2010 Ford Fusion Review

Overview

The Fusion is Ford's premium sedan. For 2010, Ford has redesigned the Fusion to include several changes on the exterior, most notably the grille, a quieter cabin, and a, now more powerful, engine that comes in a variety of trims.

Power and performance

The 2010 Ford Fusion is offered in seven trims. These are the Fusion I4S, Fusion I4SE, Fusion I4SEL, Fusion V6SE, Fusion V6SEL, Sport, and Hybrid. The base model is fitted with the Duratec Inline-4 engine with an output of 175 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. This engine comes with an intake variable cam timing technology and has an impressive EPA-estimated mileage of 23/34 mpg (city/highway). Another engine is the all-new, exclusive Fusion Hybrid. This is given the 2.5-liter Atkinson-Cycle Hybrid I-4 system that combines with the electric motor to collectively generate 191 hp net. This Hybrid model is notable for its class-leading fuel economy estimated at 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Next in line is the 3.0L Duratec V6 engine. This is an E-85 flex-fuel capable engine that is also given variable-cam timing. At 240 hp, this engine's power is up by over 19 horses from the previous year's engine. A regular engine with the same specifications is also made available. The Sport model runs on a 3.5-liter Duratec V6 engine that generates 263 horsepower. The outstanding feature of this model is that it comes with a modified-for-this-year, sport-tuned suspension. The Fusion S and SE, which come with the 2.5-liter Duratec I-4 engine, are given a standard six-speed manual transmission, while the SEL I-4 model comes with a six-speed automatic, which is optional with S and SE.

Body and styling

Fold-flat front passenger seat for all trims except the I4S; fold down split rear seatback (60/40) with spring assist for all models other than the Hybrid; eco-friendly cloth seating with the Hybrid; seat-back map pockets; cabin air filter; AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3 capability and six speakers (except I4S); SIRIUS satellite radio (except I4S); Sync on the I4SEL, V6 SEL, Sport and Hybrid; front center console with armrest, storage, and two cup-holders; rear center armrest with two cup-holders; integrated front door trim panel storage bin with beverage holder; power door locks; intermittent/speed-sensitive wipers; dome lamp and map lights; center stack storage tray; tilt and telescopic steering wheel; and message center with trip computer are some of the standard interior features on the 2010 Ford Fusion. For the exteriors, the 2010 Fusion gets body-color exterior door handles; body-color front and rear bumpers; chrome front grille; quad-beam halogen headlamps, which are automatic on the Fusion SEL and Hybrid; solar tinted glass; parking lamps integrated into headlamps and front fascia; tail-lamps with mesh design; and fog lamps on all (except the I4S) as standard features.

Safety Features

The 2010 Ford Fusion's standard safety features across the trims include dual front airbags; front seat side airbags; first and second row side air curtains; seat belt pre-tensioners; tire pressure monitoring system; AdvanceTrac with electronic stability control, which includes ABS/traction control; LATCH; integrated keyhead remote transmitter; perimeter alarm; and SecuriLock passive anti-theft system.