29th Jul 2006, 10:49
If you look at consumer reports, the Mazda 6 with the V-6 actually has poor reliability. So I doubt it is Mazda who is better than Ford.
2nd Aug 2006, 06:55
Ford learned a lot from Japanese built Mazda when it comes to smaller displacement engines like those found in the Fusion. Anyone remember the old Mustang 4 cyl (fox bodies) or 6 cyl in later models? Ford has come a long way in the past 3 or 4 years with handling cues from its Jaguar counterpart and Japanese inspired motor design. Not to mention the beautiful GT's and Shelby's that smoke just about anything on the road.
2nd Aug 2006, 20:39
Ford has been using the 2.3 for years and the 3.0. I do not think that was taken from Japanese companies.
23rd Aug 2006, 12:07
I've owned a 2000 Chevy Impala, 2003 Pontiac Grand AM GT and now a Fusion SE. I4 Red.
The ride is extremely smooth and I've never felt a car hug the road on turns like the Fusion. The interior is much more roomy than my larger sized 2003 Grand AM GT, and slightly less room than the larger Impala.
The 6 speaker sound system is much better than I expected with a very nice low frequency bass. I don't think I need to get any sub woofers.
Insurance is low, a lot lower than I thought it would be.
This car turns heads much more than any of my previous cars have. Many people say the Fusion has a Cadillac look to it.
All in all I prefer the Fusion over the Impala, Grand AM GT and 2006 Chevy Cobalt... all of which I have driven and spent time in. Even my friend with a 2002 Cadillac STS was a little envious.
I don't see how anyone could be disappointed.
16th Sep 2006, 09:17
I find the ford fusion to be a very comfortable and roomy car, it's stylish body sure turn heads I bought a 2006 SE model, and enjoy every moment that I am in my car the 6 speaker system gives a solid listening pleasure, comparing this car to the camry or Nissan Altima, the fusion stands out no matter how you look at it, in my search for a new car after wanting to change from my 04 Toyota Corolla I was about to purchase either the Altima or the Camry, but when I saw the Fusion, there was no looking back and with is reasonable price who could ask for more, I have only had my fusion for two months and I think I will keep this baby for a long time.
23rd Oct 2006, 20:18
I have the 06 Fusion SEL fully loaded...
Great car; the only defect so far is the vents... they have chrome accents on them. It looks awesome, but from the hot hot heat they melt and fall off. I thought I was seeing things!!! The Ford dealership is replacing the parts at no charge because it's an obvious defect!
Other than that, the paint has chipped in the small spaces on the bumpers where it meets both the front and back fender,... They are repainting that as well.
The car drives awesome, looks awesome.
Overall I have had 7 cars.. An Olds Ciera, 93 Grand Am // pice of crap 98 Galant. Nice, but shakey 99 Grand Am... rode like crap, looks cute 05 Taurus.. complete trash... the old Ford rep, definitely a horrible car, brand new was a lemon..
Now had the Fusion for nearly a year with no complaints. I love her so much!!! I'll deal with the bad vents and poorly painted bumper.
She rides awesome and the radio is so great too. Leather with white stitching...
24th Nov 2006, 21:45
Just an FYI, the 2.3Ls in these are not the same ones that Ford has used since the 1970s, this is a Mazda Duratec 2.3L DOHC introudced in 2001. Have one in my 07 Ranger, has tons more power than the old Lima 2.3L SOHC. Does have one problem, it tends to stall whenever it feels like. Only has 1200 miles, so it'll be going back soon.
10th Jan 2007, 21:55
The quality of Mazda went way UP after Ford took it over. We owned a pre-Ford Mazda and it was the worst vehicle we ever owned. The quality of Jaguar (which used to be a JOKE regarding reliability) also went way up after Ford took over. The Fusion is a far better and much more distinctive looking vehicle than the rather dated Mazda 6, which looks like all the Japanese clones. The one I drove rode much rougher and handled more poorly than the Fusion also. I've looked at a number of mid-size sedans lately, including the (dog ugly) Camry, the (even uglier) Accord, the boring G-6 and the very impressive, but too Japanese-looking Buick LaCrosse. I love GM cars, but have to admit that the Fusion is the best all around in every respect. It's definitely a winner.
11th Jan 2007, 09:00
The Fusion does look better than the foreign competition, but the new generation Malibu looks pretty darn good also. And don't forget Chrysler just unveiled the new 2007 Sebring, and it looks great! In the mid size car segment I think the Malibu is #1 followed by the Fusion.
11th Jan 2007, 13:05
New Sebring looks great? You're joking. It looks like a conglomeration of about 10 different styles with no cohesiveness.
And every auto review I've read about this car states it's mediocre at best.
Better to stay with the Ford or maybe the unproven Malibu, or best stay with proven foreign competition.
27th Feb 2007, 16:25
09:00; In my opinion, the last good Malibu was built in 1979, and the Fusion has a long, long way to go in order to prove itself to be a good car. It would take a wizard and the correct alignment of all the planets for Ford to build a car that can compare with a Honda or Toyota.
2nd Feb 2009, 16:56
Well... here it is, Feb of 09 and the Fusion has enough years and happy owners behind it for most consumer organizations to recommend it. I'm not sure if the planets were aligned or not but the new restyled Fusion is looking like a winner and the Hybrid has the best mpg numbers of any midsizer -- by a wide margin as of this writing. As for the Malibu... CR and other organizations are saying that it is both competitive and reliable. Both are good enough for inclusion in a shopper's "short list".
19th Jul 2006, 19:02
To the comment stating you'll be fine it's a mazda 6 with upgrades?!?!? My ass! More like the Mazda 6 is an upgraded Fusion! The new Mazdas are a much better all around car than the Fusion could ever dream of being. Ford and Mazda may be one in the same, but when it comes to looks AND reliability, Mazda definitely takes the cake.