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Driving Impressions

Brian Chee’s 2006 Ford Fusion Driving Impressions:
Call the 2006 Fusion a Ford import, because, well, it’s based on a Mazda platform, built in Mexico and, more importantly, drives like an imported sedan. That’s high praise, considering the success Honda and Toyota have had nailing down driving character into exactly what definition they choose. With the Fusion, Ford has split the difference – the Fusion is softer than the Accord and firmer than the Camry, just like warm porridge or the right bed. Steering is precise, with a nice wheel to grip, and braking is responsive, with little play or fade when the action warmed up. From feet to fingertips, it’s a pleasant package, with a suspension that gives drivers a nudge – not a rough shake – over potholes and asphalt variations. The Fusion is sporty enough to make a driver stay awake, with a nice amount of feedback, while giving families the kind of ride that will put Junior to sleep in the back seat. Okay. Don’t get excited – little Junior will probably wake up when you stand on it. That’s how much the four-cylinder engine howls upon throttle application. Sure, the five-speed manual shifter feels good in hand and easily cycles though the gears, but the problem comes with what’s on the other side – a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 160 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 150 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm. That seems capable enough, to be sure, and in traffic and city driving it is. The weak spots show with what seems like a torque band that compromises off-the-line performance and quick acceleration. By comparison, the Accord 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, considered by many to be one of the top engines in the midsize sedan class, generates 160 lb.-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. And while I’m not an engineer, those extra 10 lb.-ft., a little farther down the rpm ladder, sure seem to make a difference, not mention six more horsepower arriving 450 revs sooner.

Thom Blackett’s 2006 Ford Fusion Driving Impressions:

“Scotty, we…need…more…power!”
“I’m givin’ her all she’s got, Cap’n!”

Such is the typical conversation between a four-cylinder Ford Fusion and its driver, the one trying to make a highway pass before being flattened by that tractor trailer barreling down from behind him. The engine may be smooth and sound fairly refined at full revs, but good golly this 2.3-liter four banger makes that 160-horsepower rating look mighty optimistic. There’s plenty of oomph for getting around in the city and routine traffic, and even enough for smooth entry onto the highway, but passing and gunning it for open spots in gridlock are exercises best planned ahead. Yet, get the Fusion’s smallest engine up to speed, and it’ll keep this sedan moving at a healthy pace, and the smooth five-speed manual transmission even adds a splash of fun to the whole deal. Though not as short and precise as the gearbox found in a Mitsubishi Evolution or Honda S2000, the Fusion’s tranny is just fine for a family commuter, aided by an easy-effort clutch. Braking is also acceptable, with a pedal that’s easy to modulate and no fade evident during mixed driving. Possibly the best point about 2006 Ford Fusion with a stick is the mileage – during my stint, average fuel economy hovered right about 25 mpg, despite stretching the car’s legs for more power. Though I didn’t get a chance to test the Fusion on any twisty roads, I did have the opportunity to put plenty of miles on the car around town, on the almighty 405 freeway, and while circling the LAX arrival level for what seemed like hours (one of those big orange, blue, and tan discounted airlines was late). Through it all, the Fusion offered a smooth and controlled ride, though the steering was a bit numb and the noise and feel of potholes intruded on the cabin too much. Otherwise, Ford’s new sedan seems perfectly suited for the daily commute, provided it’s not on the Autobahn.