2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid: Humbled

I'd love to hear more about the driving dynamics. Jriz hinted at them in his review of the ICE Fusion he has a loaner (Quirky regenerative breaking, etc) but there if there has been a thorough review of dynamics versus the ice version I've missed it.

If I was looking for a hybrid, this would be on the top of my list. I think its one of the best looking sedans out there, and the interior quality is top notch. Its nice to hear that its doing so well mpg-wise.

@1487-

I own a 2010 Fusion Hybrid, in fact I posted about it last spring on the guest blog section. When I posted I was averaging 45mpg. I drive about 50% city 50% highway in the wintertime I admit my mileage is pretty much exactly the EPA combined of 39MPG. In the spring/summer/fall I easily average 45+ MPG. Actually I took a 1850 mile highway and mountain driving road trip with it last fall and managed to use 41.06 gallons of gas. Do the math that's 45.1MPG.

And running errands today in all city driving I managed just a hair over 52MPG. It's not that hard to do, but I'm guessing given LA's notorious traffic and the IL crew that flogs the crap outta the cars gives you such a low number.

"has anyone EVER gotten 41mpg in this car for a sustained period? If not, will anyone ever mention that fact? The real world mileage is impressive, but well short of the EPA average. This car is barely mentioned and little is said about its mileage. "

It is because IL likes Fords better because they ARE better and only a GM homer like you cant see the truth. Why do you still post here? You are not wanted and refuse to see that fact. Does GM have anything remotely like this hybrid? Volt? too expensive....Malibu?....horrible failure of a mediocre hybrid...Aura? oops out of business.......

Just go away SyJ, you sing the same old tune every freaking day and it is just as out of tune as the first day you sung it.

31.7 mpg? Wow...

A new car decision is so complicated now. You have to choose from petrol, diesel, parallel hybrid, extended range hybrid, and full EV. Then you need to narrow down the models you want. It's a great amount of choice. Hybrids make great sense in a city like L.A. with relentless stop and go traffics. A hybrid would do great in that environment as it won't use the gas engine creeping along. But out of the city, on open highway, a diesel engine is king for the most MPGs.

The Fusion Hybrid ranks at the top of my list for most desirable parallel hybrid for it's overall MPG and driving dynamics. I'm guessing the 31.7MPG average is under the usual IL lead footed drivers. Don't drive it like a race car. Get a diesel for most enjoyment for heavy throttle drivers.

If I were in the market for a new $35k car today, fuel economy wouldn't rank above 7th on my list of criteria.

If I were in the market for a new pickup, it would rank about 345th.

Size
Style
Performance
Value
Quality
Feature Content
Fuel Economy

As someone who has driven a Fusion Hybrid for 52K+ miles, I don't get the criticism about its driving mechanics. There's no problem with it that I can see. It accelerates well, brakes well ("quirky," perhaps, although far less so than other hybrids), goes into corners well, and handles well over rough roads. Indeed, I find the driving experience far more pleasant than the time when I had a rental Fusion V6 SEL (of the same model year).

As far as Carroll's statement about its bland exterior -- are you kidding? When the Fusion Hybrid (and the other '10 Fusions) came out, one of the common criticisms was that the appearance was too polarizing, particularly the grill and the "power dome." I guess one person's polarization is another person's blandness.

And, as I've said before, I get 38-39 MPG, without being a particularly self-conscious driver -- which is what this vehicle is supposed to get. 41 MPG would be above the EPA estimate.

bodyblue, 1487 didn't make comparisons and wasn't even bashing the car. He was asking if anyone can get the EPA rating out of the car because frankly....IL's numbers do fall short.

djwou did a pretty good job at answering his question. No need to bash GM because he questioned the Fusion Hybrid reaching it's EPA numbers.

that being said, I hope more hybrids go the direction of the Fusion. I prefer cars that look like regular cars rather than gay space ships, not mentioning any names.

The Fusion is well under its EPA averages and this hasn't been mentioned and I'm asking why that's the case when there has been much discussion of other vehicles that didnt meet EPA averages during their stay with IL's staff. Are driving habits the culprit or are the ratings unrealistic? I dont get why nothing has been said about this, they act like thy dont even notice the 31.7mpg average. There seem to be lots of inflated EPA ratings out there but unfortunately IL only focuses on them on certain vehicles. I think this is a general trend, but apparently IL is convinced this is a GM-product only trend.

nelson:

If you average 38-39 without much effort than IL really must be doing something VERY wrong.

If only the rear seat folded down, I would love to have one as my commuter car. At least the next gen Fusion will be here in a year or two and should be packing some lith-ion batteries and proper euro driving dynamics.

"It is because IL likes Fords better because they ARE better and only a GM homer like you cant see the truth. Why do you still post here? You are not wanted and refuse to see that fact. Does GM have anything remotely like this hybrid? Volt? too expensive....Malibu?....horrible failure of a mediocre hybrid...Aura? oops out of business.......

Just go away SyJ, you sing the same old tune every freaking day and it is just as out of tune as the first day you sung it."

bodyblue, please stop spamming every single blog post with anti-1487 flames. It has gotten old. If you have something to say about the merits or faults of a car, great. But quite honestly, I'm tired of reading your comments. They are non value added.

Hopster
I'm guessing they don't because of the battery?

"I think this is a general trend, but apparently IL is convinced this is a GM-product only trend.

You are just bitter over the Terrain fiasco in the the "Fuel Sipper Smackdown" IL tried their best to get the EPA hwy estimates and could not do it. Other makes have not had a problem to the Terrains' level. Now if and when IL has the same experience with the Fusion THEN says nothing about it then MAYBE folks would give your accusation some thought.....but since you can never back up with facts your "bias" BS, no one cares.

Greenpony: Ditto with your posts in general. Sorry if you dont like reading the flames...dont like them? Dont read them, I could care less.

1487, Pity Party of 1, your table is now available.

1487: "If you average 38-39 without much effort than IL really must be doing something VERY wrong. "

Would that surprise you?

The rest of the world (31 people reporting into fueleconomy.gov anyway) is averaging 38mpg.

if i had to buy a hybrid, this would easily be my first choice.

oh, wait, scratch that: Infiniti M35h.

If I had to buy a hybrid it would be a Prius. What possible reason is there to buy a hybrid other then getting the best possible mileage?

If you are not worried about the mileage then buy something else.

I've enjoyed my Fusion Hybrid for 19,600 miles now. Best run was 44.7 mpg over 220 miles at 65-70 mph. Worst run, 33.7 mpg lots of new start-ups in cold weather. This car is SO quiet and smooth...easily the most pleasant car I have ever owned. There is absolutely no econobox penalty to this hybrid option--fully equipped with the excellent Sony sound system, leather, nav system, and so on it's pure luxury, yet not the least pretentious. Just what I wanted. Price fully loaded was just under 30k, and I mean with EVERY option available. Dealer discount was over $3,000 off MSRP. Gas is now $4.09 a gallon, and I can still drive 1,000 miles to visit family without even thinking about it. Totally comfortable for all day drives at 75-80 mph. Delivered perfect, no mechanical problems, haven't found anything I don't like--A RARE CAR!