2009 Ford Fusion: Road Test
2009 Ford Fusion ▼
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- MSRP: $19,035 - $25,605
- Invoice: $17,707 - $23,429
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Our road test for the 2009 Ford Fusion includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Ford Fusion from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Ford Fusion, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Ford Fusion help you decide if a 2009 Ford Fusion is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SEL 4-cylinder, manual | SEL V6 | SEL V6 w/navigation | AWD SEL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Fusion or Milan, with manual transmission, 4-cylinder versions are adequate, though they feel slower than our test car's 9.2-second 0-60-mph time would suggest. The manual transmission is pleasant to use.
V6 versions furnish good passing and merging power, even with the additional weight of AWD. But these models require large throttle inputs for best performance and lack the solid around-town response of other V6 rivals. Ford says V6 Fusions do 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds, which feels accurate based on our tests. The automatic transmission is responsive, but a manual-shift mode would be useful, especially for hilly terrain. No Fusions or Milans with the 4-cylinder engine and automatic transmission have been made available for us to test.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SEL 4-cylinder, manual | SEL V6 | SEL V6 w/navigation | AWD SEL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, manual-transmission 4-cylinder Fusions averaged 22.1-25.0 mpg. A front-drive Fusion SEL V6 averaged 21.8 mpg in mostly highway driving. A 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 gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| SEL 4-cylinder, manual | SEL V6 | SEL V6 w/navigation | AWD SEL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
Fusion and Milan feel compliant and controlled over sharp bumps and patchy pavement. Fusion's suspension tuning allows minor float on high-speed humps and dips. Milan has a firmer ride with less float, but none are uncomfortable. Heavier AWD models are most composed on any surface. The various tire sizes have little impact on ride quality.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SEL 4-cylinder, manual | SEL V6 | SEL V6 w/navigation | AWD SEL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 5.9 |
Ford and Mercury versions, including those with the available sport suspension, are little different. All are pleasant and competent, abetted by nicely weighted, responsive steering. In a straight line, all feel solid and well-planted. A wide turning circle frustrates in close quarters. Test front-drive V6 versions suffered mild torque steer in low-speed acceleration. AWD traction is a boon on slick roads. Kudos to Ford for finally offering an antiskid system on Fusion, but it should be standard, rather than optional.
QUIETNESS
| SEL 4-cylinder, manual | SEL V6 | SEL V6 w/navigation | AWD SEL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Both engines emit a noisy full-throttle growl and recede into the background in gentle cruising. The V6 is quieter overall. Wind rush is well controlled, but tire thrum is heard over grooves and coarse pavement.
CONTROLS
| SEL 4-cylinder, manual | SEL V6 | SEL V6 w/navigation | AWD SEL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 6.3 |
Fusion's dashboard is distinguished from Milan only in some surface materials and color schemes. On both, the gauges are easy to see and read. Audio and climate systems rely on too many buttons and take time to sort out. Ditto look-alike audio/cruise buttons on the steering wheel. The low-set climate panel can force a long look from road. The navigation system is easy to program but is set too low on the dashboard. It absorbs and complicates what should be simple audio functions.
DETAILS
| SEL 4-cylinder, manual | SEL V6 | SEL V6 w/navigation | AWD SEL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Fusion's and Milan's interior designs are understated, blending soft-touch surfaces with available rich-feeling leather upholstery. This is offset, particularly on the Fusion, by some plastics that look and feel cheap. Milan is decidedly more upscale, with even more generous use of soft-touch surfaces and a choice of real metal or wood trim.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SEL 4-cylinder, manual | SEL V6 | SEL V6 w/navigation | AWD SEL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Both provide adequate headroom and legroom for six-footers. The seats are supportive, a bit larger than class norm, and relatively high-set to contribute to fine outward visibility. All Fusion and Milan models include a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, a driver-comfort plus.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SEL 4-cylinder, manual | SEL V6 | SEL V6 w/navigation | AWD SEL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Adult-adequate head room, good foot space, and fine support. Occupants must sit knees-up if the front seats are set further back. Long doors are a hassle in tight spots, but open wide to benefit entry and exit.
CARGO ROOM
| SEL 4-cylinder, manual | SEL V6 | SEL V6 w/navigation | AWD SEL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
The trunk has a usefully cubic shape, but insufficient height for big boxes. Its budget-grade felt-style liner looks and feels cheap, especially given Milan's upscale aspirations. The lid supports are non-intrusive struts. Decent interior storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SEL 4-cylinder, manual | SEL V6 | SEL V6 w/navigation | AWD SEL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 6.3 |
Fusion and its near-twin Mercury Milan target the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, and match those class leaders for room and interior design, if not engine refinement and road manners. Pricing is a Ford/Mercury strong suit, as is the availability of all-wheel drive. 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-cylinder, manual | SEL V6 | SEL V6 w/navigation | AWD SEL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59 | 62 | 60 | 64 | 62.9 |
Total Score: 61
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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