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2012 Ford Fusion Des Moines

For 2012, there has been no significant changes to the Ford Fusion except that the SE trim now comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and 17-inch aluminum wheels.  The Ford Fusion has established itself as a leader among midsize sedans. The Fusion matches or surpasses its Japanese competitors in various quality surveys, and leads the class in fuel economy. It offers contemporary styling and a first-class driving experience  A wide range of models includes a standard four-cylinder engine, two upgrade V6s and the Fusion Hybrid. All the Ford Fusion powerplants are competitive in power output and technological features, and all deliver impressive fuel economy. Even the lower-trim Fusion models are smooth and quiet.

Handling of the 2012 Ford Fusion

Fusion's handling and on-road dynamics are exemplary. It's alert and agile and ant the same time, its ride is smooth and pleasing.  The Fusion 2012's ride is so smooth and pleasing, and its so powerful because of the three different engines that you can choose from under the hood:  a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 175 horsepower, a 3.0-liter V6 engine that increases peak horsepower to 240 hp or a 3.5-liter V6 in the Fusion Sport that boasts 263 horsepower.  The automatic transmission works very well, with nice, smooth upshifts and quick downshifts at most speeds, and the acceleration is quite nice.

Interior of the 2012 Ford Fusion

From the base model to those to loaded with features, the Ford Fusion is comfortable and quiet.   The driver is greeted by a sequence that almost makes it seem as if the Fusion is coming to life. Gauge needles sweep back and forth as the interior lighting and chimes come on. The optional ambient lighting system subtly illuminates the footwells and front cup holders in a choice of colors.  Black pebble-grain texture on the dash gives things a well-furnished glow, and the plastic dash trim has a nice, metallic silver finish.  The steering wheel features cruise control buttons on the left side of the hub, audio and media controls on the right, and they're far enough away from typical hand placement points to avoid accidental radio station changes. Switches are neither showy nor cheap, with a straightforward utility appropriate to this car. The arrangement is aesthetically appealing, and we'd call it one of the most effective designs in midsize sedans.  The Sony audio upgrade delivers gorgeous sound.  Ford's SYNC system has been fully integrated with the optional navigation system. The navigation system is straightforward, and one of the easiest to use. SYNC easily pairs phones and audio devices with the car, allowing voice control for both. With the nav system, SYNC provides a comprehensive communication network that allows the driver to track storms, place hands-free calls, find a movie start time, locate the cheapest gas, and more.  The Fusion Hybrid is equipped with instrumentation not found in any gas-engine version. The Hybrid's information system flanks the center-mounted speedometer with two LCD panels, communicating what the powertrain is doing, how it's doing it, and how, in real time, you can optimize its fuel efficiency.

Exterior of the 2012 Ford Fusion

Fusion's front-end design, beginning with a bold, three-bar chrome grille and racecar-like chrome-trimmed intakes at the bottom corners of the nose, has a muscular confidence that makes you take a second, more interested, look.  The Fusion's flanks are accented by gleaming streaks of chrome, delivering both a dynamically fresh appearance and excellent aerodynamic efficiency.  The Fusion's high-bustled three-box design delivers a tall trunk space, but maintains an easy lift-over height. An acoustically laminated windshield, thick front-door glass and double or triple sealing gaskets help reduced interior noise. Ford's capless fuel-filler is great, with no cap to unscrew when you pull up to the pump.

Model Lineup of the '12 Ford Fusion

Fusion S is powered by a 175-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder, with the manual transmission. It comes with cloth upholstery, AM/FM/CD audio with four speakers, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, speed-sensitive wipers, cruise control, power locks with remote entry, and 16-inch aluminum wheels. For 2011, Ford's MyKey system, which lets parent limit top-speed and audio volume for teen drivers, is standard. The only option for the S is the 6-speed automatic.

Fusion SE adds six-speaker audio, Sirius satellite radio, steering wheel audio controls, fog lamps, six-way power driver seat, a folding rear seat, body-color mirrors and 17-inch steel wheels. It also allows more options, including a 3.0-liter, 240-hp flex-fuel V6 with the automatic.

Most option packages are specific to the Fusion trim level, and all models but the base car offer a Rapid Spec or Preferred Package. On the SE, it includes a power moonroof, Ford's SYNC voice-activated device pairing system and a auto-dimming rearview mirror with microphone and compass. The Appearance Package adds a sport-tuned suspension, chrome or monochromatic grille, unique cloth seat and door trim inserts, a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, rear spoiler and 18-inch machined aluminum wheels with V-rated performance tires.

Fusion SEL comes with the four-cylinder and automatic. It upgrades from the SE with leather-trimmed heated seats, power-adjustable passenger seat, dual-zone automatic temperature control, SYNC, auto-dimming rearview, heated outside mirrors, and keyless entry pad on the driver's door. All-wheel drive is optional, including the 3.0-liter V6. For 2012, the SEL is offered with a Luxury Package that adds Ginger or Charcoal Black premium leather upholstery, machined aluminum pedals, illuminated door sills, premium floor mats with logo, polished 17-inch aluminum wheels, and chrome mirror caps and door handles. The SEL Rapid Spec grouping adds a high-wattage Sony sound system with CD changer, 12 speakers and Dolby surround sound processing, Ford's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), rear view camera, rain sensing wipers, and rear park assist.

Fusion Sport is powered by a 263-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine with the automatic. It includes the sports suspension, 18-inch wheels with performance tires, chrome trim, rear spoiler, and unique side rocker sills. All-wheel drive is available. Rapid Spec for the Sport model includes the moonroof, Sony sound system, dual-zone automatic temperature control, heated front seats, power passenger seat, color-adjustable ambient lighting, universal garage door opener, BLIS, heated exterior mirrors, puddle lamps, rear view camera, rear park assist, rain sensing wipers and keyless entry pad.

Fusion Hybrid comes fitted with a 156-hp version of the four-cylinder engine, integrated with a 40-hp electric motor, continuously variable (CVT) automatic transmission and a regenerative braking system to capture energy and charge its battery pack. Unique hybrid-specific LCD instrumentation and the rear park assist are standard. Rapid Spec for the Hybrid adds the moonroof, Sony audio, a voice-activated navigation system, BLIS, rain sensing wipers and the rear view camera.

Stand-alone options include the navigation system, rear park assist, rear spoiler, and an engine-block heater.

Conclusions

Safety features on all Fusions include multi-stage front impact airbags, front passenger side-impact airbags, head-protection curtains for all outboard occupants and a warning system that sounds the horn, lights the emergency flashers and unlocks the doors in the event of an accident. The Fusion was rated a Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in 2010, and it received 5-Star crash test ratings for all four crash test categories from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Active safety features include anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), stability control and a tire-pressure monitor. Optional safety features include the blind sport warning system, rearview camera, rear park assist, and all-wheel drive.  Offered with a range of power systems in multiple trim levels, the Ford Fusion is a compelling midsize sedan with catchy looks, lots of room and trunk space, agile handling and excellent fuel economy.  The Fusion also has some of the highest crash ratings in its class, and it has quickly risen to the top of the charts in familiar quality and consumer satisfaction surveys.  For more on the 2012 Ford Fusion, go to the Ford official website.

Some of the information for this review was obtained on newcartestdrive.com