fusionTX

I test drove a Fusion Hybrid today for the second time. Enjoyed the ride as I did the first time. This time I concentrated on the coasting abilities, as some reports suggests there may be some issues here. I can confirm that the car I test drove today does not coast very well or very far. I drove highway and access road to highway for 10 miles. Many times, as I was approaching lights, I would take my foot off the accelerator only to have to re-accelerate because the car would not make it. On my Camry Hybrid, I use coasting a lot, and it can go on forever, it seems. This seems like an issue to me as having tomacclerate when you could be coasting can't be very efficient. BTW my MPG for drive was around 35. Temperature around 45 degrees.

We have to wait and see what EPA says. If EPA certifies numbers but real world numbers fall far below, then some changes may be in store to testing mechanism. I find it a little disturbing that the consumer reports highway test done at 65 MPH, the Fusion underperformed badly, while the Camry hybrid overperformed the EPA tests. 65 MPH is a very reasonable speed for highway tests IMO.

That doesn't make much sense. I would expect a big differencein MPG between 55 and 75. The 75 MPH makes sense, but not the 55. Something doesn't seem right.

I am still debating this. It does seem that the spoiler adds little and is barely noticeable. I wonder what the consensus is on the spoiler.

I too am perplexed why the titanium fusion build configuration is not up and running. I agree it points to a disorganized organization and doesn't inspire confidence.

Thanks for the advice.

I'm guessing the leather quality and quantitiy is going to be better in a luxury brand. Ever notice how some cars keep that leather smell more than others? Also, the suspension and noise levels should be better in luxury cars. I've only test driven the fusion hybrid once and thought it was very quiet, but need to take it out a 2nd time to confirm. I thought about the Avalon and MKZ, but I like the look of the Fusion better, and the price is better, and it's a younger person's car. i'm not ready for an old geezer car yet.

Maybe the car really is too fine tuned for EPA test. There is no reason why the new Fusion shouldn't best all old hybrids in real world driving, given all the new technology it has. Maybe Ford needs to make some adjustments.

Where in Houston did you test drive? I test drove one last week mchaik Ford on I-10. Will do a 2nd test drive soon. Really enjoyed the drive on the first one.

HOw do you like the adaptive cruise control? Under what conditions do you use it?

I am not awaiting one, but am pretty smitten with the Fusion and will most likely order a Titanium Hybrid. Just not sure if I should pull the trigger now or wait for the dust to settle early next year. My daily commute is pretty perfect for the fusion hybrid.

Acdii, sorry the car is not meeting your expectations. So you drove 1300 miles and got 38 MPG? What speed were you going? I drive from Houston to SW Florida in my 2007 Camry Hybrid and am lucky when I get 34 MPGs. The last time with the car pretty loaded, and on a cold day, I was barely doing above 30 MPG. It's an 1,100 mile trip and I avg 75 to 80 MPH. So I would be happy to get 38 at the speeds I go. So what was your avg speed? Also I've heard you complain about myFord Touch. Can you elaborate on what doesn't work? Lastly i think you said the front sensors were beeping when they shouldn't be. Have you resolved that? I really want the Ford Fusion Hybrid to be my next cat and hope it lives up to expectations.

I'm 6 1/2 years into my Camry Hybrid. I'm on my third set of tires. I'm not a hypermiler or anything similar, don't have that kind of patience. My experience is that MPG has not varied much from tire to tire. I also do not over infalte the tires, I just go by what's recommended. I'll get 36/37 for my normal daily commute, and I am happy with that because that 's close to what the car was rated at. I think people make too much of tires.

It doesn't even sound like Ford is offering a spirited defense. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-14/ford-says-it-s-talking-to-epa-about-hybrid-mileage-tests.html#disqus_thread

So in real life, the Camry Hybrid gets better highway mileage than the Fusion according to consumer reports. That is very dissapointing. What does the Lithium ion buy us than? Just allows you to go faster in all electric, but does not improve your mileage.

Thanks for the pictures. Looks similar to what my 2007 Camry Hybridmhas on Navigation screen.

PA also comes with forward sensors. Do you find those useful? They would come in handy with my Camry as you cant really see where the front of the car ends. I was going to order everything but the PA, but the salesperson mentioned the forward sensors come in handy. So now I am wondering... I also have a tight garage space...

Cool. I qualify for X Plan thru my company. Thanks!

That sounds like a great deal. Congrats! How did you manage that? Any negotiating tips? What did you order? I'm a Costco member and I also think we get special corporate pricing, although I haven't looked t the specifics.

What kind of prices are people getting? I'm hoping for a deal close to invoice. I will probably order a hybrid titanium at some point. I test drove a hybrid this past weekend and was impressed with how it handled and how quiet it was. I thought the driver's seat was very comfortable and the base stereo was pretty good too. I currently drive the original camry hybrid (2007). It's been a great car, the best I've ever owned, but looking forward to something newer to enjoy.