Camry LE 4-cyl ($19,400), power seats, abs brakes, cruise, quality control, last a lifetime, (my 2001 Camry CE 4-cyl bought new now has 178k on it and runs great).
Fusion well equipped was approximately $23,800 the last time I checked. A stripped Fusion sells for about $14.5k Ford A/Z pricing.
We wouldn't mind a new Ford, the wife's car is a 2003 Sable LS with 38k on it.
For the driving I do for work, a Toyota is the way to go for me!
(Did I mention I only use 100% synthetic oil in my cars?)
FYI,
Toyota is having trouble with the 6 speed autos on the Camry, so you want to stick with the 4-cylinder...
Somehow Ford is showing higher reliability on their 6 speed on the Fusion V6, though it is also an Aisin design.
You know, though, if you simply give up the power seat (I almost never use mine in my Taurus), the Fusion S is very comparably equipped to the Camry.
Given automatics and abs selected for both, all you’re really missing in the Fusion is audio controls on the steering wheel, knee airbag, cabin air filter, automatic headlights, and the power seat. The invoice price for that Fusion minus available rebates is $17,152. The Camry LE is $19,391. Go up to the Fusion SE and it is definitely similarly equipped, but still at a $1500 invoice price advantage.
I’m not sure how the heck you came up with $23,800 for a well equipped Fusion. That’s the invoice price for a Fusion SEL with V6, AWD, 6 speed automatic, leather, power moonroof, abs, power seats, fold flat passenger seat, climate control, electochromatic mirrors, 6 disc player / mp3, and heated front seats.
That’s certainly not similarly equipped to any 4 cylinder Camry LE.
Oh, and according to Consumer Reports, the Fusion is more reliable than the V6 Camry (not that they can possibly measure such small differences)...