Posted on 01/02/2009 8:16:42 AM PST by taildragger
I always like the transition from one month to another as that is the time all the magazines I subscribe to make their appearances.
This month is no exception with the February 2009 issue of Car & Driver hitting the mailbox last night with a cover story titled, "FUEL-SIPPIN' SHOWDOWN! Can Detroit Build A Better Hybrid?"
(Excerpt) Read more at autospies.com ...
There on the cover is the newly redesigned Ford Fusion along with the Camry, Altima and Malibu. All in their Hybrid versions.
Now I don't know about you, but when a car magazine gives prime placement to Hybrid sedans and secondary placement to the fact that within the same issue the new Nissan 370Z, Ferrari California and Ford Mustang GT, there must be a shift in the minds of the readers. Perceived or otherwise, C&D seems to think that this Hybrid showdown is important.
And after reading the article, I have to agree that it is important.
It looks as though Ford has beaten Toyota at the game Toyota essentially created. Based on the scoring criteria at C&D, criteria which includes items like comfort, ergonomics, fuel economy, performance along with subjective categories like "gotta have it" and "fun to drive" the Fusion comes out on top with a pretty convincing win.
Scoring 204 points out of a possible 250, the Fusion beats the second place Camry whose score was 189. Interesting to note that the other cars, the Altima and Malibu scored within 11 points of the Camry with the Altima scoring 184 and the Malibu 178. It appears as though the Fusion really had a significant win in this showdown.
But how, you might be asking.
Don't worry, I asked the same thing.
The Fusion was ranked #1 in the "fun to drive" and "gotta have it" subjective categories, with the author suggesting that the Fusion was the most engaging of the hybrid vehicles as well as the most efficient.
Bright spots like this Fusion suggest there still may be some fight left in Detroit after all.
The author writes, "Ford really hit all the marks with this hybrid Fusion, combining excellent fuel economy with slick manners and an engrossing personality. Fun and fuel economy have finally gotten married in a mid-size sedan."
Now the hurdle for Ford, getting people into the showroom to give the Fusion a look.
I guess the question to ask is, would you be willing to give the Fusion a chance. And in that same vein, do you agree with the outcome? Did C&D get it right in ranking the Ford above the Toyota?
Let us know your thoughts...
Ford Fusion Crowned KING OF HYBRIDS Beating Toyota At Their Own Game
FYI, your link doesn’t work.
Their is no link to the Car and Driver Article on their website yet.
The magazine is at the newstands.
And yes for all the Detroit Naysayers, The Ford Kicked the Toyota's Butt......
It Won Period.
I’ve got an ‘06 Fusion, and I just love it.
This one will work.
I really, really liked the Lincoln MKZ until I discovered it was a nicely dressed Ford Fusion. I’ll buy that hybrid, hell yeah. From what I understand, it got over 50 mpg.
Sorry I refuse to buy anything that is made by the UAW... Period..
And the F150 is still the top selling full sized pickup in America. I have two.
Cripes. Need more caffeine, I thought your link was “autopsies” not “Auto spies”
Ask the question five years from now about these same two cars and the answer will be drastically different.
William Largeness just finished an expose on California and the USPS purchasing thousands of “Ethanol” alternate fuel trucks & cars with taxpayer money.
Interesting facts - no access to alternate fuels so they are consuming regular or premium gasoline.
Hybrids need Larger engines & use MORE GAS!!
Ethanol is more expensive IF and WHEN available.
Huge scandal on this fiasco - wonder if we will read about it in the LA Times or see ABC,CBS,NBC & CNN follow up.
Why surprised?
Ford does hit one out of the park from time to time. The last time I think they had a home run was the first ford taurus back in 1985 I think. I’d say they are well past due for another big hit. Well, letsee...you might be able to count the ford focus ZX3 as a homerun. I’m not sure.
I just compared the Ford Fusion to the Toyota Prius on the Kelly Blue Book site. According to KBB, the Prius has substantially higher fuel economy, and substantially lower cost of ownership over 5 years. I think Ford still has some work to do.
The Fusion is based on the Mazda 6 platform and the 6 is a very good car. Nice to see that ford is putting a good engine in it too.
Just because it’s an american brand, doesn’t mean it was built in a union plant.
BTW, wise guy, did you know some toyotas are built in GM plants? Well now you do.
Ford has resorted to buying technology it couldn't develop itself.
There’s not enough data on a fusion hybrid for those stats to mean squat.
Think about it. They are guessing.
I would like to give a little dirty secret.. Some of these reviews are also based upon how much the manufacturer pays the magazine..
Never UAW again in this household either! I hang my head and drive my two UAW cars just because they are paid off. We need a bumper sticker that reflects our feelings.
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