Ford Fusion SE

Ford Fusion SE
In Fleet: Aug. 20-Sept. 2
Base Price: $21,625
As-Tested Price: $23,065
Drivetrain: 2.5-liter I4; FWD, six-speed manual
Output: 175 hp @ 7,000 rpm, 172 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,285 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA): 24/23.2 mpg

The engine and transmission combination are a strong suit, with the four-cylinder delivering 5 hp more than the four-banger engine in the Mazda 6. While not blinding quick, I believe output of 170 hp to 175 hp for a car in this class is about right for puttering around town and bombing down back roads if the mood strikes you every now and then. It's possible that with the automatic, it could feel a little underpowered, but with the manual, you can wring out every last pony available--and that's always fun.
It's a right-sized midsize sedan. While the class-leading Toyota Camry and Honda Accord have ballooned up in size, the Fusion offers dimensions that were the norm a few years back. Of course, this probably does work against it because many people shopping this category will have people in the back seats often and prefer more space.
This being the basic SE model, it's simple inside but built from plenty of soft-touch materials. Controls are easy to decipher and smartly placed. The seats are comfortable, but the cloth seat pattern does look gaudy.
The best part of the Fusion is the chassis. It's more softly sprung than the Mazda 6, but still offers quick enough reflexes that you can describe as sporty. There's noticeable roll in the turns, which is a tradeoff to have sufficient damping. And around here on these roads, you need that.
SENIOR WEB REPORTER GREG MIGLIORE: It's a Fusion, and after driving a few of them, I'm convinced this is one of the better cars in this segment. My beef with this specific one is the seats. They look like some kind of Braille pattern or 1980s fashion.
Aside from that, this Fusion was a worthy daily driver for a fairly uneventful weekend for me. The monochrome package adds some individuality here, and I think the grille, headlights and fascia give this sedan a bit of edge.
The six-speed makes the four-banger a little more fun to drive. Your can definitely rev away from stoplights better and stronger when choosing when you want to shift. It's a good, agreeable gearbox, though that long joystick-like shifter isn't very sporty (but it is easy to use).
Aside from the seat patterns, the rest of the Fusion's interior was comfortable and well-executed. Add the ambient lighting and this would be borderline classy.
It's a good chassis, suitable for nearly any situation. The Fusion is a strong entry for Ford. It's something they only need to fine-tune, because the basics are all here.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR WES RAYNAL: I do like Fusions. About the only non-German midsize sedan I like better is the Mazda 6, and they're basically the same car.
With the four, the Fusion isn't the quickest but the stick speeds things up a little. I agree that the seats look bizarre but they're comfortable enough. The steering is too light but that's true with all of these 20-grandish midsize cars such as the Fusion, the Camry, etc.
The ride is soft and there is a fair amount of roll in corners, but the flip side is the thing soaks up potholes nicely. Overall, it's quite the pleasant driving experience. Were I in the market for an entry-level midsizer or a car for my kid, this would get serious consideration.