2006 Ford Fusion SEL High End from North America - Off Topic Comments

If you read reviews, especially at places besides this site, the '07 Camry 2.4L with a 5 speed auto has a horrible drive-by-wire throttle system that is intended to adapt the transmission to the style of the driver. The whole system is flawed, because the transmission constantly hunts for gears, especially when the cruise is set, and engine power is cut severely, even when the driver tries to accelerate quickly to, say, move out of a bad traffic situation. Toyotas are not perfect cars by any means, and I personally do not like the way Camrys drive.

We had a 93 Toyota Corolla for 3 years and we drove a 200 mile trip in a 96 Toyota Camry. Both cars had less than 60,000 miles and they handle the same. They wobble when you change lanes, they have a mushy float, and they both creaked when you drive in a parking lot. They also lacked power and were a bit overpriced.

Now that virtually all reputable automotive researchers rate the Fusion as more reliable than Camry or Accord ("Ugly and Uglier") I wonder how the import crowd will try to get around that fact. In recent months I've read tons of horror stories regarding Toyota's massive recalls for defective airbags and sticking accelerators, as well as many stories about defective brakes and transmissions. We wasted almost an hour test driving the horrendous and unsafe Highlander SUV before we realized all the ad hype about Toyota quality was pure baloney. At that time we were already aware of Honda's defective transmission fiasco, so we didn't even bother looking at one of their vehicles. Reading the reviews and comments on this site has been very helpful to us in determining which cars to look at in the future. If I'd found this site before we test drove the Highlander we would have saved that wasted hour of our time.

Actually, with domestic cars it's pretty easy. My Focus was endlessly in the shop during the three years I had it. I can't imagine its life after the warranty ran out.

My family has flushed too many dollars down the toilet buying domestics, so we will never, ever buy American crap again.

Camry = Who Cares? And if somebody wants to subject themselves to driving a lawnmower Accord for 200,000 miles that is their own gluttony for punishment. Those cars are fine for a 19-year-old with no money who just wants to get from A to B, but at some point a person begins to care about concepts like comfort and style, and then it's time to dump the Japanese tin cans.

Having had experience with three Japanese imports I WON'T be buying another one. The Toyota was so-so, but DEFINITELY not as reliable as our Ford that went 325,000 miles, our Dodge that was sold in perfect running condition (and never having had a repair) at 240,000 miles or our Buick LaSabre that went 270,000 miles. The Honda (a Civic) totally fell apart at 90,000 miles and was sold to a junk dealer (literally!!). The Mazda was the worst nightmare I ever owned. It was one that was made before Ford took over. I hear they are greatly improved now, but I'd still not buy one. None of our domestics has ever come close to being as expensive to maintain as any of our imports.

Giving up a full size new company car Impala for $500 month was a good deal for your company. I have had company cars for 15 years. No car payment, depreciation, insurance, major repairs, fuel expense probably they give you an allowance however, but still the hassle when you sell... you might want to re evaluate that move. You still are taxed personal use, but still...

So if the V-6 Accord is a lawnmower what does the Fusion represent? How about a hamster in a rolling wheel??? I am pretty sure an Accord V6 could smoke a Fusion.

But you have to get the V6 Honda to roll with a bad transmission first...

Good point. When we were car shopping a couple of years ago we had heard so much about Honda's transmission problems and Nissan's near bankruptcy because of the unreliable Titan and Armada lines that we didn't even bother to look at either. We did look at Toyota, but then found out that they were also having transmission problems as well as braking problems. We were also told by a friend that Japanese car companies use fraudulent methods of figuring horsepower and that the 210 Horsepower V-6 Camry really only has about 135 Horsepower, while the 240 horsepower V-6 Accord is more like 165. I test drove a V-6 Fusion recently and it was plenty fast and rode and handled much better than either the Camry or Accord (I've driven friend's Accords). I guess that's why it's rated better by all the magazines and testing companies.

<<Good point. When we were car shopping a couple of years ago we had heard so much about Honda's transmission problems and Nissan's near bankruptcy because of the unreliable Titan and Armada lines that we didn't even bother to look at either. We did look at Toyota, but then found out that they were also having transmission problems as well as braking problems. We were also told by a friend that Japanese car companies use fraudulent methods of figuring horsepower and that the 210 Horsepower V-6 Camry really only has about 135 Horsepower, while the 240 horsepower V-6 Accord is more like 165. I test drove a V-6 Fusion recently and it was plenty fast and rode and handled much better than either the Camry or Accord (I've driven friend's Accords). I guess that's why it's rated better by all the magazines and testing companies.>>

This is the biggest load of horse crap I've read yet. The Titan and Armada were NOT the cause of Nissan's then-downfall as it was already in financial trouble. What those vehicles did was ruin Nissan's reputation in those respective markets.

Your lie about horsepower claims are right out of a Ford dealer's mouth. Next you'll be telling us the Japanese have tails and worship Bal.

Please, get some facts.

Oh, and there is still a STRONG possibility that Carlos Ghosn will buy Ford. Guess what that means? Ford will be owned by Nissan!

That problem is overrated!!! People think it involves all Hondas. Well as an owner of a few of them I have not had any trouble at all with my transmission on my Accord. Possibly you are thinking of an Odyssey or TL??? DO a little research before you write your comments Bud! If you ruled the world everyone would drive Tauruses and the elite class would drive Fusions and Japanese or Korean cars would be banned. You cannot save the Ford Motor Company with your small talk!!!

NHTSA recall... Accord Transmissions...2003-2004 model years.

Ford Expedition recall... faulty cruise control switches= fires.

I think a person might buy an Accord before an Expedition... good analogy however? Maybe we should step up to Lexus recalls now.