Highlight: If Aston Martin ever decided to build a mass market midsize vehicle, all doubt has been removed. The 2013 Ford Fusion is the embodiment of what that vehicle will look like.
Test vehicle’s MSRP: $37,670 (Base Model starts at $22,695)
Seating Capacity: 5
Standard Safety Features: airbags (driver, passenger, knee, side and curtain); electric-assist parking brake; a tire pressure monitoring system; a traction control system; a hill start assist system; and an electronic stability control system
Standard Equipment: 16-inch wheels; a 6-speed transmission; chrome grille; cloth seats; manual adjusted front seats; LED rear tail lamps; SYNC MyVoice smartphone-like system; automatic headlights; a capless fuel door; and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel
Standard Audio: a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD player
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
MP3 Compatibility: Yes
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter/175-hp (S model)
Recommended Fuel: Regular Unleaded
Standard Fuel Mileage: 22-city/34-hwy
Trim Levels:
S
SE
Hybrid
Energi Plug-in hybrid
What’s New: The 2013 front-wheel drive Fusion has been reworked inside and out, offering
an European exterior design, high-tech features and an import-like interior.
Pros: The second-generation Fusion no longer has that me-too design. The 2013 adds a fresh approach to today’s family sedans, using European design cues. While the previous model was a well-built vehicle, it lacked the pizazz we found in the redesigned Fusion. And just like with the previous model, the vehicle is available with a hybrid or a non-hybrid engine in either an all-wheel drive or a non-all-wheel drive configuration. The wheelbase is longer, which equates to more interior cabin space.
The 2013 Fusion also offers a few segment firsts, an electronic parallel parking system, a radar-activated cruise control system and a plug-in hybrid system. No other vehicle in this segment offers these features.
In addition to the segment firsts, our Titanium model was equipped with 19-inch wheels, an electronic parking brake, an active parking sensing system, a radar-activated cruise control system, a voice-activated navigation system, a push-button keyless starter, a keyless door opener, a power driver’s seat with memory settings, leather seats, heated front seats, an automatic review mirror, a dual zone temperature control system, a 6-speaker audio system with satellite radio, a lane departure warning system and a blind spot monitoring system.
Moreover, the suspension system wasn’t too harsh or too cushy. Ford engineers offered a balanced ride and handling experience.
Furthermore, Ford’s pricing system allowed buyers a reason to consider a fuel-sipping hybrid.
Pricing for the SE hybrid model was about $1,000 more than the comparable non-hybrid model, while the upper end Titanium hybrid model was priced the same as the non-hybrid Titanium model. This pricing approach gives buyers a reason to consider swapping out the traditional gas engine for the latest fuel- saving technology.
Cons: Ford’s interior designers should consider offering a front-center sliding armrest. Although it took a moment to get use to Ford’s overly high-tech vehicle, knobs and dials will be a welcome feature on the brand’s next-generation MyFord Touch system.
Moreover, in the upscale Titanium model we reviewed lacked an optional moonroof. From a packaging standpoint, the moonroof should be a standard feature on the high-end Fusion Titanium model. In fact, a dual roof should be available on the vehicle similar to that of the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima sedans. Furthermore, when fully loaded, the non-hybrid Fusion Platinum costs significantly more than its competitors. Pricing exceeded, in some cases, vehicles in the larger car segment.
The Verdict: The Fusion we reviewed had a whopping 11,000 miles on it by the time it ended up in our hands. By having such high-mileage, this gave us an opportunity to thoroughly scrutinize the vehicle, listening for abnormal sounds and searching for excessive wear-and-tear, asi it relates to the interior. Surprisingly, this one still drove and looked, as if it were showroom new. Everything was basically in perfect working order, no wear and tear throughout the interior, as we have experienced with other high-mileage vehicles we have reviewed.
Our early review of the Ford Fusion indicates that the automaker has a winner on its hands. Thus far sales have exceeded expectations, propelling this vehicle to one of the top selling vehicles in this ultra- competitive segment. In fact, for the first eight months of the year, the Fusion ranks as one of the top ten models in America.
The success of Ford’s European styling coupled with its high-tech features makes the new Fusion a standout. Early sales indicate buyers are willing to pay a premium to get their hands on this fancy Ford and many of its premium features. The Fusion breaks the mold of the brand’s typically square-like designs. Ford is also the only automaker in this segment offering a gasoline model, a hybrid model and a hybrid plug-in model.
Competition: Chevy Malibu, Chrysler 200, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda6, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy and Toyota Camry
Reviewer’s Background:
Jeff Fortson is an auto analyst and editor of a car-buying website for women and minorities. To learn more about his popular car-buying workshop and/or to price a new-vehicle, drive on over to JeffCars.com. Follow him twitter/JeffCars.
