Ford has high hopes for Fusion

Grand Blanc (WJRT) -- (10/31/05)-- The struggle in the highly competitive midsize car segment is getting more intense. With its latest offering, Ford is hoping to lure away the drivers of Chevy Malibus and Toyota Camrys.

Back in the early 90s, the Ford Taurus was the best-selling car in America. Customers soon tired of the jellybean shape and began an exodus to the Camry and Honda Accord.

Ford hopes the Fusion sedan can restore some zip to the automaker's lineup.

Scott Newman, with Premier Ford, says the company and its dealers have hopes that the Fusion might be able to repeat the success of the Taurus. "We think so, we think so. The new style and look and sleek styling and all the new characteristics this car brings to this platform, we think it will do even greater than the Taurus."

Ford originally was going to call this car the Futura, but a tire company trademarked that name. Ford took them to court and lost. So they said,: Fusion's not such a bad name.

The Fusion comes with your choice of a four or six cylinder engine. The EPA says you'll get close to 30 mpg on the highway with either engine.

The car in our test drive had the3.0 liter V-6 with a six speed automatic transmission, which offered satisfying acceleration. Prices for the Fusion start at $17,000 and can run as high as $26,000.

Steering is sharp and precise. As for the looks, many people like the three chrome bars on the front.

"It stands out. When I look at it, it's a very nice vehicle. The interior's nice. The back is nice. I like the whole car," one prospective customer.

"It's a beautiful car. I like the lines on it. Ford has always had beautiful lines on their cars," added a second onlooker.

If the Fusion sells like Ford hopes, you're going to see a lot of them on the road.

The Ford Fusion is produced in Mexico.

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