Ford's New Fusion to Go Head to Head with Accord and Camry

Could Hyundai's Sonata be the Spoiler to Ford's Fusion Success?

Reports are starting to filter in about Ford's new Fusion and most of those who have taken a stint behind the wheel are as impressed with how it drives

Most who have driven Ford's new Fusion are as impressed with how it drives as they are about its unique, attractive styling. (Ford Motor Company of Canada)

as they are about its unique, attractive styling. Whether this is the make it or break it car for the Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker or not, a major league hit in the lucrative midsize segment would be a heavy weight lifted off of blue oval executives' shoulders right about now.

It couldn't be up against any greater competition than Toyota's Camry and Honda's Accord, the top sellers in the midsize segment. And this duo not only sells well, but each model offers excellent build quality, superb reliability and commendable performance.

But such heavy competition doesn't scare Phil Martens, Ford's group vice president for product creation, but rather was feeling bullish about the new

"This car is us saying we're back, back in the car business." commented Phil Martens, Ford's group vice president for product creation.  (Ford Motor Company of Canada)

car's prospects when he said the Fusion is "going at the Japanese automakers' throats", as reported by Autoweek. "We want to go after the midsize car market," Martens added. "That means Accord and Camry, and we think we have a winner here."

Them's fightin' words, but the car that Martens is so hot on is actually capable of delivering the goods needed to combat the leaders in the midsize segment.

"This car is us saying we're back, back in the car business." Martens continued. The Ford VP also said that although the Accord and Camry are good cars, the midsize segment needs some attitude.