Ford Fusion

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Ford Fusion

Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production start	August 1, 2005[1]
Assembly	Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
Predecessor	Ford Mondeo (In Mexico and Latin America) Ford Taurus (midsize, United States & Canada)
Class	Mid-size
Body style(s)	4-door sedan
Fuel capacity	17.5 US gal (14.6 imp gal; 66 L)
Related	Ford Edge Lincoln MKX Lincoln MKZ Lincoln Zephyr Mazda6 Mazda CX-9 Mercury Milan

The Ford Fusion (code name CD338) is a mid-size car produced by the Ford Motor Company since the 2006 model year.

The Fusion is manufactured at Ford's Hermosillo Stamping & Assembly plant in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, where the similar Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ are also built. All three cars are based on the CD3 platform shared with Mazda's Mazda6 (M/Y 2003-2008)^[2] and were launched simultaneously into the market (the MKZ as the Zephyr).

Production on the first Fusions began on August 1, 2005.^[1] The Fusion replaced the Mondeo for the Latin American markets—except in Argentina (where the current European Mondeo is available) and in the United States and Canada (where it superseded the mid-size Taurus, which was being phased out). By United States Environmental Protection Agency size category,^[3] the Fusion is positioned between the compact Ford Focus and full-size Ford Taurus.

The Fusion was the first production car to feature the "new face of Ford" three-bar grille, which (along with two matching bars below the bumper/fascia forming a five-bar design) was first seen on a retro V-10 powered rear wheel drive concept car called the Ford 427, unveiled in 2003 at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The look has since been used on most of Ford's product line.

First generation

First generation

Production	2005-2009
Model year(s)	2006-2009
Engine(s)	2.3 L Duratec 23 I4 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6
Transmission(s)	5-speed Mazda G5M manual (I4) 5-speed Mazda FNR5 automatic (I4) 6-speed Aisin TF-80 automatic
Wheelbase	107.4 in (2,728 mm)
Length	190.2 in (4,831 mm)
Width	72.2 in (1,834 mm)
Height	57.2 in (1,453 mm)

At its launch, the Fusion was available in S, SE, and SEL trims. The base engine was the 160 hp (119 kW) Mazda-designed 2.3 L Duratec 23 I4, paired with either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. SE and SEL models were available with a 221 hp (165 kW) 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 and a 6-speed automatic.

The Fusion shares some interior parts with the otherwise unrelated Mk III Ford Mondeo, such as part of the console and the seats. Both automatic and manual transmissions are available (the latter only with the I4 engine).

Ford's early advertising campaign for the Fusion in the United States was entitled "Life in Drive", while in Canada it was "Create a Reaction".^[4] In January 2007, the company launched a new campaign for the Fusion titled "Fusion Challenge" (later renamed "Ford Challenge").

For 2007, all-wheel drive became available on V6 models. Sirius Satellite Radio is available as an option on the SE and SEL models. The front passenger fold-flat seat was introduced and became standard on the Fusion SEL and SE models. Also, the Fusion now has front-seat side airbags and a side air curtain as standard features, as well as an anti-theft perimeter alarm. (All were previously available as cost options.) Also added is an auxiliary audio input jack for audio transmission from a portable audio player along with some equipment modifications. A DVD-based navigation system also became available.

For the 2008 model year, ABS became a standard feature, as did a tire pressure monitoring system. New optional features include rear parking assist, Ford's "SYNC" multimedia and communication system, and ambient interior lighting. The DVD navigation was replaced with a new generation system featuring voice commands, and for the first time navigation is available also with manual transmission. Finally, 2 packages were added to the options list: Sport Appearance Package and Moon and Tune package. The latter makes the Audiophile 8-speaker audio system available on the SE trim line. Several colors were deleted and some others added.

For 2009, the Fusion adds available electronic stability control. A new appearance package with blue trim is available. There have also been several color changes.

Engines

• 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6, 221 hp (165 kW) and 205 lb·ft (278 N·m)
• 2.3 L Duratec 23 I4 160 hp (119 kW) and 156 lb·ft (212 N·m)

Crash testing

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

• Frontal Driver (2006, 07, 08 early release):^[5][6][7]
• Frontal Driver (2008 later release, 09-present):^[8][9]
• Frontal Passenger (2006, 07, 08 early release):^[10][11][12]
• Frontal Passenger (2008 later release, 09-present):^[13][14]

• Side Driver (no side airbag, 2006 only):^[15]
• Side Rear Passenger (no side airbag, 2006 only):^[16]
• Side Driver (side airbag):
• Side Rear Passenger (side airbag):

• Rollover FWD:
• Rollover AWD:

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

• Frontal Offset (2006, 07 early release):^[17] Acceptable
• Frontal Offset (2007 later release, 08-present):^[18] Good

• Side Impact (no side airbag, 2006 only):^[19] Poor
• Side Impact (side airbag 2006, 07 early release):^[20] Acceptable
• Side Impact (2007 later release, 08-present):^[21] Good

• Roof Strength (2006-present):^[22] Acceptable

2010 model

2010

Production	2009-
Model year(s)	2010-
Engine(s)	2.5 L Duratec 25 I4 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 3.5 L Duratec 35 V6
Transmission(s)	6-speed Mazda G6M manual (I4) 6-speed Ford 6F35 automatic (I4 & 3.0L V6) 6-speed Aisin TF-80 automatic (3.5L V6) Continuous variable transmission (hybrid)
Wheelbase	107.4 in (2,728 mm)
Length	190.6 in (4,841 mm)
Width	72.2 in (1,834 mm)
Height	56.9 in (1,445 mm)

For the 2010 model year, Ford significantly updated the Fusion,^[23] along with the Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ,^[24] with new front and rear end fascia designs^[25][26] and interior and powertrain updates for the 2010 model year. Powertrain options are similar to those that debuted on the 2009 Ford Escape, including the new 2.5 L I4 and 3.0 L PIP Duratec series V6 engine coupled to Ford's new 6F35 six-speed transmission.^[27] The 3.0 L Duratec now provides 240 hp (179 kW) with E85 fuel capability, while the I4 provides 175 hp (130 kW). The 3.5 L Duratec 35 producing 263 hp (196 kW) is standard in the Fusion Sport. The I4 and 3.0 L V6 engines include adaptive knock control and aggressive deceleration fuel cutoff features to improve fuel economy.^[28] Interior redesigns include a new optional 8" screen navigation control system, a new center console design, and Ford's new trademark "Ice Blue" illumination for the controls and gauges that is shared with the current Ford Focus and Ford F-150.

In July 2007, Motor Trend reported that Ford's Special Vehicle Team tuner group planned to release Fusion GT in late 2009 or early 2010. Its 3.5-liter Eco-Boost V-6 will make about 340 horsepower.^[29]

Hybrid electric version

Digital panels to track eco-driving (top), and current hybrid drive propulsion (bottom).

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is a gasoline-electric hybrid powered version of the mid-size Fusion sedan launched to the U.S. market in March 2009, with an initial sale price of US$27,270.^[30] EPA ratings for the Ford Fusion Hybrid are 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. In city driving a full tank delivers 700 miles.^[31] In April 2009 editors of Kelley Blue Book named the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid to its 2009 list of "Top 10 Green Cars".^[32]

The Fusion Hybrid qualifies for a hybrid tax credit of US$3,400 if purchased by March 31, 2009. The credit drops to US$ 1,700 if purchased by September 30, 2009, and to US$850 if purchased by March 31, 2010. This credit is scheduled to phase out by April 1, 2010. ^[33]

This model gets better EPA-estimated fuel economy than the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Nissan Altima Hybrid, and the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, viewed as its competitors in the mid-size sedan segment. However, the Toyota Prius 5-door hatchback still has the best fuel economy in vehicles considered mid-size by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, though it has less interior room and is packaged as a shorter, narrower, but taller hatchback.^[34] On a single-tank hypermiling publicity stunt, a Fusion Hybrid managed 81.5 mpg_-US (2.89 L/100 km; 97.9 mpg_-imp) on a 1,445.7-mile (2,326.6 km) trip.^[35][36]

Engines

• 2.5 L Duratec 25 I4 175 hp (130 kW), 172 lb·ft (233 N·m). torque;^[37] 23 mpg city/34 mpg highway (automatic, S trim); 22/31 (automatic, SE/SEL trims); 22/31 (manual, S trim); 22/29 (manual, SE trim)^[38]
• 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 240 hp (179 kW), 228 lb·ft (309 N·m). torque; 18/27 FWD; 18/25 AWD, gasoline/E85 flex fuel
• 3.5 L Duratec 35 V6 263 hp (196 kW), 249 lb·ft (338 N·m). torque (Fusion Sport); 18/27 FWD; 17/24 AWD
• 2.5 L Duratec 25 I4 155 hp (116 kW), 136 lb·ft (184 N·m). torque for hybrids;^[39] 41/36

Background on name choice

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The Fusion was originally to be called the Futura, which was last used in North America as the name of a two-door version of the Fairmont. Ford, however, lost a trademark lawsuit to the Pep Boys auto parts store, which has a line of tires under the Futura brand. American trademark law generally considers a name abandoned if the owner does not use it for three calendar years and the long history of the name in the Ford line did not impress the court.

The Futura name was originally introduced as a Lincoln concept car in 1955. The Lincoln Futura later was converted to the Batmobile for the television series Batman (1966-1968). In 1961, it was first used as the designation of an upper trim level on Falcons which continued through 1970, and then on a 2-door coupe version of the Ford Fairmont from 1978-83. The name was also used by Ford Australia as a trim line for the Falcon until the release of FG (MY 2009). Pep Boys does not operate in Australia, thus there was no conflict of trademark in that country.

Racing

NASCAR

Ken Schrader races a Ford Fusion (#21) in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Texas Motor Speedway

The Fusion also became the new body style for Ford automobiles in NASCAR beginning in 2006, replacing the Taurus.^[40] This marked the first time since the Torino in 1968 that Ford introduced a new model that went racing in NASCAR at the same time as its launch. It debuted at the 2006 Daytona 500 and won its first race a week later in California when Matt Kenseth took the checkered flag.

Land speed record success

Ford Motor Company announced its attempt to use a fuel cell version of the Fusion, Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999, to set a land speed record on Aug. 10-17 during Bonneville Speed Week in 2007.^[41] The Fusion 999 project was born in early 2006 when Ford fuel cell engineering manager Mujeeb Ijaz approached Roush Racing about doing a project to demonstrate the performance potential of a fuel cell-powered vehicle. The team from Roush, led by Rick Darling, worked with a team of Ford engineers and technicians led by Matt Zuehlk to come up with a vehicle design that could meet the goal of exceeding 200 mph (320 km/h) on the Bonneville salt flats fueled only by hydrogen.^[42] On August 15, 2007, the vehicle set the fastest fuel cell ground vehicle speed record of 207.297 mph (333.612 km/h). The car was driven by retired Ford engineer Rick Byrnes, a long time Bonneville racer.^[43]

Awards and consumer response

According to Ford, consumer response to the Fusion has exceeded their expectations,^[44] with 30,000 sold during the first quarter of 2006. The Fusion was nominated for the North American Car of the Year award for 2006. In July 2006, Strategic Vision gave the Fusion its Total Quality Award as the best-quality midsize sedan on the American market.^[45]

By October 2009, the Fusion became one of the the top ten best-selling cars in the U.S. for the first time, as well as the best-selling car by a domestic automaker.^[46]

An article reflecting on the retirement of the Taurus however noted that whatever its faults, Ford did sell a large volume of them, and at the time production ended, the Taurus was still outselling the smaller Fusion and larger Ford Five Hundred combined, thanks to Taurus' large fleet sales. For the 2007 model year, approximately 77% of Fusion sales were retail (as opposed to fleet).^[47] This sales mix has contributed, in part, to the Fusion's relatively high residual value compared to the Taurus.^[48]

In March 2006, the International Carwash Association named the Fusion America's "Most Washable Car."^[49]

Ford also sells the Fusion in Mexico and Brazil. In Brazil, it became the highest-selling car in its class.^[50]

Reviews

• In a December 2005 test, Car and Driver ranked the Fusion just below the first-place Honda Accord, edging out the Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata by only a few points. "The Verdict: Not your father's Taurus"^[2]

• Consumer Reports has also given positive reviews to the Fusion, as it had to the previous Taurus. It rated the Fusion Hybrid the top domestic sedan for 2010.^[51]

• Ford Fusion ranked highest among midsize cars in the JD Power APEAL study for 2006.^[52]

• In the February 2009 issue, Car and Driver rated the Fusion Hybrid ahead of the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Nissan Altima Hybrid, and the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid.^[53]

• In November 2009, the Ford Fusion was selected as the 2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year, beating a field of nearly two dozen contenders.^[54]

Yearly American sales

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Ford Fusion (North America)

• Official site
• Fusion hybrid sets mpg world record
• 2010 Ford Fusion Sport review at About.com
• Ford, Toyota squabble about 'midsize' hybrids