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The Fusion is a better
car than its ranking here suggests. It has a comfortable interior, a
powerful engine, and an impressive ride/handling compromise. The V6 Fusion
is ranked here more for the availability of a 4-cylinder version that is a
much better value, with acceptable acceleration, better gas mileage, and a
much lower price. Either Fusion is good on its merits, but the 4-cylinder is
a better choice than the V6.
The Fusion rides
comfortably. The ride is absorbent, and is generally well-controlled, though
it doesn’t always recover quickly after passing bumps. The car handles quite
well for a family sedan, and the accurate steering returns good feedback.
Body roll is more pronounced than in the Fusion’s sport-focused cousin, the
Mazda6, and it doesn’t feel nearly as nimble in fast cornering, but it also
rides more comfortably. The 3.0-liter V6, which dates back over a decade,
provides sufficient power for any circumstance. The engine is somewhat noisy
under hard acceleration, and road noise can be excessive. Gas mileage is low
for this group.
Inside, the Fusion has
high, firm, comfortable, and well-shaped front seats with impressive leg and
head space. The rear is mounted high for good thigh support, but isn’t as
roomy as some competitors’, and isn’t angled properly to make maximum use of
the available space.
 The
interior uses decent-quality materials that fit together well. The gauges
are clear enough but could be larger, and there was no reason to have
replaced knob-style controls with annoying-to-use buttons. Climate controls
could be higher as well. The high seats and fairly high roof ease
entry/exit. Drivers sit very comfortably, and have very good visibility. The
trunk is reasonably well-shaped, but not particularly large.
The V6 Fusion reviewed
here came in at $20,232, well-equipped. There is no stability control
system, but it does include a 6-disc CD changer, a 6-way power driver’s
seat, alloy wheels, and Sirius satellite radio.
Overall,
the Fusion is a very nice car with good ride and handling and interior
comfort. But the V6 is a pricey option that is not so much more powerful or
quieter than the standard 4-cylinder to be worth the $1,700 initial cost or
the gas mileage penalty. Unless you want a Fusion and must have V6 power,
this car isn’t for you.
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