Review Roundup: 2006 Ford Fusion

The 2006 Fusion is the make-it-or-break-it car for Ford. Ford needs this product to survive since SUVs sales have gone in the toilet, perhaps permanently. The Fusion replaces the far-too-old Taurus. Does the Fusion have what it takes? We check in to see if the experts are "diggin' it," "lukewarm" or be "hatin'."

The Family Car
2006 Ford Fusion
Rating: Diggin' it.

The Fusion is a handsome car with a neat, comfortable interior. The pre-production prototypes that we drove were well put together and felt solid over any of the road surfaces that we experienced on our day long press introduction drive. Before the day was out, we had accumulated almost 200 miles of city, freeway and twisty mountain road driving around Southern California. ... The instrument cluster was clean and easy to read. We noticed some reflections that caused the dials to appear washed-out when the sun was in certain positions, but that didn't happen very often. The central stack where the radio and air conditioning controls live is uncluttered and well laid out.

The Family Car had quite a bit of praise for this Fusion. That sounds like good news for Ford.

Edmunds
2006 Ford Fusion
Rating: Diggin' it.

In an effort to make the Fusion tighter, cleaner, and better built than any other sedan on the road, Ford completely designed, engineered, and tested the car digitally before it was made into a reality. The resulting leap in quality control is noticeable. ... Stylewise, the car totally stands out in a sea of similar sedans. Projector-beam headlights are housed in a curving enclosure that follows the hoodline back to the fender, and clear-corner taillights lend the Fusion a hint of street-racer style. The chrome three-bar grille looks bold yet classy (especially on a black car), and 17-inch wheels (standard on SEL models) paired with dual exhaust (also standard on the SEL) clearly link the Fusion to its pony car sibling, the Mustang. Without exception, every one of our staffers thinks this new Ford is the best-looking car in its class. ... Ford executives claimed at the vehicle launch that they wanted the Fusion to drive like a four-door Mustang, and they're not far off the mark. Steering feel is excellent, and when pushed hard in a canyon the suspension stays planted with moderate understeer and minimal body roll. The car is certainly no full-race sport sedan, with a mere 221 hp on tap, but it is sporty.

We could have quoted more of this Edmunds review, but it would have just sounded the same. Reviewer Dan Kahn (Khan!!!!!!) loved this car and even got all sorts of loopy from the car-love that he came up with the line, "The Fusion really shines from within, where little details jump out at the driver like freshly laundered pants with a dollar bill hidden in the pocket." When you start coming up with goofy similes like that, you're in love. Hey, we're not making fun of Danny! We love that he loves!

Motor Trend
2006 Ford Fusion
Rating: Lukewarm

Inspired by the show-stopping V-10-powered 427 concept car of 2003, the Fusion's look is described by designer Peter Horbury as "bold but not brash or noisy." Its overall countenance is confidently American, though we wish that more of the perhaps brash and noisy details of the show car had survived the transition down to this smaller Mazda6-based package. The "squircle" (round-cornered square) shapes framing the headlamps, taillamps, gauges, and door-panel inserts surely could've been worked in and would lend greater distinction than the pan-Asian solutions that made the final cut.

Beneath these skin-deep style issues lies some impressive substance. The front-suspension hardware resembles that of a Mercedes E-Class, using a control arm, lateral link, and leading link with geometry that reduces the effective scrub radius for improved steering feel and accuracy. On paper, this setup, plus the multilink rear suspension conceivably could deliver best-in-class handling. Four-wheel disc brakes will be standard on all models; ABS and traction control are options.

It was very weird.... Motor Trend just sorta ends their review without a "Gorram, yeah!" or anything. Not even an "eh." But, you know, that might be Ford's fault. Why you say? Perhaps from years of offering mediocre vehicles. Here's how Motor Trend ends their review -- tell us there's not some (well-deserved?) pessimism here. "Ford aims to lure buyers with a more emotional, better-driving car priced below the top dogs. Let's hope the engineers have delivered on the promise of that superb hardware."

The Car Connection
2006 Ford Fusion
Rating: Lukewarm

All three are great-looking cars. Taking styling themes established by Ford's 427 concept car during the 2003 auto show season, the lines are handsome from every angle, but particularly so from the front where the three bold chrome slats make up the grille and the headlights manage the neat trick of being both somewhat rectangular and swooping up into each front fender. If there's one problem with so many cars in this class it's that they're boring looking. The Fusion, in contrast, is simply delightful looking. And that continues inside where the cabin is trimmed with a lot of soft-feel plastic and a lot of airbags.

The dash is well balanced with a hooded binnacle in front of the driver covering four round gauges (the speedo and tach are big, the temp and fuel meters no-so-big) trimmed in fake brushed aluminum. ... Yes, the seats are nice. ... The V-6 works unobtrusively and with some enthusiasm. But for drivers who want more power, there's always the Altima's snorting 3.5-liter VQ-series V-6. And for anyone wanting dead-nuts silence, should go for the Toyota Camry's 3.3-liter V-6. Still this is a good engine for most people most of the time.

This review started off well: "Fortunately for Ford, the Fusion has the potential to be just that. A big hit." But it ended with what we felt sounded like some hesitation, as if Ford might not do the Fusion right: "Two decades after the Taurus debut, Ford deserves a hit. And if they're careful, this one could last longer."

The Detroit News
2006 Ford Fusion
Rating: Lukewarm

The Ford and Mercury four-doors are poised to go up against some tough competition, namely the face-lifted 2006 Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry, the two vehicles that dominate the midsize family-sedan category in the United States.

But with the Mexico-built Fusion, which is based on the same platform as the impressive Mazda6 sedan, we believe a domestic automaker may finally have come up with a truly competitive product to pit against the Japanese-brand best sellers.

The Fusion looks striking inside and out, handles like a sport sedan, gets respectable fuel economy -- thanks to a six-speed automatic transmission with the V-6 models -- and has an affordable sticker price. ... The one area where the Fusion falls short against some of its Japanese competition is safety. For 2006, the Accord will offer standard side air bags and side air curtains across the lineup. Many safety features on the Fusion cost extra.

Antilock brakes add $595 to the bottom line, while traction control costs extra on the SEL model we drove and is not available on the other two trim levels. Side air bags and side air curtains are another $595 on the new Ford sedan. You cannot get stability control on the Fusion.

The Fusion is fairly spartan, too, when it comes to cabin amenities. You can't get a navigation system, which you can on the Camry and the Accord. A power moonroof costs extra on the Fusion SEL; it's standard on the Accord EX and Camry XLE. Nor can you order such desirable features on the Fusion as a rear-seat DVD entertainment, clutchless shifting, adjustable pedals or even a jack for your iPod.

And while the rear seat is spacious, with ample head- and legroom, it lacks vents and individual reading lights. ... While putting several hundred miles on the Fusion, we noted rain dripping in the open driver's window after a shower, too much tire noise and rear visibility issues due to the high parcel shelf.

This review finally crapped on Ford for not being up to snuff with safety features (other reviews mentioned it, but weren't as specific). We were also glad this wasn't one of the wacky she said/he said reviews that this pair of reviewers is known for.

New Car Test Drive
2006 Ford Fusion
Rating: Lukewarm

Ford is now determined to regain its footing in the car market. The Ford Fusion just may be the right answer and just in the nick of time. In any case, Ford appears to have done its homework.

Based on the highly praised Mazda6 sedan, the Fusion is a rock solid entry at a decent price. It handles well, looks purposeful and delivers good value for the money. ... On the road, the Ford Fusion feels bigger than it looks, but it handled curvy mountain roads above Hollywood with ease. The rack-and-pinion steering was precise with just the right amount of weight to make the driver feel connected to the road without being twitchy.

In the past, a car that handled well often came with a stiff ride. That's certainly not the case with the Fusion. Its long wheelbase and wide track puts the four wheels at the corners for good handling and a better ride. The front suspension is a short/long arm design while the rear wheels are anchored through a multi-link setup. Improved bushings and hydraulic engine mounts keep vibration and road noise to a minimum.

Initially, we thought this review was going to be a puff piece, but it turned out they were only OK with the car, and, like The Detroit News, pointed out that safety features were optional.

The totals:

Diggin': 2
Lukewarm: 4
Hatin': 0

OK, so what's the deal? Why did two reviewers love this car and the rest feel "eh" about it? Two reasons, we think. First, Ford totally cheaped out on the standard safety features. Anti-lock brakes are optional? It's 2006! Stability control isn't even available -- for any price. That's big-time lame. Second, Ford has burned everyone in the past and now needs to overcome that by, essentially, not sucking. OK, we should say, "by delivering the goods," but, crap, Ford sucked for a long while if we were in the market for a car. What do we think is going to happen? It's really hard to say. The Fusion is a great-looking car, and we're tempted to say it'll do well just for that. But things recently got a lot tighter in this market thanks to the 2006 Hyundai Sonata. We predict the Fusion will sell well and won't be a flop but will not be front-runner in the long term. If Ford, however, fixes the safety issues and the car turns out to be mechanically reliable... well, maybe we'll have a major fight on our hands.

Images are courtesy Ford Motor Company and are not part of our CCL.

Comments

[Jared]

I have a 2007 Ford Fusion SE V6, I Think it Rocks. It's the best car I have ever owned, Ford has done a great job with this car.

[bob peterson]

2007 ford fusion has problems with getting rocks in the rear disc breaks. do you know any thing about what can be done about it.

[Jeff- but not the pastry dude.]

Seriously dude- Jeff, you are a Pastry Chef. Get back to making our pie crusts and leave the car talk to the men.

[Mark Johnson]

The performance, fit and finish of this car are so close to the Camry and the Accord that you could consider the cars equivalent to each other. I own a Honda... and it has been a great car... but I just couldn't see myself driving an Accord down the road. The car just has no style. The new Camry is a big improvement over last year, but it still reeks of grandma's grocery hauler. The fusion, on the other hand, is a good looking car. It looks and feels European. My first "muscle car" was a 1968 Camaro with a 327 cid V-8, which put out 210 horsepower on a good day. This fusion, with it's variable valve timing and six speed transmission, would blow the doors of my old Camaro. As for the safety stuff... if you want it... buy it. I got an SEL loaded and it cost about the same as a base model Camry or Accord.

[Andrew]

The Fusion has not even broken into the top ten best selling vehicles list in the US as of October 2006. It is not going to be the hit the Taurus was 20 years ago.

Flop!!!

[Mark Flesher]

Dude - the reason why ABS is optional is because of two reasons:

1. Insurance companies are no longer giving discounts for ABS because of number 2.

2. Studies have shown since the beginning of ABS' introduction that it is a waste of money and has NO ADDED BENEFIT. The reason why ABS bois optional is because Ford realizes that its customers are smart and don't want to throw their money away on stupid things like ABS.

All of that being said, I do wish that traction control was available without ABS - it CAN be done, but hasn't...yet.

I hear time and time again that this vehicle underpowered. Let me tell you - it's not all about horsepower. 221 may not be enough, but Ford isn't stupid enough to do this displacement on demand thing that GM is trying again (after the HUGE problems they had with it 30 years ago). 205 torque in a vehicle that is as light as the Fusion? I have beaten a Monte Carlo SS by two car lengths, and lost to a Corvette - yes, a Corvette, by 5 feet. Underpowered? I think not.

All the options will be coming with the 2007, 2008, and further along. Variable speed cruise control, blindspot sensor, DVD, voice guided navigation system, bluetooth. But, I find it hilarious that this car is already more tricked out than the base V6 Camry for $5,000 less.

Looks like you import fans need to wake up and realize that Detroit is taking your little pathetic Camry, Accord, Maxima, and Altima and turning it into a laughing stock. Until you get over the delusion you have that imported cars are so much better than domestic cars, you can't ever understand what a great car the Fusion really is. I don't know about you, but I don't see many older foreign cars on the road - but I surely see many old Ford cars on the road......interesting, eh?

[Chris Adams]

I just traded my 2001 Mustang GT in on new Fusion SEL v6. I've got to say, up front, that I am a die hard Ford fan. That being said, this car is totally impressive. If the reliability turns out to be as good as the rest of the Ford's I've owned (92 T-bird, still running strong at 253k miles, other T-birds, Rangers, Crown Vic), I'll be elated! This car is not underpowered! It has a 6 speed; if you're not in the butt hauling mood, it's pretty conservative. But, floor it, and this car goes ape! 2001 Mustang GT's hit 60 in 6.0 -6.5 seconds; I just raced one two days ago and started to pull away before we both cut the gas (heavlily patrolled area). So, with 1,000 miles on the car, I've got to be hitting sub 7 0-60 times. And more importantly, the passing power is phenomenal! 50-95 around two cars...that's quite adequate. Remember the Taurus SHO recipe: 3100 lb car, 220 HP DOHC v6. Ring a bell?
As for Japanese cars: they're junk! I guarantee you that I'd have a Camry or Accord blowing oil in less than a year. They're quiet and good on gas, but they simply cannot take abuse. As good as the Fusion is, there is just too much bad press for domestic cars these days. If this car doesn't save Ford, nothing will.

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[Adam]

If this car is the Ford 6, then the Lexus ES must be a Toyota Camry. It's called globalization. Platform sharing is done by ALL car companies. Ford just makes it known who it shares with. Other companies are secretive, for some unexplainable reason. I like honest companies.

Underpowered? You're joking! Underpowered means it doesn't have enough power to move the car in dangerous situations. There are very FEW cars on the market that are UNDERPOWERED. Two hundred twetnty one horses wouldn't even come close to making it underpowered. Just 10 years ago most sports cars weren't making two hundred horses. You people are lame. Ten years ago this car would have been fast enough to run with BMWs. Are those 10 year old BMWs underpowered too?

People want the world and don't want to pay a dime for it. You can't have everything, but you can have a lot of it with the Ford Fusion.

[Mike]

I can see where the Prelude comments are coming from, but this is Ford's new car DNA derived from the Ford 427 Concept.

Anyone that complains about the car being underpowered must have wild expectations of the car. 0-60 in 7.2 seconds is far from being underpowered. Those that complain about the car being a rehashed Mazda 6, must have no concept of what globalization is, because this car is not just another Mazda 6. Seriously Stability control has very little to do with platform, but more so concerns the powertrain which if I'm not mistaken is fairly new......besides next year it will be one of the few cars in it's class to have AWD available.

[Jeff]

This is not a Ford, is it? Are you sure? It looks like a Honda Prelude! I mean, the headlights and taillights are shaped exactly the same. Love the Gillette Mach 3 grill, too.

So, it's underpowered, has fewer safety features, no nav, no DVD options, no input jacks and probably has the same sound system from the Taurus (a real winner that one)...

Oh it handles well, though. Well, gee, no other cars do.

What demo were they aiming for?

[Ben]

The reason there's no stability control is that this is a 3-year old car which never HAD stability control, and there's no point sinking huge R&D dollars into developing such a system for a model that's already halfway through its reasonably anticipated lifecycle - the new nameplate notwithstanding. This is the Ford6, people.