The Ford Fusion As Ford's Premier Mid-Size Sedan

The Ford Fusion as Ford's premier mid-size sedan is evolving quite nicely. Built at Ford's stamping and assembly plant in Hermosillo, Mexico, the Fusion is Ford's Americas (north and south) model, while it also offers a version of the Fusion in Europe for that market. Making its first appearance in showrooms in 2006, it's been a steadily-improving success since then.

It is also in Hermosillo's plant that the Fusion's sisters (Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ) are assembled, though the Fusion itself is the most popular of the three in the lineup. Making use of the CD3 platform, which is also shared by Mazda's 6 sedan, the Ford was designed to replace the Mondeo in Europe and Latin America, except for Argentina where the Mondeo is still being sold.

What many may not know is that the now-ubiquitous 'three-bar grille' design seen on almost every Ford first began with the Fusion's introduction in late 2005. The car sits in between Ford's smaller compact Focus and the full-size (and completely redesigned) Taurus. Ford must have done something right, as the model has been a hit since its roll out.

Sold in three trims (S, SE and loaded up SEL), the engine packages available in the Fusion are made up of a nicely-powered 4 cylinder engine and a V6 powerplant. The smaller mill still put out a healthy 160 ponies while the V6 delivered adequate power, at 221 horses though that's been improved to 260 for 2010. 5 speed manuals and automatics are available in S and SE while the SEL comes with a six-speed automatic and the V6.

The Fusion continues to evolve. In 2007, Ford made all-wheel drive available with V6 models, which is a popular feature, especially in northern climes. There are a wide variety of options and standard features, with even the S model featuring convenience touches normally found only in higher-line models.

As far as safety and security goes, Ford pumped up the Fusion with the addition of front-seat side and side curtain airbags in the 2007, also. An anti-theft alarm system was also included as standard equipment, both being formerly only available as extra-cost options. DVD navigation and satellite radio also made their debuts in 2007, as options.

Tire pressure monitoring and anti-lock brakes became standard equipment in 2008 to reflect consumer desires for even more safety features. The very popular Microsoft-designed SYNC system was also added to the Fusion's already popular equipment list.

Perhaps the most exciting element to the Fusion is that of its redesign for 2010, which is now hitting showrooms and roads today. Bigger, roomier and more powerful across the line, it is also being offered up as a very fuel efficient gas-electric hybrid that delivers an EPA-rated 41 miles per gallon in the city, which is quite impressive. Horsepower is also impressive, at 155 ponies.

Today's Ford Fusion is quite an improvement in evolution from Ford models of even 10 years ago. Its twin attributes of value and true comfort and convenience are making it a force in the mid-size sedan segment, which has traditionally been dominated by certain foreign automakers.

by Andy Zain