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2010 Ford Fusion Performance Review

April 4, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

New I-4 will have more power than the four-cylinder Toyota Camry
Motor Trend

All models begin pushing into a more modern age with electric power steering
Jalopnik

Ford's fitted the hybrid powertrain from the Escape Hybrid cute-ute to both the Fusion and the Mercury Milan
Automobile Magazine

The first thing you need to know about the 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid is that it's the best mid-size hybrid sedan on the market
Car and Driver

The traditional mid-size sedan segment is definitely not known for its grin-inducing performance attributes, but the 2010 Ford Fusion isn't a traditional mid-size sedan. Instead, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that the newest Ford Fusion is actually engaging to drive—well, at least more so than its competitors.

The 2010 Ford Fusion offers a range of engines that vary in power and displacement according to trim level. ConsumerGuide says a "175-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder replaces [the] 160-hp 2.3-liter 4-cylinder" on today's base model, while a "240-hp 3.0-liter V-6" is available on uplevel models. ConsumerGuide also notes that the Ford Fusion Sport has "a 263-hp 3.5-liter V-6," and the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid pairs "a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor for 177 hp total."

Both engines win praise for their spirited performance, even the base four-cylinder. Autoblog claims, "for driving enthusiasts, the Fusion of choice might actually be the four-cylinder, six-speed manual version," since the lighter powertrain makes it the "lightest, least nose heavy" version of the Ford Fusion. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid also takes significant strides in terms of hybrid performance, with Motor Trend remarking that it "can operate in all-electric mode at a cruising speed of up to 47 mph."

The available transmissions fare decently well in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, but the automotive enthusiasts understandably pine for a manual on the higher-output engines. They will have to wait for another iteration of the Ford Fusion, however, since ConsumerGuide says that "V-6 versions [will] only have a six-speed automatic," while the base four-cylinder gets "a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission" and the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid offers "a continuously variable automatic (CVT)." Autoblog does offer some consolation for enthusiasts, reporting that the V-6 offers "a manual select shift gate," and while they're "generally not a fan of these manual mode automatics," they do give the Ford Fusion points for getting "the orientation of the sequential shift gate in what [they] consider to be the correct position. Tap backwards for an up-shift and forwards for a down shift." As for the CVT on the hybrid, the Detroit News comments that it "provides smooth acceleration and helps with the car's extremely quiet ride."

Fuel economy for the 2010 Ford Fusion is much improved this year, according to Ford. While official EPA numbers aren't out yet, Jalopnik claims that the four-cylinder "gets at least five miles per gallon better fuel economy than the outgoing 2.3 liter," while the V-6 "gets a one to two MPG bump in economy."

The ride and handling aspects of the new Ford Fusion are better than most competitors, according to reviews read by TheCarConnection.com. Autoblog testers note that the Ford Fusion "still understeers at the limit as would be expected, but overall it was much better balanced" and significantly better than the Toyota Camry. The brakes work well, according to Automobile Magazine, which says that "the brakes simply stop the car without calling attention to themselves... unlike the hard-to-modulate brakes in some other hybrids." Automobile Magazine also reports that the new Ford Fusion features a "tighter turning circle," which is a welcome improvement for those who spend a lot of time navigating parking lots. Finally, Jalopnik reviewers find that "the suspension gets tweaks to improve ride and handling."

Conclusion

If you're looking for a sedan that’s a little more exciting to drive than the rest, consider the 2010 Ford Fusion.

PERFORMANCE | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:New I-4 will have more power than the four-cylinder Toyota CamryMotor TrendAll models begin pushing into a more modern age with electric power steeringJalopnikFord's fitted the hybrid powertrain from the Escape Hybrid cute-ute to both the Fusion and the Mercury MilanAutomobile MagazineThe first thing you need to know about the 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid is that it's the best mid-size hybrid sedan on the marketCar and Driver The traditional mid-size sedan segment is definitely not known for its grin-inducing performance attributes, but the 2010 Ford Fusion isn't a traditional mid-size sedan. Instead, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that the newest Ford Fusion is actually engaging to drive—well, at least more so than its competitors. The 2010 Ford Fusion offers a range of engines that vary in power and displacement according to trim level. ConsumerGuide says a "175-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder replaces [the] 160-hp 2.3-liter 4-cylinder" on today's base model, while a "240-hp 3.0-liter V-6" is available on uplevel models. ConsumerGuide also notes that the Ford Fusion Sport has "a 263-hp 3.5-liter V-6," and the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid pairs "a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor for 177 hp total." Both engines win praise for their spirited performance, even the base four-cylinder. Autoblog claims, "for driving enthusiasts, the Fusion of choice might actually be the four-cylinder, six-speed manual version," since the lighter powertrain makes it the "lightest, least nose heavy" version of the Ford Fusion. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid also takes significant strides in terms of hybrid performance, with Motor Trend remarking that it "can operate in all-electric mode at a cruising speed of up to 47 mph." The available transmissions fare decently well in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, but the automotive enthusiasts understandably pine for a manual on the higher-output engines. They will have to wait for another iteration of the Ford Fusion, however, since ConsumerGuide says that "V-6 versions [will] only have a six-speed automatic," while the base four-cylinder gets "a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission" and the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid offers "a continuously variable automatic (CVT)." Autoblog does offer some consolation for enthusiasts, reporting that the V-6 offers "a manual select shift gate," and while they're "generally not a fan of these manual mode automatics," they do give the Ford Fusion points for getting "the orientation of the sequential shift gate in what [they] consider to be the correct position. Tap backwards for an up-shift and forwards for a down shift." As for the CVT on the hybrid, the Detroit News comments that it "provides smooth acceleration and helps with the car's extremely quiet ride." Fuel economy for the 2010 Ford Fusion is much improved this year, according to Ford. While official EPA numbers aren't out yet, Jalopnik claims that the four-cylinder "gets at least five miles per gallon better fuel economy than the outgoing 2.3 liter," while the V-6 "gets a one to two MPG bump in economy." The ride and handling aspects of the new Ford Fusion are better than most competitors, according to reviews read by TheCarConnection.com. Autoblog testers note that the Ford Fusion "still understeers at the limit as would be expected, but overall it was much better balanced" and significantly better than the Toyota Camry. The brakes work well, according to Automobile Magazine, which says that "the brakes simply stop the car without calling attention to themselves... unlike the hard-to-modulate brakes in some other hybrids." Automobile Magazine also reports that the new Ford Fusion features a "tighter turning circle," which is a welcome improvement for those who spend a lot of time navigating parking lots. Finally, Jalopnik reviewers find that "the suspension gets tweaks to improve ride and handling." ConclusionIf you're looking for a sedan that’s a little more exciting to drive than the rest, consider 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).

Next Steps:

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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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