2006 Ford Fusion SEL V6 Road Test

In the end, as good as the Fusion is from an engineering point of view,

Like the headlamps, the tail lamps have a unique, but visually appealing chrome and jewel look. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

it wouldn't sell well if it didn't look the part. Fortunately for Ford, it looks fabulous. The result of staying true to good design principles instituted in its fabulous 427 concept car. The only angle that it appears a bit generic is from the rear quarter, due to its triangular taillight design. The 427 concept featured rectangular tail lamps, unique although somewhat retro, pulling cues from Galaxies of the past. While almost every automaker in the midsize segment, from Chevy, with its recently updated Impala, to Honda, with its mid-cycle enhanced Accord, sport triangular rear lights, Ford has at least given the Fusion's lenses a jewel-like treatment. While they look nice, I'd really like to see Ford stretch a bit, and do something a bit different as far as taillights go, for the Fusion's mid-cycle design upgrade. As far as the rest of the car goes, mind you, don't touch it, it looks stunning.

So, how well is the Fusion doing in quantifiable numbers? During the

Fusion is catching on, with less use of inscentives and fleet sales than the previous midsize model. That's great news for Ford. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

first two months of 2006 Ford sold 19,142 Fusions, with March targeting about 10,000 units at the time of this writing. Even more important for Ford, the Fusion is pulling buyers away from other makes similarly to how Chrysler's 2005 300 sedan did when it launched. According to J.D. Power and Associates' Power Information Network (PIN), a U.S.-based organization reporting on U.S. statistics, which should be relatively close to unavailable Canadian statistics, the Fusion is "conquesting" buyers from other brands at a rate of 38.5 percent, well beyond its initial target of 25 percent. Also important, Fusions only stay on dealer lots for weeks, on average, instead of months, and that's not due to deep-cutting incentives or loads of fleet sales. The fleet mix is only 16 percent, extremely low for the midsize segment, which should result in much stronger resale/residual numbers than Taurus or many of its competitors, while average incentives are only slightly higher than February's midsize-segment industry average of $1,556, at $1,653. Higher incentives were expected, as Ford buyers have become conditioned to incentives thanks to the automaker pushing less enticing metal through its dealership doors over the past few years. Other stats show that the average buyer is male, a 59.2 percent mix, and 46 years old. Ford adds that Fusion sales are increasing at a rate of 15 percent each month.

So, it's safe to say that Fusion has been a monumental home run for Ford, helping to keep Ford customers coming back to renew their loyalty, as well as pulling in new customers from other makers. And after my week with the car, I fully understand what all the fuss is about. Finally a full-on, worthy competitor to Japan's best; Dearborn should be proud of their new Fusion.

Specifications (SEL V6):

• Price Range (MSRP): $28,299 - $31,944 (base model starts at $22,995 and V6 starts at $25,999)
• Body Type: 4-door sedan
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Engine: 221-hp, 205 lb-ft torque, 3.0L, 24-valve, DOHC V6
• Transmission: 6-spd auto
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS and EBD
• Curb Weight (min - max): 1,520 kg (3,351 lbs)
• Acceleration (0 - 100 km/h): 7.6 seconds
• Quarter Mile (seconds / speed): 15.8 seconds / 148.5 km/h (92.3 mph)
• Braking (from 96.6 km/h or 60 mph): 43.9 m (144 ft)
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Exterior Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,831 / 1,834 / 1,417 / 2,728 mm (190.2 / 72.2 / 55.8 / 107.4 in)
• Cargo Volume (trunk): 447 L (15.8 cu ft)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 11.2 / 8.1 L/100 km
  
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: Buick Allure, Chevrolet Malibu / Impala, Chrysler Sebring / 300, Dodge Charger, [link artid="31484"]Honda Accord[/link], [link artid="50772"]Hyundai Sonata[/link], Kia Magentis, Mazda6, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy, Suzuki Verona, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Jetta / Passat
• Website: www.ford.ca