I test drove the FUSION and the SportWagen today.....

[deleond2]

I had a chance to test drive both the FUsion and the Jetta Wagen today, and I think I'm gonna go with the FORD FUSION HYBRID!

I had an easy time getting in and out of each of the two cars, both felt very comfortable to sit in, and all the controls were easily accessible. Though the Fusion had a bit less leg room up front, it had more than enough for me to be comfortable. I liked the gauges on the Fusion better, and with some practice I will be able to switch through them with ease. The Wagen had more punch, but I felt the Fusion had reasonable power which would easily meet my driving needs.

Why the Fusion?

The Jetta has plenty of room, especially in the back, but since my wife already has an SUV, (and will likely be replacing it with a minivan in the future), there is no need for us to have two "big" cars. Though the Wagen would be cheaper up front, the lower cost of ownership, better MPGs, and high reliability (in my mind) favor the Fusion. I also just like the way the fusion looks. I'm sure if someone picks my brain, I could mention several more little reasons.

I will not be buying the Fusion until after July 8th, thats when we close on our old house. I will check to see what Hybrids are available in the area. If I dont find one that has the stuff I want, I will be ordering one.

Comments?
FeedBack?
Downsides to the Fusion? I have read plenty of disadvantages to the VW TDI, anything negative to be said of the FUSION?????

[xcel]

Hi Delond2:

The only negatives I can think of regarding the Fusion Hybrid is its styling is beginning to date and the rear trunks cargo cap. The next gen FFH will be arriving next year in the form of the European Mondeo with the all-new Gen 3/4 hybrid drivetrain. The engine/drivetrain is rumored to provide a 48-mpg highway rating per the 08 EPA. And remember this is a true mid-sized sedan.

Sean and others own FFH’s so they will surely provide more positives and negatives.

Regarding the Jetta TDI Sportwagen, on the highway, it will tear up everything but a Prius and HCH-II. Around town however, the Fusion Hybrid will eat up everything but the Prius.

Saying all of that, there is also the all-new 2012 VW Passat. It has the most rear seat leg room of anything in the mid-sized segment (it really does!) and while early, I would say the only thing that can compete with it on the highway is the HCH-II and possibly the new HCH-III.

Wayne

[southerncannuck]

We rented a Fusion (non hybrid) last week and fell in love with it. It was very comfortable for long trips, and good on gas. I've decided to put a premium on buying American when able, and to not buy anymore fuel than absolute minimum since it's also foreign.

[deleond2]

I have read a little bit about the up and coming FFH and its improvement in City MPG. I really do like the way the 2011 FFH feels and drives, what if I wait for the next generation and I do not like it as much?

I also have read plenty of articles, some of which I saw here, which talk about the great reliability of the current FFH, what if the next one is not as good?

I have decided against the TDI, even the new Passat which I have read about. I guess I as scared away by the high cost to repair/maintain.

I could wait for the new FFH to come out, but my attitude is the 2011 FFH feels good, it looks good, and it feels right. Also I have been planning for a long time to purchase a car during this time of year because it fits into our plans. I think it is the right choice for what I want and what I need.

I will think about it for the rest of the day. If I still feel the same way about the 2011 FFH in the AM, I will go ahead and order one.

[xcel]

Hi Delond2:

I will post something on the all-new 2011 Ford Mondeo as a preview of the 2012 Ford Fusion for you in a few. It looks much like a larger 2012 Ford Focus from the exterior and the all-new Focus is one of the best looking compacts on the market today.

Wayne

[Right Lane Cruiser]

The only real negative I can cite for the FFH (other than the low trunk capacity... which we've solved with the carrier rack) is typical for any tall occupant when it comes to moon roofs. There is limited headroom with one of these installed. I deal with it okay at 6'5" but it is a consideration. The car is my wife's and she likes it (but never opens it )... and it was the one on the lot at the time. If the car was mine I'd have ordered one without a moon roof to get the extra headroom.

[deleond2]

Originally Posted by Right Lane Cruiser

The only real negative I can cite for the FFH (other than the low trunk capacity... which we've solved with the carrier rack) is typical for any tall occupant when it comes to moon roofs. There is limited headroom with one of these installed. I deal with it okay at 6'5" but it is a consideration. The car is my wife's and she likes it (but never opens it )... and it was the one on the lot at the time. If the car was mine I'd have ordered one without a moon roof to get the extra headroom.

The one I drove was without the sunroof, and I felt there was plenty of headroom for me. But I'm a few inches shorter than you. The truck space is not an issue, since any long family trips (2-3 a yr) will probably be with my wife's SUV. Other than my work coat, there is nothing much else that I need to take to and from work.

[xcel]

Hi Delond2:

Just for you

Ford’s 2012 Fusion Preview from a Mondeo Perspective

Wayne

[SD3_Driver]

I purchased one 3 weeks ago and the only negative i can say is the fixed back seat..., and the resulting "small" trunk. With clothes for a month, a laptop, food, shoes, flight bag, and any other misc. things the trunk looks crwoded and smaller than the one in my other car (SRT4)... other than that, i'm very pleased with the car, 48 mpg combined as of yerterday, and i had 2 segments ( really short) of 70 mpg.... just waiting for the end of the month to see how much i saves by switching cars...

[Right Lane Cruiser]

I should mention that even though the trunk is smallish, we have only used the external rack twice -- both times to transport a tent gazebo that was simply too long to fit in the trunk when folded up. I've fit my 62 cm road bike in there and we've managed to go up to the cabin many times... with baggage for my wife, myself, and my 2.75yr old daughter... complete with toys and a cooler (yes, all in the trunk -- the bike not included). We do typically keep the diaper bag in the car and occasionally a couple of bags of groceries wouldn't fit in the trunk with all that other stuff in there, but on the whole we haven't been impacted by the trunk size nearly as much as my wife had feared.