CNET finds Fusion far better than 2010 Prius

Good goin Ford! Economy is actually quite good for a 2.5l car. It's quite big too. I wonder how it will react to being hypermiled?

 

Ford is on the right track. Not just the Fusion Hybrid, but their new engines (3.5L V6) are well received. I have a variant of it on my Mazda CX9. Great engine, smooth, quiet and powerful.
All they need to do is work on the styling. Take a page or two from Mazda, ok?

I predict that
Ford will survive -> shed Mercury
Chrysler will go belly up -> get bought out by Chinese automaker to get a foothold into US market
GM will be down to Chevy and Caddy. Other brands will be sold (likely Saturn) or closed (like Oldsmobile).

 

Yeah, I'll go along with that

 

Personally, I don't believe any hybrid is as advanced as the Prius, but I wish Ford the best for trying. They have a lot of friends out there in the car world, and I have nothing against them tooting Ford's horn. I hope the Fusion is a success. And I also think they should unload Mercury. As for Chrysler, Jeep should survive--they have a great dealer network and a lot of loyal owners. They need to hybridize.

 

I say good on Ford. I'm grateful they did not take any bailout funds, and have actually listened to comments about domestic designs. The new Taurus, while taking some styling ques from imports, is a nice looking car.

The Fusion is a great step in reducing fuel usage. Eventually shifting more and more to electric propulsion with the ICE as just a backup or range-extender until power storage (and charging) is up to multiple hundred mile range.

 

I'll amend that to add Buick, GM is putting a lot of R&D dollars into several key Buick models. No R&D going into Pontiac, Saturn, GMC, etc.

I wouldn't be surprised with Chevy, Buick & Cadillac.

 

Widespread story out now, saying Pontiac is dead. Of course, Oldmobile died a long time ago. Chevy, Buick, Cadillac and GMC stay on.

Pontiac Headed for Junk Yard - WSJ.com

Sorry, googlenews link gave full WSJ story. Try businessweek instead:

Pontiac: R.I.P. - BusinessWeek

 

They are going to drive down to Miami first and then back.

 

Yeah I didn't get that either lol

LOTS AND LOTS of bumper to bumper traffic on that route too...

GMC stays on for the truck division, I wouldn't be surprised if all the consumer models were sold as Chevys.

 

The benefits of a FULL power-split hybrid are undeniable. A great implementation like the Fusion hybrid has potential to be a hit like the Prius. The available tax credit should help as well.

FFH also has the potential to convert to PHEV as well. I hope Ford engineers are working on the next generation to reduce fuel consumption in the extreme heat/cold weathers.

 

The Fusion has a nice look about it. It may not be "exciting" or "new" as far as design goes, but it looks good enough to sell. The surprising part to me was the roominess of the Fusion. The head room and leg room are nearly the same as the 2010 Prius (even slightly more room by fractions of inches), and the hip and shoulder room numbers are about an inch wider in front than the Prius and about three inches in the back. The "down" side to it is that the FFH requires 15 more inches in length and 4 inches in width to get, basically, the same room as the Prius. Also, you don't have the same kind of storage and cargo space, because the Fusion doesn't have the hatch.

What I think would be most interesting would be to have a couple 2009s and 2010s shadow this group so that everyone could share mileage results. It seems it could be a valuable and effective comparison between (or among) the vehicles.

 

I love it when the competition steps up and actually delivers! It is definately a step forward for all of us regardless of anyones brand loyalty.

 

After reading the article(s) I didn't get the "far better than 2010 Prius" opinion. Fuel is a scare commodity. Its acquisition, a matter of national defense. The car that saves the most fuel isn't far better, because it doesn't reach max speed limits as quick, nor does it let you dive into turns at a greater danger level with no consequences. So CNET really really rates some features higher than others. Ok then, bring on the $10/gallon gas, if that's not what counts.

Fusion IS a great ride, and I hope Ford too, will be able to someday tout 50mpg with equal roominess & goodies of the new Prius. Not bad Prius ... when your own mpg's are the bench mark you have to brag about beating. I guess CNET's logic requires that they find Ford's Expedition far better then Ford's little hybrid SUV ... because the Expedition has more power and roominess. Good luck w/ that CNET.

 

hurah fo ford but i must admit im taken with ptius and a little more than protective of my silver baby