2010 Prius versus Ford Fusion Hybrid: My Review

I see... got ya. Even after expiration of the tax credit, I think choosing the Prius 5 over a FFH is a hard call... I would be very inclined to get the Fusion even though I'm currently loving my Prius 3....

 

I'm not trying to bash Ford, but when I spend $30k for a car, Ford (and most other companies) won't even be on my radar. The quality and reliability histories just aren't there. If they are improving, I'm happy to hear it, but I'm not willing to gamble that much when companies like Honda and Toyota have been leading the industry for decades.

And to address the comment that Ford "has it's stuff together", I think this is more a result of Ford having more money in the bank to weather the storm than Ford being more successful than GM and Chrysler during the recession. I really hope Ford can make it through and remain solvent, but they'll likely go bankrupt too if this recession lasts much longer.

 

I went to the big SF auto show last November, talked with a Ford rep who had been an engineer with Ford for many years. Told him I recently bought a Prius. He went on to say Ford really does like the hatchback format (Prius) as it cannot be made safe like a sedan (Focus).

And he went on to explain how a small hatchback will smash into such and such shape in certain collisions. He was basically bagging on the Prius and implied Ford would not make a car like it.



But, hey, the talking robot was really cool.

 

f like the Fusion as well, in white, which like the Prius is an additional charge.. blah...but to me, the fusion is quite boring. =\ It doesnt have the same ring as "I own a Prius" (which I dont yet but im going to the dealer today! ;D Im sure all of you that have ever said "I drive a Prius" to someone, instantly end up in a conversation about the car. I doubt saying "I have a fusion" that people will really give a shhhhhhhhhhh... lol. But, it is a very nice car dont get me wrong. Im just excited to get a car that has a solar powered sun roof that keeps my car cool and i can turn on my a/c via my remote. Pimp my ride style ! haha. im a dork, i know.

 

My friend just got a Fusion so we're having a good time comparing our cars. Bottom line, we both love them and love that we have hybrids. Really, I don't feel like it's much of direct competition (like Prius vs. Insight) because each car offers the buyer what they see as different advantages. I get better mileage, but he gets a more powerful car. I get more storage room, but he gets a more "conservative" looking car. He likes that he doesn't see a million other Fusions on the road, I like that I do see a million Prius' on the road.

I think the Fusion is great car and a great choice for people who want a hybrid, but don't want to appear to be entering into the "culture" of hybrids. And it's nice that there's a good American-made choice out there. Bravo to Ford.

 

well you cant mix and match - Prius does have a lot more technology, where Fusion is pretty basic without even SKS. Top Fusion is 32.5k in Cali, top Prius is similar price, but thats with features not found in Fusion and that can only be found in cars like LS600h.

All together, similar Prius is way cheaper than Fusion, and it starts cheaper. You can get Prius III for 24k, and it has pretty much everything you might want.

Its really completly different car as I said, it gets 30% better mileage and has more useful space. You cant just brush that away as not important in hybrid vehicle.

Now, Fusion will always have bigger discounts than Prius, but at the same time, Prius will retain its value better than Fusion. So whatever discount you get now, you will get less price for the car later on.

Thats why you should be compating Fusion with TCH, which is very similar car, similar engine, similar mpg, similar size, similar trunk and similar price and discounts too. You should be able to get top Camry with nav, leather, moonroof, backup camera and sks for 30k. Thats really pretty much the same price as Fusion and very much the same vehicle.

 

The Ford guy might have a point. They didn't have a lot of luck with the Pinto hatchback.

 

:welcome::focus:

 

Hi Thread,
I really enjoyed your comparisons of the the Prius and FFH. I have looked at both of these hybrids and would like to make a purchase very soon. Which car did you end up buying? Can you let me know your thoughts assuming you have now driven one for a while?
Thanks,
Stuart

 

I like what ford is trying to do with Hybrid technology, but I beleive they should have put the FFH drive, into a smaller car, like the Focus.

 

That's exactly what I thought when the Fusion hybrid was launched, but you know what, on purpose or not, having the hybrid system in the Fusion was a heck of a better deal for Ford. Fusion hybrid sales are more than expected and very competitive with the Camry hybrid (honestly, I don't even know why people would buy a Camry hybrid over the Fusion hybrid, the last is way better, hands down! It must be the Toyota reliability).

Now, guess what would happen to a Focus hybrid if it had to face competition with the new Prius... the same of what happened to the Insight... bad news for them.

Toyota reached the gold standard status with the Prius... it will take a lot to break it!

 

I looked at both cars prior to purchasing our Prius.
The FFH wins hands down (in my opinion) in the area of displays/lighting, and the materials used inside the cabin.
When it comes to a proven record of reliability, MPG and versatility (hatchback design) the Prius is the winner.
I think the FFH is a great car and Ford has done a great job with it. If it turns out to be a trouble free vehicle than the chances are it will be a big success.
For us the Pius's versatility, reliability, economy and overall design were the deciding factors. We love our Prius.

 

The histories are there and look pretty good for Ford in the past five years. As I have said the history of a quality history of a particular car is more important then the brand when you consider Ford and Toyota against each other.

If you don't believe me compare the v6 versions of the Camry vs the Fusion.

 

If they put in in a Focus they'd sell all they can make. There is a large market out there of people that won't buy a Toyota and an larger group that won't buy anything but a Ford.

 

The bottom line for me is that Ford is going to have to do a lot more than it has already to prove itself worthy of my money before I ever buy a car from them again.

 

Would have to agree. It's a FORD.

 

The nearest Ford dealer is an hour away, and the next is two hours away. I bought my Prius III at a dealer 15 minutes away and there are two others less than an hour away. I am sticking with Toyota reliability.

 

You're clueless. Stop living in the past, please do some research. I'm not saying you do this, but people who only buy Toyota because they believe they only have good cars cause them to get lax in reliability.

The camry has turned to unreliable rubbish.

Compare
Fusion
2007 Ford Fusion Reviews - Carsurvey.org

Camry
2007 Toyota Camry Reviews - Carsurvey.org

Prius
2007 Toyota Prius Reviews - Carsurvey.org

 

There are two overriding reasons why I've decided to go Prius instead of Fusion Hybrid:

(1) The location of the parking brake release in the Fusion digs right into my thigh. (I'm a bigger guy.)

(2) The second I start checking option boxes on the Fusion, I get a sunroof. Sunroof = no fit for me. I'm 6'3", but have a 30" inseam, so I'm long-waisted and just about anything with a sunroof is a no-go for me.