2010 Ford Lineup 20% More Efficient; Turbo Four-Cylinder Confirmed

Today, Ford took the wraps off its 2010 model lineup and made some pretty significant announcements, despite most models not seeing major changes. The biggest news that will grab headlines is the fact that the 2010 Ford lineup is 20% more fuel-efficient than the 2009 lineup. And this is without dropping any large vehicles from the lineup.

Significant chunks of that mileage improvement come from the Ford Fusion family of cars, including the 2010 Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ. The base Fusion and Milan, for example, see their combined mileage increase from 23 mpg to 25 mpg. Even a base 2010 Mustang now gets 21 mpg combined, compared with 20 mpg in 2009. The V-8s also add 1 mpg. The Edge crossover also adds 1 mpg in combined mileage. Even the 2010 F-150’s V-8 adds 1 more mpg to its highway or city rating, depending on transmission.

Big news on the new-product side of things is confirmation from Ford of a new turbo four-cylinder engine.  

Cars.com Reviews the 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

With reviews of the 2010 Ford Fusion SE and Fusion Hybrid already in the bag, Cars.com’s Joe Wiesenfelder takes on the Fusion Sport trim and what he sees as “inconsistency from one trim level to the next” in Ford models. Find out what differentiates the Fusion Sport from the SE and whether it’s worth the bump in price.

2010 Ford Fusion Sport Review

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Video

A lot of people are impressed with Ford’s midsize hybrid. The Fusion Hybrid has an impressive EPA rating and a federal tax credit that makes it less expensive than the competition from Toyota. But how does the Fusion Hybrid rate for detail-obsessed Cars.com reviewer Kelsey Mays? You can find out by checking out his video review.

2010|Ford|Fusion Hybrid

Higher-Mileage Trims on the Rise

Call them super-saver cars. More than ever, automakers are offering specially branded, fuel-efficient trim levels, but buyers should beware: Those models may compromise performance, have fewer features or require spending a little more to get those mpg savings. In addition, they may be harder to find than their best-selling siblings.

Take, for example, the 2010 Ford Fusion. Its impressive 23/34 mpg city/highway EPA rating only applies to the automatic base model, the Fusion S. The midlevel SE and better-equipped SEL are rated at a lower 22/31 mpg with the same four-cylinder engine and automatic transmissions.

Why the difference in mileage? Ford spokesman Alan Hall said the Fusion S saves gas by using lower-resistance tires and specific transmission calibrations, and by being lighter because there’s less equipment in that trim.

Cars.com Reviews the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Just face it: You want a hybrid, but you don't want to be seen in a four-wheel wedge, whether it's named Prius or Insight. Enter the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, which sports the edgy — not wedgie — looks of Ford's sedan and gets 41 mpg. Kelsey Mays finds the technology Ford packs into the car quite impressive in his full review.

2010 Ford Fusion Video

Cars.com’s resident suburban dad, Patrick Olsen, climbed into the 2010 Ford Fusion to see how well it would operate as a family car. In this video, he explains all the small touches he likes about the Fusion, from reduced road noise to a spacious trunk. Still, there are a few drawbacks that shoppers with families may want to consider.

2010|Ford|Fusion

Hybrid Wars Come to NASCAR

The Ford Fusion Hybrid was supposed to be NASCAR’s first hybrid pace car back in November, but after the race began the Ford Fusion Sport took over. Now, Toyota has announced that the Camry Hybrid will become the first hybrid to serve a race through the finish line in the May 24 Coca-Cola 600.

Is it slightly bizarre that dueling hybrids can be found in a motorsport where the sole purpose is to burn through as much gasoline as possible to rack up a win? Sure, but welcome to the new order of things.

Some have seen Toyota’s move as a slight tweak to Ford. The two companies have been competitive before on issues like whether or not the Fusion Hybrid is the most efficient midsize “car,” or the amount of cargo room in the Sequoia versus the Expedition.

On the bright side, at least a hybrid battle could have some nice consequences for consumers.

Dueling Hybrid Pace Cars (Wheels)

Reader Review of the Week: 2010 Ford Fusion

The 2010 Ford Fusion has gotten some early raves from critics, but how does the average driver feel about it? In this reader review, an insurance adjuster from Oklahoma tells about living with the Fusion as a company car. How does our driver like the Fusion after spending eight hours a day in it? Read the review to find out, then post your own review here.

Ford Offering $1,000 Cash Back on 2010 Fusion

Ford has updated its incentive offers for April to reflect its new Advantage Plan we told you about yesterday. However, its traditional cash-back offers are still in effect and vary by model and year. One interesting find we discovered was $1,000 cash back on the all-new 2010 Ford Fusion sedan.

In the past it was rare to see a new model receive cash back, but in the past few years or so it’s become more common. We checked, and all regions returned the same $1,000 cash back, but go to Ford’s consumer site and enter your zip to double-check if you’re going shopping for a new Fusion.

There was no mention of the Fusion Hybrid, but it’s likely excluded from the cash-back offer.

2010|Ford|Fusion