FORD gets it right. yea.

[knine]

http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/853/ford-fusion-hybrid-tops-camry-prius-in-comparisons
Ford Fusion Hybrid Tops Camry, Prius in Comparisons

By Sean Tucker

<!-- source -->http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/autos_content_landing_pages__1 4/autos_content_landing_pages-132034440-1234377589.jpg?ym29KyAD.SovK5S i Ford Fusion Hybrid

If you're in the market for an ultra fuel-efficient hybrid (http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/) that makes a convincing family sedan (http://autos.yahoo.com/sedans/), your best choice has always been a Toyota (http://autos.yahoo.com/toyota/) -- until now. Toyota's Camry Hybrid (http://autos.yahoo.com/2009_toyota_camry_hybrid/) and Prius (http://autos.yahoo.com/2009_toyota_prius/) have been the only realistic alternatives for many. Most American-built hybrids simply haven't matched their fuel economy, and the Nissan Altima Hybrid (http://autos.yahoo.com/2009_nissan_altima_hybrid/) remains rare and hard to find.

A new entrant in the contest, however, may have knocked the Toyotas from their lofty perch.

The automotive press has begun testing the all-new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid (http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/future_cars/ford_fusion_2010.html) in recent weeks. Two prominent publications have now published comparisons pitting the Fusion Hybrid against its Toyota competition, and the Ford has won both.

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» Ford Fusion Hybrid: Latest Photos and Info (http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Ford_Fusion-Hybrid/)

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>USA Today writes: "OK, let's just get it out there: The 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid is the best gasoline-electric hybrid (http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center-tech-fuel_hybrid_cars/) yet. What makes it best is a top-drawer blend of an already very good midsize sedan with the industry's smoothest, best-integrated gas-electric power system. It's so well-done that you have to look to the $107,000 Lexus LS 600h hybrid (http://autos.yahoo.com/2009_lexus_ls_hybrid_600h_l/) to come close."

"The Toyota Prius crowd will protest," they note, but USA Today says Ford's car simply drives better. "A car is, after all, a driving machine. Brownie points for saving somewhat more fuel or offering a cargo-friendly hatchback, but driving feel is most important. And there, Fusion is without equal among hybrids."

Car and Driver set the Fusion against the Camry Hybrid, Chevy Malibu Hybrid (http://autos.yahoo.com/2009_chevrolet_malibu_hybrid/) and Altima Hybrid, but the result was the same. "Ford has pulled off a game changer with this 2010 model, creating a high-mpg family hauler that's fun to drive," they write. "Nothing about the leather-lined test car, optioned up from its $27,995 base price to $32,555, seemed economy minded except for the mileage readings. On that score, the Fusion topped the others, turning in a 34-mpg score card for the overall 300-mile test run."

In our time behind the wheel of the Fusion Hybrid, we quickly came to a similar verdict. The Fusion Hybrid corners with as much agility as its conventionally-powered cousin - one of the best-handling cars in the midsize class. With standard SYNC technology, it allows the driver to control Bluetooth-enabled phones and music players through the car's speakers with voice commands. And its standard leather and high-quality stereo give it an upscale feel for an affordable price. Ford has a hit on its hands.

We had one minor complaint. Ford's SmartGuage instrument cluster does a great job coaching the driver to drive more efficiently with information-rich displays, but the cutesy display that grows leaves as the driver reaches peak efficiency is distracting and can draw your eyes from the road. Still, following the device's prompts, we hit 37.7 mpg in city driving on the first try.

The Fusion Hybrid qualifies for a federal tax credit of $3,400 until the end of March, but few of the cars will reach dealerships by then - if you're in the market, you might want to consider ordering yours before the credit disappears

[justbob]

My question; why is 34-37 mpg considered great? My 96 escort when driven normal gets 32 mpg, when driven like a grandma i reached just over 37 mpg. This is 13 year old technology that cost $12,000 new. Now obviously any car in the comparrison is way better than my car, but at two and a half times the cost! Congrats to Ford but my opinion, its time to show just what a hybred can REALLY do for mpg. I mean really, are the oil companies strongholding them or what? I'm not impressed at all.

[larryo340]

Personally I'm not a fan of Hybrids, but to be fair how can you compare a bare bones lightweight compact car like the Escort to the much heavier mid-size fully loaded Hybrid Fusion ?

[CBT]

In before the Aren.

[CBT]

My question; why is 34-37 mpg considered great? My 96 escort when driven normal gets 32 mpg, when driven like a grandma i reached just over 37 mpg. This is 13 year old technology that cost $12,000 new. Now obviously any car in the comparrison is way better than my car, but at two and a half times the cost! Congrats to Ford but my opinion, its time to show just what a hybred can REALLY do for mpg. I mean really, are the oil companies strongholding them or what? I'm not impressed at all.

Rent 'Who Killed The Electric Car?'. You'll get your answers. And probably high blood pressure from anger.

[Odinson]

Assuming the wheels actually live up to the growing hype, this will be my second car, and my first brand new car. It may be 2011 before the marauder is payed off.

From then on, I will run two cars. The most reasonably practical plugin/hybrid/Range extended/electric, and a rubber melting beast!

Who knows maybe it might be a Mariner too. Lots of Escape hybrids roaming the streets of NY now.

BTW: the role of rubber melting beast will be played by MM + supercharger post warranty :). The wife can drive the other thing. :) :)

[BAD MERC]

Hybrids may be a temporary bandaid we need. But - it seems the gasoline-only version is leaps and bounds CHEAPER in long-term and ultimate ownership. The battery packs do have a life span - then how do we get rid of those? You won't be a shadetree mechanic with a Hybrid either - you need highly specialized technicians. Do you think the $500 a year you save in gas ($1.36/day) will be an issue when you cut that $8000 check for a new battery? I say if you wanna save gas buy a USED small car. A used car has already been built and had its impact on the planet. I think Toyota has enjoyed their default reign on top for too long. Prius drivers are dicks and that car is so awkwark to look at.

[Ford_w/loctite]

The battery packs do have a life span - then how do we get rid of those? You won't be a shadetree mechanic with a Hybrid either - you need highly specialized technicians. Do you think the $500 a year you save in gas ($1.36/day) will be an issue when you cut that $8000 check for a new battery? I say if you wanna save gas buy a USED small car. A used car has already been built and had its impact on the planet. :concur:


Not to mention, why are we still crushing cars that are 40, 50, even 60 years old, that still do the job they were built to do that many years ago? So just imagine what will happen to all these "New" cars 10 years from now when they have to fork out for that new battery or just if it breaks down. Off to the junkyard, so how's that for green? Seems to me that keeping an old car running to the best of it's condition is the greenest thing you could do, cause you're not creating any more waste.

Plus, I've never seen such a barage of ugly frigg'n cars. They need to take the crayons away from these designers & smack the people who buy these "supposed cars" upside the head for having no taste. But, that's just my opinion.

Josh

03' MM - Over 20k on my Transgo Shift Kit & still loving it!
86' Cutlass Salon - "Sweet Cheeks"
74' Elky
06' Impala SS - It's the old ladies ride