Vehicle: 2006 Ford Fusion SE V6 with Enhanced Safety Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$28044

Handling: Fusion’s driving dynamics is a pleasant surprise given its based on the award-winning Mazda6 platform. The fundamental of Fusion’s chassis is simply excellent because its solid-as-a-rock without any rattles and cracks that were so common on previous Ford platforms. Its front double balljoint SLA and rear multi-link suspension have done a very good job of absorbing all the roughness on the road without losing the driving communication that is so famous with this platform. The result is a family sedan that is as fun-to-drive as anywhere else in its class, with a sense of European solidity. The steering feels heavy enough without all those loose feeling of most American products. On the other hand, its downright precise and responsive. The communication is solid and feedback is reassuring. As for ride quality, Ford engineers have given the springs and shocks right rates as it absorbs both large and small bumps comfortably. It rides as good as anything else in its class. Just like its handling, Fusion has some European influence with its supple ride quality. As expected from a mid-size family sedan, both the understeer and body rolls are very well-controlled. The understeer is mild when pushed hard into a corner.

Performance: Fusion is powered by 2 Duratec engine units. A 2.3L 4-cylinder with 160 hp and 156 lb/ft of torque or the 3.0l V6 24-valver in our tester. This powerplant is good for 221 horses and 205 lb/ft of torque. With maximum torque arrives at 4200 rpm, it lacks the sharp bottom end of most of its competitors. Just like other Duratecs, this powerplant also lack the well-honed refinement of its European and Japanese competitors. The saving grace has to be its responsive 6-speed automatic tranny. Its smooth-as-a-nut with proper gear ratios, its very willing to up and downshifts per driver’s demand. The throttle response is more than acceptable in this V6 Fusion. Just like the low-end, Duratec’s top-end also feels somewhat rough when pushed. Ford has promised to upgraded this Duratec30 into Duratec35 with 3.5L and at least 250hp, they also promised a much more refined powerplant that will due next year. Although Duratec30 is quick enough for target audience of Fusion, it feels underengined for enthuisasts in most occassions given how well it handles. Duratec35 just can’t come soon enough for the Fusion.

Brakes: With standard 4-wheel discs and ABS, Fusion’s braking performance is excellent even under rainy conditions. The stopping distance is short and fade-free. Brake pedal is firm and easily modulated. The EBD also has distributed the braking power even during hard braking.

Interior: Just like the rest of the car, Fusion’s interior is a another pleasant surprise. Other than a few cheap pieces, its interior has finished much better than Fords of old. Gone are the nasty materials with plain design and dreadful stereo buttons. Ford designers have smart enough to put stereo above the HVAC. Despite the HVAC placed low behind the shifter, its rotary knobs are ergonomically enough without taking your eyes off the road. The velour seats are comfortable and supportive. The use of materials won’t make you feel like a rental Taurus, instead it feels classy and expensive even in our base SE tester. The instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. All the buttons for trip computer and traction control are placed right on top of the dashboard for easy access.

The back seat space is equally well-layout as the front. With plenty of head and legrooms. The center armrest also feature 2 cupholders. The biggest surprise has to be the center position. It feels as comfortable as other two passengers sitting on the sides.

Except for the high trunk liftover, Fusion’s trunk is well-carpeted with uninstrusive trunk hinges and 40/60 split fold-down rear seats. Its also deep enough to swallow most cargoes.

Conclusion: If the Fusion is an indication to Ford’s future direction, it means this giant is finally back in the “car” game. Its good enough to run with anything else in its class. It has nice handling, its comfortable and looks sharp. When Ford finally drop the Duratec35 underneath Fusion’s hood, this puppy could be a splash hit as the original Taurus 2 decades ago.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 FORD FUSION SE V6
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Performance: 2/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.25/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.25/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5