2007 Ford Fusion Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Standard side airbags and available all-wheel drive mark 2007 for Ford's midsize sedan. Fusion shares its basic architecture with the Mercury Milan and the premium-midsize-class Lincoln MKZ. Fusion offers S, SE, and SEL models. The S model 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. All 4-cyl Fusions are front-wheel drive. V6 models are available with all-wheel drive. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard; ABS is optional. Traction control is standard on AWD models, optional on front-drive V6 Fusions. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags are now standard; they had been optional. A sunroof and leather upholstery are optional for SE and SEL.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Mercury Milan, and Saturn Aura.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Saturn Aura.

News

Detroit gossips say Fusion and sister Mercury Milan should offer a 3.5-liter V6 for 2008, perhaps to replace the current 3.0 V6. The 3.5 is already standard for the related 2007 Lincoln MKZ. A hybrid power option is also still expected for 2008. The gas/electric powertrain is likely to emulate that of the Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUVs. The 2009 Fusion and Milan are said to be in for a cosmetic freshening if current plans hold.

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2007 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	SEL V6 w/nav. sys.	AWD SEL	Class Average
4	5	5	5	5.9

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. Inordinately heavy clutch action, balky shift linkage makes manual transmission unpleasant to use.

V6 versions furnish good passing and merging power, even with additional weight of AWD. But these models require large throttle inputs for best performance and lack the around-town response of other V6 rivals. 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	SEL V6 w/nav. sys.	AWD SEL	Class Average
6	5	5	5	5.1

Test manual-transmission 4-cyl Fusions averaged 22.1-25.0 mpg. Test Fusion SEL V6 averaged 21.8 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test Milan Premier V6 averaged 20.1 mpg. Test AWD Fusions and Milans averaged 18.0-21.7 mpg. All Fusions and Milans use regular-grade fuel. Note that AWD models have a 16.5-gallon fuel capacity; other Fusions hold 17.5 gallons.

Ride Quality

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	SEL V6 w/nav. sys.	AWD SEL	Class Average
6	6	6	7	6.1

Fusions, Milans 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. Heavier AWD models most composed on any surface. Little ride difference between 16- and 17-inch tires.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	SEL V6 w/nav. sys.	AWD SEL	Class Average
6	6	6	7	6.2

Little difference between Ford, Mercury versions. Both are pleasant, competent, abetted by nicely weighted, responsive steering. Solid, well-planted straightline feel. Wide turning circle frustrates in close quarters. Test front-drive V6 versions suffered mild torque steer in low-speed acceleration. AWD traction a boon on slick roads. Good stopping control, progressive brake pedal action.

Quietness

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	SEL V6 w/nav. sys.	AWD SEL	Class Average
6	6	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	SEL V6 w/nav. sys.	AWD SEL	Class Average
7	7	6	7	6.7

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. 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. Navigation system easy to program, but sloppy incorporation of audio controls complicates what should be simple adjustments. 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	SEL V6 w/nav. sys.	AWD SEL	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.8

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	SEL V6 w/nav. sys.	AWD SEL	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.1

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	SEL V6 w/nav. sys.	AWD SEL	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.8

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	SEL V6 w/nav. sys.	AWD SEL	Class Average
5	8	7	8	6.3

Fusion and its near-twin Mercury Milan are Recommended picks. They target the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, and match those perennial class leaders for room and road manners, if not engine refinement and interior design. Pricing is a Ford/Mercury strong suit, however, as is the availability of AWD. Note that there's no substantive difference between the Fusion and Milan, but that the Mercury can cost less when comparably equipped. It has richer-looking interior appointments, to boot.

Total Score

SEL 4-cyl, man.	SEL V6	SEL V6 w/nav. sys.	AWD SEL	Class Average
57	60	58	62	59.2

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		47
Average Score		59
High Score		69

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2007 Ford Fusion Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 04/17/2007

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

S 4-door sedan	$17,295	$16,194	$700

SE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan	$18,220	$16,853	$700

SE V6 4-door sedan	$20,945	$19,305	$700

AWD SE V6 4-door sedan	$22,795	$20,971	$700

SEL 4-cylinder 4-door sedan	$19,310	$17,834	$700

SEL V6 4-door sedan	$22,035	$20,286	$700

AWD SEL V6 4-door sedan	$23,885	$21,952	$700

Price note: AWD requires antilock brakes.

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, front side airbags, curtain side 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, 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, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, traction control.

SEL adds to SE:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Automatic climate control, heated power mirrors, analog clock, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

225/50R17 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, traction control.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
SE Appearance Pkg.
SE 4-cylinder	$395	$344
Aluminum interior trim, unique interior and exterior trim, fog lights. NA w/leather upholstery, rear spoiler.

Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission
S, SE/SEL 4-cylinder	$850	$740


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

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


Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
SE, SEL	$1,895	$1,649
Requires antilock brakes. SE 4-cylinder requires 5-speed automatic transmission.

Power sunroof
SE, SEL	$795	$692


Leather upholstery
SE, SEL	$895	$779


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

Premium sound system
SE, SEL	$420	$366


Satellite radio
SE, SEL	$195	$170


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
SE, SEL	$295	$257

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2007 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.	17.5

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 @ 6250	221 @ 6250

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	156 @ 4250	205 @ 4800

Availability	Standard	Standard

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	5

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	5/60,000	5/100,000 on Ford Focus only. 8/100,000 on Escape Hybrid components.

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

Corrosion	5/Unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	5/60,000	--

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, all-wheel drive

< 2007 Ford Fusion Photos

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Also in the 2007 Ford Fusion Review:

Ford Fusion

Ford Fusion Road Test

Ford Fusion Prices & Equipment

Ford Fusion Specs & Safety

Ford Fusion Photos

Ford Fusion Full Review