Husband-and-wife team Paul and Anita Lienert compared the two popular mid-sized sedans and, to their
apparent surprise, the Fusion came out on top.
The two tied in exterior sheetmetal, with the Fusion
appealing to those who like bling, bold, and American. The Camry, due to its redesign, moved up a segment for those
desiring near-Lexus looks without the price tag. But the Fusion then proceeded to stomp Toyota’s best-seller in
subsequent rounds. The Lienerts were shocked at the lack of fit and finish in the Camry, the automaker’s usual strong
point.
Fusion then drove all over the Camry in the categories of ride, handling, and value. At a similar
price, Ford’s offspring offered a 221 horsepower 3.0-litre V-6 coupled with a six-speed automatic to the Camry’s
respectable 158-horsepower 2.4-litre I4 and its five-speed automatic. Agility? The Fusion is a driver’s dream next to
the oh-so comfortable Camry thanks to the sporty Mazda6 platform that underpins it. Only in safety features did the
Camry score its lone win, offering airbags, side curtains, and many other features that cost extra in the Fusion. That
won’t be the case, however, for the 2007 model year as the Fusion will soon have those safety features standard.
[Source: Detroit News]