Finally a Hybrid that works for everyone! 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

I snagged this video of a New York state Ford dealer doing a video walk around of the new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. But the more I learn about it, I realize that this is a Hybrid that blows my previous objections to Hybrids away! I for a long time had been saying that Hybrids really only make sense for folks that do an Urban driving loop, but the Fusion's 41 mpg city is really only half the story. Highway rated at 36 mpg is great, but what really tops the list is the Fusion's ability to run on Electric only up to 47 mph! I was thinking about that in relation to my daily drive and realized that I could drive a Fusion Hybrid on mostly electric power without hypermilling and probably only have to refuel once a month.

I live and work in the suburbs doing only short stints on highways and usually doing 45 mph or lower. And the Fusion Hybrid seats real adults in comfort and has a usable trunk. The Escape Hybrid was impressive enough, but it switched to the internal combustion engine at speeds over 20 mph. Now, I know that the Prius gets better fuel economy, but the Fusion is a more paletable Hybrid for everyday people.

The only thing that hurts really is the $27k pricetag. I wonder when Ford will have a Hybrid Focus? I'm sure it will meet or exceed the Fusion's economy and hopefully be under $25k.

Ford's loss statement not so bad and Bone to pick with NYC

We all read about Ford and GM's loss statements this quarter, Ford lost $1.4Billion and GM lost $6Billion. But when I read about Toyota's $7Billion loss my jaw dropped. And I read at AutoBlog recently that Ford has had a lower percentage drop in sales than many of it's competitors.
Part of that is the fact that Ford has recently introduced some great product and refreshes.
Some say it's also a benefit of Ford not taking any "bailout" loans from Uncle Sam.
I'm just greatful that Ford looks like they'll weather this economic storm.
It doesn't hurt that Ford is moving quickly to reorganize their production mix and build the new Focus and Fiesta in the United States and Mexico.
This should have been a seperate post, but I'm lazy. I have a major bone to pick with New York City. Recently they bought a small fleet of Nissan Altima Hybrids to test as patrol cars.
I'm all in favor of some hybrids being purchase for government fleets as well as taxis.
But in this economy and just as good policy, shouldn't they have bought domestic hybrids?
Doesn't the Ford Fusion Hybrid get better milage in the city loop than any of it's competitors?
Shame on New York! Whoever made the decision to go with the Nissan needs to brought into a back room and beating with a phone book.



I have to say the Fusion Hybrid just makes so much more sense.
And as I was reading The Auto Prophet's latest post, Hybrids ( especially domestics ) not only give you that warm fuzzy Eco Cred, but they help improve our fuel independance and national security! Not that Hybrids are the only solution, Ford's Eco Boost equipped vehicles will also go a long way to be greenish.

A Hybrid for those that need more than Eco Cred!

Absolutely amazing! I knew Ford could do it. I loved the Escape Hybrid, but with the new Fusion Hybrid, they've raised the bar in so many ways. Sure a Prius gets better milage, but the Fusion gives a Hybrid option to real folks and blows away competitors with 41mpg City!

This is a car that is truly an accessable and reasonable car for the masses. Kudos to Ford!
Not just a car for the trendy crowd. I'll give you an example, my neighbor bought a new Saturn Vue Hybrid, but GM's "Mild Hybrids" may have huge flashy graphics down the side, but what about MPG? And of course the Hollywood elite all want to be seen in a Prius. But if you want to blend in and get the real world benefits, without having to anounce to the world that you're "Green" this is the one to get.

I have a real bone to pick with New York City by the way! I read recently that they bought a bunch of Nissan Altima Hybrids. Why in the hell would they do that? Why not buy Fusion Hybrids?

I'm certain there's a new Ford in My future, but could it be a Hybrid?

Seeing Alan Mulally the CEO of Ford drive the Fusion Hybrid to DC recently and then reading reviews like the one linked in the title from Left Lane News, I've been thinking a Hybrid, especially this one would make so much sense for me. I know I've said before that Hybrids don't make sense for many folks, that have long commutes and don't live in urban areas. But I don't have a long commute and I live in a suburban area. And the improvement the Fusion Hybrid has over past offerings is that it operates on Electric up to 40 mph. Combine that with the 38 MPG city rating and I'm set! I've always liked the Fusion and my driving habits are a perfect match with this car. But can I drive a Hybrid?

I like to shift for myself. My Ranger and Mazda3 are both Manual. And then there's the 4 door sedan thing. I'm weird I guess, I don't really find 4 door sedans useful. My Ranger, well that's just tons of fun and can get through any weather. The Mazda3 is nimble, fun and because it's a 5 door it's versatile. So, what do I do? Ultimately I'd like to go from 2 great vehicles to just 1.

Maybe? Ford Kuga with the EcoBoost 2.0 I-4, 6 speed Manual and All Wheel Drive?

Or should I grow up and let the Fusion shift for me? I'm torn, but at least I'm torn between Fords. Conflicting "dreams" but FordDreams just the same........

I've got a couple of years til I'm buying again.