Ford Fusion Crowned KING OF HYBRIDS Beating Toyota At Their Own Game

Ford Fusion Crowned KING OF HYBRIDS Beating Toyota At Their Own Game
I always like the transition from one month to another as that is the time all the magazines I subscribe to make their appearances.

This month is no exception with the February 2009 issue of Car & Driver hitting the mailbox last night with a cover story titled, "FUEL-SIPPIN' SHOWDOWN! Can Detroit Build A Better Hybrid?"

OK, let me get my initial thought (er, joke) out of the way, can Detriot build a better anything?  Ha ha ha.

There on the cover is the newly redesigned Ford Fusion along with the Camry, Altima and Malibu.  All in their Hybrid versions.

Now I don't know about you, but when a car magazine gives prime placement to Hybrid sedans and secondary placement to the fact that within the same issue the new Nissan 370Z, Ferrari California and Ford Mustang GT, there must be a shift in the minds of the readers.  Perceived or otherwise, C&D seems to think that this Hybrid showdown is important.

And after reading the article, I have to agree that it is important.

It looks as though Ford has beaten Toyota at the game Toyota essentially created.  Based on the scoring criteria at C&D, criteria which includes items like comfort, ergonomics, fuel economy, performance along with subjective categories like "gotta have it" and "fun to drive" the Fusion comes out on top with a pretty convincing win.

Scoring 204 points out of a possible 250, the Fusion beats the second place Camry whose score was 189.  Interesting to note that the other cars, the Altima and Malibu scored within 11 points of the Camry with the Altima scoring 184 and the Malibu 178.  It appears as though the Fusion really had a significant win in this showdown.




But how, you might be asking.

Don't worry, I asked the same thing.

The Fusion was ranked #1 in the "fun to drive" and "gotta have it" subjective categories, with the author suggesting that the Fusion was the most engaging of the hybrid vehicles as well as the most efficient.

Bright spots like this Fusion suggest there still may be some fight left in Detroit after all.

The author writes, "Ford really hit all the marks with this hybrid Fusion, combining excellent fuel economy with slick manners and an engrossing personality.  Fun and fuel economy have finally gotten married in a mid-size sedan."

Now the hurdle for Ford, getting people into the showroom to give the Fusion a look.

I guess the question to ask is, would you be willing to give the Fusion a chance.  And in that same vein, do you agree with the outcome?  Did C&D get it right in ranking the Ford above the Toyota?

Let us know your thoughts...


HSCenterconsoleHSCenterconsole - 12/30/2008 10:00:28 AM
-1 Boost
Yawn.

Did anybody else notice how thin this month's C&D issue was? They must be really hurting with advertising.


KthornKthorn - 1/5/2009 12:16:37 AM
-1 Boost
Hey OP (I mean kthor) you got the wrong guy you douchetool. And the real reason your colon hurts is because the full maint on your M3 ran out. It's nice to know I getting to you though. Trust me when I say this, this boy doesn't come up when googled, scottyroberts is not my name.


DennyCraneDennyCrane - 1/11/2009 7:36:02 PM
+1 Boost
Gee OP could it be that you lifted a quote of mine from a post and put it on your profile? Yeah, that's the reason. And a little FYI for you... it would be nice if autospies had a U2U feature similar to (if not exactly like) the U2U feature found on Above Top Secret.com. That way, if some of us "agents" have personal issues, we can keep them personal. For instance take "agent" kthor, that spineless, pathetic, little weasel of a man (sic) has posted the photograph of an individual (he thinks is me) on a profile he created and named Obesepig (check the IP addresses, I'm sure they'll match). Now, I'm certain the man actually photographed in this profile would fail to find any humor in this, nor appreciate the many posts discussing his physical appearance, and the size, shape, and condition of his colon. None the less, I have no way of getting this message to "agent" kthor without it being a matter of public record. In my defense, I have asked "agent" kthor to at the very least, kindly remove the mans photograph from the profile, (see post in DETROIT AUTO SHOW: 2010 Cadillac SRX Re-styled) but unfortunately I had to do so in a public post. So a U2U feature would actually be very helpful. Now, the man photographed in the "obesepig" profile is Scott Roberts, Mr Roberts is the general sales manager at Lexus of Melbourne in central Florida. Since he and I ARE NOT one and the same, (which I have tried to communicate to "agent" kthor) I highly recommend someone, perhaps you, remove the profile and posts before Mr Roberts discovers what "agent" kthor has done to defame his character. One can only imagine the financial and legal hardship Mr. Roberts could unleash upon the owners and directors of this site for allowing such defamation to continue. May I also suggest agent 001, that you impose a permanent posting ban on "agent" kthor, and any and all logon profiles associated with his IP address (I believe he has no less than three). I would then follow this posting ban with a blast email to all agents reminding them that malicious impersonation of actual citizens is not within the spirit of autospies.com, and may actually violate terms & conditions, and maybe even a few pesky laws.


HSCenterconsoleHSCenterconsole - 12/30/2008 10:57:59 AM
+7 Boost
Chuck, C&D is not biased towards BMW. They are biased toward good cars overall. While the 3-Series may dominate most, if not all, of their comparison tests (trumping your beloved G), their other models haven't fared as well. No journalist is bias free, but I think C&D is usually pretty spot on with their reviews.

See below for some examples.

M5 places third against E63 and S6:
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/sedans/2007_audi_s6_vs_bmw_m5_m_b_e63_amg_comparison_test

750Li places third out of fifth in lux comparo:
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/sedans/2006_jaguar_super_v_8_vs_2007_m_b_s550_2006_audi_a8l_2007_lexus_ls460l_2006_bmw_750li_comparison_test

550i places second behind Infiniti M45 (uh oh I'm fueling the fire):
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/sedans/2007_bmw_550i_vs_infiniti_m45_lexus_gs450h_m_b_e550_comparison_test

X5 places third out of eight in lux SUV comparo:
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/crossovers_and_suvs/bmw_x5_vs_acura_mdx_cadillac_srx_m_b_ml350_lexus_gx470_volvo_xc90_vw_touareg_land_rover_lr3_comparison_test



LuxuryFanLuxuryFan - 12/30/2008 12:01:14 PM
+5 Boost
Gawd, the last generation Altima was an ugly vehicle. The interior wasn't anything to write home about either.


Agent63Agent63 - 12/30/2008 3:48:52 PM
0 Boost
Chuck,

All the cars you talk about you've never driven so how on earth would you know their not as good as the Altima?. I have to agree with Star on this one. Just because the Altima is a Nissan as is your G37 you feel upset it didn't top the list.


NItePhireNItePhire - 12/30/2008 3:49:42 PM
+2 Boost
"No journalist is bias free, but I think C&D is usually pretty spot on with their reviews."

The fact that they (CD) continue to put the Accord on thier ten best list tells me other wise. Also they chose a Pilot over a CX9 due to the fact the Honda "feels" more like a truck. If the Accord was sitll avalible in hybrid form then they would have chosen it. Nice picture but their comparisions are a joke.


NItePhireNItePhire - 12/30/2008 3:52:50 PM
+4 Boost
How ever they did get it right this time. By the way no real magazine picks any BMW sold today over its competitors except the 3series which it deserves. Even though I am not a BMW fan at the moment (used to be) the 3 continues to seperate itself from the pack. I am an Infiniti fan and I know this.


PorschinatorPorschinator - 1/2/2009 6:47:28 PM
+1 Boost
Chucks avatar says it all. Stick to your Altima, good car but not best.


AmazonPrinceIS350AmazonPrinceIS350 - 12/30/2008 11:31:54 AM
-2 Boost
The Fusion is probably not a better car than the Camry or better at fuel compsumption but it is looking better and that should be praised.


Agent63Agent63 - 12/30/2008 3:50:18 PM
+2 Boost
I think the Fusion looks better than the IS350. Uh oh here's the deboosts *sarcasm*


holmstarholmstar - 12/31/2008 10:50:39 AM
+1 Boost
everyone has a right to their opinion. Whatever floats your boat.


DieselRulesDieselRules - 1/2/2009 2:58:46 AM
+2 Boost
The Camry is a good car, but hey, its not hard to make a better car than a Camry.


mini22mini22 - 12/30/2008 11:59:38 AM
+4 Boost
Actually the article in C&D said that the gauges showed better mileage then the Camry was actually getting in C&D's real world driving conditions.Further the Altima has always been critisized by most publications as being fun to drive but a little rough around the edges.Torque Steer seems to be one of the common consensus as well as being quite noisy.Being that the Fusion is based off the Mazda 6 I would not write it off an inferior car to the Altima.Further Camry's are simply boring to look at and to drive.No I would go for the Fusion.


neutralneutral - 12/30/2008 12:08:30 PM
+5 Boost
Why do they even throw the Malibu in the ring?

It is just GM's BAS system, not a "true hybrid".

Im waiting for GM's BAS+ to come out. Lighter than the current BAS, probably the same price (hopefully GM doesn't screw this up) and much better economy gains.

Either way, Kudos to Ford.


PlanBPlanB - 12/30/2008 12:23:02 PM
+2 Boost
Normally I wouldn't give the Fusion a 2nd look, but this one here is nice. Does anyone know if this is an all new model or just a mid-life update?


NItePhireNItePhire - 12/30/2008 3:57:44 PM
+2 Boost
It's being called a mid cycle/life refresh. A new one is supppose to appear in 12-13 based on Fords European platform.


holmstarholmstar - 12/31/2008 10:52:03 AM
+2 Boost
Still too much chrome for my taste, but I think the refresh looks better than the old model. More aggressive.


LauderdaleDriverLauderdaleDriver - 12/31/2008 8:43:19 AM
+3 Boost
Toyota uses mountains of "Made in Detroit" patents, too. What's the problem?


BigShow50BigShow50 - 12/30/2008 12:30:59 PM
-2 Boost
LMAO!!!....Gotta give credit to Ford for actually making a "True Hybrid" system(compared to the p.o.s. Malibu half ass hybrid, and Chrysler...well forget them), at the same time refining the Ford Fusion into one solid competitor in terms of fit and finish, style, and now fuel efficiency. But remember Toyota had no solid rival till now...So that being said I will not be surprise for Toyota at this point to actually try a "little harder" with their 2010 Camry...remember kids Toyota always has something up their sleeve, it's all about executing in a timely fashion...and Ford knows it too...it helps when Alan Mullaly believes in "TPS" Toyota Production System(past, present & future)...look at the results so far, slowly but surely!...And WTF! is with C&D comparing the 2010 Fusion with the current Camry Hybrid? What a waste of a review!!! Bunch of cock-knockers!!!...LMAO!!!


kornholiokornholio - 12/30/2008 2:36:37 PM
+2 Boost
Is there a different Camry hybrid to compare it to? Maybe you know something that they don't.


0to600to60 - 12/30/2008 12:55:20 PM
+5 Boost
Isnt that a picture of the old altima?


PerformanceGuyPerformanceGuy - 12/30/2008 1:43:13 PM
+3 Boost
All 3 cars are nice. I highly doubt I am their target market, but I would take the one that is the most fun to drive, but guess Hybrids prorities are not really being fun to drive.


holmstarholmstar - 12/31/2008 10:56:15 AM
+2 Boost
well, if you are looking for fun to drive among these options, I would probably go for either the fusion or altima. The altima and mazda6(03-09) have been competing directly for the mid-size sporty sedan market, and the fusion is based on the same platform as the 6, so either of those would probably be decent.


truckmantruckman - 12/30/2008 2:03:47 PM
+2 Boost
The Camry has had a lot of problems, so that would be a no brainer, the Fusion would be the obvious choice.


800over800over - 12/30/2008 10:54:22 PM
-2 Boost
what are you talking about? Hybrid Camry is a pretty reliable car.


mercuryguymercuryguy - 12/30/2008 3:04:48 PM
-2 Boost
It might be the same car with all body panels changed with the exception of the roof, but its sistership (Lincoln MKZ) seems to be a whole new car (Big Taillights etc) So I'm unsure if it is totally new. Obviously the powertrain platform is new.


mercuryguymercuryguy - 12/30/2008 3:06:24 PM
-3 Boost
The Front Grille Blows the Acura TL out of the water for a fraction the price.

I guess Ford learned something from the Edsel failure.


kpaxxkpaxx - 12/30/2008 3:35:17 PM
+5 Boost
Great for ford! I bet the quality of the fusion is much better than the camry! The recent camry's I have been in have had horrible fit and finish!


NItePhireNItePhire - 12/30/2008 4:01:44 PM
+3 Boost
You are correct the Camry's interior is not great which was really a surprise considering their past however I must say that Fords old Fusions interior still wasnt up to task and the new seems atleast 2 generations better.


inspirion7inspirion7 - 12/30/2008 5:56:06 PM
+4 Boost
Ford is doing what most thought it should have so long ago. When you need to fight for survival, you will do what it takes to make it. Ford to the core is a good car company period. you don't just stay around because everyone love hearing about the old stories of Model T's and Fairlanes. Give credit where it is due.

Ford has raised the bar. Liars don't figure, and figures don't lie.


veyron1001veyron1001 - 12/30/2008 4:29:07 PM
0 Boost
Shouldnt Mazda get a large portion of the credit? I mean without foreign help Ford is just another gm or chrysler with a different badge.


veyron1001veyron1001 - 12/30/2008 4:36:39 PM
-2 Boost
O another thing I like to add. Ford, GM and Chrysler only try to make good cars only when they are threatened by bankruptcy. So it goes 1-5 years good cars 25years crap and the cycle goes on.


kornholiokornholio - 1/1/2009 1:37:23 PM
+1 Boost
Actually, the Mazda6 you are referring to is based on the Ford Mondeo platform, much like the Mazda3 is based on the Euro Focus platform and Mazda2 is based on the Fiesta platform.


222max222max - 12/30/2008 6:36:41 PM
+5 Boost
Great for Ford. That's an important bragging right.

I like the Altima and the Malibu as well. But I can never understand why people fall all over themselves to love the Camry. What a mundane-mobile it is. I had one as a rental last year and the thing was so without personality and interest that I actually got mad about having to drive it and couldn't wait to turn the thing back in. And guess what else? the interior quality was nothing to praise either. Everything had a light, plasticky feel to it.

As a weekend rental, a Mazda 6 or Altima would have been far more enjoyable.


thetruth01thetruth01 - 12/30/2008 9:48:51 PM
+2 Boost
The Fusion is the definite winner here... until 2011, when the Camry gets refreshed and the updated Hybrid Synergy Drive IV, mated presumably to the new 2.5L engine. Give Ford its kudos as the Fusion will reign supreme for the next year tho. We'll likely know more of what the Camry will be capable of when we get detials from the next Prius.


jt716jt716 - 12/30/2008 10:05:57 PM
+1 Boost
Good Job Ford! Well I guess since the new Camry comes out in 2011 than that means maybe for the 2012 or 13 model of the Fusion might raise the bar again! I would definitely trade in my 06 for this 10 fusion.


dodgedartdodgedart - 12/30/2008 10:58:50 PM
0 Boost
Kudos to Ford for packaging an overside Mazda 6 platform with Toyota hybrid technology from three years ago and making it large enough to fit us big boned american folk quite comfortably at speed. It has chrome stuff and a cool stereo too. Will it last more than five years? Only five years will tell.


993Turbo993Turbo - 12/31/2008 7:10:29 AM
-2 Boost
I've always found C&D to be biased towards American cars.


holmstarholmstar - 12/31/2008 11:04:10 AM
-2 Boost
Meh... C&D is biased to whatever will sell magazines. Their ratings are often rather subjective, thus they can push the results to whatever will attract attention.

I'm not calling this article B.S., just that anything from C&D should be taken with a grain of salt.


atomicbriatomicbri - 12/31/2008 7:16:45 AM
+1 Boost
Good job Ford. I like the look of the face lifted Fusion, better than Camry. I think Ford is on the right track as far as its future products go as long as they can hold up through the tough economy we are in right now. And I bet it is a great drive compared to the Camry. My friend's mother has a Camry and let me tell you, it is one of the most boring drives. ON the highway at about 70 it wanders, like the steering is just slightly loose, so u constantly are correcting the thing. Not good. I can't wait to try this out. And I hear the Fusion beats all of them on the MPG factor as well.


holmstarholmstar - 12/31/2008 11:07:46 AM
+2 Boost
My grandparents used to have this *old* f-150 that was the same in terms of wandering, but I swear you could turn the wheel about 10-15 degrees before the truck would start to turn. Pretty scary when you're on the highway.


StickShiftCamryStickShiftCamry - 1/2/2009 9:44:39 AM
0 Boost
False, unless it's an '88 Camry or something. When u get behind the wheel of any of these Japanese cars, either Accord or Camry, u notice how much tighter, stiffer the steering is. The last Ford Fusion I drove had wandering problems.


InterestedInterested - 1/2/2009 5:11:35 PM
+1 Boost
Very nice looking unit, well designed and I'm sure in time, will be a significant market success. While the authors of this website may not like to agree/admit to this but I believe that FORD is becoming the "new Toyota" with very high quality products. I suspect the advantage that Ford will have will be that they are priced more competitively than Toyota, and the positive economic benefit of the Ford product to the USA will be much higher. I say good for them! I'd buy one of these Fusions & certainly look atthe whole Ford product line today!I really like the new F-150 too its amazing. . .By 2010 Ford will cover the full array of necessary products, from small cars to big commercial trucks. Looks like a good strategy to me, might be time to be buying those Ford shares.


PorschinatorPorschinator - 1/2/2009 6:55:01 PM
+2 Boost
Ford's current reliability is equal to any car maker in the World. YES IT IS! If you do not agree then you are just fooling yourself. Ford designs are not for everyone but I would personally take the Fusion over the ugly Prius and close tie to Honda Civic hybrid. Hope the rest of the US automakers follow and GM is not far behind.

Say I am biased. Well I owned Chevys, Fords, Toyotas, Porsches, BMW, Honda, etc... US auto makers definitely earned some criticism, but also have the power to change and they are going in a positive direction. I believe the biggest issue with US auto makers were the interiors...ouch! New cars are a huge improvement! Believe!!


pushrodv8pushrodv8 - 1/4/2009 5:38:12 PM
0 Boost
It's a great job of engineering - to bad the car is just plain unattractive. But they've got it headed in the right direction at least.
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