Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[<i>Car and Driver</i> announces 2010 10Best Cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/image-car-and-driver-announces-2010-10best-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/image-car-and-driver-announces-2010-10best-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/image-car-and-driver-announces-2010-10best-cars/#commentsFiled under: ,

Our pals over at Car and Driver, now helmed by our esteemable buddy Eddie Alterman, just released their 2010 10Best Cars. Quite an undertaking. As they put it, "58 contenders. $2.5 million total. 12,000 test miles logged." For those keeping track, this is the 28th time C/D has published their 10Best. Surprises this year? No not really. The BMW 3 Series continues its unabated drive of dominance to 10Best history with an impressive, will-probably-never-be-duplicated 19th straight win. Not to be too outdone, the Honda Accord also makes the cut for a 24th time, though not consecutive.

Also note that while the Audi S4 makes the grade, the run-of-the-mill (so to speak) A4 does not. We're also pleased to see the Ford Fusion Hybrid getting its just dues (again, it's interesting that the gas-only version doesn't). And of course, you've got your yearly appearance by the Mazda Miata MX-5, Porsche Boxster / Cayman and Volkswagen GTI. Falling off the list this year? The Chevrolet Corvette, Infiniti G37, and the Jaguar XF.

Would we have done things much differently? Probably not much, though we must admit we were pulling for the highly impressive Suzuki Kizashi to make its debut and we're a bit surprised to not see one of the new crop of pony cars on the list. Maybe next year. Alphabetical list of winners after the jump.

[Source: Car and Driver | Image Source: R.S. Owens]

Continue reading Car and Driver announces 2010 10Best Cars

Car and Driver announces 2010 10Best Cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10 Best10 best cars10Best10best cars10BestCars2010 Audi S42010 BMW 3 Series2010 Cadillac CTS2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid2010 Honda Accord2010 Honda Fit2010 Mazda Miata MX-52010 Mazda32010 Porsche Boxster2010 Volkswagen GTI2010AudiS42010Bmw3Series2010CadillacCts2010FordFusionHybrid2010HondaAccord2010HondaFit2010Mazda32010MazdaMiataMx-52010PorscheBoxster2010VolkswagenGtiBMW M3BmwM3Car DriverCar Driver 10BestCarDriverCarDriver10bestCaymanCDCTS-VFord FusionFordFusionMazdaSpeed3Ten Best CarsTenBestCarsTue, 24 Nov 2009 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Fusion wins <i>Motor Trend</i> Car of the Year award]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/ford-fusion-car-of-the-year-motor-trend/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/ford-fusion-car-of-the-year-motor-trend/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/ford-fusion-car-of-the-year-motor-trend/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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

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[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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford fusion2010FordFusionbreakingcar of the yearCarOfTheYearcotyfordford fusionford fusion cotyFordFusionFordFusionCotyfusionfusion car of the yearfusion cotyfusion hybridfusion sportFusionCarOfTheYearFusionCotyFusionHybridFusionSportmotor trendmotor trend car of the yearMotorTrendMotorTrendCarOfTheYearTue, 17 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Fusion breaks into Top 10 best-selling vehicles amid best year ever]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/ford-fusion-breaks-into-top-10-best-selling-vehicles-amid-best-y/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/ford-fusion-breaks-into-top-10-best-selling-vehicles-amid-best-y/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/ford-fusion-breaks-into-top-10-best-selling-vehicles-amid-best-y/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford fusion2010 fusion2010 fusion sales2010FordFusion2010Fusion2010FusionSalesfordford fusionFordFusionfusionfusion salesFusionSalestop 10 vehicles sold 2009Top10VehiclesSold2009Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2009: The rest of the best at the Ford display]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-the-rest-of-the-best-at-the-ford-display/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-the-rest-of-the-best-at-the-ford-display/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-the-rest-of-the-best-at-the-ford-display/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The rest of the Ford display - Click above for high-res image gallery

SEMA is an interesting show. We go in knowing full well that 60-75% of the cars we'll be walking past and/or covering are just trash. Sorry if this bombshell offends anyone, but your Chrysler 300C doesn't need 26-inch hoops, nor seventy gallons of sparkle orange paint. Or diamonds. But, as Doyle Brunson might say if he covered cars instead of being the Godfather of Texas Hold 'Em, that's SEMA.

We mention this in the "other Fords" post because some of these custom FoMoCos look fantastic, or at least pretty good. But 60-75% of them, well, we're not entirely sold. Let's start with the good. Despite the two-tone paint job, we're pretty darn smitten with the Fusion T4 by MRT above. More cars need big old intercoolers taking up the whole lower fascia. And while they might be an inch (or three) too big, the wheels are nice. And that white Lincoln MKS? Nice.

But then you got the other cars contained in this here gallery, and... um.... we like the Lincoln MKT, because well, we just like MKTs. But we're not sold on the Focus upgrades, especially since Ford saw fit to bring a Euro Focus RS to the show. Game, set, outmatched. And don't even get us started on the Edge they've cooked up here. Specifically, the wing on the back. No really - see for yourself.


Gallery: SEMA 2009: The rest of the Ford display


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

SEMA 2009: The rest of the best at the Ford display originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EdgeFlexFocusFocus RSFocusRsFordford edgeford focusford fusionFord Transit ConnectFordEdgeFordFocusFordFusionFordTransitConnectFusionLincolnLincoln MKSlincoln MKTLincolnMksLincolnMktSEMASEMA 2009SEMA ShowSema2009SemaShowTransit ConnectTransitConnectFri, 06 Nov 2009 15:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford recreating Fiesta Movement with Fusion 41 program]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/ford-recreating-fiesta-movement-with-fusion-owners-with-fusion-4/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/ford-recreating-fiesta-movement-with-fusion-owners-with-fusion-4/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/ford-recreating-fiesta-movement-with-fusion-owners-with-fusion-4/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

Ford is diving into the burgeoning social media world head first. Based on the success of its Fiesta Movement, the Blue Oval has decided to launch a new program called Fusion 41 - so named because of the Fusion Hybrid's 41 mile-per-gallon EPA estimate in the city and the fact that Ford is looking for 41 participants to take part in its new game.

A total of eight Fusion or Fusion Hybrid owners will be chosen from all applicants received based on their social media presence, and those drivers will each choose four friends or family members to join their team. Ford will then hand out assignments that must be completed with photo and video proof that is to be uploaded to the driver's Facebook profile. Ford is calling the program an "automotive relay race," whatever that means.

So, what's the incentive to participate? For starters, each team will be given a new Fusion for the challenge, and the winning team captain will have their own Fusion or Fusion Hybrid paid off by Ford. Not bad, eh? Plus, participating team members from the winning group will earn free gas for one full year. Want to know more? Click past the break for the press release and visit www.fusion41.com before November 6th to enter the contest.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford recreating Fiesta Movement with Fusion 41 program

Ford recreating Fiesta Movement with Fusion 41 program originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>41 mpg41Mpgfiesta movementFiestaMovementfordford fusionford fusion 41ford fusion hybridFordFusionFordFusion41FordFusionHybridfusion 41fusion 41 mpgFusion41Fusion41Mpgsocial marketingsocial mediasocial media marketingsocial networkingsocial-networkingSocialMarketingSocialMediaSocialMediaMarketingSocialNetworkingThu, 22 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[STUDY: Ford owns brand loyalty in 2009; Scorned Saturn, Pontiac buyers will look outside of GM]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/study-ford-owns-brand-loyalty-in-2009-scorned-saturn-pontiac/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/study-ford-owns-brand-loyalty-in-2009-scorned-saturn-pontiac/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/study-ford-owns-brand-loyalty-in-2009-scorned-saturn-pontiac/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Ford buyers appear to love their cars more than customers of any other automotive brand, returning back to the American automaker when it comes time to purchase their next vehicle. According to a study by Experian Automotive, six of the top 10 vehicles for customer brand loyalty wear badges from the Blue Oval. That includes the Ford Fusion (62.4 percent), Ford Edge (57.9 percent), Ford Five Hundred/Taurus (56 percent), Ford Freestyle (51.9 percent), Ford Escape (49.4 percent) and the Ford Focus (47.57 percent).

Other vehicles making up the top 10 include the Toyota Prius (52 percent), Chevy Impala (51.7 percent), Toyota Camry (47.8 percent) and Toyota Corolla (47.56 percent). This brings up an interesting question: With the closing of automotive brands like Saturn and Pontiac, where are those buyers to turn for their next automotive purchase?

Apparently, not back to General Motors. According to Experian, Pontiac owners are most likely to look to the Ford lineup for their next car or truck and Saturn shoppers will switch to Toyota or Honda - not particularly surprising given that Saturn was meant to compete with import brands. Experian predicts that GM's overall market share will fall from 20 percent to about 17.5 percent, with most of the slack being picked up by Ford, Honda and Toyota.

[Source: Experian Automotive, USA Today]

Continue reading STUDY: Ford owns brand loyalty in 2009; Scorned Saturn, Pontiac buyers will look outside of GM

STUDY: Ford owns brand loyalty in 2009; Scorned Saturn, Pontiac buyers will look outside of GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brand loyaltyBrandLoyaltychevy impalaChevyImpalaexperianexperian automotiveExperianAutomotivefordFord Edgeford escapeFord Five Hundredford five-hundredford focusford freestyleford fusionFordEdgeFordEscapeFordFive-hundredFordFiveHundredFordFocusFordFreestyleFordFusionowner loyaltyOwnerLoyaltypontiacsaturntoyota camrytoyota carollatoyota priusToyotaCamryToyotaCarollaToyotaPriusFri, 16 Oct 2009 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Act silly, get a Ford Fusion Hybrid [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/10/act-silly-get-a-ford-fusion-hybrid-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/10/act-silly-get-a-ford-fusion-hybrid-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/10/act-silly-get-a-ford-fusion-hybrid-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mark Malkoff lurves the Fusion Hybrid - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Ford has already demonstrated strong, puppetmaster-like abilities with the whole Fiesta Agent thing. In exchange for agreeing to go on secretive "missions," a few dozen people were given a Ford Fiesta for six months this year (they're about due to give them back). Building from of that idea, comedian Mark Malkoff - yes, the guy who slept in an IKEA store for a week - is trying to collect the "Keys to the City" from as many cities as possible this month. Malkoff has convinced Ford to loan him a new Fusion hybrid while he travels around and performs a few stunts to earn those keys - including collecting all of the coins from a fountain in Fairfax, VA and cleaning up after the police horses in Harrisburg, PA.

We're not quite sure who's pulling who's strings here, but it seems someone's getting played. At least it's all in good fun. There's a video of Malkoff figuring out what the keys to the city are all about after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Act silly, get a Ford Fusion Hybrid [w/VIDEO]

Act silly, get a Ford Fusion Hybrid [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford fusionford fusion hybridford fusion hybrid mpgford fusion mark malkoffford hybridFordFusionFordFusionHybridFordFusionHybridMpgFordFusionMarkMalkoffFordHybridfusion hybridFusionHybridkeys to the cityKeysToTheCitymark malkoffMarkMalkoffSat, 10 Oct 2009 15:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Newlywed couple changes last names to Ford to celebrate... well, Fords]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/couple-changes-last-names-to-ford-to-celebrate-well-fords/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/couple-changes-last-names-to-ford-to-celebrate-well-fords/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/couple-changes-last-names-to-ford-to-celebrate-well-fords/#commentsFiled under: ,



When Jaime Case and Chris Hodges decided to get married, Jaime didn't want the regular run-up filled with fights, dresses, cakes, consultants and huge expenses. So she dreamed up a Wedding Road Trip, the theme of which was "Two people, two months, two hundred friends, one bad economy, one ring, one dress, one car, one life together." Essentially, it would be a trip around these United States - with plenty of rules - to see friends before getting married.

To help make the trip, Ford Motor Company donated a Fusion sedan to the couple's cause. It also happened that Jaime and Chris wanted to take new last names instead of Jaime taking her husband-to-be's surname, and so the couple spent months trying to come up with one. After "two months of long conversations, intense fights, and hours of thinking," the last name they came up with: Ford. That's right, they are now Chris and Jaime Ford.

There were five criteria they used to choose the new name, and eleven reasons why "Ford" was found to be perfect. We won't spoil it, but the justifications are wide-ranging, span rivers, a president and first lady, capitalism, egalitarianism, family, a Mustang fastback and two pickup trucks. Learn more at the link below.

[Source: Wedding Road Trip via USA Today | Image: The Ford Story]

Newlywed couple changes last names to Ford to celebrate... well, Fords originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>etcfordford fusionFordFusionfusionmarriagenamingroad tripRoadTripweddingThu, 27 Aug 2009 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - What a difference 60 degrees makes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/review-2010-ford-fusion-hybrid-what-a-difference-60-degrees-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/review-2010-ford-fusion-hybrid-what-a-difference-60-degrees-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/review-2010-ford-fusion-hybrid-what-a-difference-60-degrees-m/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

Recently, we had our third opportunity to drive the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Actually, the last go around was with a Mercury Milan Hybrid, but aside from a different nose and fanny, it is the same car. Even though we did a full review of the Milan, we asked Ford for another go around because of the difference in fuel efficiency compared to the first drive we did last December in California. We managed to achieve 43.1 mpg driving around Hollywood, beating the EPA city rating of 41. But back home in Michigan, a week of driving around Ann Arbor yielded only 29.4 mpg with the first several days actually barely managing to crack 27 mpg.

Why the big drop? It wasn't that we drove the Milan like a race car, although the Fusion and Milan do have some very nice dynamic properties. No, this was all about climate. While the temperatures in Hollywood were a very temperate mid-70s in December, six weeks later in Michigan, we were barely breaking out of the teens with overnight and early morning temps in the single-digit range. What we're about to say is heresy to the hybrid true believers, but hybrids are not the best solution for every driving condition. Find out why after the jump.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

2010fordfusionhybrid_review0002010fordfusionhybrid_review0012010fordfusionhybrid_review0022010fordfusionhybrid_review0032010fordfusionhybrid_review004

Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - What a difference 60 degrees makes

Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - What a difference 60 degrees makes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid2010FordFusionHybridfeaturedFordFord FusionFord Fusion HybridFordFusionFordFusionHybridFusionFusion HybridFusionHybridreviewreviewsWed, 19 Aug 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Inside Line presides over the battle of the fuel sippers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/video-inside-line-presides-over-the-battle-of-the-fuel-sippers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/video-inside-line-presides-over-the-battle-of-the-fuel-sippers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/video-inside-line-presides-over-the-battle-of-the-fuel-sippers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 mini cooper2009MiniCooper2010 ford fusion2010 honda insight2010 Jetta TDI2010 toyota prius2010FordFusion2010HondaInsight2010JettaTdi2010ToyotaPriusdieselford fusionFordFusionhonda insightHondaInsighthybridjetta tdiJettaTdimini cooperMiniCoopertoyota priusToyotaPriusWed, 12 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>Consumer Reports</i> says Ford's Fusion Hybrid is equal to Toyota Camry, only sportier]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/i-consumer-reports-i-says-fords-fusion-hybrid-is-equal-to-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/i-consumer-reports-i-says-fords-fusion-hybrid-is-equal-to-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/i-consumer-reports-i-says-fords-fusion-hybrid-is-equal-to-to/#comments
2010 Ford Fusion hybrid - Click above for high-res gallery

Ford's new 2010 Fusion Hybrid has earned plenty of accolades since it debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show last fall, and the latest praise comes from Consumer Reports. In its most recent round of testing, the entire Fusion lineup did well, but CR singled out the hybrid model and declared it "essentially tied" with long-time favorite, the Toyota Camry Hybrid. The Fusion racked up 34 mpg, beating out the Kia Optima in a test of mid-size family sedans.

Compared to the Camry, CR agreed with most other reviewers that the Fusion felt sportier:

"The new Fusions are very impressive especially the Hybrid," said David Champion, senior director of CR's Auto Test Center. "The Hybrid successfully blends excellent fuel economy with driving pleasure, something all other hybrids have failed to do."

Although we've disagreed with some of Consumer Reports' previous assessments, this is one case where we're of the same mind. Check out the official press release after the jump for more of CR's thoughts.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Consumer Reports says Ford's Fusion Hybrid is equal to Toyota Camry, only sportier

Consumer Reports says Ford's Fusion Hybrid is equal to Toyota Camry, only sportier originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer reportsConsumerReportsfordford fusionford fusion hybridford fusion hybrid mpgFordFusionFordFusionHybridFordFusionHybridMpgTue, 04 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Top search on Ford's Cash-for-Clunkers site is... the Mercury Milan?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/top-search-on-fords-cash-for-clunkers-site-is-the-mercury-mi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/top-search-on-fords-cash-for-clunkers-site-is-the-mercury-mi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/top-search-on-fords-cash-for-clunkers-site-is-the-mercury-mi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid - Click above for high-res gallery

On June 25, Ford launched its "Recycle Your Ride" website. The site is an easy guide to determine if your vehicle is eligible for Cash-for-Clunkers, and which Ford family vehicles are a good fit as a replacement. So far, Ford says it's had over 250,000 potential customers fill out the short form, and surprisingly, the modest-selling Mercury Milan is in a statistical dead heat with the Ford Fusion for the top replacement vehicle chosen.

To test out the site, we chose a 1997 Ford F-150 with a 4.6-liter V8 engine. Ford's site brought up 16 vehicles eligible for the $4,500 incentive, including the Focus, Escape, Mariner, Taurus, Fusion and Milan. The picking-up-sales-steam Fusion and the underrated Milan currently account for 30% of overall selections, and Ford tells us that the public is split right down the middle on which vehicle they prefer.

While it's quite surprising that the Milan is garnering as much attention as the more popular Fusion, the real proof is in the sales data. We're guessing that the Milan won't outperform the Fusion's 19,000 June sales any time soon.

[Source: Ford]

Top search on Ford's Cash-for-Clunkers site is... the Mercury Milan? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingCarBuyingcash for clunkersCashForClunkersford fusionFordFusionmercury milanMercuryMilanrecycle my rideRecycleMyRidesalvagetrade intrade instrade-intrade-insTradeInTradeInsFri, 10 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[John McCain tweets plans for next automobile purchase]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/16/john-mccain-tweets-plans-for-next-automobile-purchase/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/16/john-mccain-tweets-plans-for-next-automobile-purchase/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/16/john-mccain-tweets-plans-for-next-automobile-purchase/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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

If you're a politician worth your own salt, you apparently have to buy a car that contains both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. Former Republican presidential candidate John McCain is finally getting on the bandwagon and picking up his own little slice of green heaven, as he's announced on his Twitter page that he's buying a Ford Fusion Hybrid.

McCain's decision to go Blue Oval for his hybrid choice is a publicity boon for the Ford Motor Company, as the Arizona Senator's 777,000 Twitter followers have no doubt taken note of the make and model of the war hero's new ride, much like then-candidate Barack Obama did when he turned in his Chrysler 300C for a Ford Escape Hybrid. With his new Fusion hybrid, McCain will be able to patrol the streets of Washington while achieving a best-in-class 41 mpg city. Now... what will Sarah Palin buy next?


Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid


[Source: Los Angeles Times Blog]

John McCain tweets plans for next automobile purchase originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford fusion hybrid2010 fusion hybrid2010FordFusionHybrid2010FusionHybridford fusionford fusion hybridFordFusionFordFusionHybridfusion hybridFusionHybridjohn mccainJohnMccainMccaintweettwitterTue, 16 Jun 2009 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Fusion Hybrid the most patented car in history?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/ford-fusion-hybrid-the-most-patented-car-in-history/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/ford-fusion-hybrid-the-most-patented-car-in-history/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/ford-fusion-hybrid-the-most-patented-car-in-history/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford fusion2010 ford fusion hybrid2010FordFusion2010FordFusionHybridford fusionford fusion hybridford patentford patentsFordFusionFordFusionHybridFordPatentFordPatentsfusion hybridFusionHybridpatentThu, 04 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft CEO gets 1,000,000th Ford with SYNC]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/microsoft-ceo-gets-1-000-000th-sync-vehicle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/microsoft-ceo-gets-1-000-000th-sync-vehicle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/microsoft-ceo-gets-1-000-000th-sync-vehicle/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


One Millionth SYNC: Click above to view the high-res gallery

Ford and SYNC have combined to be the peanut butter and jelly of automotive tech combo deals. 80% of the vehicles Ford sells now has the infotainment system, helping the Blue Oval and Microsoft reach 1 million sales of the infotainment system in less than two years.

Since Microsoft created the SYNC software, it has just as much reason to celebrate its success as Ford. Microsoft CEO and Detroit native Steve Ballmer decided the best way to celebrate was to get his hands on SYNC vehicle number 1 million; a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The 41 mpg sedan was delivered by none other than Ford CEO Alan Mulally.

Mulally reiterated his support of SYNC, saying that Ford would "continue to innovate and expand the capability of SYNC by integrating even more new technologies that fit our customers' lifestyles." SYNC already interfaces with navigation and entertainment systems, and 911 Assist helps call emergency services in the event of an accident. SYNC will receive further updates this summer when it gains the ability to deliver traffic, directions and information services. Hit the jump to view the Ford press release, and check out the gallery below to see Mulally deliver a 2010 Fusion Hybrid to the Microsoft CEO.


Gallery: One Millionth SYNC


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Microsoft CEO gets 1,000,000th Ford with SYNC

Microsoft CEO gets 1,000,000th Ford with SYNC originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballmerfordFord FusionFordFusionfusionfusion hybridFusionHybridhybridmicrosoftmulallysyncThu, 28 May 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford issues warning on email hoax offering $15k Fusion Hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/15/15-000-fusion-hybrid-not-real-ford-issues-warning-on-email-hoa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/15/15-000-fusion-hybrid-not-real-ford-issues-warning-on-email-hoa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/15/15-000-fusion-hybrid-not-real-ford-issues-warning-on-email-hoa/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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

We imagine the world of corporate PR to be a little bit of pushing your own message and a whole lot of "We need to respond to what?" We can also only imagine how Ford's PR folks felt today when issuing a statement in response to a hoax email that has been making the rounds.

When we got an email earlier today from the "Ford Motor Company," we assumed it was the company's latest announcement on whatever. But the subject line, "Ford Motor Company OFFERS: Ford Fusion HYBRID Model 2010", seemed a bit fishy, and when we opened the email, the spamminess was unmistakable. The email claims that, because of the terrible economy, Ford would love to sell you a new Fusion Hybrid for just $15,000, or about half of the vehicles $27,270 starting price. The official response (available after the break, along with the spam email text) from Ford is that everyone should just ignore the email.

One person who's going to have a hard time ignoring the email is Gary Settles, who is named in the email as Ford Sales Manager for FoMoCo. In reality, Settles is the sales manager for Paul Miller Ford in Lexington, Kentucky. Settles told AutoblogGreen that he has "no earthly clue" how his name got attached to the email, but speculated that it could be somebody local because of some of the wording in the email that matches letters he sends out to people who've purchased cars from him in the past.

Oh, and if you're curious, Settles will indeed sell you a Fusion Hybrid, but the models he has available are more in the $30,000 price rage.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid


[Source: Ford, Gary Settles]

Continue reading Ford issues warning on email hoax offering $15k Fusion Hybrid

Ford issues warning on email hoax offering $15k Fusion Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 May 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AutoblogGreenfordford fusionford fusion hybridford fusion hybrid hoaxFordFusionFordFusionHybridFordFusionHybridHoaxhoaxhoax emailHoaxEmailFri, 15 May 2009 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford teams up with American Idol on one-off, karaoke-equipped, special edition Fusion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/02/ford-teams-up-with-american-idol-on-one-off-karaoke-equipped-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/02/ford-teams-up-with-american-idol-on-one-off-karaoke-equipped-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/02/ford-teams-up-with-american-idol-on-one-off-karaoke-equipped-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a hi-res gallery of the American Idol Edition Ford Fusion Hybrid

Some of use here at Autoblog gave up on American Idol a long time ago, but we're obviously the exception, because the talent show still pulls down monster ratings on a weekly basis. In this regard, AI's been a better showcase for Ford (whose involvement dates back to season 1) than say... Knight Rider.

Ford's sponsorship now includes a sweepstakes that will ultimately net someone a new car. Each week, the Idols are featured in some cringe-inducingly terrible music video that makes one long for the understated sophistication that was The Brady Bunch Variety Hour. Anyhow, these videos are posted on the American Idol website, where visitors can register to enter the Ford Music Video Challenge for a shot at the grand prize of a trip to the show's finale and a one-off American Idol Edition Ford Fusion Hybrid fitted with headrest-mounted backseat video screens, an in-car karaoke rig, AI floormats, and an AI trunk decal that would fall victim to a heat gun if it were up to us.

You can watch this week's video here if you dare. It's briefly encouraging in that it momentarily seems as if a Fusion Hybrid is going to mow down the intensely earnest and annoying final five Idols like black-clad bowling pins, but it swerves at the last minute to turn desert into grass, with pink trees sprouting in its multicolored electrical wake. You probably think that we're kidding, but no.


Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion American Idol Edition



[Source: American Idol / Ford]

Ford teams up with American Idol on one-off, karaoke-equipped, special edition Fusion originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 May 2009 14:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Ford2010FordAmerican IdolAmericanIdolBlue OvalBlueOvalFord FusionFordFusionFox NetworkFoxNetworkidolKara DioGuardiKaraDioguardiPaula AbdulPaulaAbdulRandy JacksonRandyJacksonRyan SeacrestRyanSeacrestSimon CowellSimonCowellSat, 02 May 2009 14:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Fusion vs bison, bison loses and driver walks away]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/02/fusion-vs-bison-bison-loses-and-driver-walks-away/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/02/fusion-vs-bison-bison-loses-and-driver-walks-away/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/02/fusion-vs-bison-bison-loses-and-driver-walks-away/#commentsFiled under: ,


click above to the enlarge the Fusion

Here in Michigan, high-velocity physical interaction between motor vehicles and hoofed mammals is an all-too-common occurrence. Around these parts, such collisions usually involve white-tailed deer, which seem to be about as common as pigeons, crows and squirrels. These incidents generally result in hefty repair bills and fresh piles of venison on the roadside.

Montana resident Maureen Edgerton recently had a close encounter of her own and was lucky to walk away. Instead of a 200-pound deer, she ran into a heard of bison that was migrating across the road. Adult bison weigh 1,000 to 2,000 pounds, but somehow Edgerton walked away relatively unscathed. Not so lucky was her 2007 Ford Fusion or several of the Bison, all of which were write-offs. In spite of the damage to the front of the car, the roof remained intact and the engine was still running afterward. Needless to say, Edgerton is replacing the car with another Fusion.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Fusion vs bison, bison loses and driver walks away

Fusion vs bison, bison loses and driver walks away originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 May 2009 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal collisionsAnimalCollisionscar vs bisonCarVsBisonford fusionFordFusionSat, 02 May 2009 10:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Fusion Hybrid pedals its way to 1,445 miles on a single tank]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/ford-fusion-hybrid-hypermiles-goes-1-445-miles-on-a-single-tank/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/ford-fusion-hybrid-hypermiles-goes-1-445-miles-on-a-single-tank/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/ford-fusion-hybrid-hypermiles-goes-1-445-miles-on-a-single-tank/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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

The Ford Fusion Hybrid we talked about yesterday, the one that had as of our last report cleared 1,000 miles on its hypermiling publicity stunt, has finally reached the end of the road its fuel supply. The final number: 1,445 miles on a single tank of gas.

For the high-mileage odyssey, the Fusion hybrid was pushed to an average of 81.5 mpg. Even considering that hypermiling techniques were employed to reach these numbers, we're quite impressed, as the event took place on city streets and public freeways, not on a closed course. Better still, the entire 69-hour event raised $8,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. You can read the details of how the driving teams managed the 80 mpg in the official press release after the jump - and no, they didn't find a thousand-mile downhill road. Thanks to everyone for the tips!


Gallery: Ford Fusion hybrid hypermiling test


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Fusion Hybrid pedals its way to 1,445 miles on a single tank

Ford Fusion Hybrid pedals its way to 1,445 miles on a single tank originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1445 miles1445Milesford fusionford fusion hybridFordFusionFordFusionHybridfusionfusion hybridFusionHybridone tank of gasOneTankOfGassingle tank of gasSingleTankOfGasWed, 29 Apr 2009 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2010 Ford Fusion SE 6MT proves that sometimes less is more]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/review-2010-ford-fusion-se-6mt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/review-2010-ford-fusion-se-6mt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/review-2010-ford-fusion-se-6mt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford fusion2010 ford fusion se2010FordFusion2010FordFusionSefeaturedfordford fusionford fusion seFordFusionFordFusionSefusionreviewreviewsThu, 02 Apr 2009 11:58:00 EST