2009 Ford Fusion to Get Boost in Power

The Ford Fusion has done well for Ford since it debuted as a 2006 model. Not only did it carve out a niche for the automaker in the midsize sedan market, it framed the new look for Ford with its bold three-bar grille.

However, the Fusion is showing its age and for 2009 it will get a slightly revised look and a new more powerful base engine. The 160-hp four-cylinder in the current S and SE trim levels will be replaced with a 170-hp four-cylinder and will be teamed with a six-speed automatic instead of the current five-speed. That likely means better fuel economy; the Fusion is currently rated at 20/29 mpg city/highway. Ford told dealers it would deliver “best in class” fuel economy, which is currently the 2009 Hyundai Sonata at 22/32 mpg.

A more powerful and fuel-efficient V-6 may also be in the works for the Fusion. Expect to learn more specific details when the 2009 is announced later this year.

Ford adds power to Fusion (Detroit News)

Comments

[J]

Is it the 2.5L 170hp engine that is used in the JDM Mazda Atenza(Mazda6)?

[cody]

J, I'm pretty sure I've read that it is.

I wish Ford would update the styling and especially the interior. They're really bad about letting a vehicle stay on the market too long w/o a meaningful update to the styling. Look at Hyundai. The Sonata hasn't been on the market as long as the Fusion, and it's already gotten an exterior refresh and an all new interior...

[AV]

the fusion is doing fine. the only real gripes i have about it are: one, the engines arent as fuel efficient as some competitors (the V6 gets awful fuel econ for the vehicle's size), but the six speed auto should help. two, there is NO ESC available. the Fusion/Milan twins are great handling cars, but adding ESC could put them up into Audi, VW, and BMW territory in terms of agility. the mainstream vehicle that REALLY needs help is the Escape.

the outside of the Escape looks great. the inside looks ok until you really start a quality check. it could use some updates, but overall it looks pleasant and its not the biggest issue. the inside has better quality than a Jeep Compass or Patriot, but its no Saturn Vue, either.

the engines really do need upgrades. the 2.3L four cylinder is anemic and can barley move the vehicle. the V6 is a bit better, but with 3.0L it should be putting out at least 20 more hp. that said, its not THAT slow, but its not as fast as some. ford would be smart to put a turbo on the 2.3L and tune it for more performance and fuel economy (think VW's 2.0T), as well as adding the 6 speed automatic. they would also be smart to add a turbo to the 3.0L so that it put out at least 250 hp.

braking is just plain awful. rear drum brakes? what is this, 2002? oh yea, the Escape was only freshened, not redesigned. all four wheels need disc brakes! and better ones at that!

[J]

cody,

You are right on the mark. Especially when I look at the USDM Focus...

[AM]

Enough already! The Fusion is generic, bring the Mondeo over here now. Its available in Europe, Hong Kong, & I think Latin America.

[Carl]

Ford is so yesterday. It just goes to show you what poor executive leadership can do to a company. All of their cars and trucks look so dated. The Edge is probably their best product, however it pales in comparison to it's competition (no blue tooth, no keyless ignition, etc). The Fusion was ok, two years ago. I've had many of the 4 and 6 cylinders as rentals and can only see someone buying one based on a very cheap price. Both engines leave a lot to be desired and I won't even go into that ugly grill that they're sticking with.

[J]

When asking for the Mondeo, Where the hell is the Falcon?

[Tony]

Guys,
Ford has $160 billions debt. And you want them to spend?

[Mart]

You gotta spend money to make money...