Key strengths: Crisp handling, powerful brakes, generous standard equipment on base car, price.
Areas for improvement: Bolstered seats may be a bit narrow for most Americans.
Our Fusion is the base S model, and it is a terrific car for the money. The ride/handling compromise is just right, and the powerful brakes have excellent pedal feel. The body is very solid and it is quiet at speed for a mid-priced sedan. I was concerned that the 4 cylinder with automatic would be underpowered, but it revs freely and is just fine for a family car. Plus, the 4 gets respectable mileage and its light weight contributes to the nimble handling. Some of the magazines quibble about the 5 speed automatic, but I don't know how it could be much better. The running costs for Ford Fusion Automatic are normal
Safety: 84
Equipment: 85
Reliability: 81
Driving: 75
Comfort: 83
Design: 75