Coming out of a strong performance in the 2010 model year, the 2011 Ford Fusion is one of the most affordable mid-sized cars in America. Boasting a surprisingly upscale interior, excellent engine choices, and optional all-wheel drive, the Fusion is proving that drivers can scale down in size without compromising on the total driving experience. The exterior has been refreshed for 2011, and the Fusion remains an excellent choice for practical buyers in search of a family four-door with crisp handling and nice amenities.
The Fusion was the Motor Trend Car of the Year in 2010 and is largely unchanged for this model year. Carrying an opening MSRP of $19,850 with $29,000 on the high end, drivers get 22 mpg in town and 32 on the highway. The MyKey system is new to the Fusion for 2011, giving parents the ability to limit their teens' top driving speed to 80 mph, put a governor on the radio volume, and set an annoying chime until the set belts are engaged and locked. Additionally, the Fusion has the popular Ford SYNC system for turn-by-turn navigation, as well as updates on the car's performance, and hands-free control of smartphones and MP3 players.
There are four trim levels (S, SE, SEL, and Sport), with three engines: a 2.5-liter I-4 with 175 hp, a 3-liter six-cylinder with 240 hp, and a 3.5-liter six-cylinder with 263 hp, which is standard on the Sport trim. The more powerful engine comes paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and 18-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels. While none of these engines will elevate the Fusion to the "sporty" genre, this is a driver-centric sedan with smooth acceleration and good passing power for day-to-day driving. Some reviewers have complained of soft braking, but panic stop distances are well within the typical range for a mid-sized vehicle.
On the exterior, the Fusion has a fairly aggressive front fascia with the now-standard three-bar chrome Ford grille. Inside the design is well-appointed with soft materials bordering on a true luxury quality. All controls are easily accessible in a dashboard clearly engineered for maximum driver control. The seats are slightly larger than normal for this size sedan and comfortable, with good head and leg room. Cargo space comes in at 16.5 cubic feet and the rear seats fold to offer even more hauling options.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the 2011 Ford Fusion a "Top Safety Pick," and the 2010 model received a five-star rating from the federal government. The car comes with standard driver and passenger side and front airbags as well as full-length head-curtain units. Stability control is standard across all trims, and there's an option for a new Blind Spot Information system.
The 2011 Ford Fusion is a beautifully rounded mid-sized family sedan with high safety ratings, an excellent performance record, good fuel economy, and better-than-average options and amenities for the class. It's highly recommended as a superior day-to-day performer for small families, and offers an excellent return in performance and reliability for the sticker price.
