Ford Fusion: Makes It Look Easy

The 2011 Ford Fusion (Courtesy of NetCarShow.com)

I always respect family cars that have every right to be dull transportation appliances, but go the extra mile to be interesting instead. It’s not such a special thing to build a reliable, functional, and affordable vehicle these days; making it interesting is the hard part. The Ford Fusion makes it look easy.

With conservative-yet-dynamic styling, a very capable suspension, and appealing pricing, the Fusion has gone a long way toward making the Ford oval a badge worthy of respect when it comes to compact sedans. Fresh off a 2010 update, the Fusion picks up a few new options for 2011, including available HD radio.

Want to take a walk on the wild side? You’ve got to opt for the available 6-speed manual transmission, which is available only on 4-cylinder Fusions. Six-speed manuals aren’t common in “working-class” sedans, so this particular car doesn’t have many challengers--just Mazda, Toyota, Subaru, and Buick.

The smooth-shifting six-speed is mated well to the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and the car’s dynamic abilities. The 2.5-liter is a big, torquey 4-cylinder that features all-aluminum construction and dual overhead cams. It produces 175 horsepower.

That may not seem like much, but the Fusion makes the absolute most of the horses on tap. Opting for the 3.0-liter V6 gets you up to 240 horsepower and a chance for all-wheel drive, but the V6 is only available with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Even the range-topping Fusion Sport, whose 3.5-liter V6 makes 263 horsepower, can only be had with an automatic.

Really, though, you don’t need six cylinders to have plenty of fun in this car. The engaging engine/gearbox combination enables the driver to make the most of the Fusion’s enjoyable chassis. The sporty independent short/long-arm front and multilink rear setup offers excellent feedback through the turns and a composed and stable ride on the freeway.

The Fusion is responsive and grippy, even in base form with cheap tires. Though not an outright sports sedan, it’s an entertaining drive thanks to responsive, communicative steering and a very solid and composed suspension.

Standard electronic power steering improves fuel economy and includes software that can help compensate for pull and drift caused by the road surface. Should things get further out of hand, there’s AdvanceTrac stability control and a strong set of disc brakes at all four wheels. The Fusion Sport gets some honest performance upgrades, including 18-inch wheels and a stiffer suspension.

Though a standout on convoluted roads and freeways alike, the Fusion hasn’t traditionally spoken that loudly, styling-wise. The latest version pushes that envelope slightly; its big, grinning grille has brought chrome back, in a big way. A distinctly domed hood gives the Fusion presence, while the triangular motif of the lower valance links the Fusion to the Fiesta and upcoming Focus as one of Ford’s junior vehicles. The three-box design is gracefully wind-shaped into a form that looks at home on the freeway.

The Fusion’s base interior isn’t all that “base.” The dash uses upscale materials and has a functional but handsome layout. A Fusion with no options doesn’t look like a stripped-out model, and even the base cloth upholstery is handsome and feels good to the touch. The upgraded leather interior can be had in a choice of two colors, and includes contrast stitching and unique dash trim. Handsome ambient interior lighting is an elegant touch.

It gets better from there, too, with options like a backup camera, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and rain-sensing wipers that have frequently only been found on luxury cars.

Ford’s blind-spot monitoring system is also available, and Fusions that are not so equipped get cool two-stage blind-spot mirrors. A SYNC infotainment system, Sirius satellite radio, backup camera, and a touch-screen navigation system are also available.

My test vehicle was a Fusion SE with the 2.5-liter engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. It stickered for $24,085 after the moonroof, SYNC system, and 18-inch sport wheels were installed. For that price, Ford offers a family-sized 4-door that’s as adept at tackling a road trip as it is a trip to the store, and provides entertaining driving besides. Definitely a good deal.