2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Looks Good - Why Did It Take So Long?

[Median Democrat]

I would like to buy American made and designed cars. Really. However, it has always seemed that the innovation and styling was poured into SUVs. Worse, it always seemed like American automakers equated fuel efficient cars with cheaply made cars such as the cheapo subcompacts that I'd drive when I rented a car on a business trip. Yes, many of us could afford a nicer car, but I wanted something that was fuel efficient. Thankfully, there appears to be a change. I am excited by reviews regarding the upcoming Ford Fusion 2010 hybrid. It is fuel efficient, but it is also not an "economy" car. Its a car that you can drive without looking like your mom and dad helped buy it for you as you went off to college. So, its about time. I was tired of being forced fed SUVs for the past decade. Hopefully, this change is here to stay, and not just an effort to attract auto bailout dollars.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/22/automobiles/autoshow/ford-fusion.html

/snip

Are they real? Yes, arguably the largest crowds of the Los Angeles auto show’s press days turned out for the introductions of the facelifted Fusion and Milan. Though Ford spent considerable time pointing out improvements in the gasoline-powered models, “the hybrids definitely grabbed the headlines,” said Alan Hall, a Ford spokesman.

What they said: “These are challenging times in the industry,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s North American operations chief, “but what will power us through, very simply, is great cars.”

What they didn’t say: Mr. Fields has actually spoken this exact line at the last umpteen auto shows, every year so far this century. The Fusion and Milan hybrids could prove worthy of the line. If Ford and Mercury can produce these hybrids quickly enough, and in sufficient numbers — and it remains in business long enough — these could be hits.

What makes them tick? For the gasoline-powered models, more of the same-old, same-old. But for the hybrids, Ford has taken the power package from its Escape Hybrid and wrung out more grunt from the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and improved efficiency from its nickel-metal-hydride battery pack and electric motor. City fuel economy is increased to as much as 39 miles per gallon. Ford happily notes that is at least 6 m.p.g. better than the archrival Toyota Camry Hybrid. Judicious use of the accelerator pedal could even improve that: up to 47 m.p.h., these hybrids can operate in electric-only mode, burning no gas at all.

How much, how soon? Production begins on all Fusion and Milan models in December, and sales should begin “in springtime,” Ford said. No pricing yet, but expect the hybrid models to average about $3,500 more than the gas burners, roughly the same premium the Escape Hybrid carries.

How do the look? Not a lot different from the handsome previous model, although the nose is more sculptured, and should be an aerodynamic boon to the people who race them. Who races sedans? Oh wait, Nascar does, for one

/snip

[Rosa Luxemburg]

1. are they making a totally electric car?

[Median Democrat]

2. I Think That's GM...

...however, after they killed the electric car in California, I have my doubts.

[elocs]

3. I heard the MI gov say that Detroit already had hybrids and the like in the pipeline,

but they take a few years to bring out and then they got hit with the perfect storm of the financial collapse.

[Median Democrat]

7. Whatever The Reason, Its Nice That Ford ...

...and just built a quality car that's fuel efficient, which I can drive without looking like I still am trying to pay off my student loans. I do hope that any further auto money is tied to compliance with stringent fuel economy standards. The new Fusion shows that American car companies can make a quality, desirable fuel efficient car when they are aren't chasing the high marging gas guzzling SUV market. It is nice to be excited about a new American car that is on the technological cutting edge.

<>

[elocs]

8. To be honest, to me so many different models of cars look alike nowadays.

When I was a kid you could watch the cars go by and know if it was a Ford or a Chevy or a Plymouth. We used to do the "bugs and no bugs back" thing also.

[Maru Kitteh]

12. I agree that it looks pretty plain, but it's a step in the right direction

and a welcome one.

[Old and In the Way]

13. There's a reason for that.

Cars are designed on CAD systems. You begin with some common aerodynamic principles to slip through the air and reduce drag to increase fuel efficiency. That creates similar design shapes.

[Median Democrat]

32. Well, That Explains Why It Also Looks Like An Audi From The 1990s

At a certain point, I guess you are saying that there is an optimal shape for aerodynamics and interior space. You can deviate for stylistic purposes, but at the cost of drag?

[Old and In the Way]

33. Pretty much.

Start with the same engineering assumptions/inputs, you get pretty much the same design outputs. Of course, then you tweak the design to give your product a somewhat distinct look.

[XOKCowboy]

14. Not bad lines. I'd buy one..

[rwheeler31]

4. That does look good.

[Captain Hilts]

5. Looks like a Passat. nt

[Old and In the Way]

11. My thoughts, too...maybe because I have one.

Mine gets 35 MPG on the road. I wanted a manual transmission, but you can't buy that today in an American car.

[Captain Hilts]

21. I have a 2000 4 cylinder turbo. On the hwy it gets 37mph. 600 miles per tank.

Urban driving about 400 miles per tank.

LOVE it!

Everything a car should be - and SO much more!

Mine looks like this:

[Old and In the Way]

31. You showed me yours, so I'll show you mine :-)

<>

Best car I ever owned. I was talking with the VW/Audi service tech a few weeks ago and joked that the Passat was a "poor man's Audi". He said, "don't laugh, same engine with lots more space/wheelbase than the A4...at a much better price."

[Captain Hilts]

34. Yes, my Haynes manual is for Pissant and A4. LOVE, L O V E the dash with blue lights at night.nt

[JI7]

6. they look really good

[NYC_SKP]

9. Big three had their heads up their asses, no leadership from Washington.

No leadership since Carter.

Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards were, in essence, forgotten in that they weren't strengthened.

You know, let the market forces work things out--that's always best. :sarcasm:

Assholes, and short-sighted presidents on this matter: Reagan-Bush-Clinton-Bush.

Lookie:

[doc03]

10. I have done some reading on the Fusion/Milan Hybrids

I believe Motor Trend had a very positive article on them. I will be going to the Cleveland Auto Show in a few days and am anxious to see them. The worry I have with them is with gas prices being low at this time will they sell? From what I have heard the only cars moving right now are the SUVs and pickups again, Americans have a very short memory. The Fusion/Milan compare favorably with the Camry Hybrid, I believe they get around 6 MPG more in the city than the Camry Hybrid. The Fusion/Milan also have had world class quality and reliability since they were introduced. Don't you get a tax credit on the Hybrids the first year they are introduced? Also there is a tax credit for new cars in the Stimulus Bill. I will be needing a new car soon and am very seriously considering the Fusion or Milan.

[BlooInBloo]

15. It's a mazda - so it can't be all bad.

[doc03]

17. It's a Mazda? n/t

[TommyO]

18. The original Fusion was built on a stretched, modified Mazda 6 platform

But it's by no stretch of the imagination a Mazda 6.

[BlooInBloo]

22. It's a Mazda.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/family_four_doors/ford_fusion_first_drive_review

[Romulox]

23. Wrong again (what a shock). nt

[Jack_DeLeon]

16. If I could afford one I would definately buy one...

its a nice looking car and has some nifty technology in it.

[DemoTex]

19. Looks very Saab-ish in the profile view.

Like a 9-5 sedan. I like it!

[onetiredmom]

20. I have a 2006 Fusion.

It's not a hybrid, but I have really enjoyed driving it. Have 48,000 miles on it and so far have not had any problems with it. For me, who was driving an 9 yr old Saturn, it was like a luxury car. It drives smoothly and quietly.

If I were ready to buy a new car, I would seriously consider the Hybrid Fusion.

[Romulox]

24. So let me get this straight: you are using the upcoming Fusion hybrid as an opportunity to complain

:wtf:

[Median Democrat]

25. Yes

nm

[Romulox]

26. So it's not about the environment, or "cars people want", or anything like that

It's about the need to tear down American workers regardless? Again, :wtf:

[Median Democrat]

27. Wrong.

nm

[Romulox]

28. Whatever. I've seen your work, and I'm pretty close to the mark. nt

[Median Democrat]

29. Nice Strawmen

nt

[Romulox]

30. Did you *really* need to edit to produce this "materpiece"?

:eyes: