The Fusion has been a modest hit, and Ford continues to refine the car that won the 2006 J.D. Power award for Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout.
Its three trim levels--S, SE, and SEL--give the 2008 Fusion a wide appeal, as do the two available engines and drivetrain options. A 160-horsepower Duratec 2.3L 16-valve four-cylinder with five-speed manual driving the front wheels comes standard, while a five-speed auto is optional. Step up to a V6 SE or SEL and you get 221 horsepower from the Duratec 3.0L 24-valve V6 with a six-speed automatic. Ford's all-wheel drive with traction control is optional on V6 SE and SEL models.
The standard S provides plenty of safety features and creature comforts, including the new anti-lock brakes, SecuriLock anti-theft system, adjustable front seats, 60/40 split rear seats, air conditioning, CD player with MP3 capability, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, power mirrors, power windows, and two 12V jacks. SE trim adds a six-way driver seat power, premium stereo with six-disc CD changer, 16-inch aluminum wheels, and fog lights. For an additional $705, the SEL model includes air conditioning with electronic automatic temperature control, SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system, heated mirrors with puddle lamps, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and new keyless entry.
SYNC is optional on SE cars, while leather seating, Audiophile Sound, moonroof, Sirius satellite radio, rear park assist, reverse sensing, and ambient interior lighting are optional on all SE and SEL cars.
For Fusion SE and SEL models equipped with the V6, Ford's all-wheel drive is available at a price that still keeps it below most of the competition's front-wheel-drive cars.
Comfortable, Roomy Sedan
Available AWD
Crisp Looks And Athletic Handling
Ample Standard Features Across Three Trim Levels
Competitively Priced.
The Ford Fusion has a few important changes for 2008; chief among them is standard anti-lock braking across the model range. Changes in options and available equipment include the addition of a Sport Appearance Package, which features 18-inch aluminum wheels, a firmer suspension, and contrasting interior stitching. Also new is voice-activated navigation, a back-up parking sensor, and keyless entry on SEL models. Ford's SYNC system, which integrates wireless devices and music players with the car, debuts for 2008 as an option on all but the SEL styles, where it is standard. Pricing has increased marginally across the range by about a few hundred dollars.
In the competitive midsize sedan segment, Ford's 2008 Fusion has a lot to offer. Its distinctive styling sets it apart from the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Chevrolet Malibu, and it beats them on price, too. The engines and platform it shares with the Mazda6 give it some real performance as well, and the available all-wheel drive isn't found on most other cars in the class.