One Year Ownership Reports - 2013 FFH

[B25Nut]

I have now owned my 2013 FFH SE for one year. I drove it off my dealer’s lot without ever seeing a Fusion Hybrid in the flesh before that day (my wife didn’t think that was a smart thing to do). I knew I was taking what is usually a big chance by purchasing one of the first vehicles off the production line of a totally new car, but I had done a lot of research for 10 months, and I felt the odds were in my favor.

The FFH is my first hybrid. I never even considered a hybrid before last year, and I still wouldn’t be caught dead in a Prius. But Ford has made me a convert by producing a hybrid disguised as one of the nicest looking, highest tech vehicles available. And it was within my $34K budget.

How many times you may have to take a new vehicle back to the dealer to correct problems is a fear most car buyers have, and it is a good gauge of the quality of a car. This is a list of my dealer trips in 12 months:

1. Updated to the latest MyFord Touch software.
2. Had dealer check for the cause of the Battery Saver message. Nothing was found wrong, battery was charged, I did not leave happy.
3. Had a total of six TSBs and updates done at one time.(For the first two trips, a shuttle took me to work and picked me up. For this third, a loaner car was provided.)

4. Had Illuminated Door Sills and Ambient Lighting installed (the only time I had an out of pocket expense).

 

During these trips I tried to keep the sales and service people updated on the information I have learned from this Forum. This probably contributed to the VIP treatment that I felt I received on my last two trips.

Not bad for a brand new car. During my first 9 months of ownership, I averaged 37.2 mpg. The last three months have seen a 43.4 mpg average. After 12,200 miles, the FFH is like a fine wine. It gets better with age.

I know I could come close to or match the EPA 47 mpg if I never drove over the speed limit. But for me, that’s never going to happen. I have, however, lowered my average speed by 5 mph, and I’ve surprised myself by being happy with that. If I had been driving my previous vehicle, a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica, I would have spent over $1,600 more on gas over the past year. That fact makes my very happy, but everything about the FFH makes me a happier person. One of the best feelings you can have is knowing you’ve made the right decision, and there is no other car on the planet that I wish I would have chosen instead of the FFH. Although I know there are other factors involved, I truly believe that purchasing the FFH has made me a better person.

My FFH is a White Platinum SE with Dune leather interior (Equip Group 502A), moonroof, MFT Tech Package, Nav, 18” Luxury Wheels and Rear Sensing. I will probably be happily driving my FFH for the next eight years. If I were to buy another one tomorrow, however, the only option I would add would be the Push Button Start, which wasn’t available for the SE at the time of my purchase. I still wish Ford would make the new 10-way adjustable passenger seat an option on the 2014 SE and not just the Titanium. They should at least make a manual height adjustment available for the front passenger. In many cases, this adjustment would probably only be done once, just like the tilt adjustment on my steering wheel.

I’ll never qualify as a hybrid “enthusiast” since I’ll never: 1) keep track of my mileage with each fill up, 2) buy a ScanGauge, 3) try to drive over 600 miles on a tank of gas, or 4) post a picture of my MPGs on the car’s display. But I do think I fit in with the majority of FFH owners who just love driving their Fusion Hybrid, and get great gas mileage as a side benefit.

The FFH is a “luxury” car, but doesn’t qualify for that category since it doesn’t cost enough. Its fold down rear seats are a major benefit for me. I use them a lot, and if the FFH didn’t have them, I probably would have purchased a crossover vehicle instead.

If you are already in the habit of driving with smooth acceleration and smooth braking, you should have no problem getting good mileage from your FFH. Learning to back off the gas peddle at the right time to get into EV mode is probably the major new additional habit you need to develop.

In the category of vehicles that people can afford, I feel the 2013-14 Ford Fusion Hybrid is the best choice a driver can make. First year FFH owners have had to deal with what really are minor quirks. Anyone purchasing the 2014 model should be getting a near perfect car.

Edited November 10, 2013 by B25Nut

[jtbogus]

I'm curious if the Dealer installed stock ambient lighting and sills and what did they charge? Ford has a remote starter for the FFH, it uses a button.

I picked up mine in July, already have 6000 miles on it and do speed a bit. No problems, one Dealer Update visit, I look forward to driving it every time. It looks and drives great and I will get the Plug-in when they improve the batts/trunk size. Imagine, a HVB with 7 times the capacity we have now!

[GrySql]

B25Nut, you took the words right out of my mouth. I couldn't have said it better.

Our cars are a very similar vintage and I ordered mine without ever even seeing one except in a YouTube video, but, like you, I did a lot of research.

With 16,000 miles on my FFH now my gas savings from my previous Ford Expedition are prodigious, and the travel comfort is an unexpected pleasure.

As far as I'm concerned it was a gamble that paid off.

 

My only further thought is how much better I feel about this FFH because of all the important things I've learned on this Forum.

Being able to go to the Dealer armed with potent information has made a big difference in my overall happiness with this car.

[Texasota]

Thanks, B25Nut. This kind of post is helpful to a guy like me that is still researching and contemplating buying a FFH.

 

I am still concerned about long distance highway driving and specifically if this car has adequate power for long interstate uphill grades. A post from Eddie Sessum a few days ago described how he had to pull over on the side of the road because his MKZH did not have enough power to merge concerned me a lot.

 

Thanks again for this post.

Edited November 7, 2013 by Texasota

[GrySql]

A post from Eddie Sessum a few days ago described how he had to pull over on the side of the road because his FFH did not have enough power to merge concerned me a lot.

I believe Eddie has a Lincoln MKZH.

This has never happened to me, I just took a 1,500 mile trip all thru the mountains of CA, up and over numerous 6,000' & 8,000' grades, never had the least problem.

This car has been driven by a couple of Forum member to 120mph top speed.

I drive the gawd awful freeways in So. Cal, like today, 160 miles up and back - the car has enough power to merge in any situation I've been in, which is plenty and just today.

These are not Camaro's or Mustangs but do have adequate power for passing, merging and most driving requirements.

With 188hp it has more than a lot of econo-boxes. A Prius has 134hp.

Long distance travel is where the comfort and silence of the car shines, with a moderate load.

Edited November 7, 2013 by GrySql

[KLH]

+1 on the "enough power". The biggest selling point IMHO is the car will let the driver drive as fast as he/she wants, but prolonged ICE use affects gas mileage. Simple as that.

 

I've often wondered if I like my 2013 SE more because it is loaded; I just can't imagine being without ACC or BLIS now. YMMV.

[aaronj1159]

Thanks, B25Nut. This kind of post is helpful to a guy like me that is still researching and contemplating buying a FFH.

 

I am still concerned about long distance highway driving and specifically if this car has adequate power for long interstate uphill grades. A post from Eddie Sessum a few days ago described how he had to pull over on the side of the road because his FFH did not have enough power to merge concerned me a lot.

 

Thanks again for this post.

As someone who drives 90% on the highway/interstate, and lives in a mountainous region, I can confidently say that I've never once had a need for more power out of my FFH. There's one particular mountain I climb on my way home from work daily that is probably 2-3 miles of steep grade, and my car handles it with no issues. It's not great on the MPGs but once you learn the little ins and outs of driving the car you can help account for that.

[acdii]

Thanks, B25Nut. This kind of post is helpful to a guy like me that is still researching and contemplating buying a FFH.

 

I am still concerned about long distance highway driving and specifically if this car has adequate power for long interstate uphill grades. A post from Eddie Sessum a few days ago described how he had to pull over on the side of the road because his FFH did not have enough power to merge concerned me a lot.

 

Thanks again for this post.

My previous SE FFH I drove from IL to Fl and back and while it was a gas hog(old story), it was one of the most comfortable cars I had ever owned. I never once had a lack of power in it, and the handling was exceptional, along with the ACC and BLIS, made the highway trip rather pleasant, even going across an unknown ferry on a dark and stormy night.

 

My HyTi I drove from IL to MN with my mom, wife, and 2 kids crammed in it with all our luggage in the trunk, and while the Ti seats are not nearly as comfortable as the SE Luxury, it was still a pleasant trip and not once did I lack power, and still managed to get decent MPG with 5 people in the car. 35.5 @ 80 and 43 @ 68.

 

So have no fear, the FFH is one very nice cruiser.

Edited November 7, 2013 by acdii

[hybridbear]

I agree completely with B25Nut. We bought early on too and have had our ups and downs with fit and finish issues. However, the mechanical issues have been minor. We are very happy with the car. We have saved only about $320 in gas in our 18,000 miles of driving because we already had a 30 MPG Honda Accord Hybrid before. But the HAH was terribly uncomfortable when compared to the FFH. Even though we haven't saved a ton on gas, we are really enjoying the comfort and style of the FFH.

 

And, unlike B25Nut, I love playing the hybrid game to maximize my efficiency and to maximize what the car can do.

 

 

Thanks, B25Nut. This kind of post is helpful to a guy like me that is still researching and contemplating buying a FFH.

 

I am still concerned about long distance highway driving and specifically if this car has adequate power for long interstate uphill grades. A post from Eddie Sessum a few days ago described how he had to pull over on the side of the road because his FFH did not have enough power to merge concerned me a lot.

 

Thanks again for this post.

We have taken two road trips in our FFH where we crossed the Rockies. One time going to California and another time driving across Canada. There is plenty of power for climbing mountains and passing. In Canada we numerous times passed semis and other vehicles without an issue. The FFH very quickly accelerated from our 65-70 MPH cruising speed up to 85+ MPH to pass quickly on the winding mountain roads where your passing zones are few and far between.

 

To be completely honest, you could likely get equal or better highway MPG out of a Passat TDI, but the city MPG is where the FFH shines. It is also is the most comfortable car I've ever sat in.

[BWB]

Thanks, B25Nut. This kind of post is helpful to a guy like me that is still researching and contemplating buying a FFH.

 

I am still concerned about long distance highway driving and specifically if this car has adequate power for long interstate uphill grades. A post from Eddie Sessum a few days ago described how he had to pull over on the side of the road because his FFH did not have enough power to merge concerned me a lot.

 

Thanks again for this post.

I have had a Ford Certified FFH for about 2 months now. We have put nearly 3000 miles on it. We live in the mountains of Western NC. Nearly 1/3 of the mileage was a trip to Florida on I-575 and I-75. We ran 70 to 75 mph in both directions, with mileage at 43.8. Our FFH has had the calibration firmware installed. This last weekend, travelling home from Asheville, NC, I was following a truck at about 50 mph up a 7% grade. There was not a bit of hesitation to pull out and pass on a 2 lane highway. The FFE accelerated nicely even at that grade and was at 65mph quickly on that 7 to 8% grade. Don't be concerned about the power situation. Oh, and even with the changes of elevation of two thousand feet or more at several different places, mileage was 46.1 mpg. It is really great to be able to recapture some of the energy expended going up by regen braking going down.

Edited November 7, 2013 by BWB

[corncobs]

As someone who drives 90% on the highway/interstate, and lives in a mountainous region, I can confidently say that I've never once had a need for more power out of my FFH. There's one particular mountain I climb on my way home from work daily that is probably 2-3 miles of steep grade, and my car handles it with no issues. It's not great on the MPGs but once you learn the little ins and outs of driving the car you can help account for that.

I agree with all other posters power is definitely not an issue. I'm currently driving a real piece of crap Renault Espace (147000 miles) and there is definitely more hesitation passing another car than I would have in my FFH.

[B25Nut]

I'm curious if the Dealer installed stock ambient lighting and sills and what did they charge? Ford has a remote starter for the FFH, it uses a button.

 

 

The labor cost for the lighting kit was $90, for the door sills $70. This may not be the current cost for the lighting since dealers have found it takes much longer to install than what Ford specifies. The lighting kit is different than the Ambient Lighting that comes with the Titanium. There are only four lights. If you have them installed, I recommend that you tell your dealer to put one light in each cup holder instead of following the factory instructions that illuminate the inside of the storage ben between the seats and just one cup holder.

If I had to choose just one of these two accessory options, it would be the Illuminated Door Sills. They really make a difference in the luxury feel of the FFH. But I really love the ambient lighting also.

Like the others here, I have never had a moment when driving the FFH that I wished it had more power. I have driven our local Cuesta Grade (1000 ft climb in three miles) at 70 mph; however, I have cut back recently to 62-65 mph so that I don't take as big a hit in MPG.

[Fusion_Diffusion]

I only had my FFH for 3 months so posting here is a bit premature but I think 'B25Nut' first post is exactly how I would write mine in about 9 months...

 

There is nothing like the feeling that you've made the right decision...

[Socal]

I've had my FFH for 10 months and it has about 14,000 miles. It's averaged 39mpg before taking it in for the TSB's and upgrades two weeks ago. Two out of the last three fill ups since then have been 44mpg so it seems to be getting mileage. I have had zero issues with the car. Everything works. I love the intelligent cruise control, roomy and comfortable interior, slightly firm ride, and overall relaxed driving experience. I find that the power is quite adequate even on mountain roads. I leased the car for two years and will probably lease another one when the current lease expires.

Edited November 16, 2013 by Socal

[DeeCee]

My one year anniversary was yesterday, Nov. 24. First hybrid i have owned.

 

Lifetime summary shows 15,387.6 miles, 7,834.4 EV miles, 453.6 Regen miles and a brake score of 96%.

 

Mileage as reported by the cars computer is 46.8 mpg. Actual mileage based on 24 fill-ups over the year's time is 45.3 mpg. Very pleased with the mileage I an getting and don't feel I have to "work" at it or drive like a grandma to get these numbers.

 

Very happy overall with the car. Great comfortable and quiet ride. Handling is superb. No problems with MFT once you get used to it. Only trips to the dealer for service was for TSB/recalls; shifter knob, fuel delivery module, PCM upgrade and MFT upgrade. Not bad for a Job 1 vehicle. Had oil changed at about 5,000 miles and again at 10,000 miles. Plan on 10,000 mile oil changes from now on.

 

Features I really like are the Adaptive Cruise Control,BLISS, auto headlights and auto wipers. Lane keeping feature is okay but I don't use it that often.

 

The only mods I've done are hood struts, shark fin antenna and side window vent covers.

 

Enjoy this forum and its helpful members.

[GrySql]

Tomorrow I will have owned my FFH for one year, it has 19,100 miles on it now. I special ordered it in Oct '12 without ever seeing one in person, a gamble.

 

It has proved to be the best riding, quietest, most comfortable car with the best fuel economy of any vehicle I've owned in the last 55 years.

Having said that, my car has not been trouble free.

During the last year it has provided me with some interesting experiences with a few Ford Service Departments and even up to the desk of the Ford Fusion Marketing Manager.

 

It was difficult to figure out at first with so many new things to learn, dash panels and the MFT to set up, so many touch buttons to push and while doing that I was supposed avoid all the other cars on the road.

To help with those early adopter challenges I turned to the Owner's Manual, it was not a very satisfying learning tool so I sought other places to learn - I ended up at this Forum.

What a blessing this place became for me, it was chock full of nice members who were more than willing to help.

We helped each other, we even solved several problems that Ford Customer Service or Ford Engineering could, or would, not.

 

In summary, I like my car and am proud of it, I love to drive it and so does my wife (we just logged another 800 miles on it yesterday and today).

The other very special part of ownership has been belonging to this Forum, this is a top notch group of people.

I know I could not have enjoyed, or understood my FFH nearly as much had I not been a member here.

 

 

[hermans]

My 1 year was up 12/4 and it has 9300 miles on it. Love the gas mileage and the car overall. I got every option except for parking assist. I had the battery messages and had two batteries besides the one that came with the car. Had the recall along with the TSBs. Other than that...no issues. The dealer did an oil change at 5,000 miles without my asking them to, they just did it. So now I'll wait until 15K to do it.

 

So far the MKZh has been great. Since picking it up from the dealer in 5/12 I've been allowed to drive it a few times. My wife declared the car as hers. We are about to take a 2,000 mile trip in the car.....I'm excited as I get to drive.

Edited December 12, 2013 by hermans

[gkinla]

Today is my one year anniversary 12/12/13...11800 miles 36.3 MPG, mostly city driving. As an early adapter I had my problems, battery BS messages that cleared up when the battery was replaced last April. Haven't had a problem since. Clicking noise from the front axles, also repaired. Rear door trim moldings sticking out, replaced and the Leather Shift Knob replaced.

 

I just realized that I haven't been to the dealer, except for an oil change, for the last three months. Up until that time the EV+ came on when getting close to the dealer.

 

Now, thanks to this forum and all the members that worked so close together to help figure out and solve the many problems, my FFH is running as well as she is beautiful. I was great going to the dealer with a folder full of TSBs to help them understand and do the upgrades and other repairs.

 

 

I still get many WOW comments on the good looks. I'm happy that I bought the 2013, my first Ford was a 2010 FFH.

 

I did several upgrades to make my FFH a little more special to me, HyTi pedals and ambient lighting. Also, had the Daytime Running Lights enabled.

 

 

Also, fitted HyTi tail lights.

 

 

 

Added a doughnut spare that I just used due to a sidewall cut.

 

 

Edited December 14, 2013 by gkinla

[GrySql]

(Gkinla - just between you and me I think our SE Premium 18" Wheels are the best looking wheel/tire package in the entire Fusion fleet - shhhh, don't tell anybody!)

Edited December 13, 2013 by GrySql

[gkinla]

(Gkinla - just between you and me I think our SE Premium 18" Wheels are the best looking wheel/tire package in the entire Fusion fleet - shhhh, don't tell anybody!)

 

 

GrySql....I'll keep it a secret!

[corncobs]

I also agree but I won't tell anybody either.

 

gkinla nice pics now I really miss mine. Damn locks this car nice in RR.

[acdii]

6 months for mine, and already have 14K on it! Other than the trim and bumper paint, it has been trouble free. Lets see how many miles it will have on June 4th!

[hybridbear]

Also, fitted HiTi tail lights.

 

Great write-up gk! Did you ever post a thread about installing the HyTi tail lights? I'm curious how much work it was and what it cost. I finally saw my first Fusion Titanium on the road recently and those tail lights look sick awesome!! I would do that too if the price is right. Edited December 13, 2013 by hybridbear

[hermans]

Great write-up gk! Did you ever post a thread about installing the HyTi tail lights? I'm curious how much work it was and what it cost. I finally saw my first Fusion Titanium on the road recently and those tail lights look sick awesome!! I would do that too if the price is right.

Take a crowbar to your wallet and release about $900. for parts. You can do the work yourself - it's a plugin swap.

[gkinla]

Great write-up gk! Did you ever post a thread about installing the HyTi tail lights? I'm curious how much work it was and what it cost. I finally saw my first Fusion Titanium on the road recently and those tail lights look sick awesome!! I would do that too if the price is right.

Yes I did post a thread, it's a very easy $900 swap, but it may have been on the BOF. I'll see if I can find it and post a link. The lights are a direct plug and play except for the main light. The ring/halo light is on full time but at night but the main operates just like the SE. I found wiring digrams for the SE and the TI, the difference wasn't very clear. I think the lights are driven by a programmed module, I haven't taken the time to talk with a Service Technician to see if the lights be reprogrammed like a TI. Although, this way a lot of light is thrown to the rear and makes the SE very visible at night. I kind of like it because it makes my SE a little more custom.