2006 Ford Fusion Review

Except for the redesigned 2005 Ford Mustang, the mid-size 2006 Fusion sedan is the first Ford-badged model in years that causes people to stare -- or at least give it a long second glance.

Not so for the fairly new full-size Ford Five Hundred sedan. That car has pleasant but forgettable styling, which is a drawback when car buyers are looking for autos with a distinctive appearance, such as the Chrysler 300.

My chrome-faced test Fusion looked especially sharp with black paint, which emphasized its crisp styling. In fact, some might have mistaken it for a German sports sedan. Strategic use of brightwork gives the Fusion an upscale appearance, and large chromed dual exhaust outlets help give it a high-performance look.

To some degree, the Fusion's design was inspired by the Ford 427 concept car from 2003, which was well-received by auto show visitors. Expect the bold three-bar grille to show up on other Fords.

The Fusion name is appropriate because this car is the fusion of a Mazda6 platform with Ford styling and engineering, although the Fusion is slightly larger than the Mazda6. (Ford owns a big chunk of Mazda.)

The Fusion is bigger than the old Ford Contour, which never really took off. But it's smaller than the once-best-selling mid-size Ford Taurus, which the Fusion completely replaces next year. The Fusion fits between the compact Focus and Five Hundred.

The Fusion is part of Ford Motor's new front-drive, mid-size trio, which includes the Mercury Milan (Sept. 12 AutoTimes) and Lincoln Zephyr.

The Fusion has different styling and equipment and is the least expensive trio member, with list prices ranging from $17,145 to $21,710.

Trim levels go from the base S with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower and a five-speed manual gearbox or optional five-speed automatic transmission to the SEL with a 3-liter V-6. That engine provides 221 horsepower and strong acceleration.

The Fusion V-6 works with a responsive six-speed automatic transmission, instead of the usual four- or five-speed automatics found in rivals. Unless a car has a giant engine, the more speeds the better in an automatic transmission for the best performance and fuel economy.

Fuel economy is an estimated 23 mpg city and 31 highway with the four-cylinder and manual gearbox and at 21 and 29 with the V-6 and automatic.

In between the S and top-line SEL models are Fusion SE four-cylinder and V-6 models, which have the manual or automatic transmission.

I tested the top-line $21,710 Fusion SEL with the automatic, and wouldn't have been surprised if the car listed at about $25,000. Yes, it's really that good -- perhaps because some 40 percent of its chassis parts come with few changes from the "zoom-zoom'' Mazda6.

Even the S is pretty well-equipped, with such standard items as air conditioning, tilt-telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player sound system -- and power windows, mirrors and locks with remote keyless entry.

The Fusion is built to compete with the top-selling Japanese mid-size sedans -- the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord -- although it also must confront the Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu and Hyundai Sonata.

Ford -- and industry analysts -- would be surprised if the Fusion immediately drew lots of Camry and Accord buyers because those cars have very loyal followings and established reputations. But Ford will be happy if the Fusion does at least moderately well next year; it's expected to account for most of the projected 300,000-unit annual sales of the trio.

The Mazda6 is one of the few Japanese cars that has a definite European sedan feel. Happily, the same is true for the Fusion, which has responsiveness that translates to driving fun.

Some might find the power steering too heavy at lower speeds, but it's accurate and feels better the faster you go. While firm, the all-independent suspension helps provide above-average handling and easily soaks up bumps. The brake pedal has a progressive feel that allows smooth stops.

The solidly built Fusion offers more than just driving fun. For one thing, it's unusually roomy for four tall adults, especially in the rear-seat area, although the center of the otherwise comfortable back seat is too hard to comfortably accommodate a third passenger.

The quiet interior's front seats offer good side support. And the dashboard has gauges with a custom look, along with easily reached controls that are clearly marked and conveniently placed cupholders. No quirks here, except for an oversized inside rearview mirror that can block visibility of overhead stoplights. The interior trim is reminiscent of Audis, which have some of the nicest interiors in the business.

There's plenty of in-cabin and trunk room, with a split-folding rear seat to greatly enlarge the cargo area. A low, wide trunk opening facilitates fast loading and unloading of cargo.

The hood is held open with an old-fashioned prop rod, but fluid filler areas are easily reached in the engine compartment.

Options shouldn't break the bank. They include an $825 five-speed automatic transmission for the four-cylinder models, $395 16-inch aluminum wheels for the SE, $895 leather seats for the SE or SEL, $95 traction control for V-6 models and several six- and eight-speaker upscale sound systems costing from $115 to $535.

Oh yes, let's not forget the $795 power sunroof for the SE and SEL.

Safety options include $595 anti-lock brakes, which prevent skids during panic stops, and a $595 package containing front side air bags and head-protecting side curtain air bags. A good option would be a rear obstacle detection system because a driver can't see where the back of the car ends or what's directly behind it.

No stability control system is offered, but the car has such good road grip that only reckless drivers will get into trouble with it.

The Fusion will offer an optional all-wheel-drive model next year, with a gas-electric hybrid version to follow.

The Fusion displays Ford product aggressiveness, which is also shown by the Mustang GT, but not by the Five Hundred, which could use more pizzazz. 

2006 FORD FUSION 

PRICES
$17,145-$21,710


LIKES
European feel. Distinctive. Roomy. Solid. Economical. Fast with V-6.


DISLIKES
Rather heavy steering. Firm ride. Can't see trunk when backing up.