2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid Review, Specs, Comparisons and Prices

2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid

SEE ALSO Ford Buyers Guide - Specs, Prices, Reviews and Rankings
SEE ALSO Sedans That Get The Same or Better MPG Than the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid

2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid offers all the comforts and convenience of a family car with the added advantage of better fuel economy

THE AUTO PAGE
By
JOHN HEILIG

SPECIFICATIONS: 2011 FORD FUSION HYBRID

Model: 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Engine: 2.4-liter I4
Horsepower/Torque: 156 hp @ 6,000 rpm (191 net hp)/136 lb.-ft. @ 2,250 rpm
Transmission: E-CVT
Wheelbase: 107.4 in.
Length/Width/Height: 190.8 x 72.2 x 56.9 in.
Tires: P225/50VR17
Cargo volume: 11.8 cu. ft.
Fuel economy: 41 mpg city/36 mpg highway/34.4 mpg test
Fuel capacity: 17.5 gal.
Curb weight: 3,720 lbs.
Sticker: $34,195 (includes $725 destination and delivery charge, $5,370 in options less $1,375 Rapid Spec package discount)

The Auto Channel Bottom Line: If you're interested in a hybrid, but don't want to advertise it as blatantly as owners of the Prius and Insight, then the Fusion may be for you. It offers all the comforts and convenience of a family car with the added advantage of better fuel economy.

While I agree with the concept of hybrid cars and trucks (to an extent), I'm not a big fan of cars that parade around town saying, "I'm a hybrid." Personally, I prefer the ones that sneak their hybridness up on you, and the only way you realize it's a hybrid is if you examine the badges on the side and rear carefully.

The Ford fusion Hybrid fits the bill nicely. It's easy to focus on the hybrid aspect of the Fusion Hybrid, especially with its instrument panel and its cool "hybrid" instruments. I really like the leaf economy guide on the right side. Here's a guide to how economically you're driving. If you have a lot of leaves on the tree, then you're doing a good job. This portion of the i.p. also shows you your latest trip statistics; miles traveled, fuel used, economy, etc.

There's also a gauge on the left side (you can customize it) that shows you standard stuff like a fuel gauge, but it adds instant fuel economy and a "charge/discharge" gauge that tells you if you're using or recharging the batteries.

But try to ignore the hybrid stuff (and an owner will after a while) and you discover that the Fusion is a very good family car in its own right. You won't want to paint a 99 or 17 on the side and roof, but you will appreciate the family friendliness of the car.

The fusion is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that is augmented by the battery pack's electrical motor to generate a net 191 horsepower. This is fine. Acceleration is very good when needed, although the engine is noisy and you fret about using fuel. the engine is essentially silent in cruise mode, though.

Of prime importance in a family car is comfort, and there are no complaints with the Fusion. The front seats offer some side support. The rears have good leg room with a fairly flat floor that will accommodate a third passenger in the middle. The rear seats don't fold down to increase luggage capacity (11.8 cubic feet), because that's where the batteries are located.

The audio system was able to pull in my favorite Philadelphia classical radio stations. The audio/navigation screen is also mounted lower than it is in some other cars, so it's less of a distraction. There's a useful pop-up cubby on the top of the dash that we used a lot. The audio and HVAC controls are clearly marked. Only two knobs are needed for both, making the Fusion almost a retro car.

One of my favorite feature sis Ford's capless fuel filler. You open the fuel filler cover and just insert the filler. It's almost like NASCAR, and it's one of the features I bragged about ot other drivers at the gas station.

I thought the Fusion Hybrid's price was reasonable. There's a "Rapid Spec" package and discount that probably should be explained. The Rapid Spec package includes a voice activated navigation system, BLIS (the warning system that tells you if there's a vehicle in your left or right blind spots), cross traffic alert, rear view video camera, power moonroof, 12-speaker Sony sound system and heated front seats. For my money, the BLIS is worth the whole $5,370.

Unlike some hybrids, except for the dash on the Ford Fusion it's hard to tell you're driving a hybrid. The difference between the hybrid and "normal" Fusion is seamless and the car looks "normal." To me, that's a selling point.

© 2011 The Auto Page