New 2014 FFH SE - rodents ate our Prius!

[krikor]

Been driving our new 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE for a couple of weeks now and love it so far. This replaced an '05 Prius that was totaled due to rodent damage (chewed apart the main wiring harness which was going to cost over $7K to repair since the IP and HV batteries had to be removed). Yes, that really happened. Though it does not get quite the same fuel economy, the Fusion is MUCH more fun to drive and refined.

 

I'm a bit of an insider when it comes to Ford products and thought I knew all there was to know about the Fusion. But surprise surprise when I started noticing that our SE looks a bit different, somewhat more upscale perhaps, than others I've seen on the road (photo attached):

• Fog lamp bezels are gloss black instead of molded flat black
• Lower air intake is also gloss black with a bright surround
• Door handles have a bright trim insert

 

Perhaps this has been documented elsewhere, but as I've been able to discern is that the first two items are the result of ACC which is located behind a panel in the lower air intake. Rather than tool up for two different materials (gloss and flat black) for what is a limited take rate option, you simply get the Titanium intake and matching bezels when ACC is ordered on the SE. Bonus!

 

Likewise, the only option we ordered that I think would result in the bright door handle trim is the Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start, again trickle down parts from the Titanium so they don't have to tool up for a different finish I presume.

 

All things considered, I only have a couple quibbles.

• There is a very faint and very high-pitched electronic buzz when transitioning into ICE and when the ICE is under load at low RPM (wonder if I am hearing some artifact of the Active Noise Control system... will have to try pulling fuse 33 and testing). Perhaps just an element of the hybrid electronics.
• The driver's power seat has developed a clicking noise when moving forward or backward, which I can eliminate by pressing up on the plastic bracket underneath. Will have to get this checked out to make sure this doesn't cause a problem down the road.

 

Again, VERY happy with the car so far.

Edited July 15, 2014 by krikor

[jeff_h]

Welcome - I had an '05 Prius and remember seeing posts on priusonline about an area in the engine compartment that was a perfect place for the little buggers to get in and set up shop.. one thread had pics of a handy screen that prevented it but I guess they never went back and retrofitted anything on a large scale, and cars like yours end up toast.

[machoman1337]

I definitely notice that the engine whines quite a lot especially when driving uphill, and sadly it sounds like a lack-of-power type of whine, not a "vroom vroom" sporty sound. That's my only complaint about how the FFH drives. But when cruising, it's as silent as a Lexus, even if the engine is on. More than makes up for the whine problem.

[GrySql]

I have chromey door handle gizmos.

 

 

 

 

[SteveB_TX]

I have chromey door handle gizmos.

 

 

 

 

 

Is that the official nomenclature? :hysterical:

[jeffo65]

Welcome to the forums!

 

Do you have a picture of the door handles? I can't picture what you are describing.

[krikor]

Welcome to the forums!

 

Do you have a picture of the door handles? I can't picture what you are describing.

 

It is narrow piece of bright trim inset into the length of each door handle. I believe most SE handles are just body color.

[hybridbear]

 

It is narrow piece of bright trim inset into the length of each door handle. I believe most SE handles are just body color.

Welcome! I think the Fusion must come very close to the MPG of your Prius since yours was the 2nd gen Prius.

 

I believe you're correct in your assumptions about why your SE has the chrome handles. Good catch!!

[jeffo65]

 

It is narrow piece of bright trim inset into the length of each door handle. I believe most SE handles are just body color.

 

Thanks for the picture. Never noticed the chrome inset on the handleson any Fusion before. Will have to pay more attention.

[acdii]

Well that used to be the way to tell a HyTi, by the chrome strip in the handle. So now unless the spoiler is missing, you have to look inside at the dash to tell.

[krikor]

Well that used to be the way to tell a HyTi, by the chrome strip in the handle. So now unless the spoiler is missing, you have to look inside at the dash to tell.

That and the wheels, thought the differences there are subtle at best if you have the optional 18" on the SE (not the ones in the Appearance Pkg., but the free-standing option).

[tr7driver]

I wonder if you could put a hamster wheel in that space and connect it to the 12V battery. That may solve the Battery Saver issue.

[jtbogus]

Welcome - I had an '05 Prius and remember seeing posts on priusonline about an area in the engine compartment that was a perfect place for the little buggers to get in and set up shop.. one thread had pics of a handy screen that prevented it but I guess they never went back and retrofitted anything on a large scale, and cars like yours end up toast.

I may have to change my poor opinion of those nasty little rodents, they do have good taste!

[krikor]

Welcome! I think the Fusion must come very close to the MPG of your Prius since yours was the 2nd gen Prius.

 

We will see. Even though it was a 2nd gen, our Prius got 47-48 mpg all day long in the summer without really trying, even doing 75mph loaded down on long trips. It dropped to around 42 mpg in the winter here in Detroit. I'll reserve judgment until after I get past the break-in period on the Fusion Hybrid.

 

Of course, there's not comparison when it comes to which feels like a real car.

[acdii]

After 3 trips to Chicago and Schaumburg yesterday, on the tollway doing 70+, I managed to get over 47 each trip. Great car!

[tr7driver]

After 3 trips to Chicago and Schaumburg yesterday, on the tollway doing 70+, I managed to get over 47 each trip. Great car!

Did anyone shoot at you?

[acdii]

Did anyone shoot at you?

I avoid the Ryan at all costs! :)