cchaos

I'm 6' and 190" and have no issues with the seat. That said, it does seem to get more comfortable over time, so you may just need to break it in for a few months.

Same here! I want to see all the details. What I think would be cool for future versions is to offer different graphics or colors for the SmartGauge, kind of like how you can change the background on your computer. As it is right now, I don't see much point in changing the Smartgauge from Empower mode and getting the full monty.

Thanks for the article. I must say, I'm curious what the author means by the statement, "That the Fusion Hybrid was the highest-ranking hybrid may land us a few pitchforks from hybrid fans." Why would hybrid fans be against a full hybrid like the Fusion Hybrid? Am I missing something? All I can figure is that maybe the author meant to say, ""That the Fusion Hybrid was the highest-ranking hybrid may land us a few pitchforks from Prius fans." And yeah, a comparison with the Camry Hybrid would have been more fair, but it's also nice to see that the FFH frequently makes it into these select groups of hybrid reviews whereas the TCH and Nissan Altima Hybrid are often left out (it's probably because the three hybrids in this review are new/significantly updated, whereas the TCH/NAH haven't undergone any significant changes for awhile).

Not much new for most of us here, but good to see they give it 5 stars. http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/cont...0824_018580.htm

Just my 2 cents...if in your Sales role you need to locate unfamiliar addresses, the NAV may prove very worthwhile. The biggest advantage I've found is that I can read off an address using the SYNC voice-operated menu rather than have to pull off the road and type everything into the Garmin. I was house-hunting a few months ago, and the NAV proved incredibly useful (and probably safer) by letting me speak rather than type. Since you probably use the phone frequently while traveling, the NAV screen also makes phone operation easier in that you can use it for the keypad (like when dialing into a conference calls) as well as look up names that SYNC doesn't recognize. I figure it's safer than fumbling around with a phone while trying to drive. As for it's value vs. the AWD, that's obviously your call, but the NAV is definitely helpful if you travel a lot.

A big reason I switched from my Acura to the FFH was because of the ride quality. The Acura had a jolting nervous ride where every little road imperfection felt like someone was kicking the seat from behind over and over again, kind of like how the OP describes. It was wonderful on a completely smooth asphalt road, but otherwise it was a nightmare to drive. So I think it's all relative. I feel the FFH is great at handling bumps and cracks in the road and doing so without being too soft and boat-like. Again, that's coming from an import car that had a really tight suspension. But in all honesty, if the FFH ride was too much softer, I would have lost interest, as I expect some level of "fun" and sportiness in my car. I personally think Ford found a good middle ground between comfort and sportiness.

The extended range capabilities of the Volt makes sense. However, I think that's also a big part of what is making the Volt so expensive (estimated at $40k). I can't see buying an electric car that doesn't have some kind of range-extending capability. Just imagine taking a road trip and, every couple hundred miles, you have to find a power outlet (if you're lucky!) and then sit and wait 4 or 8 hours to recharge the vehicle. The purely electric vehicles will only be viable as short-range commuter cars. Chevy is on the right track with the Volt, but it will take time bring costs down. In the meantime, the Fusion Hybrid and other full hybrids make more financial sense, plus there's no worry about retrofitting a power outlet and plugging in every night to get the best mileage.

Also, the Fusion has a large windshield (which of course can't be tinted), so I personally use a heatshield for the windshield if I know I'll be parking it for a while in the sun. It still gets hot inside, but at least it helps protect the dash and the leather seats from excessive UV damage.

The solar tinting built into the FFH windows won't reflect a lot of heat. I believe it's primarily for blocking UV radiation. I would suggest getting the windows professionally tinted if you want to maximize the heat reflection. 3M makes the Black Chrome series -- their BC-35 is a good level to get to reflect solar heat. Your vehicle will still get hot if you park in the sun, but it will take much longer to get hot, so the tinting really helps to keep the vehicle cooler during short trips and errands where you only park for thirty minutes or so. It's cumulative like a greenhouse, though, so if you park in the sun all day, it will still get really hot inside the car no matter how strong the heat reflection is.

That's the first I've heard of it. I was thinking they'd go 3 model years before any major updates. For a plug-in Fusion to be viable, they will need to add significantly more battery supply than what is in the current FFH. This will impact the cost and also the amount of passenger/cargo space available due to the extra batteries. It'll be interesting to see if they do release a plug-in version that soon and how much it would cost. It could be that Ford wants to prevent GM from getting too much attention with the Chevy Volt by releasing their own plug-in Fusion around the same time.

I keep mine at 40 psi.

The manual says not to focus too much on the mileage readings for the first few thousand miles. That said, maybe the gas you refilled it with has ethanol, which reduces gas mileage. That plus the AC and hotter weather may have an effect.

At least his latest choice in cars is better than his choice in VP candidates :-)

The HomeLink would be especially nice. The only other thing I don't see in your list is a lock for the glove box, but that's been discussed before and some folks wanted it and others didn't.

I tried on mine (with the Nav) and it always goes back to the first menu. I am getting tired of having to say 'USB' every time!

Thanks, I will check with my dealer and touch it up just to be safe.

Sorry to hear that! I had the passenger side door on mine get scratched on the edge of a curb the other day (parallel parked), but fortunately it's just the very bottom of the door and not noticeable. Still, I think I'll buy some touch-up paint just in case ;-). Anyone know a good place to buy it?

Congratulations! I also had some people think I was nuts trading in my Acura, but once they see the FFH they understand. So far, I like the Fusion much better than the Acura - better technology, better ride (not as rough), quieter, SYNC, Sony sound system, BLIS and other safety features, and of course far better MPG, without requiring premium fuel. I've had it for a month and love it. Enjoy!

Thanks for the info. I'm not certain if I'll be subject to AMT, but this is good to know.

I have the dark charcoal leather in my FFH. I haven't noticed the seats getting warm in the sun. But yeah, a sun screen for the windshield is still a good idea.

Yep, I'm in Houston too and I paid MSRP. Tried to haggle but dealer wouldn't budge other than giving me a few free car washes. They have a hot product and they know it ;-).