The Ford Fusion (code name CD338) is a mid-size car produced by the Ford Motor Company since the 2006 model year. The 2010 model was awarded the Motor Trend Car of the Year and its hybrid version won the 2010 North American Car of the Year Award. The Fusion is manufactured at Ford's Hermosillo Stamping & Assembly plant in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, where the similar and now discontinued Mercury Milan and the Lincoln MKZ are also built. All three cars utilize the CD3 platform, which is, in fact, Mazda's current GG chassis as used for the Mazda6 (M/Y 2003–2008). Ford has used every evolution of the Mazda G platform since 1983.
Production on the first Fusions began on August 1, 2005. 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in Argentina (where the current European Mondeo is available) and in the United States and Canada (where it superseded the then mid-size Taurus). By United States Environmental Protection Agency size category, the Fusion is positioned between the compact Ford Focus and full-size Ford Taurus.
However, in the Middle East it is sold alongside the Mondeo. Versions sold there are available only with the 2.5-litre engine. The V6 engine is not available in that region, unlike in the United States, Canada and Latin America.
Ford Fusion
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.
Ford Fusion
For the 2010 model year, Ford significantly updated the Fusion, along with the Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ, with new front and rear end fascia designs and interior and powertrain revisions. 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. 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. 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.
Ford Fusion
In July 2007, Motor Trend reported that Ford's Special Vehicle Team tuner group planned to release a Fusion GT in late 2009 or early 2010. Its 3.5-liter Eco-Boost V-6 would make about 340 horsepower. No such vehicle has been announced by Ford to date.
The refreshed version comes in 4 trim levels: S, SE, SEL and Sport. In Mexico, the S trim now comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers, unlike the American and Canadian models that come with 16-inch alloy wheels. The SYNC system is not available in this trim. The SE trim now has two engine choices. A 4 cylinder and a V6 are available, and come standard with 17-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers, fog lights, and colored keyed mirrors. The SEL trim comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, the SYNC system, and is also available in 4 and 6 cylinder engines. Leather upholstery is standard. A sunroof is also available in the SEL trim. The Sport trim adds spoilers, side skirts and comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels.
Ford Fusion 2011
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. EPA ratings for the Ford Fusion Hybrid are 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. In city driving a full tank delivers 700 miles. In April 2009 editors of Kelley Blue Book named the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid to its 2009 list of "Top 10 Green Cars".
The Fusion Hybrid qualified for a hybrid tax credit of US$3,400 prior to March 31, 2009. The credit dropped to US$ 1,700 if purchased by September 30, 2009, and to US$850 if purchased by March 31, 2010. This credit phased out on April 1, 2010.
Ford Fusion 2011
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.
