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| 2006 Ford Fusion SEL V6 (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123) |
There is a new 6-speed automatic gearbox attached to that engine, which is both very light and very high tech. Having so many ratios has a few benefits. The engine can rev fairly low on the highway, helping to save on fuel. Conversely, whenever you call for some power to merge or pass, the transmission always finds the right gear to put the engine in its sweet spot, meaning you never have problems finding power any time you need it. It does take longer than I expected when you punch the accelerator for it to kick down into the selected gear. It's almost as though you pin the accelerator, let the gearbox think for a moment, then it chooses its gear then sends the Fusion rocketing along. There is no manual-mode offered on this automatic gearbox either, which is fine because I've yet to find manual mode automatic transmission worth saying anything particularly good about. This isn't a major complaint as far as the Fusion goes, but I would advise real performance buffs to wait for the manual box or check out the 4-cylinder if you aren't ready to retire your right arm or left foot just yet.
Ford scores top marks for doing a top notch job of combining modern styling, smile-inducing performance, usable and functional features and comfort and safety for 5 people into a package that's very hard to beat for the price. Graduates may qualify for a $1,000 rebate program on the
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| 2006 Ford Fusion SEL V6 (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123) |
purchase of a new vehicle, and the Fusion is covered by a 100,000 km powertrain warranty. Roadside assistance is also included.
I like this car, a lot. Maybe you've recently graduated into the working world. Maybe you've become part of a large firm where you wear a tie to work and "do lunch" with your superiors. If that's the case, I can't think of a better way to make them think you make a lot more money than you do than with the Fusion. Maybe you're more grown up but remember a sports car whose look and feel you loved from years ago. You'll get the same feeling with the Fusion, just more of it. If you're like me, and don't like driving something that blends in, conforms or bores your friends, but rather enjoy getting stares from other motorists, this is your new car.
