2012 Ford Fusion

The 2012 Ford Fusion is once again claiming victories for Ford. Since the release of the Fusion in 1996, the company has been continuously doing well in the automobile market.

They even plan to replace this year’s model with the 2013 Fusion.

Engine

The 2012 Fusion sports the traditional 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine that delivers 175 horsepower and 172 lbs/ft of torque. All Fusions have a 6-speed automatic transmission except for the S model that features 6-speeds for both the automatic and manual.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Sedan Base Price: $20,705.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.5 gallons (66 liters) MPG: 23 city / 33 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 190.6 in. (484.1 cm) Wheel Base: 107.4 in. (272.8 cm)
Height: 56.8 in. (144.2 cm) Width: 72.2 in. (183.4 cm)
Curb Weight: 3285 lbs (1490 kg) Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 16.5 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 2.5L I-4 DOHC Compression Ratio: 9.7: 1
Horsepower: 175 HP Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 175 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Available Trims & Engine
Option:SE MSRP: $22,975; MPG: 23 city / 33 hwy
Option:SEL MSRP: $25,425; MPG: 23 city / 33 hwy
Option:SE V6 MSRP: $24,570; MPG: 22 city / 30 hwy
Option:SEL V6 MSRP: $27,020; MPG: 22 city / 30 hwy
Option:Sport 3.5L V6 MSRP: $27,225; MPG: 18 city / 27 hwy
Option:Hybrid MSRP: $28,775; MPG: 41 city / 36 hwy

Engine specifications vary according to the Fusion model that you choose. The Fusion Sport has a V6, 3.5 liter engine that provides 263 horsepower and 249 lbs/ft of torque. The Fusion SE and SEL sports a 3 liter V6 engine that brings out 240 horsepower and 228 lbs/ft of torque. Front wheel drive is standard for all Fusions but you can have the optional all wheel drive for the Sport, SE and SEL.

The Fusion Hybrid comes with the basic 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine which provides 156 horsepower and 136 lbs/ft of torque. It has an electric motor that boosts the engine power up to 191 horsepower.

Performance

The Sport trim comes with a V6 and a 3.5 liter engine, the Ford’s new Fusion brings a crisp driving experience. It is ideal for everyday use because it accelerates well for passing and the handling works great for merging traffic. The Fusion behaves well in corners and is able to keep its composure on bumpy roads. It inherits its forerunner’s reputation of being snug for a family car.

Exterior

Not much has changed as far as the exterior is concerned. In fact most drivers are more interested in the way that the Fusion drives as well as its smart interiors.

Interior

The interior for the Fusion is not the largest in its class. But it is easily noticeable that the seats are intelligently placed to make full use of its space. The seats provide good support and legroom for passengers in the rear as well as a good outward visibility and headroom for the front passengers.

The Fusion has the SYNC system which allows the driver to control entertainment functions and the climate. However, the Fusion lacks some features that are becoming a standard such as the satellite radio. Also, not all Fusions are equipped with Bluetooth.

Safety

The Fusion has MyKey, Ford’s proprietary technology that teaches safety to young drivers by limiting the car’s speed to 80 mph and the audio volume to 45%. The Fusion sends an alarm when the fuel is low and when one of the passengers forgets to wear a seatbelt.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awards the Top Safety Pick to the Fusion because it scored well in their safety tests.

Reliability

The Fusion comes with a 3-year basic warranty from bumper to bumper, a 5 year warranty for the safety restraint system and powertrain, and a 5-year corrosion perforation warrant.

Pros

The Fusion is spacious and comfortable and handles well. Its interior has adequate high tech features as well. The fuel economy is good and the car is available in front wheel and all wheel drive models.

Cons

The engine is not the most powerful in its class. The dashboard is studded with buttons and the car is not cheap.

For a small family that wants a powerful car for daily use, there is no reason not to consider the 2012 Ford Fusion.

Competition

The Toyota Camry (MSRP $22,600; 25 city / 35 hwy), Honda Accord (MSRP $22,280; 23 city / 34 hwy), and the Chevrolet Malibu (MSRP $23,470; 22 city / 33 hwy) gives the Fusion a good stiff run for the money.

Overall Rating
74 out of 100

What others say:

“The Ford Fusion now has one of the more aged designs among mid-size sedans, yet it’s readily apparent that styling remains one of the reasons the Fusion remains so popular.”Car Connection

“With manual transmission, 4-cylinder Fusions are adequate, though they struggle in steep uphill climbs. The manual transmission is pleasant to use. The 3.0 V6 doesn’t feel as strong as its 240-horsepower rating would suggest, but it still accelerates smoothly, furnishing good passing and merging power.”Consumer Guide

“Handling is balanced and predictable at its limits. A cross-traffic sensor alerts drivers to approaching traffic when reversing. IIHS crash-test results and reliability are very good.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“The 2012 Fusion is also one of the few mid-size sedans to offer the option of all-wheel drive, and it drives more like a sporty import than a floating domestic.”KBB

“The well-rounded 2012 Ford Fusion is one of our top picks for a midsize family sedan.”Edmunds

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