Comparison review: Eight family sedans (first place)

 

It's also not a new design – much of the car, including nearly all of the interior, dates to 2006 and its basic platform is from 2003. 

 

But a car doesn't need to be the newest, nor the sportiest, nor the cheapest, nor the most luxurious to be an excellent all-around midsize family sedan. Thorough competence at reasonable prices is enough, and the Ford Fusion delivers exactly that, and does so better than the competition.

 

When it ranked second in last year's family sedan comparison, the 2009 Fusion's 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine was a weak point – it was weak, noisy, and not especially fuel-efficient. A 2010 overhaul brought a 2.5-liter, shared with the Mazda6 but equipped with a six-speed automatic, and the improvement was significant. While the four-cylinder Fusion still isn't too peppy, it stays much quieter, which makes it feel less like it's struggling. 

 

Fuel economy ratings are up from 20 miles per gallon city and 28 highway in 2009 to 22 mpg city / 31 highway in 2010s, and 2011s – which are now becoming available – gain another mile per gallon in the city and two more on the highway. V6 and gas-elected hybrid Fusions are also available for either more power or better gas mileage, respectively, though at higher prices. 

 

The Fusion has a smooth but well-controlled ride, preventing unwanted motions and generally absorbing bumps well. It's not as luxury-smooth as a Toyota Camry, but it exhibits better handing behavior – a reasonable tradeoff. The Fusion does not feel sporty; the steering is light and not especially quick, which makes it less fun-to-drive than a Mazda6 or Hyundai Sonata despite a solid suspension underneath.

 

The power, ride, handling and fuel economy are very similar to the Subaru Legacy's, but the Fusion's engine is much quieter and avoids a steady droning note that fills the Legacy as it accelerates. 

 

When the Fusion was partially redesigned for the 2010 model year, its interior changed the least, and it shows its age in some areas. Materials quality was already strong and got an upgrade for 2010 with thicker armrest padding, but the dash design shows its age in its lack of integration of vents and a passenger-side trim piece; fresher competitors work harder to blend these components into the overall shape of the car while the Fusion's look tacked on. 

 

Redesigned gauges were made clearer; some controls are still too low on the center stack. As on some other Fords, the automatic transmission's gear selector is a little clunky in its operation.

 

As before, there is plenty of room for front and rear passengers to sit comfortably, but the seats themselves are flat and the rear bench is a little low and lumpy. The trunk is behind only the Mazda6 for best-in-class at 16.5 cubic feet, and only a tenth of a cube behind at that. Also as on the Mazda, the rear seat drops flat using handles conveniently located along the side of the trunk. 

 

Throughout the interior, the Fusion is pleasant if unremarkable in its design – which is perfectly serviceable for a midsize family sedan. Someone who prefers a flashy modern design might not love it, but the quality is a step up from a Toyota Camry or even Mazda6. 

 

The Honda Accord offers a feel similar to the Fusion – general competence with few standout characteristics – and that formula actually works at the Ford's sub-$20,000 price point, well-equipped. 

 

Just as importantly, the Fusion comes out ahead of the Accord's ride comfort, quietness, trunk volume and crash test results, and none of those is insignificant to a midsize family sedan. 

 

The Fusion doesn't quickly jump out as doing any particular thing brilliantly well. Rather, when you poke through it and then apply similar scrutiny to its lineup of competitors, this Ford's list of gripes and just-okays is comparatively short. 

 

It's not for someone who wants something truly sporty, or truly luxurious, or truly thoughtfully crafted inside. But it's “competitive” at its worst in nearly every way in a cutthroat class, and priced to sell. 

 

You may find that a competitor's specific standout attributes might suit you better. But there's no better place to start your midsize family sedan search than with this Fusion.