While the other “Big Two” are resurgent, Ford is business as usual. As the only one of the big 3 to go it alone with no government help, it wouldn’t be surprising to see their products a step behind. After all, they have paid their bills, and theoretically should be strapped for development cash. But, one look at the Fusion, and you wouldn’t know it. This guide to car finance from Lending Expert would be very useful to anyone on the market for a car like this but are concerned about affordability. If there’s ever a car that proves what good design can do, the Fusion is it. While the front grill might have a bit of Aston Martin in it-not a bad thing, really- the rest of the car just flat works. With a good array of drivetrain choices, and a hybrid, this looks to be the American car to put a real dent in Camry sales. Like the ATS though, it’s an uphill battle. But we expect this car to have a good run at it. If Ford can hit it’s reliability numbers, the cars design will carry it far. With places similar to levander body shop you won’t have to go far for such a good looking car.
The 2013 Ford Fusion is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions – each expected to deliver top fuel economy and an engaging driving experience.
“Our vision for Fusion was clear – deliver the very best of what One Ford stands for,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development. “We brought our global teams together around a blank slate with the charge to develop a midsize car with groundbreaking design and jaw-dropping fuel economy – one that featured technologies to help make our customers safer and better drivers. This car is the result.”
Fusion brings a selection of fuel-efficient powertrains in the midsize car segment. It offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid alternatives, a pair of EcoBoost four-cylinder engines, a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine, an automatic start stop system to shut off the engine at stationary idle, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive applications, and a choice between automatic and manually shifted six-speed transmissions. The 1.6-liter EcoBoost is expected to deliver best-in-class four-cylinder non-hybrid fuel efficiency of 26 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine – paired with a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission, available 19-inch wheels and tires, and all-wheel drive with the ability to send additional torque to the rear – is the Fusion performance option.
On the technology side, the all-new Fusion offers a portfolio of driver assistance and convenience technologies based on sensors, cameras and radar that enable the car to see and respond. Fusion can help drivers maintain proper lane position, adjust vehicle speed to changing traffic conditions, identify suitable parking spaces and help park, even aiding drivers backing out of parking space where visibility is obstructed. Specific technologies include:
Lane Keeping System: This class-exclusive technology consists of three elements to help a driver maintain proper lane position. Using a small, forward-facing camera behind the inside rear view mirror, the system “looks” down the road, monitoring lane lines to determine that the car is on course. The system will alert a driver if drowsiness or erratic lane-keeping is detected. The second element warns a driver with a steering wheel vibration if the Fusion drifts too close to lane markings. Finally, lane keeping aid will actually apply pressure on the steering to help bring the car back into proper lane position.
Adaptive cruise control: Using forward-looking radar, this system “looks” down the road when activated, slowing the Fusion when slower traffic is detected ahead. Adaptive cruise control enables collision warning with brake support to help slow the car if the potential of a crash is detected
Active park assist: Employing sensors, this technology can identify a suitable parallel parking space, calculate the trajectory and steer the car to properly position it within the spot. All a driver need do is operate accelerator and brake pedals.
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert: Sensors in both Fusion rear 
quarter-panels are able to detect traffic in a driver’s blind spot, providing both audible and visual warnings if traffic – unseen by the driver – is detected. BLIS technology enables cross-traffic alert, warning the driver of oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space with obstructed views, such as between two large vans
The all-new Fusion offers the latest iteration of Ford’s award-winning, industry-exclusive SYNC communications and entertainment system, which enables voice-activated communication through a driver’s mobile phone and interaction with the car’s audio system. Fusion also offers the latest version of MyFord Touch, allowing a driver to interact with vehicle systems through voice control, a touch screen tap or a conventional button.
According to Ford, goth SYNC and MyFord Touch will help reduce the potential for driver distraction through voice-controlled functionality, allowing drivers to keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
While the technology aspects of the car are impressive, what got our attention was how sleek the car looks. Ford took aim at the midsize car market with this introduction and landed will a bulls eye. The 2013 Fusion was the recipient of the Detroit Auto Show Eyes on Design award for best production car.
Pricing for the base model Fusion is estimated to begin at $21,000.
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