2006 Ford Fusion Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Fusion is replacing the aging Taurus as Ford's midsize sedan. It shares a basic architecture with the Mercury Milan and the premium-midsize-class Lincoln Zephyr. Fusion offers S, SE, and SEL models. The S has a 160-hp 4-cyl engine. SE and SEL come with the 4-cyl or a 221-hp V6. The 4-cyl uses a 5-speed manual transmission or optional 5-speed automatic. The V6 has a 6-speed automatic. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard. ABS is optional, as is a safety package with front side airbags and curtain side airbags. Traction control is available for V6 models. A sunroof and leather upholstery are optional for SE and SEL. Fusion, Milan, and Zephyr are based on the Mazda 6 from Ford's Japanese affiliate, but are slightly larger and lack the 6's hatchback and wagon body styles.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and Subaru Outback and Legacy.

New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Volkswagen Passat.

News

Fusion is expected to offer a hybrid option by model-year 2009, possibly sooner. The gas/electric powertrain is likely to emulate that of the Escape Hybrid.

2006 Ford Fusion Road Test

Pros	Cons

Automatic-transmission performance	Engine and road noise

Build quality

Ride/handling

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	Class Average
4	5	5.6

No opportunity to test Fusion or Milan with 4-cyl and automatic transmission. With manual transmission, 4-cyl Fusions are adequate at best and feel slower than our test car's 9.2 sec 0-60-mph time would suggest. Balky shift linkage complicates gear changes.

The V6 furnishes good passing and merging power, but requires large throttle inputs for best performance and lacks the around-town response of a V6 Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. Ford says V6 Fusion does 8.5 sec 0-60 mph, which feels accurate based on our tests. Automatic transmission responsive, but a manual-shift mode would be useful, especially for hilly terrain.

Fuel Economy

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	Class Average
6	5	5.2

Test manual-transmission 4-cyl Fusion averaged 22.1 mpg in mostly city driving. Test Fusion SEL V6 averaged 21.8 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test Milan Premier V6 averaged 20.1 mpg. All Fusions and Milans use regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	Class Average
6	6	6.1

No opportunity to test a model with 16-inch tires. Fusions, Milans with 17s feel compliant, controlled over sharp bumps, patchy pavement. Fusion's suspension tuning allows minor float on high-speed humps and dips. Milan has firmer ride, less float.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	Class Average
6	6	6.1

Little difference between Ford, Mercury versions. Both are pleasant, competent, abetted by nicely weighted, responsive steering. Solid, well-planted straightline feel. Some body lean in fast corners. Wide turning circle frustrates in close quarters. Test V6 versions suffered mild torque steer (unwanted pulling to the side) in low-speed acceleration. Good stopping power, progressive brake pedal action.

Quietness

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	Class Average
6	6	6.2

Both engines emit noisy full-throttle growl, recede into background in gentle cruising, though V6 quieter overall. Little wind rush, but tire thrum heard over grooves, coarse pavement.

Controls

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	Class Average
6	6	6.8

Fusion dashboard distinguished from Milan only in some surface materials, color schemes. On both, gauges easy to see, read. Audio and climate systems rely on too many buttons, take time to sort out. Ditto look-alike audio/cruise buttons on steering wheel. And low-set climate panel can force long look from road. Fusion's interior design decidedly understated, blends soft-touch surfaces, available rich-feeling leather upholstery, but both are offset by some plastics that look, feel cheap. Milan more obviously upscale, with generous use of soft-touch surfaces, choice of real metal or wood trim.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	Class Average
7	7	6.6

Ample leg and head room for six-footers. Seats supportive, a bit larger than class norm, and relatively high-set to contribute to fine outward visibility. All Fusion, Milan models include tilt/telescope steering wheel, a driver-comfort plus.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	Class Average
5	5	5

Adult-adequate head room, good toe space, fine support. But occupants must sit knees-up if front seats are set more than halfway back. Longish doors a hassle in tight spots, but open wide to benefit entry/exit.

Cargo Room

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	Class Average
5	5	4.5

Trunk has usefully cubic shape, but insufficient height for big boxes, and budget-grade felt-type liner looks and feels cheap, especially given Milan's upscale aspirations. Lid supports are nonintrusive struts. Decent interior storage.

Value within Class

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	Class Average
6	7	6.1

Fusion and Milan target the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, and match those perennial Best Buys for room and road manners, if not engine refinement and cabin design. Pricing is a Ford/Mercury strong suit, even after adding curtain side airbags, a safety option we highly recommend. Milan has no substantive advantage over Fusion, and can cost less when comparably equipped. The Mercury has richer-looking interior appointments, to boot.

Total Score

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	Class Average
57	58	58.2

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		44
Average Score		58
High Score		70

2006 Ford Fusion Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/26/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

S 4-door sedan	$17,145	$16,017	$650

SE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan	$17,900	$16,525	$650

SE V6 4-door sedan	$20,625	$18,978	$650

SEL 4-cylinder 4-door sedan	$18,985	$17,502	$650

SEL V6 4-door sedan	$21,710	$19,954	$650

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunklid release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, tilt/telescope steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, map lights, visor mirrors, rear defogger, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, 205/60R16 tires, wheel covers.

SE adds to S:

Powertrain

2.3-liter 4-cylinder or 3.0-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission (V6).

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors.

SEL adds to SE:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Automatic climate control, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, analog clock.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, 225/50R17 tires, alloy wheels.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Sport Pkg.
SE	$425	$370
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, fog lights, alloy wheels.

Premium Pkg.
SEL	$395	$344
Heated power mirrors w/courtesy lights, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, automatic headlights.

Safety and Security Pkg.
S, SE, SEL	$595	$518
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, alarm.

Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission
S, SE/SEL 4-cylinder	$825	$718


Traction control
SE/SEL V6	$95	$83
Requires antilock brakes.

Safety
Antilock brakes
S, SE, SEL	$595	$518


Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
SE, SEL	$795	$692


Leather upholstery
SE, SEL	$895	$779


Heated front seats
SEL	$295	$257
Requires leather upholstery.

AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
SE	$115	$100


Premium sound system
SE	$535	$465
SE w/Sport Pkg., SEL	$420	$366
SE includes AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Alloy wheels
SE	$395	$344

2006 Ford Fusion Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Ford Fusion 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	107.4

Overall Length, in.	190.2

Overall Width, in.	72.2

Overall Height, in.	57.2

Curb Weight, lbs.	3101

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	15.8

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.0

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.7

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.3

Rear Head Room, in.	37.8

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	37.0

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4	dohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.3 /139	3.0 /182

Horsepower @ rpm.	160 @ 6500	221 @ 6250

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	150 @ 4000	205 @ 4800

Availability	Standard	Optional

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	23/31	--/--

5-speed automatic	24/32	--/--

6-speed automatic	--/--	21/29

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Ford Fusion 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	5/100,000 on Focus. 8/100,000 on Escape Hybrid components.

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/Unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Mexico

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2006 Ford Fusion
Trim Level: SEL
Arrival Date: 11/07/2005
Engine: dohc V6
Bodystyle: 4-door sedan
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $21,710
Price as Tested: $25,230
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 3445
Mileage at End of Test: 3801
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 16.37 gals.

Major Options: Safety & Security Package (driver/passenger airbag, side-curtain airbags, anti-theft perimeter alarm), SEL Premium Package (heated power mirrors w/puddle lamps, auto rear-view mirror, compass, auto headlamps), heated front seats, traction control, antilock brakes, leather seats, audiophile sound system

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 21.75 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Chuck Giametta In nicely equipped SELV6 form, at least, this is an impressive job by Ford. This fully loaded example listed for about $25,000, which seems a nice value, even against the new feature-per-dollar darling, the Hyundai Sonata. Fusion is a bit more rewarding to drive than the Sonata, I think, though it's still not as finely honed as the Honda Accord or as isolating as the Toyota Camry. Bottom line: Here, finally, is the competitive mainstream midsize sedan Ford has needed for so long.

Rick Cotta As close as domestic makes currently come to matching Asian and European midsize rivals, the Fusion nonetheless lacks the polish of top competitors. But aside from some ergonomic issues, it's a modern design offering good value for the money.

Vehicle Evaluated: 2006 Ford Fusion
Trim Level: SEL
Arrival Date: 10/16/2006
Engine: dohc V6
Bodystyle: 4-door sedan
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $21,710
Price as Tested: $25,650
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 12730
Mileage at End of Test: 13140
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 20.978 gals.

Major Options: Safety & Security Package (Side Air Curtain, Driver/Passenger Air Bag, Anti-Theft Perimeter Alarm), SEL Premium Package (Heated Power Mirror with Puddle Lamps, Electrochrome Mirror, Compass, Auto Lamp On/Off Delay Headlamps) Heated Front Seats, Anti-Lock Brakes, Traction Control, Leather Seating, Audiophile Sound System

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 19.51 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Chuck Giametta Though the tariff for curtain side airbags and ABS comes to a reasonable $1200, some buyers will forego these vital safety features to save a few bucks. Ford's more responsible route would be to make them standard and pad its good-corporate-citizen image rather than its profit margin. Otherwise, this is a perfectly serviceable sedan: roomy, comfortable, and competent, if not particularly refined.

John Biel With the V6/automatic powertrain and traction control that our previous four-cylinder/manual Fusion SEL test car lacked, this vehicle stickered for only about $2800 more: $25,650 with delivery. That's still a pretty good price for a roomy car with the full complement of comfort and safety features most buyers will want.

Kirk Bell The Fusion is a perfectly competent car with little if anything to make it stand out from the crowd. The ride is nice. The interior is serviceable, but not warm. The V6 is fine, but it's not as good as those form Saturn, Honda, Toyota, or Nissan. If you want a competent American car, this is fine. If you want one of the best in the class, this isn't it.

< 2006 Ford Fusion Photos

Also in the 2006 Ford Fusion Review:

Ford Fusion

Ford Fusion Road Test

Ford Fusion Prices & Equipment

Ford Fusion Specs & Safety

Ford Fusion Photos

Ford Fusion Full Review

All Ford Fusions

All Fords

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