2006 Ford Fusion Published 03/02/2006

Once upon a time, throughout the land an automaker named Ford ruled the highways and byways with quality cars that even regular folks could afford. From 1908 through 1927 The Ford Model T set the standard as the first really affordable car and as late as 1996 the Ford Taurus held the best selling car in the world title. Yes, I know it sounds like a fairy tale but this fairy tale has not ended with the requisite "and they lived happily ever after" line. Somewhere Ford lost focus. No, they still make a Focus car, but they lost focus of the car market.

Building Sport Utility Vehicles were just too easy and too profitable. By basing a passenger vehicle on a commercial truck platform, manufacturers could skirt federal safety, environmental, and fuel mileage requirements. The size and heft of SUV's presented a false illusion of safety to consumers. The 25% protectionist "chicken tax" tariff effectively prevented foreign automakers from competing in the truck market. Targeting the largely ignored car market, Asian manufacturers build better, safer, more economical and cheaper cars for the American driver. Unencumbered by paying middle class American wages and benefits, Asian carmakers caught Ford asleep at the wheel.

Now it is time to get back in the game. Recently the Ford Focus, Taurus and Crown Victoria represented the complete four-door sedan lineup. In retiring the midsize Taurus, Ford has introduced two separate cars for this position. The Ford Five Hundred is a larger mid-size vehicle with many SUV characteristics. Command seating is an upright seating posture while the All-Wheel-Drive option allows Ford Five Hundred owners confidence in inclement weather. The Ford Fusion represents the true mid-size sedan Taurus replacement.

In this age of platform sharing, the Fusion shares the CD3 platform with the Mazda 6, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr. Unlike the Japanese sister Mazda 6 which is built in Flat Rock, Michigan the American Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr are manufactured at Ford's Hermosillo, Mexico plant. Go figure why the import is built in America while American brands are built in a neighboring country.

My test drive vehicle was the top of the line 2006 Ford Fusion V6 SEL. Equipped with the Safety and Security Package, SEL Premium Package, Heated Leather Seats, Anti-Lock Brakes and a really cool Audiophile Sound System, this car was very well equipped for a car priced in the low $20's.

The entry level 2006 Ford Fusion carries a Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $17,795 delivered to your dealer. This is for the 160 horsepower four-cylinder engine and five speed manual transmission rather than the more popular automatic priced $825 dollars higher. Of course, with the urgency to turn sales Ford has already announced significant rebates and incentives rather than simply price the vehicle at market level.

My 215 horsepower Duratec V6 test vehicle was rated at 21MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. Some automotive experts claim the original 1908 four cylinder Ford Model T had about the same fuel economy but it did so with only 20 horsepower and a top speed of 45 MPH. This of course begs the question, why are economy cars still getting the same fuel economy as the 1908 Model T? Haven't we developed any new technology?

The 215 horsepower 3.0 Duretec V6 engine coupled with a 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission is an awesome combination for a sedan of this class but to me personally I was disappointed. I expected a smoother quieter acceleration than experienced. Downshifting was unexpectantly and uncharacteristically harsh. Maybe this is what delivers good fuel economy but to me it was a detraction.

Overall I am impressed with the 2006 Ford Fusion. It is a rock solid and quiet midsize four-door sedan. It's value priced with many standard features like tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a great sound system that plays MP3 CD's.

For a car priced under $25,000 you can certainly live "happily ever after" with the 2006 Ford Fusion.

2006 Ford Fusion

Midsize - four-door sedan

3.0L V6 Engine
215 Horsepower
205 Lbs Ft. Torque

$25,555 MSRP as Driven

21/29 MPG

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