2010 Ford Fusion New Orleans LA
(504) 347-7000
Harvey, LA
(504) 443-2500
Kenner, LA
(318) 448-0871
Alexandria, LA
(318) 435-5101
Winnsboro, LA
(337) 233-4500
Lafayette, LA
(800) 575-8785
Jefferson, LA
(225) 293-8900
Baton Rouge, LA
(337) 332-2145
Breaux Bridge, LA
(337) 824-3673
Jennings, LA
(877) 348-6205
Lake Charles, LA
2010 Ford Fusion
November 18, 2009 By Brian Alexander, Content Editor
2010 Ford Fusion
DriverSide Overview
Unless you’ve miraculously been duped into thinking the faux Fusion racing in NASCAR shares any mechanical parts with its road-going namesake, you’re probably well aware that Ford’s mid-size sedan isn’t the most exiting car on the market. But that’s ok, because neither are its main competitors – the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. What they are, however, are bulletproof segment-leaders, and any American automaker looking to take on such stalwarts has to overcome the two-faced nemesis that is old-school brand perception. As a result, the execs at the Blue Oval have decided to revamp the Fusion for 2010 in response to Camry, Accord and to a lesser extent, Malibu having been refreshed since the Fusion’s launch in 2006. New, more fuel-efficient engines are on offer, as is a hybrid model. Couple this with a Fusion that no longer lacks in the style department thanks to a redesigned interior featuring Ford’s advanced navigation system and Sony-sourced audio, and you’ve got a Fusion that’s ready to appeal to the masses.
What's to Like
Front-wheel drive, all wheel drive and three different engine options make the most of the flexible Fusion platform. Interior quality has been substantially improved over the old model, and gone is the wonky center console and bargain bin plastics. And, of course, Ford’s next-generation navigation system continues to impress.
What's Not to Like
The sport model feels overpowered in front-wheel drive setup, but you’ve got the option of all-wheel drive – at a price, of course. Navigation is an expensive add-on that’s unfortunately a real make-or-break deal for the interior. Without the nav screen, the dash looks a bit naked. Interior accent lights still feel a bit tacky.
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
You’re never going to have the drive of your life in a mid-size, non-premium family sedan (and if you do, you need to get out more). That said, the Fusion gets you pretty close to an entertaining drive. Power delivery is linear and the steering, while not razor sharp, is predictable and decently communicative. The stability control system likes to bombard you will all kinds corrective braking just as you start to have fun, so you quickly learn that hustling a Fusion is an exercise in patience, and keeping momentum on your side becomes priority numero uno. Braking is more than adequate, and fade only creeps in on the longest, most twisty of downhill roads. But this is an urban car, mostly relegated to lurking about on suburban streets and shopping mall parking lots. The cabin is extremely quiet and the ride is well balanced yet not overly cushy. It’s exactly what a car in this segment should drive, but push harder and you might be surprised at what a competent driver it is.
Engine and D...