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2008 Ford Fusion Review
Bringing some shine to the blue oval. What's new for the 2006 Ford Fusion: All-new model. What's new for the 2007 Ford Fusion: Side and side-curtain airbags and an MP3 input jack are now standard. Satellite radio, a navigation system, and all-wheel-drive become new options, and all trim levels get a few more standard features. What's new for the 2008 Ford Fusion: Antilock brakes are now standard. New options include a Reverse Sensing System (backup beeper) and Microsoft Sync, which enables voice control of MP3 players and cell phones. In recent years, many of Ford's sedans have been criticized for being old or uninspired. Whether or not that's a fair generalization, it sure doesn't apply to the Fusion. This is the most freshly styled and newly engineered of Ford's sedans, and it stands out in the great big sea of mid-sized family cars. Some of the credit goes to its source material. While some other Fords trace their roots to Volvos or old turnpike cruisers, the Fusion sprung from the Mazda 6, a car noted for its lively over-the-road character. Much of that spirit transferred over, endowing the Fusion with quicker steering, flatter cornering, firmer braking, and more noise than most others in its class. Oddly, both of its engines -- a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (from Mazda) and a 3.0-liter V6 (Ford's own) -- are weaker than the class average, but at 160 and 221 horsepower theyre anything but underpowered. Aside from its overly wide turning circle, the Fusion has its driving act down pat. The Fusion differs most from its Mazda cousin on the inside -- and not always for the better. As in other recent Ford products, the instruments and controls fall a bit short of the ergonomic ideal, and are a bit of an aesthetic eyesore. The uplevel stereo also doesn't sound that great, and the optional leather feels a bit rough. Perhaps more substantially, the rear seat has flimsy head restraints (and speaking of safety, Ford doesn't offer stability control). Still, the Fusion knows how to take care of five adults, partly thanks to having a slightly bigger body than the Mazda. It's also knows how to last. Built at Ford's most high-quality plant (the one in Mexico), the Fusion's reliability has proven positive every year so far. Top it off with competitive pricing and the fact that it's one of the only cars in its class to offer all-wheel-drive, and you have one Ford that many families should find fitting. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com |
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