Autoblog

Ford recalling 126,000 Fusions and Milans over wheel separation concern

Zach Bowman — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Ford, Mercury

Ford has announced a recall of certain Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan vehicles after an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A total of 128,616 2010 and 2011 models equipped with steel wheels may have been manufactured with wheel studs that could crack and split over time. If that happens, the vehicle may experience a wheel separation.

According to The Detroit News, the company is aware of a total of 30 wheel separation incidents, one of which occurred on the front of the vehicle. Even so, no injuries have been reported as a result of the defect.

The problem apparently stems from the fact that the mounting pads on the vehicles' steel wheels may have been faulty from the factory. In addition, the wheel mounting face on rear disc brakes may not have been installed properly. Ford will inspect the rear disc face and replace them as necessary. In addition, the company will replace all of the vehicle's wheel studs free of charge. Head to the NHTSA website for more information, and click past the jump to view the full recall notice.

Continue reading Ford recalling 126,000 Fusions and Milans over wheel separation concern

Ford recalling 126,000 Fusions and Milans over wheel separation concern originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Ford Fusion safety investigation opened by NHTSA

Dan Roth — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Ford

The 2010 Ford Fusion is the subject of a preliminary investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Problems and complaints that would have been mere blips on the radar in the past are now cause for further scrutiny, and four complaints against the 2010 Fusion, three from the same fleet, have sparked interest.

Even though most of the complaints come from the same 22-car fleet, different operators were behind the wheel when the cause of the complaints occurred. The concern is that the wheel studs could fracture, as the complaints allege happened, which could then lead to a wheel leaving the vehicle and, rather obviously, loss of control.

Though they certainly are not screws at all, you could think of the wheel studs as the "screws" to which lug nuts are attached to secure a wheel to the vehicle, and in this case, the Fusion has five wheel studs per wheel.

A full recall could involve some 280,000 vehicles, and Ford is reportedly cooperating with the agency to bring the situation to a resolution.

[Source: Detroit News]

2010 Ford Fusion safety investigation opened by NHTSA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA investigating 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan for accelerator pedal entrapment due to floormat stacking *UPDATE

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Ford, Mercury

2010 Ford Fusion Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

After the big mess that was the Toyota recall, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is taking quick action when any reports of accelerator pedal entrapment are reported. Case in point: The 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan are being investigated after NHTSA received only three instances of floor mats hindering the gas pedal's movement. Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

A grand total of 249,301 cars are being investigated over this potential problem with Ford's all-weather floor mats, and we'll have more details as they arise. Here's hoping we don't have to relive the Toyota debacle all over again.

*UPDATE: We spoke with Said Deep, Ford's global product communications manager, who points out that NHTSA's investigation relates to instances where the optional all-weather floor mats have been stacked on top of the factory-installed carpeted mats. Deep further outlines this, saying:

Ford does not recommend stacking floor mats in any vehicle from any automaker. In fact, Ford's all-weather floor mats have these instructions printed on the top of every driver's mat. We are not aware of any customer complaints or any accidents related to 2010 Fusions and Milans with properly installed floor mats.

Ford will be fully cooperating with NHTSA on the investigation.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

[Source: The Detroit News]

NHTSA investigating 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan for accelerator pedal entrapment due to floormat stacking *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cars.com hosts eight-car family sedan shootout with surprising results

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 03 May 2010 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Nissan, Suzuki, Toyota

Midsize sedans don't have it easy anymore. In addition to packing tons of features (technology, safety, comfort) into a relatively affordable package, these vehicles have to be relatively good to drive, functional and not too bad on the eyes. We've seen all sorts of family sedan comparisons, and now Cars.com dishes up its own eight-car test, featuring the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Suzuki Kizashi, Mazda6 and new Hyundai Sonata.

The eight sedans were not only tested by members of the Cars.com team, but by an actual family of four in an attempt to see what real-world drivers look for the most. The "real family" is comprised of Ben and Jill Tiernan of Los Angeles, as well as their two children, an infant and a toddler. The family drove the cars on highways and city roads, and took their time poking and prodding through the cabins of each tester. Ben and Jill's notes were also compiled and included in the end result data, with father Ben liking the Kizashi the best, while wife Jill raised her hand for the Camry.

What's more, the overall question of fuel economy was put into greater focus. Efficiency is one of the strongest selling points in this segment, and it's no secret that automakers tout the highway mileage numbers of these cars in an effort to attract buyers. Cars.com went a step above - not only noting the EPA estimated fuel economy, but recording what the cars' trip computers displayed, as well as calculating the actual at-the-pump fuel economy. The Hyundai Sonata's 35 mpg might be the highest number on monroney labels, but in the actual calculations, the Ford Fusion's 32.1 observed mpg trumps the recorded 27.8 mpg in the Sonata.

What's most interesting, though, are the end results. We won't spoil the final findings, but it's important to note that the Ford Fusion - a car which has garnered a ton of praise (Motor Trend Car of the Year, etc.) - came in dead last amongst the group, with the Chevrolet Malibu not falling very far behind. On top of that, Toyota's Camry is usually the top pick in these tests (Motor Trend would agree), but it doesn't take first place honors here. How does the well-received Honda Accord fare in all of this? What about newcomers Sonata and Kizashi? Read the full results for yourself at Cars.com.

[Source: Cars.com]

Cars.com hosts eight-car family sedan shootout with surprising results originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 May 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ford Fusion Hybrid pays off quickest

Nik Bristow — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Sedan, Ford

2010 Ford Fusion - Click above for to enlarge

For about the first 110 years of the automobile, the gold standard of eco-thriftiness was a car's miles-per-gallon rating. With the rise of hybrids, plug-ins, biofuels and the like, cost-per-mile might be the better measurement of road-going value. The idea is simple: if a car is powered by a Mr. Fusion or Dilithium crystals or the laughter of children and only costs $.01 per mile to operate but it carries a sticker price of $500,000, its efficiency is never going to balance out its initial cost.

Well, the San Francisco Chronicle has compiled a list of seven popular hybrids along with estimates of how long it would take for each car to pay for its higher cost compared to non-hybrid models in gasoline savings. The winner by a long shot is the Ford Fusion Hybrid at a mere 5.6 years. Which car fared worst? The Nissan Altima Hybrid at a whopping 21 years. We have to wonder, 21 years from now, will they still be making batteries for a 2010 Altima Hybrid?

In short, if you're going by gas savings alone, hybrids don't really pay in the short term. Then again, if gasoline taxes shoot up or peak oil really is right around the corner, the cost per mile of these vehicles could very quickly tip in their favor. Read the full article here.

[Source: San Francisco Chronicle]

Report: Ford Fusion Hybrid pays off quickest originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford recalling 33,000 vehicles to replace... seat recliner?

Zach Bowman — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:21:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Ford

Ford has announced a recall of some 33,000 vehicles due to faulty front seat manual reclining mechanisms. The recall affects certain 2010 Ford Fusion, Explorer and Explorer SportTrac models, as well as 2010 Mercury Mountaineer and Milan vehicles. Both the Blue Oval and NHTSA are concerned that during an accident the mechanisms could fail and cause the back of the seat to move toward the rear of the vehicle, resulting in a possible injury.

While no injuries have been reported as a result of the defect, NHTSA found that the seats don't meet federal standards for head restraints and must be replaced. Ford will replace the hardware free of charge. For more information, visit NHTSA's website.

[Source: Associated Press]

Ford recalling 33,000 vehicles to replace... seat recliner? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You'll never guess which midsize sedan wins MT's latest comparo...

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota

2010 Toyota Camry - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ah yes, the good ol' midsize sedan. Bastion of the American family car set and holder of most automaker's sales crowns, as well as that of the best-selling automobile in the United States. As pointed out by Motor Trend, only three car nameplates have held the top sales spot in America in the last 20 years: the Ford Taurus, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

Of course, the current midsize sedan sales leader is none other than the aforementioned Camry. Unless you've been living under a rock for the last few months, you're certainly aware that Toyota has found itself in the hot seat with numerous claims of unintended acceleration and two separate recalls that are meant to deal with such safety defects.

Besides its recent safety woes, Toyota has had to deal with constant pressure from every other automaker seeking to dethrone the Camry as the midsize sales leader. So, the natural question is whether or not the segment stalwart can maintain its edge in the face of such stiff competition and a newly sullied reputation. MT sought the answer in its latest comparo.

These days, Ford's numero-uno midsize sedan is the Fusion, which was significantly redesigned this year, and that car won the coveted Motor Trend Car of the Year Award for 2010. Also new-for-2010 (as a 2011 model) are the Hyundai Sonata, which features swoopy new duds and a high-tech four-cylinder powertrain, and the Subaru Legacy, which is the only model in the segment to come standard with all-wheel drive.

Though not all-new for '10, the Chevrolet Malibu and Nissan Altima are certainly perennial power players in the midsize sedan segment, and as such were included in MT's comparison test. With introductions out of the way, who do you think could have grabbed the top spot in Motor Trend's comparison test of these seven leading midsize sedans? Hint: See the photo above. Suffice it to say... we were a bit surprised. Click here to see for yourself.

In related news, the boys from Inside Line have gone a slightly different route with a much smaller midsize sedan comparison, pitting the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2010 Mazda6 and 2010 Honda Accord together in a winner-takes-all fight. Click here for the results.

Do you agree with either MT or IL, or would you rank them totally differently? Have your say in 'Comments.'

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Camry

[Sources: Motor Trend, Inside Line]

You'll never guess which midsize sedan wins MT's latest comparo... originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford employees take Motor Trend calipers to Disney World, hit TSA snag in Detroit

Chris Shunk — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, Ford

When we look at Motor Trend magazine's golden calipers, we think of a prestigious trophy awarded each year to the publication's top car and truck of the year. Apparently, the Transportation Security Administration officials at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport see a weapon of mass destruction. Or something.

The proud engineers at Ford have been taking their well-deserved 2010 Ford Fusion Car of the Year award all over town, taking pictures and having a little fun, mimicking what athletes do when they win Lord Stanley's Cup in hockey or the Lombardi Trophy in football. Ford Research & Advanced Engineering employee Tony Phillips went as far as Disney World with the award, but apparently not before coming to the attention of the TSA at Detroit Metro airport. Phillips had rightly brought the sizable trophy onto the plane as a carry-on - after all, who would want to tell Allan Mulally that they lost the trophy at baggage claim?

MT's shiny hardware was eventually let on the plane after "some interesting discussion, and it made its way to Orlando to ride some rides and hang with Mickey. Surprisingly, the Orlando TSA agents were more familiar with Ford's award than were the security agents in the Motor City, and congratulations were given to them on the accomplishment. Just as an FYI for Ford, you can bring by your trophy to Autoblog headquarters any time you wish. We won't even frisk you at the door.

[Source: @Ford Online]

Ford employees take Motor Trend calipers to Disney World, hit TSA snag in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford brags about largest residual value increase in industry - $1,300+ year-over-year

Chris Shunk — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Ford

2010 Ford Fusion Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Residual values tell you a lot about a vehicle. If a car or truck has good quality and has plenty of customer demand it will have high residuals. If it's a lemon on wheels, clogging the rental lots, it will carry poor residuals. Detroit automakers have fared poorly in residual values for quite a few years, but it appears Ford may have taken a big step towards correcting that problem.

Ford is gleefully touting the results of the ALG January/February 2010 Residual Value Forecast for a good reason; the residuals of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles went up by $1,310 versus the January/February 2009 numbers. The residual values are based off of a formula that shows how much 2010 vehicles will be worth 36 months after purchase and Ford maintains the increase in residuals has a lot to do with the success of its latest redesigns and improved quality.

Proof of Ford's improved 36-month value scores comes in a comparison of the Fusion versus the Toyota Camry. The Fusion is now reportedly worth $687 more than the Camry after three years. The Ford Flex enjoys an even more decisive win versus the Toyota Highlander, as the boxy Blue Oval-branded wagon will reportedly be worth $1,800 more in three years. The 2010 Taurus scored the biggest increase, but not against the foreign competition. The smartly restyled sedan is worth $4,862 more after three years than the invisible 2009 Taurus. Both the Taurus and the Super Duty won the Kelly Blue Book Best Residual Value award in their respective segments.

A big reason Ford's residual values have skyrocketed in only one year is due to the automaker's improved status amongst customers. Fresh data from research firm Compete, Inc reportedly shows that the Blue Oval has surpassed Toyota in overall customer consideration for the past three months. Ford hasn't passed Toyota in Compete's customer satisfaction index since the firm began collecting data in 2002. Hit the jump to read over the Ford press release.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford brags about largest residual value increase in industry - $1,300+ year-over-year

Ford brags about largest residual value increase in industry - $1,300+ year-over-year originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fusion wins Motor Trend Car of the Year award

John Neff — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Ford

2010 Ford Fusion Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

For the first time ever, Motor Trend announced the winner of its annual Car of the Year award this afternoon live via webcast. Though the field of 23 contenders was highly competitive this year (follow the jump for a complete list), we guessed immediately that the winner was a Ford as soon as the webcast came online. How'd we know? The fact they were broadcasting the announcement from Ford World Headquarters in Detroit was a not-so-subtle clue. The Fusion, Taurus and Mustang were all in the running, but it was Ford's redesigned mid-size sedan, the Fusion, that took home the coveted Golden Calipers.

In retrospect, the choice is a solid one and not all that surprising. The Fusion was extensively reworked for the 2010 model year and features a new exterior design, new models and new powertrains. Ford offers a four-cylinder model, two strong V6 options and a full-on parallel hybrid variant, which means buyers should have no trouble finding a Fusion that fits their needs. And indeed they have, as the Fusion has already broken its own yearly sales record - with two months left to go.

Like MT, we're big fans of the Fusion here at Autoblog, and even have high hopes that one day it could be the domestic car that knocks the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord from atop their perches as the best selling cars in the States. That said, this Ford still has a long way to go. Toyota has sold nearly twice as many Camry models as the Fusion so far this year, and the Accord and Nissan Altima are still flashing their taillights at Ford's CoTY winner. It's not just demand, as Ford doesn't even have the production capacity at the moment to match Camry sales, and it doesn't help that the Mercury Milan siphons off a few potential Fusion customers, as well.

Nevertheless, this is less about what the Fusion could be in the future than what it is today: the 2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year. Congrats to Ford and the Fusion team.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion SE 6MT

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Ford Fusion wins Motor Trend Car of the Year award

Ford Fusion wins Motor Trend Car of the Year award originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fusion breaks into Top 10 best-selling vehicles amid best year ever

Chris Shunk — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Ford

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Click above for a high-res gallery

There was a time when Ford vehicles absolutely dominated the list of the top 10 vehicles sold in the U.S. The F-Series was always number one, followed by stalwarts like the Taurus, Explorer, Ranger and even the Focus (or Escort before that). 2001 was a long time ago, though, and the past eight years haven't exactly been stellar for the Blue Oval. The tide may be changing for 2009, though, as the Dearborn, MI-based automaker has seen its market share rise steadily in a down auto market.

Ford's biggest success may be the 2010 Fusion, as the sharply redesigned sedan now delivers best-in-class fuel economy, an impressive hybrid option, a Sport model and all the features and amenities necessary to compete against the best vehicles in the segment. Customers have taken notice of the new Fusion, and Ford's payoff is that Fusion sales are the best they've ever been. In fact, Ford has already eclipsed the model's all-time best sales year of 2007 by nearly 2,000 units. The Fusion is selling so well in this dismal car market that it has now made its way into the top 10 vehicles sold in the U.S. Ford can also take pride in the fact that the Fusion is the best-selling domestic car (not including trucks) in the U.S.

While the Fusion has finally hit its stride after five years on the market, Ford's mid-size sedan has a long way to go before catching the Japanese bogeys. The Toyota Camry has nearly doubled the Fusion's year-to-date sales of 151,000 units, and the Honda Accord isn't too far behind. Even the Nissan Altima is ahead of the Fusion by nearly 18,000 units.

While the Fusion still has a ways to go before it can look down upon the likes of Camry and Accord, we're thinking cracking the Top 10 is still worth a Dos Equis or two. Hit the jump to read over the Ford press release, which is rightfully chock full of bragging.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Fusion breaks into Top 10 best-selling vehicles amid best year ever

Ford Fusion breaks into Top 10 best-selling vehicles amid best year ever originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Inside Line presides over the battle of the fuel sippers

Chris Shunk — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Videos, Ford, Honda, Mini, Toyota, Volkswagen, Diesel

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Fuel efficiency has finally moved to the forefront of many consumers' minds after 2008's record fuel price spike and demand is higher than ever for miser-mobiles. Several vehicles have benefited from the green car movement, and the Inside Line crew corralled three hybrids, a diesel and a supersized go-kart in the ultimate test of fuel economy prowess.

The Toyota Prius, Mini Cooper, Honda Insight, Ford Fusion and VW Jetta TDI were assembled to compete for the best fuel economy in city, highway and back road driving. IL also measured the cost to fuel each vehicle and the amount of CO₂ each emitted during the test. The five vehicles were prepped to do battle, but ultimately it wasn't much of a fight.

The Toyota Prius won every conceivable category by a significant margin with amazingly similar fuel economy between 47 and 48 mpg in all driving tests. The Prius also took on all comers in regards to carbon emissions as the symbol of green motoring spewed .08 fewer pounds of pollutants during the test than the second place Honda Insight. Hit the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Inside Line]

VIDEO: Inside Line presides over the battle of the fuel sippers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fusion Hybrid the most patented car in history?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Ford

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Click above for a high-res image gallery

More technology than ever before is being added to modern automobiles, and much of this whiz-bang tech has been created to cut down on fuel consumption and reduce emissions. This being the case, it's not particularly surprising to hear that the new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid holds the title of The Most Patented Car in History. So says Christine Wren, director of business development for The Patent Board, a firm that tracks and analyzes patents across 17 industries globally:

Ford's patented technologies are closer to the cutting edge than its competitors. Ford's overall patent portfolio plays a significant role in serving as a foundation for other technology innovation as shown by receiving 20 percent more citations than the average portfolio in this industry.

Just how many patents are we talking about? According to the Blue Oval, there are 119 total patents and patent applications for the 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid alone, including patents related to Ford's proprietary hybrid technology, SmartGuage with EcoGuide, Blind Spot Information System and EasyFuel Capless Fuel-Filler System. Want to know more? Make the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Fusion Hybrid the most patented car in history?

Ford Fusion Hybrid the most patented car in history? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Ford Fusion SE 6MT proves that sometimes less is more

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, Ford, New Car Reviews

2010 Ford Fusion SE 6MT - Click above for high-res image gallery

What we have here is a rare breed. A mid-size sedan from a domestic automaker equipped with a manually actuated clutch. In fact, the 2010 Ford Fusion (and its rebadged brother, the Mercury Milan) are the last examples offered with Detroit Three nameplates. The Fusion's competition from Chrysler and General Motors are only available with automatic gearboxes, and while the import brands all offer the option to shift-it-yourself, few are actually purchased by stick-averse Americans.

So when Ford released its powertrain combinations for the 2010 Fusion, we were surprised to find that not only was a manual available on S and SE four-cylinder models, but the Blue Oval also upgraded ye olde five-speed cog-swapper to a six-speed unit. As fans of the three-pedal arrangement, we promptly requested a manual Fusion to see how it stacks up to the high expectations set by the V6-powered 2010 Fusion Sport we've already reviewed.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion SE 6MT

Continue reading Review: 2010 Ford Fusion SE 6MT proves that sometimes less is more

Review: 2010 Ford Fusion SE 6MT proves that sometimes less is more originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ford speaks Fusion in new ad campaign

John Neff — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Ford

2010 Ford Fusion - Click above to watch videos after the jump

Despite the recession, tumbling auto sales and an uncertain future, good cars are still being made. The 2010 Ford Fusion is one example. The Fusion Sport just spent a week in the Autoblog Garage and we're in the midst of reviewing the rest of the lineup, as well.

Whether it's from a domestic or import, good product needs to be talked about during these troubled times, because it's one thing that can get people back into show rooms and buying again. Ford has launched a new ad campaign to get people talking about the 2010 Fusion that kicks off with three commercials you may or may not have seen on TV yet. The "We Speak" commercials are fairly simple in execution, show a lot of the car and two out of the three spots hit home the message that the Fusion is the most fuel efficient mid-size vehicle sold in the U.S. You may say yay or nay on how effective the commercials will be, but we're talking about them, right? Follow the jump to view all three for yourself and let us know what you have to say in the comments.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ford speaks Fusion in new ad campaign

VIDEO: Ford speaks Fusion in new ad campaign originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mullaly rings man who chooses Ford Fusion Hybrid over Toyota Prius

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:18:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Ford

When applicants were first being interviewed to replace Bill Ford as the top man in the Blue Oval Office, we wonder what exactly the process included. It turns out that in addition to being a pretty good salesman, Alan Mulally is also adept at making house calls. The FoMoCo CEO personally phoned Michael Snapper, a lawyer hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to thank him for purchasing a Ford Fusion Hybrid over a Toyota Prius.

To put this into perspective, could you imagine getting a personal call from Honda's Takeo Fukui, personally thanking you for purchasing a Honda over a Harley? Or from Steve Jobs, congratulating you for choosing an iPod in lieu of a Zune? Ridiculous, no?

If this seems like nothing more than a publicity stunt, well, it's exactly that. Regardless, Ford is a company that can use all the positive pub it can get right now, and a phone call from the very top of the company symbolically sets an example that customer service is among the highest of priorities for the automaker - from the top down.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

[Source: Detroit News]

Mullaly rings man who chooses Ford Fusion Hybrid over Toyota Prius originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Ford Fusion hybrid earns full $3,400 federal tax credit

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Ford

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

In the market for a fuel-sipping mid-size sedan? Now, and for a limited time only, buyers of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid will be eligible for the $3,400 federal tax credit for hybrid vehicles. Late last year, Ford hit the magic 60,000 limit on individual hybrid sales that's been imposed by the Feds, so the tax credit for all of the Blue Oval's hybrid machines will be halved beginning on April 1st. Beginning in October, the credit will again be cut in half to $850 and the entire amount will be gone starting January 1st of 2010.

Tax credit or not, the 2010 Fusion Hybrid's EPA rating of 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway bests the Toyota Camry Hybrid by a whopping eight mpg in the city and two mpg on the highway. For what it's worth, hybrid tax credits for Toyota (and Honda, for that matter) have already expired.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Continue reading 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid earns full $3,400 federal tax credit

2010 Ford Fusion hybrid earns full $3,400 federal tax credit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Ford Fusion 4-banger scores best-in-class 23/34 mpg!

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:04:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Ford

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Ford Fusion

When we drove the thoroughly refreshed Fusion out in California after the LA Auto Show, it proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable ride. It now turns out that the Fusion is not only fun to drive, but also fuel efficient in forms other than the new Fusion Hybrid. The EPA has just finished crunching the numbers on fuel consumption for the four-cylinder Fusion and Mercury Milan, and the results are good. Very good. The 2.5L four-cylinder with new six-speed automatic is rated at 23 mpg city and 34 mpg on the highway. By comparison, the 2009 2.3L Fusion was rated at just 20/28 mpg.

Those numbers are good enough to beat out every other four-cylinder mid-size sedan sold in the U.S. Compared to offerings from Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Chevrolet and Hyundai, it beats the the Altima's 23 mpg city mileage and the Malibu's 33 mpg highway number.

Related:

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion SEL

Continue reading 2010 Ford Fusion 4-banger scores best-in-class 23/34 mpg!

2010 Ford Fusion 4-banger scores best-in-class 23/34 mpg! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fusion rumored to get 2.0-liter EcoBoost four in 2010

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Ford

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

We've known for almost a year that Ford's EcoBoost line of turbocharged engines would proliferate through the Blue Oval's lineup, beginning with the 3.5-liter V6 and then moving downward in displacement to include turbocharged 2.0- and 1.4-liter inline fours. When the wraps came off the 2010 Ford Fusion in LA, we were disappointed that Ford hadn't announced the availability of the 2.0-liter turbo, with horsepower and torque output similar to the blown four-pot offered by GM (260 hp, 260 lb-ft). We would've been happy to see the turbo'd 1.4-liter that our own John McElroy had the chance to sample in May, but alas, nothing.

Now, the Detroit News reports that a four-cylinder EcoBoost is likely to be available in the Fusion sometime in 2010, but Ford spokesperson Said Deep says it's too early to speculate on displacements. Offering the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine in both the Fusion and possibly the next evolution of the Explorer would do wonders for Ford's CAFE ratings, but according to our own sources, don't expect the new mill to make it to market until 2011.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

[Source: Detroit News]

Ford Fusion rumored to get 2.0-liter EcoBoost four in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport/SEL

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Ford, First Drives

2010 Ford Fusion SEL - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last month at the LA Auto Show, Ford finally took the wraps off its refreshed 2010 Fusion and this week we returned to LA to actually drive it. For a car meant to compete in the heart of the highest volume segment in the U.S. market, Ford chose a rather surprising way to show it off. This is after all a segment long dominated by cars that typically have more in common with a Kenmore refrigerator than a Corvette.

We kicked off the festivities with a mileage challenge through downtown Beverly Hills and Hollywood in the Fusion Hybrid, but then things got really interesting. The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord have seemingly been the top selling cars in America since they supplanted the Model T early in the last century. After a similar number of decades of soulless, unattractive and unreliable alternatives, U.S. automakers have been battling back in recent years with mixed success. Since the Fusion debuted in 2006, it has earned a reputation of being among the most fun to drive offerings in the segment, as well as having quality on par with the Japanese brands. For 2010, the crew in Dearborn have focused on enhancing what was already good and getting best in class in efficiency with more style. Read on to find out if they succeeded.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion SEL

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport/SEL

First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport/SEL originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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