Ford Fusion Now the Most Fuel Efficient Sedan in Its Class

Doesn't look too bad either!

PS- that's 5 more MPG on the highway (and 1 in the city) than my 3000lbs Mazda3 with a 2.3L I4 producing a paltry 156hp and 150 lbs-ft of twist. That's some pretty impressive mileage. Good job Ford!

Its a great looking car.

"If that doesn't get consumers to consider Ford then what will?"

They could start by putting real transmissions in their cars. My parents had several fords (Lincolns actually). They were mostly crap. Transmission problems galore.

And better interiors while their at it.

But your right, you can't argue with class leading fuel economy.

That's great, I hope the word gets out.

But that's the problem - the Big 3 have great cars (as of a couple years ago, imo). What they lack is reputation, and that takes years to build up. I didn't hear Toyota complain that their cars were better than the sales numbers suggested, back before their sales took off... the Big 3 have to realize that their branding is starting from below zero with many people, and it takes consistency to turn that around.

There are still people who don't know what a Ford Fusion is, because it's a relatively new nameplate. How's that for consistency?

But this is the only way to start. It looks pretty good, too.

My take on Mr. Hellwig asking, "If this doesn't get consumers to consider Ford then what will?", is that the issue at hand is one of perception and not substance. Ford, or the other Deroit 2, can produce industry leading product, but they must overcome the stigma that the "Domestic" manufacturers have.
The product designed and built must, at a minimum, equal that of their foreign competitors when compared objectively by a third party. Additionally, they must take a hard line on the shady ways of dealerships' sales practices and the half-hearted service given to buyers.

Ed or Editor:

You appear to be part of the problem for the domestics:

The new Fusion beats the Camry and the Accord in mileage. Hello!!!!, the Aura and Malibu beat the Accord and Camry sooner. You should know better. The wife of a friend of mine made him buy the new Accord, much to his dismay. He drives a Mustang GT. We went out to dinner and I sure did have fun picking on her about her grandmother car and how inefficient it is with only 31mpg. The husband wanted a Fusion, now the next time we go to dinner, instead of teasing her about only 2 mpg, I get to accuse her of wasting the earth's resources for the 3mpg difference.

I am a GM supporter, but way to go Ford. Even though I didn't like Ford taking a short cut on their hybrids, I do like the fact they are making Toyota look silly in the Camry Fusion comparison.

FWIW GM is moronic for not putting the two-mode in the Malibu/Aura/G6.

Shouldn't the Fusion Hybrid's MPG be reversed? City mileage is higher.

Polarizing styling. Almost half as much as the Flex.

This is a very nice car except the roof line, which carries over from the outgoing car.

This remake seems to have quelled the interior demons of the outgoing Fusion, plagued by plastics from cheap hell.
I would choose this vehicle if only the Mazda6 were not so sexy.

...and the Mazda6 is built in a Ford plant anyways. So give up some mpg and go for the Mazda6!

All these years camrys and accords were beating fusions, g6s, malibus, sebrings, etc. in sales and now ford comes out with one model that is more fuel efficient than its competitors and all of a sudden it makes toyota and honda look silly? Please... How silly can you be to say that?

Ford now needs to pour its money into advertising. Superbowl, regular tv time commercials, magazine ads - as much as possible. Otherwise the japanese will retain their sales numbers.

Updated with proper photo.

@lvranger: Correct, fixed it.

@aurakr: The Malibu may beat the Accord and Camry in city mileage, but it only equals the Accord on the highway and is rated 1 mpg less than the Camry.

As far as the two mode goes, the transmission that makes up much of that system is designed for rear-wheel drive applications only, so it's not compatible with the Aura/Malibu/G6 platform.

fst1:

I don't know where you get your information, but the Aura/G6/Malibu get 1 mpg more in the city and 2 on the highway. The Accord and Camry are I believe, 21/31.

22/33 mpg for the Aura/Malibu/G6 4/6speed auto.

Wrong again on the two-mode. The system was designed for all versions, fwd, awd, rwd. That was why Mercedes and BMW liked it.

To show how wrong you are, this year it comes out in the Vue, which is fwd.

fst1, I don't know where you get your data, but according to the EPA (fueleconomy.gov), the Malibu beats both the Accord and Camry on highway mpg. It ties the Accord in city and beats the Camry in city. The Malibu wins.

I agree with aurakr. I'm appalled that the Editor felt the need to mention Toyota and Honda, but left out GM. The two most fuel efficient sedans in the class are made by Ford and GM. It'd be nice if Edmunds would acknowledge that.

Oh wow, what an outrage! But wait a minute... Altima beats Malibu and ties with new Fusion in the city cycle. Altima - 1, Malibu - 0. How about them apples?

"They could start by putting real transmissions in their cars. My parents had several fords (Lincolns actually). They were mostly crap. Transmission problems galore.

And better interiors while their at it."

The interior of the new Fusion is at least as good as the Accord and better than the camry. It also offers more features and a huge 8" nav screen. Its class leading but I predict that it will lose to the Accord in C&D and IL who likely cannot admit that a mainstream domestic is the new benchmark in the class. If the M3 was made by Ford and cost the same as the Accord it would likely lose to the Accord in a C&D family sedan test.

"Oh wow, what an outrage! But wait a minute... Altima beats Malibu and ties with new Fusion in the city cycle. Altima - 1, Malibu - 0. How about them apples?"

What are you talking about? Altima beats Malibu in the city but loses on the highway by 2mpg. It loses to the Fusion by 3mpg on the hwy. It gets worse combined mileage than both cars.

"@aurakr: The Malibu may beat the Accord and Camry in city mileage, but it only equals the Accord on the highway and is rated 1 mpg less than the Camry."

The Accord with auto only gets 21/30 even though Honda advertises the 21/31 figure. Malibu gets 22/33 which is not less than the Camry under any circumstances.

The GM cars and Sonata beat the camry and accord in mileage and are thus the benchmarks for efficiency until the Fusion comes out. The CamCord shouldnt be part of the discussion in terms of mileage. They only beat the Avenger.

"As far as the two mode goes, the transmission that makes up much of that system is designed for rear-wheel drive applications only, so it's not compatible with the Aura/Malibu/G6 platform."

two mode cant fit in cars due to size of battery pack. In SUvs its located under the rear bench seat.

"All these years camrys and accords were beating fusions, g6s, malibus, sebrings, etc. in sales and now ford comes out with one model that is more fuel efficient than its competitors and all of a sudden it makes toyota and honda look silly? Please... How silly can you be to say that?"

They look silly because we have so many politicians, journalists and Toyota/HOnda fanboys constantly lecturing the American public about how efficient their cars are but the facts show they are trailing in the most important car segment we have. They have been surpassed- again. Thats the only point here. If you are the benchmark and the leader you should lead. They have rested on their reputations and stopped innovating in terms of efficiency. This is why the Accord has a 5 speed auto when the Fusion, Avenger, Malibu, etc. have 6 speeds. This is why Toyota doesnt combine the 6 speed with the four cylinder engine. This is why the camry has the weakest in class I-4. I am assuming Toyota will put the 2.5L from the Rav4 in the camry for 2010 but that wont yield much in the way of mileage gains.

"But your right, you can't argue with class leading fuel economy."

Plenty of people will. Cue the import lover talking points:

- It doesnt have enough resale value
- I had a bad experience with a Ford dealer and Honda/Toyota dealers are better
- This nameplate hasnt been around for 30 years and therefore I cannot buy this car
- What about the "crap" Ford was selling 10 years ago? I cant patronize them because I didn't like their older cars
- What about the 2013 Camry? it may get even better mileages

The excuses never stop.

"It also offers more features and a huge 8" nav screen. Its class leading but I predict that it will lose to the Accord in C&D and IL who likely cannot admit that a mainstream domestic is the new benchmark in the class."

Actually the Fusion Hybrid beat out three Japanese competitors in a recent C&D comparison. Since the Accord is not offered in a hybrid, it was not in the test, but you catch my drift.

@aurakr: My mistake. I was using the numbers for the base Malibu with the 4-speed automatic which are 22city/30hwy. The Malibu with the 6-speed automatic is in fact rated at 22/33.

Regarding the two-mode transmission, the system that will go into the Vue uses an all-new transmission referred to as the MK3. It is designed for FWD applications whereas the trucks and SUVs use the M99 transmission which is designed for RWD. Same overall technology, but different parts that are not interchangable.

+2, -1 mpg, yadda... let's just list them:

4-cyl, auto:
Passat 19/29/23
*Fusion 20/28/23
Sebring 21/30/24
Mazda6 21/30/24
Accord 21/30/24
Camry 21/31/25
Malibu S4 22/30/25
Sonata 22/32/25
Malibu S6 22/33/26
Altima 23/31/26
*2010 Fusion 23/34/~27

hybrid:
Malibu 26/34/29
Camry 33/34/34
Altima 35/33/34
*2010 Fusion 41/36/~38

Thanks.
Fusion goes from bottom of the pack to top of the pack.

Now I'm a GM fan, but this 4 cyl midsize gets about the same mileage as my Cobalt, and the rest of the car is quite nice too. That impresses me to no end. Really, anyone looking for just a good small-family transportation device should have this at the top of their list.

fst1:

Thanks for the information about the different transmission. Do you know if this transmission will fit in the epsilon vehicles?

1487:

You stated the two-mode won't work with the Aura/Malibu because of the size of the battery pack. Does this change with the new two-mode Vue?

I have heard that GM is getting mileage with the two-mode Vue with the 3.6 around 28 city and 31 highway. The first thing I noticed is that with the two-mode, these are the first full hybrids that the highway mileage is the same or even better than city mileage.

I have an Aura XR, I know you have or have had an Aura, although not sure which model. If the Vue can get 28/31 with the two-mode 3.6, I would gladly take that in my XR. I then think, with 22/33 with the 4cylinder, I wonder what a two-mode 2.4 would be.

"They look silly because we have so many politicians, journalists and Toyota/HOnda fanboys constantly lecturing the American public about how efficient their cars are but the facts show they are trailing in the most important car segment we have."

You want them to look silly because you're pissed at them having the majority of the market. Toyota and Honda didn't achieve this success by sitting on their asses all these years but through hard work and great business strategy. Don't believe me - look at the sales numbers. If anything these companies and their products deserve your respect, but it looks like you're too biased biased.

"What are you talking about? Altima beats Malibu in the city but loses on the highway by 2mpg. It loses to the Fusion by 3mpg on the hwy. It gets worse combined mileage than both cars."

Wrong again. Read one of the posts above but if you still don't believe that, let me know - I'll forward you to fueleconomy.gov

Ford has impressed me here. However, anyone can build an efficient 4 cylinder engine (check out the Hyundai Sonata 4 cylinder, one of the most efficient in its class). What is really impressive is the Fusion Hybrid.

Honda and Toyota will sell more Accords and Camrys than Ford will sell Fusions forever, though. Those are two nameplates that are synonymous with quality in nearly every American's book, even if the Fusion is now just as high quality as the Accord and probably higher quality than the Camry.

Im sorry these kinds of blogs always turn into a Honda/Toyota vs domestics fight. Its really getting old and childish as just about every entry (Japanese, Korean or domestic) in the midsize car segment is a good one.

As usual, most people here only look at fuel efficiency from a one demensional standpoint. Some of you need to realize there are many...many factors which determine fuel efficiency ratings. Vehicle weight, aerodynamics, engine hp/torque output, displacement, number of gears and gearing overall are the main areas of focus.

Because the 2010 Fusion (supposedly) offers better fuel efficiency doesnt mean other cars that dont meet or exceed the Fusions are inefficient. These numbers alone dont make the Fusion "the benchmark", these numbers just make the Fusion more competitive in that area of perfomance.

As far as the Accord vs Fusion matter is concerned, the Accord is a larger/heavier car vs the Fusion with 2 available I4 petrol engines which make 177hp and 190hp. Whats the power rating on Fords new 2.5L 4 banger? Any numbers for the V6 model?

"Now maybe people can realize that the Accord and Camry are no longer "benchmarks" for the segment. The competition has been there and is now overtaking them."

Chavis, I wouldnt go as far as "overtaking" as fuel efficiency is just ONE area of concern. Id say the Malibu is underated by many (in terms of how it stacks up against the Camry/Accord) and a great alternative to both but the Fusion overall isnt quite there (yet). Id still purchase a Accord or Malibu over the Fusion or for that matter the Camry.

The best midsize car would be.....there isnt one. Out of all the cars in this segment, not 1 is clearly above the others in all or every category. Every car in this segment has at least one or more positive (and negative) characteristics but that doesnt make it the best.

I do agree with Chavis that the domestics (Ford/GM) have definately upped their game but they arent clearly "overtaking" the Japanese entires as you suggested.

Nobody talks about the Passat.
Why does nobody talk about the Passat.
Well I'm going to mention the Passat, all you people with only Japanese and Americans in your heads.

I think the Passat is nice. Nicer than the Fusion. There.

Hopefully it's a winner for ford.

Bill, I'd consider a Passat in a heartbeat over everything else in this class. :)

But the Fusion looks like it might when some buyers. I think it's overpriced but that probably won't stop people from buying it.

Hopefully it's a winner for ford.

Bill, I'd consider a Passat in a heartbeat over everything else in this class. :)

But the Fusion looks like it might WIN some buyers. I think it's overpriced but that probably won't stop people from buying it.

The Passat is a VERY nice car there are 3 huge factors that actually keep me (and others) from purchasing a Passat.

- Realiability history isnt up to par even with the current Passat offering. Mostly electronic gremlins. (Look up Edmunds consumer postings)

- V6 option clearly put this car in the entry level luxury segment. Its just too expensive.

- Dealer service is autrocious and expensive.

Wow... times have changed... the Passat must sell in super low volume.
http://www.vw.com
The Passat now only has a single trim with the 2.0T 200hp engine.
The 3.6-liter is dead.
The only options are premium sound and navi.
$28,300 take it or leave it.

I think the 3.6 is now offered on the CC instead, as it's supposed to be "sportier".

"The Passat now only has a single trim with the 2.0T 200hp engine.
The 3.6-liter is dead."

Interesting, I just checked the Canadian VW site and the 3.6 is available on the 2009 wagon, sedan and CC (2.0T is standard).

No mention of the TDI for some reason though.

I'm not sure I would say it competes with the Fusion though as the Passat starts at $6000 more then the Fusion.

Maybe in higher trim level Fusions against base Passats.

"Actually the Fusion Hybrid beat out three Japanese competitors in a recent C&D comparison. Since the Accord is not offered in a hybrid, it was not in the test, but you catch my drift."

No Accord meant Fusion could win. The accord never loses a comparo in C&D.

"Now I'm a GM fan, but this 4 cyl midsize gets about the same mileage as my Cobalt, and the rest of the car is quite nice too. That impresses me to no end. Really, anyone looking for just a good small-family transportation device should have this at the top of their list."

I agree.

AuraKR,

The two mod battery is huge and heavy. It cannot fit into cars right now. The space under the seat in an SUV is essentially dead space and they can cam the battery in there. Cant do that in a car because the exhaust and fuel tank are under there. GM is working on a next gen mild hybrid system that is smaller and 10% more efficient than current one. I would expect mileage of at least 30/40 or so with this tech and direct injection engine.

"You want them to look silly because you're pissed at them having the majority of the market. Toyota and Honda didn't achieve this success by sitting on their asses all these years but through hard work and great business strategy. Don't believe me - look at the sales numbers. If anything these companies and their products deserve your respect, but it looks like you're too biased biased."

Look up majority. Toyota and Honda have about 28% of the market. GM and Ford have about 37% of the market. The domestics have about 50% and the Asians (Hyundai, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Suburu, etc.) have about 40% of the market. Not sure what you are talking about.

"Wrong again. Read one of the posts above but if you still don't believe that, let me know - I'll forward you to fueleconomy.gov"

You are telling me the Altima doesnt get 23/31 vs 22/33 for Malibu and 23/34 for Fusion? That is news to me. How does the Altima get better mileage?

"Because the 2010 Fusion (supposedly) offers better fuel efficiency doesnt mean other cars that dont meet or exceed the Fusions are inefficient. These numbers alone dont make the Fusion "the benchmark", these numbers just make the Fusion more competitive in that area of perfomance."

Who said it was based on one factor? I like the Malibu but the Fusion is better. Why? Mileage (best in class), hp (2nd best to Accord for I-4), options (unmatched) and powertrain options (unmatched). Where do you get off saying mileage is the only thing this car has going for it? Looks are subjective but to my eyes this car looks better than the Accord inside and out.

Mileage for the Fusion with 3.5L should be 18/28 or better. TAurus gets that. Not sure about the 3L but it should be about the same. Since most people buy fours it really doesnt matter much. Malibu V6 gets almost worst in class mileage and Malibu sales increased 38% in 2008.

"I do agree with Chavis that the domestics (Ford/GM) have definately upped their game but they arent clearly "overtaking" the Japanese entires as you suggested."

They are overtaking them in design, mileage and features- just not sales. Yet. Malibu outsold Altima in December. I predict that in 2009 the Malibu has a shot at unseating the Altima SEDAN as the #3 midsize car. Have you perused the features on the Fusion? it blows the Camry and Accord away with standard 6 speed auto (although Camry is getting one), SONY sound system, 8" nav screen, SYNC, BLIS, etc. If the cars are comparable priced the Fusion is just better.