By: Nathan D. Adlen
I’ve said it time and again, if you have a car that makes you happy, even a little bit, the personal benefits tend to outweigh the expense. So, what if you could get a car that was very affordable and still makes you happy?
A 2009 Ford Fusion might fit that bill.
Starting around $18,000 and peaking at about $30,000, the Ford Fusion packs in a lot of features for a reasonable amount of money. Even the base model has quite the standard equipment package. With up to $2,500 in incentives, moving up to a mid-level Ford Fusion can be reasonable (and downright rewarding if you pony up the extra dough to get the nifty SYNC system – which integrates your communications and entertainment systems into a user friendly, voice activated interface. It’s not available on all Ford Fusions.
With some of the incentives making a well optioned Ford Fusion as cheap as some economy cars (the market is primed for selling them); they represent an honest bargain for your dollar. Expect the Ford Fusion to be heavily revised within a year or so as the completely new Mazda 6 is about to debut (the made in Mexico Ford Fusion is based heavily on many of the same components of the outgoing Mazda 6). It will not be long before the next Ford Fusion gets the new Mazda 6’s goodies – which will bump up the price and mitigate your negotiating power. Dealers will be pushing to make a deal (to thin out the current inventory) and with the economy being what it is – you can push back and get some serious discounts and concessions.
Three things make the Ford Fusion a great package (in any trim): looks, handling and pricing. The 2009 Ford Fusion looks great, with a low, aggressive stance and well executed lines – the Ford Fusion has all of its lines moving in the right direction. The three bar grill and expressive, jewel-like headlights make the Ford Fusion look almost menacing – which is a good thing. If you go big with the 18 inch wheels (part of the $895.00 ‘Sports Package’), you will tap into one of the nicest looking Ford cars in their fleet next to the Mustang.
Some cars have a certain driving disposition that feeds into their personality. I think the Ford Fusion has a fairly pleasant demeanor the same way an old friend does. Someone you look forward to seeing who is reliable and makes you feel good. This is the same friend who makes the mundane fun and is someone who won’t embarrass you in front of your family. Still, there are those other friends who you do stupid things with that are a lot more exciting; the Ford Fusion is the sober buddy who bails you out later.
Not that there is anything wrong with the Ford Fusion; quite to the contrary, this is a very good handling sedan that is comfortable to drive – if a bit slow. Yup, the 2.3 liter, 160 horsepower, (156 lbs feet of torque) 4 and the 3.0 liter, 221 hp (with 205 lbs feet of torque) 6 cylinder motivators for the Ford Fusion are a bit inadequate.
The Ford Fusion moves along smartly when you pair the 2.3 liter engine with a 5 speed manual. Opt for the 3.0 V6 and you will get slightly faster take-offs and MPG if you opt to forgo the all-wheel-drive system (which is only available with the combo of the 3.0 liter V6 and the 6 speed automatic transmission). Keeping the Ford Fusion’s all-wheel-drive system is a smart idea if you expect to encounter wet or slick road conditions and it is a bargain compared to most of the other all-wheel-drive competitors.
Keeping with my theme of fairly affordable vehicles, I opted to evaluate only the Ford Fusions with the 2.3 liter, 4 cylinder with the 5 speed manual and 5 speed automatic (the 6 speed automatic is available only with the V6). Yes, I’ve driven a rental Ford Fusion with a V6 and it was a nice ride – but the 4 cylinder is cheaper, less thirsty and can be quite a bit of fun.
Remember how I mentioned that the Ford Fusion can make you happy? Yup, it has the makings of a fun car. Just remember to visit a few bends, corners and hairpin turns while keeping the engine on boil and - “blammo!”- you’re having fun! The chassis is extremely well balanced and steering is direct and easy to modulate. If you are hip to manual transmissions, the 5 speed working with the 4 cylinder is the way to go (and nearly $900 cheaper than the automatic). If you upgrade to the $895.00 “Sports Appearance Package” you will have a sportier suspension and much better wheels and tires – suddenly, this car becomes a lot of fun.
Sitting in a Ford Fusion is fairly pleasant and you are rewarded with a sharp looking interior, even on the base model. I am not much of a fan of the radio controls and dislike the Ford Fusion’s automatic transmission D and L only selection – old thinking to be sure. But, those are my only interior gripes as the rest of the Ford Fusion’s interior is attractive and well assembled.
My main gripes consist of the lack of power, medium fuel economy and the optional only stability control (which used to not even be offered). One more problem – the very well made 2009 Hyundai Sonata is its direct competition (the Chevy Malibu, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Volkswagen Passat and Subaru Legacy are on a slightly higher level on price and performance). The Ford Fusion vs. the Hyundai Sonata would be a bloody cage match – one that I fear the Ford Fusion would loose in the MPG, packaging and warranty department. The scrappy Ford Fusion still manages to fight toe to toe by using its better looks, cheaper out-the-door price and (generally) playful driving experience.
What I liked most was driving a simple highway route and venturing onto a few back roads. Pleasant riding commuter stealthy converts into a sporting sedan – nice. It got better when I tested out the rear seats and discovered that two real sized adults fit comfortably. Three are a squeeze, but mix up the passengers with a kid or two and you’re sitting fairly comfortably.
Trunk/boot size on the Ford Fusion is a very useful at 15.8 cubic feet. The square shape makes it more utilitarian than some of the competition whose trunks may be just as large – or larger, but mitigate their usefulness with a hard to accommodate shape. Add to this a 60/40 split folding rear seat, fold flat front seat (on the SE and up) and the Ford Fusion can hold an unexpectedly large amount of cargo.
My 2.3 liter Ford Fusion kept me entertained until I pulled up to the gas pump. Spirited driving (despite the economical combination of manual transmission and 4 cylinder engine) and highway cruising led to a mediocre 87 octane average of about 24 MPG. The Ford Fusion’s competition (Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata, etc.) do much better. However, taken with the major discount for the final price, the Ford Fusion still bodes well for the pocket book.
Take my advice: if you’re in the market for a Ford Fusion, forgo the base S model and pony up a wee bit of extra green for the SE or even the SEL models. One of the coolest additions you can get (or add as an option) is the slick Microsoft’s SYNC system (which is either part of a Ford Fusion package or just about a $400 addition – on some models). Though I’ve only used it on a Ford Focus demo model (trust me, it’s the best feature on the Focus), the SYNC’s voice recognition and easy access to media made it a must have toy. I wish Microsoft would let you change the response voice from a generic woman to something you want – I would get Mr. T or Fran Drescher just to freak passengers out.
Could you imagine the response to your musical or hands free phone request? “I pity the fool who messes with my presets – succah!” Or (in a whiney accent from Queens, New York), “Oh no, don’t forget to call your MOTHER, waaaaa!” How cool would that be? Or, maybe I should lay off the heavy caffeine before writing.
Anyway, I find the 2009 Ford Fusion a charming little family car with just enough character to make it fun. If you get the Ford Fusion SE and add the $895 “Sports Appearance Package,” the $395 “SYNC” package and the $150 “Electrochromic Mirror with built in microphone,” then negotiate like crazy to drop the under $22,000 price - you will have a sweet ride that has just enough charm to make it fun.
And in the end – fun is something so many of us are missing. Good show Ford.
I’ve said it time and again, if you have a car that makes you happy, even a little bit, the personal benefits tend to outweigh the expense. So, what if you could get a car that was very affordable and still makes you happy?
A 2009 Ford Fusion might fit that bill.
Starting around $18,000 and peaking at about $30,000, the Ford Fusion packs in a lot of features for a reasonable amount of money. Even the base model has quite the standard equipment package. With up to $2,500 in incentives, moving up to a mid-level Ford Fusion can be reasonable (and downright rewarding if you pony up the extra dough to get the nifty SYNC system – which integrates your communications and entertainment systems into a user friendly, voice activated interface. It’s not available on all Ford Fusions.
With some of the incentives making a well optioned Ford Fusion as cheap as some economy cars (the market is primed for selling them); they represent an honest bargain for your dollar. Expect the Ford Fusion to be heavily revised within a year or so as the completely new Mazda 6 is about to debut (the made in Mexico Ford Fusion is based heavily on many of the same components of the outgoing Mazda 6). It will not be long before the next Ford Fusion gets the new Mazda 6’s goodies – which will bump up the price and mitigate your negotiating power. Dealers will be pushing to make a deal (to thin out the current inventory) and with the economy being what it is – you can push back and get some serious discounts and concessions.
Three things make the Ford Fusion a great package (in any trim): looks, handling and pricing. The 2009 Ford Fusion looks great, with a low, aggressive stance and well executed lines – the Ford Fusion has all of its lines moving in the right direction. The three bar grill and expressive, jewel-like headlights make the Ford Fusion look almost menacing – which is a good thing. If you go big with the 18 inch wheels (part of the $895.00 ‘Sports Package’), you will tap into one of the nicest looking Ford cars in their fleet next to the Mustang.
Some cars have a certain driving disposition that feeds into their personality. I think the Ford Fusion has a fairly pleasant demeanor the same way an old friend does. Someone you look forward to seeing who is reliable and makes you feel good. This is the same friend who makes the mundane fun and is someone who won’t embarrass you in front of your family. Still, there are those other friends who you do stupid things with that are a lot more exciting; the Ford Fusion is the sober buddy who bails you out later.
Not that there is anything wrong with the Ford Fusion; quite to the contrary, this is a very good handling sedan that is comfortable to drive – if a bit slow. Yup, the 2.3 liter, 160 horsepower, (156 lbs feet of torque) 4 and the 3.0 liter, 221 hp (with 205 lbs feet of torque) 6 cylinder motivators for the Ford Fusion are a bit inadequate.
The Ford Fusion moves along smartly when you pair the 2.3 liter engine with a 5 speed manual. Opt for the 3.0 V6 and you will get slightly faster take-offs and MPG if you opt to forgo the all-wheel-drive system (which is only available with the combo of the 3.0 liter V6 and the 6 speed automatic transmission). Keeping the Ford Fusion’s all-wheel-drive system is a smart idea if you expect to encounter wet or slick road conditions and it is a bargain compared to most of the other all-wheel-drive competitors.
Keeping with my theme of fairly affordable vehicles, I opted to evaluate only the Ford Fusions with the 2.3 liter, 4 cylinder with the 5 speed manual and 5 speed automatic (the 6 speed automatic is available only with the V6). Yes, I’ve driven a rental Ford Fusion with a V6 and it was a nice ride – but the 4 cylinder is cheaper, less thirsty and can be quite a bit of fun.
Remember how I mentioned that the Ford Fusion can make you happy? Yup, it has the makings of a fun car. Just remember to visit a few bends, corners and hairpin turns while keeping the engine on boil and - “blammo!”- you’re having fun! The chassis is extremely well balanced and steering is direct and easy to modulate. If you are hip to manual transmissions, the 5 speed working with the 4 cylinder is the way to go (and nearly $900 cheaper than the automatic). If you upgrade to the $895.00 “Sports Appearance Package” you will have a sportier suspension and much better wheels and tires – suddenly, this car becomes a lot of fun.
Sitting in a Ford Fusion is fairly pleasant and you are rewarded with a sharp looking interior, even on the base model. I am not much of a fan of the radio controls and dislike the Ford Fusion’s automatic transmission D and L only selection – old thinking to be sure. But, those are my only interior gripes as the rest of the Ford Fusion’s interior is attractive and well assembled.
My main gripes consist of the lack of power, medium fuel economy and the optional only stability control (which used to not even be offered). One more problem – the very well made 2009 Hyundai Sonata is its direct competition (the Chevy Malibu, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Volkswagen Passat and Subaru Legacy are on a slightly higher level on price and performance). The Ford Fusion vs. the Hyundai Sonata would be a bloody cage match – one that I fear the Ford Fusion would loose in the MPG, packaging and warranty department. The scrappy Ford Fusion still manages to fight toe to toe by using its better looks, cheaper out-the-door price and (generally) playful driving experience.
What I liked most was driving a simple highway route and venturing onto a few back roads. Pleasant riding commuter stealthy converts into a sporting sedan – nice. It got better when I tested out the rear seats and discovered that two real sized adults fit comfortably. Three are a squeeze, but mix up the passengers with a kid or two and you’re sitting fairly comfortably.
Trunk/boot size on the Ford Fusion is a very useful at 15.8 cubic feet. The square shape makes it more utilitarian than some of the competition whose trunks may be just as large – or larger, but mitigate their usefulness with a hard to accommodate shape. Add to this a 60/40 split folding rear seat, fold flat front seat (on the SE and up) and the Ford Fusion can hold an unexpectedly large amount of cargo.
My 2.3 liter Ford Fusion kept me entertained until I pulled up to the gas pump. Spirited driving (despite the economical combination of manual transmission and 4 cylinder engine) and highway cruising led to a mediocre 87 octane average of about 24 MPG. The Ford Fusion’s competition (Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata, etc.) do much better. However, taken with the major discount for the final price, the Ford Fusion still bodes well for the pocket book.
Take my advice: if you’re in the market for a Ford Fusion, forgo the base S model and pony up a wee bit of extra green for the SE or even the SEL models. One of the coolest additions you can get (or add as an option) is the slick Microsoft’s SYNC system (which is either part of a Ford Fusion package or just about a $400 addition – on some models). Though I’ve only used it on a Ford Focus demo model (trust me, it’s the best feature on the Focus), the SYNC’s voice recognition and easy access to media made it a must have toy. I wish Microsoft would let you change the response voice from a generic woman to something you want – I would get Mr. T or Fran Drescher just to freak passengers out.
Could you imagine the response to your musical or hands free phone request? “I pity the fool who messes with my presets – succah!” Or (in a whiney accent from Queens, New York), “Oh no, don’t forget to call your MOTHER, waaaaa!” How cool would that be? Or, maybe I should lay off the heavy caffeine before writing.
Anyway, I find the 2009 Ford Fusion a charming little family car with just enough character to make it fun. If you get the Ford Fusion SE and add the $895 “Sports Appearance Package,” the $395 “SYNC” package and the $150 “Electrochromic Mirror with built in microphone,” then negotiate like crazy to drop the under $22,000 price - you will have a sweet ride that has just enough charm to make it fun.
And in the end – fun is something so many of us are missing. Good show Ford.
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