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The dealer threw in the remote start when I bought my 2011 Fusion Hybrid last week. When I first approached the dealer, I told them I was looking for a FFH with a particular leather and color, and the 502A package, with all the bells and whistles, including the remote start system. I was going to order the Hybrid and wait, but they found one at a dealership 200 miles away. So, they simply transferred the car to the dealership, and it was exactly the one I wanted- sterling gray with black leather interior- with one exception: it didn't have the remote start system. I guess the dealer felt guilty since there were really no incentives for this vehicle and since it already had 200 miles on it, so they offered to throw in the remote key & installation for free. I was very happy about that, even though I could have really cared less about that feature. Well, when I went to pick up the car, the salesman was attempting to show me how it works, and nothing happened. He looked really puzzled, and kept pressing the button. Then, I reminded him that it was a HYBRID, and therefore it made no sound. He slapped his forehead and apologized, and told me that he had never sold a FFH with Remote Start before. It was pretty funny... Anyway, the Remote Start works well in the FFH, but I need to warn you that it is not a really thrilling feature because it is so darned ....quiet. You just don't get the ignition and revving sound like other remote start systems get. I know that sounds like a dumb qualm, but I never really cared about that feature in the first place, so I can comment with subjectivity. It is silent. You still have to use your key to unlock the car. You still have to insert the key into the ignition and turn on the car. ...It is still silent. If you live in Fargo, SD and your winters are below freezing every morning, I would suggest this feature wholeheartedly. But if you live in a temperate climate like I do (Hampton Roads, VA), then you really don't need to waste the money on this feature. It won't impress your friends, it won't get you excited. It will just add another member to your keychain and really serve no purpose for about 358 days a year....

I recently bought a Ford Fusion Hybrid with the 502A package, with all the bells and whistles (including the remote start, premium floormats, etc). The entire cost of this vehicle was about $34850 after taxes and fees. I don't need to tell you how incredibly awesome this vehicle has been for the past two weeks. We all know the FFH is a fantastic automobile. The reason I'm writing this is because I had the pleasure of test-driving a Lincoln Hybrid, as well. The THX sound system was divine, but you would really have to have the sharpest ears on the planet to tell any difference between it and the Sony 12-speaker system that comes with the FFH 502-A package. The Scottish leather interior was nice in the Lincoln, supple and buttery, with a slightly different stitch. The cabin was just a tad nicer overall, but really, besides those two features, the Lincoln handled about the same as the FFH. It was just as quiet, just as pleasant a ride, and the Sync and Navi features were virtually indistinguishable. But the price on the Lincoln was a whopping $43400 after taxes and fees, and it's just not worth the extra premium, in my opinion. Superficially, I might also point out the fact that the Lincoln brand name and logo made me feel slightly like a ...senior citizen? Sorry if that offends anyone, but come on, Lincoln is a car for mature (old) drivers. Ford has a younger feel, more hip styling inside and out, and with the premium package, you feel like you're driving a luxury car. I cannot tell the difference between the Ford and the Lincoln as far as the "roadfeel," but I know that I'm extremely happy with the FFH, and I'm glad I didn't pay $9000 more for what is essentially the same car.