When you take into consideration that the 2008 Ford Focus we reviewed last week cost $19,365, this (almost) loaded 2008 Ford Fusion SEL at $22,785 (as tested) seems like a bargain for only a few grand more. And it is. While it may not get the excellent fuel economy of the Focus, the Fusion is worlds above the Focus in terms of fit & finish, driving dynamics, and overall quality. But just because it trumps the Focus doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a great buy. It still has the mid-size class leaders to compete with.
One thing to keep in mind - our review model was a model year 2008. If you go out and buy one now (mid-2008,) you may also get a 2009 model, which has a few key changes. Most notably, the 4-cylinder SEL model that we drove is no longer available in a 5-speed manual transmission, only a 5-speed automatic. Other changes related to this review are that the optional $295 ambient lighting is now standard in the SEL, as is Sirius satellite radio.
Design, Options, and Trim
When Ford dropped off the Fusion, we were taken back by the overall appearance of the car. Since this was the SEL trim (starting at $19,785,) it included the 17″ wheels and fog lights on the outside, and continued inside with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an Infiniti-esque analog clock on the center console which adds a pleasant high-class look to the interior.
Our model was equipped with $895 leather seating, along with the $895 Sport appearance package which adds some nice 18′ wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, brushed aluminum trim around the radio, a rear lip spoiler, and very cool-looking red leather seat inserts with red stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and center arm rest. Red stitching on the shift knob would have been nice, but I guess I’m just being picky. The Sport Appearance Package really sets the Fusion apart from the normally bland styling of mid-size sedans. My only complaint about the styling was the keyless entry keypad just above the driver’s door handle, which comes standard on the SEL trim. It breaks the flow of the car, and looks out of place, like someone just stuck it on there. Plus, who uses those things anymore anyway?
Overall, the Ford Fusion is a good-looking sedan, which can be made even better looking with a few tweaks of the available options. In 2009 models, Ford offers a new “Blue Suede Package” which includes blue Alcantara inserts on the seats and door panels, and blue stitching. A nice alternative to the red trim offered in the Sport Appearance Package.
Driving and Interior
Jumping into the cabin you notice that the long wheel base has even the tallest guy move the seat up, and you won’t hear the rear seat passengers complain much about space either. The controls and button layout of the center console are logically placed and simple to use; it shouldn’t take longer than a few minutes to figure out how to completely operate the vehicle’s features. I love the Ford SYNC system, although I wish there was a larger place for it to display its information. The USB and auxiliary jacks are located inside the center console armrest, which is a smart move. They’re slightly more difficult to reach, but other Ford models have the jacks on the dash, requiring the wire from your MP3 player to be strung in plain view as long as you’re using it. Having it in the center armrest makes more sense, since you never have to mess with wires, and it also serves as a perfect place to hide the MP3 player from thieves since it’s already in there. The stereo was good, although the optional $425 “Audiophile” sound system didn’t sound much better than regular sound systems.
Its 4-cylinder 2.3 liter engines creates a lot of noise at highway speeds, and while the 160 horsepower engine is capable, it still feels a little bit underpowered. It’s also available with a 3.0L V6 producing 221 horsepower, with either FWD or AWD powertrains, which is nice to see in a mid-size sedan. They discontinued the 5-speed manual for 2009, which was easy to drive, but could have had a smoother clutch. Regardless, the stick shift allowed you to have a little bit of fun while driving. It would be nice to see a manual shift mode in the automatic transmission for next year’s model.
Bottom Line
There really isn’t all that much to complain about in regards to the 2008 Ford Fusion. It’s affordable, quality made, fun to drive, gets good fuel economy, has some cool features, plenty of room, and looks good. Although it could use a few improvements here and there, it would be hard to not recommend the Fusion. Ford got it right on this one, so let’s hope they continue to improve it, and maybe it will start to compete with the class-leading imports.
Before You Buy
If you’re in the market for a mid-size family sedan, don’t overlook the Fusion on your way to the import lots. Although you’ll still want to look at the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, and Honda Accord, they could end up costing you more for similar features.
If price is a major concern, stick with the S or SE Fusion, or start looking at the always-getting-better Hyundai Sonata or redesigned Chevy Malibu.
2008 Ford Fusion Photos
Written by Chris Burdick | Photography by Christine McCown
You may also enjoy:
