The Auto Writer

Ford's Fusion Hybrid is all new and getting a lot of positive press. One chief critic, Consumer Reports, agrees with the press corps and has given the sedan its highest rating.

Ask any number of people and they might tell you that Consumer Reports (CR) seems to have had some sort of ax to grind when it comes to American car manufacturers including General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. Some have said that the magazine is biased toward Japanese brands while others contend what is patently obvious – American car building quality has often lagged that of Toyota, Honda and other top Japanese brands.

Quality Is Our Recipe

But the US auto industry has apparently gotten the memo (though Chrysler seems to have misplaced their copy) that quality not only matters, it is an essential ingredient to any company’s success. GM quality improvements are most notable in the Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac CTS, but Ford seems to be doing an even better job of increasing quality levels across its entire model line.

This week, CR paid the Ford Motor Company the ultimate compliment when it named the Ford Fusion Hybrid its top-rated domestic sedan, saying that it was essentially tied with the Toyota Camry, another domestic built car. Through its own testing, CR found that the Ford Fusion Hybrid achieved 34 mpg and that it offers sportier driving than the Camry.

CR Tests Three Midsize Sedans

CR tested the Fusion Hybrid, Camry Hybrid and the Kia Optima for its September 2009 issue, finding that all three cars did quite well. “The new Fusions are very impressive especially the Hybrid,” said David Champion, senior director of CR’s Auto Test Center. “The Hybrid successfully blends excellent fuel economy with driving pleasure, something all other hybrids have failed to do. All have a comfortable ride, agile handling, and the innovative display on the Hybrid encourages frugal driving.”

Although I haven’t tested a Camry in awhile and have yet to drive the Optima, my own conclusions about the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid basically parallel what CR had to say. Besides the obvious fuel efficiency benefits, I was amazed that the Fusion Hybrid’s seating was so comfortable for driver and passengers alike, offering plenty of leg room too. I also like the Chevrolet Malibu and believe that the Hyundai Sonata, like the Kia Optima, offer best in class value among sedans in this segment.

Source: Consumer Reports

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