Hi Jason:
___After seeing the Ford Fusion at the Chicago Auto show last month, I would say Ford has a winner as it is quite stylish, fully featured, has great handling by the previews I have read, and should be less expensive then the Accord/Camry of similar trims. The problem as I see it is that Ford is still messing with the MSRP and std. safety features (you can build and price at Ford.com as a preview) whereas the Camry will be completely redesigned in 06/07 just a few short months after the Fusion arrives and the 7th gen Accord’s are being given away at upwards of $1,000 under invoice in many locale’s around the country today. The Accord’s SAB’s and Curtains are std. features from 05 forward and are a great addition vs. Ford who has been very stubborn to add this particular safety feature all around as a std. feature. The Focus just got knocked off CR’s recommended list because it is missing the side curtains in fact …
___With the AH available today, the Camry Hybrid available supposedly in the 06/07 redesign, Ford will be late to the table (2008) as far as hybridization goes. I simply do not believe gas prices are going to fall much from their current prices if at all and with that, the Honda/Toyota hybrid contingent will steal sales before the Fusion has its legs coming out of the gate … I love my Ranger’s 2.3 L I4 for what I use it for (a truck!) but its ICE w/out balance shafts is not nearly as refined as the Camry or Accord I4’s. The Focus uses the 2.3 w/ BS’s and it is a bit smoother of course but just not in the same league as that of the Accord/Camry automobiles in my experience. I have never driven a late gen Mazda 6 so maybe the Mazda designed I4 has some tricks up its sleeve that I do not know about?
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___
Waynegerdes@earthlink.net
Ford pinning hopes on new Fusion
