2010 Ford Fusion Review

The Ford Fusion got a thorough revision for this model year. The styling is now edgier and the interior has been updated with a more modern design featuring Ford's latest entertainment and climate controls. The four-cylinder engine was upgraded to 2.5 liters and now produces 175 horsepower, while the 3.0-liter V6 now makes 240 horses. A new trim level, the Fusion Sport, gets a 3.5-liter V6 good for 263 hp. This Sport model maintains the previous car's sporty hydraulic steering, whereas the regular Fusion switches to more parking-lot and fuel-efficiency-friendly electric steering. Safety features that come standard on all 2010 Fusion models include dual front, side-impact, and side curtain airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, anti-lock brakes, and traction control, tire-pressure monitoring. Ford says it augmented the Fusion's sound-deadening areas - including the windshield and side windows - to render a quieter cabin than the Accord's or Camry's.

Fusion 2010 Trims

The Ford Fusion offers five trims for 2010: S, SE, Sport, SEL and Hybrid. Fusion S comes standard with cloth upholstery, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power locks, instrument cluster with message center, keyless entry and trunk release, AM/FM/CD/MP3 with four speakers, remote decklid release, capless fuel filler, trip computer, cruise control, speed-sensitive wipers.

Fusion SE adds six-speaker audio, fog lamps, fold-flat passenger seat, body-color mirrors, six-way power driver seat, Sirius satellite radio, steering wheel audio and cruise controls, illuminated visor mirrors, and 17-inch wheels.

Fusion Sport adds sport-tuned suspension, six-speed select-shift automatic, 18-inch wheels, chrome trim, rear spoiler, dual exhausts, unique side rocker moldings and front fascia, SYNC communication system, auto-dimming rearview, eight-way power driver seat, unique interior trim and center console appliqué.

Fusion SEL comes with leather heated seats, dual-zone temperature control, SYNC communications system, halogen headlamps, auto-dimming rearview, heated outside mirrors, eight-way power driver seats, and six-way power passenger seat.

Fusion Hybrid comes fitted with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine, Hybrid 275-volt sealed battery, permanent magnet-electric motor, regenerative braking system, LCD graphic instrument panel, and a reverse-sensing system.

Ford Fusion Exterior

The Fusion's high-bustled three-box design delivers a tall, capacious trunk volume of 11.8 cubic feet. At 190.6 inches long and 72.2 inches wide, the Fusion falls right in the middle of its competitors size wise. Even the base Fusion S gets some stylish exterior features that might be found on more expensive car, including 16-inch alloy rims - nearly all competitors have steel wheels with plastic covers on their base models. The SE and SEL move up to 17-inch rims, while the Fusion Sport has 18-inch wheels. The Fusion may be thought of as a typical daily commuter type vehicle, but something about it has an "I'm fun to drive" look.  There are cues of a finely bred European sedan.  The 2010 Fusion uses the same platform as the 2009 model, but it looks very unique from the previous year.  Somehow the 2010 Ford Fusion is both graceful and practical in design. 

2010 Fusion Handling and Power

The handling for the 2010 Ford Fusion is nothing but amazing.  It is a controlled, dynamic, and agile drive. The Fusion could even be called 'athletic' as it handles turns and driver input with precision.  On the highway you get solid high-speed stability, and a nice, smooth ride. For areas of the country where adverse weather conditions are common, there is an all-wheel-drive option to handle these roads safely.  The Fusion's stability is a benefit of its relatively long wheelbase and wide track, longer and wider than the Mazda version. The six-speed automatic transmission is very smooth; it's one of the few six-speed automatics in this class. Four-cylinder models have adequate power but are not up to par versus the competition.

The 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which gets 175 hp, has replaced the previous year's 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine.   The new four cylinder now gets more power, which in turn allows the 2010 Fusion to drive faster than its competitors like Toyota Camry or Honda Accord.  Other engine options include a 240-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 and a 263-hp, 3.5-liter V-6. Both of these engines use a six-speed automatic transmission.  Then there is the hybrid, which of course drives on a hybrid powertrain in combination with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine. The combined horsepower of the Hybrid's gas engine and electric motor is 191 hp, but the literally instantaneous torque of its forceful electric motor makes it feel like more.

'10 Fusion Cabin

For 2010 the Ford Fusion cabin gets an upgrade.  These include new materials for the dashboard, and the center controls get a new layout.  The front seats have good lateral support, and are all around comfortable. The seat cushions in the Fusion's rear are flat and minimal.  Headroom is decent in the back, given the downward taper of the roofline. Rear-seat passengers will find a decent amount of leg room, although the Fusion is certainly not at the top of competition in this category.  For cargo space there is a good-size trunk with a flat floor and low lift-over height.

Conclusions

The Ford Fusion is an all-American car that offers contemporary styling and even a hybrid powertrain.  Power delivery in the Fusion Hybrid is smooth and progressive, exhibiting none of the artificially sudden throttle response of its Asian competitors.   EPA ratings for the Ford Fusion Hybrid are 41/36 mpg City/Highway. For another look, read Motor Trend's 2010 Fusion First Look. The Fusion gets eight more miles per gallon in city driving and two more on the highway than does the Toyota Camry Hybrid.  For 2010, the Ford Fusion has a redesigned interior and exterior, and improved drivetrain, including the 263-hp 3.5L V6 engine found on the Sport trim. The Fusion has a starting MSRP of $19,270 - $27,675. The new Fusion has an even bolder three bar chrome grille.  Trim levels include the S, SE, SEL and Sport. All-wheel drive is optional.