exterior stylingCar and Driver The 2010 Ford Fusion has been significantly restyled for this model year, and while the latest Ford Fusion isn't exactly the next generation of Fusion, it does represent a major evolutionary step. The Ford Fusion and Ford Fusion Hybrid are both "five-passenger mid-size [sedans]," according to the Detroit News, and they are available in a wide range of trims. ConsumerGuide reports that, along with the "new Sport, Fusion should reprise S, SE, and SEL trim levels, all with front-wheel drive." The most noticeable change to the new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and its conventional siblings comes in the styling department, where Motor Trend says that a "gargantuan love-it-or-hate-it three-bar chrome grille sits out front." Editors at Motor Trend clearly love it, calling the latest Ford Fusion the "best looking of the new Fords." Jalopnik is also impressed with the "sleeker styling," which they find even more impressive since "the original Fusion was pretty strong on [that] front to begin with." Jalopnik expands upon their earlier praise, noticing that the "freshened grille is combined with lower bumper styling elements reminiscent of the Euro-only Ford Mondeo along with a character line along the hood which all combines to [create] new faces that's substantial without being too flashy." The Detroit News comments that Ford's ultimate goal with the refresh was to "provide a more aggressive look" to the 2010 Ford Fusion, something that rarely happens in the mid-size sedan segment. The interior of the 2010 Ford Fusion also wins some serious praise in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, especially the styling found on the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Jalopnik feels that the interior "changes made were for the better," and reports that "by moving the belt line of the IP up, the 2010 Fusion now appears less cramped and more inviting." The only real complaint about the interior comes from Jalopnik, where reviewers say that they're "not sure how we feel about the painted accents in the Sport model which remind us more of boy-racers than urban sophisticates." ConclusionA major styling upgrade is just what the doctor ordered for the 2010 Ford Fusion. 2010 FORD FUSION STYLING | [8 out of 10] Motor Trend: "A gargantuan love-it-or-hate-it three-bar chrome grille sits out front" Jalopnik: "Substantial without being too flashy, though there's an awful lot of chrome up there" Automobile Magazine: " Ford's SmartGauge instrument cluster... ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Optional all-wheel drive, SYNC, and Sirius Travel Link separate the nonhybrid Fusion from most of these competitors. If you favor ride quality over everything else, pick the Camry. But be aware of the quality of inside the Camry: Toyota has skimped on the quality and look of many interior bits and pieces, so it is no longer the nicest interior in the class. The sportier personality of the Accord more closely mirrors the 2010 Fusion, but so does the all-new Mazda6, a perennial favorite of TheCarConnection.com, and the Mazda should be considered for those who appreciate more of a performance feel; the new version is considerably more refined without giving up its sporty edge. Nissan's Altima is another good choice. The excellent 2009 Chevrolet Malibu and Saturn Aura also face off against the 2010 Ford Fusion. The Malibu is our pick of the two; it's larger and delivers premium exterior style, plus a rich-looking interior. The Aura, Malibu, Camry, and Altima are also offered in hybrid versions, each with similar-sized four-cylinder engines, although not all hybrid systems are the same. General Motors uses a mild-hybrid system in its Aura and Malibu hybrids—they can't start up from a traffic light on electric power alone. Both are well equipped, handle nicely, and boast excellent quality. Some may like the Malibu's all-new style and larger interior, but neither of these mild hybrids can match the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid in fuel economy. The Fusion exceeds this pair by 13 mpg city and 3 mpg highway, although the step up in cost is less for the GM models. The Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima are full hybrids that get better mileage than GM's mild hybrids but still trail the Fusion Hybrid. The step up in cost from the GM mild hybrids to the full hybrids is significant (about $3,000 versus $1,500 for the GMs).

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See the Ford Fusion in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

Comments (14 total)

  1. By Brian #2, Posted: 7/5/2009

    My wife and I test drove the 2010 Fusion Hybrid and all was fine until we stopped to switch drivers. Left the car running and got out. When my wife got in drivers seat, the car stopped running. We tried to restart several times but nothing happened. The salesman couldn't figure it out either. After about 5 minutes I got in and if finally started. I have not read about anyone else having this issue but frankly this moved the Fusion off our list of potential cars.

  2. By Jaxon #3, Posted: 7/24/2009

    Great review, check out this review too: http://excarsalesman.typepad.com/cars/ford-fusion/

  3. By Bob Nichols #4, Posted: 8/3/2009

    In response to Brian on 7/5/2009: Too bad the salesperson was unqualified to demonstrate the Fusion Hybrid. The engine is supposed to stop when the vehicle stops! This saves fuel. All you would have needed to do was step on the gas pedal so the electric motor would get you going again. This is the entire idea behind a hybrid. The car combines a very efficient 4cylinder engine with a 70 kilowatt electric motor to give V-6 power with better fuel economy than the 4 cylinder gas only Fusion. Geez salesperson, if you don't know your product, learn about it or find a different career!

  4. By Okay #5, Posted: 8/8/2009

    Brain, you are either trying to hate on fords, or you just do not understand how to drive a hybrid...

  5. By jerry e #6, Posted: 8/15/2009

    I like my new Fusion. It is quiet, responsive, and stylish! For a family sedan, I get a surprising amount of attention where ever I go with it.
    My only gripe is I pine for the good-ol-days when you could order all options carte blanche instead of in "packages" which drive up the price.

  6. By Henry E #7, Posted: 9/4/2009

    David I've never ever driven in a car that engine "just stopped" as in the car "just stopped working" there was sounds and signs etc prior to this.
    I think your just bashing Ford,

  7. By David Lauerman #8, Posted: 9/8/2009

    My wife and I got delivery of a 2010 Fusion SEL on 6/19. We've already driven it over 6,000 miles including a 2500 mile round trip to Texas. Our mpg exceeds the posted estimate by about 3 mpg on the highway and that's driving 70 mph.
    The car is comfortable and everything we'd hoped it'd be. We traded an Accord for the Fusion.
    On three separate occasions, people have commented about how nice it looks and asked what it was. I just love when that happens!

  8. By CMS #9, Posted: 9/11/2009

    Bought a 2010 Fusion SE 4cyl.
    I have only put 1500 miles on mine and must say i love it.If you like technology you have to get the sync systems.My phone paired up with no problems and so did my usb music player.I am 40yrs old and even my teen kids love the car.Although i am not willing to let them touch it. I have had 3 Maxima's,a Honda accord, and a Rodeo.This car has them beat.An oh did i mention i love this car.

  9. By ruben #10, Posted: 9/15/2009

    I bought mine with all the bells and whistles. Back-up camera, BLIS, cross traffic, sync, sony sound, sun roof, and leather inter. By far this has been the best car I have owned. I have already put 3300 miles on it and just love the way it drives. I think Ford has done a great job with this car!

  10. By  Cheap Generic Drugs #11, Posted: 10/27/2009

    My phone paired up with no problems and so did my usb music player.I am 40yrs old and even my teen kids love the car.Although i am not willing to let them touch it. I have had 3 Maxima's,a Honda accord, and a Rodeo.

  11. By Chad #12, Posted: 10/29/2009

    I bought an 06 Ford Fusion about a month ago and I hate it. It is reasonably cheap for the amount of car that you get. I will say that but I think I would have been happier with a better equipped much older lexus or toyota for much less money. The fusion isn't that great on gas either, I get about 31mpg and I do a lot of highway driving.

  12. By Hjort #13, Posted: 11/8/2009

    Chad =>
    As the article states it is an entirely new car, so you speaking badly of a 06 fusion is quite irrelevant while discussing a 2010 fusion, dont you think?

  13. By sal #14, Posted: 11/15/2009

    I just got A 2010 Fusion. Love the car but the Sony Sound system sounds terrible. This is not typical of the reviews I've read and I think there may be something wrong with it?? I can hear the radio in the background when playing my ipod - has anyone else had this problem? Very little bass in the system too??

  14. By choctaw princess #15, Posted: 11/19/2009

    I am getting ready buy a new car and can't decide between the Sport or the SEL. I don't like the color choices on the Sport but from what I read it handles really nice. Any advice?

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