Ford recently held its dealer meetings in Las Vegas where the automaker announced the changes to the 2009 Ford Fusion.
The revised 2009 Ford Fusion is going to be more powerful and efficient thanks to a new base 4-cylinder engine and an also new six-speed automatic transmission. The current 160 hp 4-cylinder is going to upgraded to Ford's new 170 horsepower 2.5L that is also in the Escape/ Mariner SUVs. Mated to the new six-speed, the new 4-cylinder Fusion will be both more powerful and fuel-efficient than the 2008 model. Ford is hoping that the changes will help the Fusion achieve best-in-class fuel economy ratings.
Ford also announced plans to offer a more powerful V6 in the Escape/ Mariner. Ford did not make any announcements about the V6 Fusion, but it is expected that the Fusion will also eventually get the new V6 as well.
Visually the 2009 Fusion will receive a new front fascia and an upgraded interior (2008 model is pictured above).
Full Story: The Detroit News
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Comments (14)
Always liked the Fusion, and it's pretty cheap and reliable too.
Posted by SEALBoy | April 21, 2008 6:19 PM
Posted on April 21, 2008 18:19
Not a bad looking car, kinda bland but most economy based sedans are. Pretty sleek. A 6spd should help out the MPG. What class would this be in, anybody estimate MPG?
Posted by Alex | April 21, 2008 6:50 PM
Posted on April 21, 2008 18:50
Looks like they finally decided to compete. It's about time.
Posted by Bill O | April 21, 2008 7:57 PM
Posted on April 21, 2008 19:57
I've always thought the Fusion was a nice looking car. Can't believe I'm saying it but Fords lineup actually doesn't look that bad if you nix the current Focus...
Posted by Gary | April 21, 2008 9:16 PM
Posted on April 21, 2008 21:16
Aren't they just moving the six speed down from the V6 to the I4? At least the current I4 has a 5 speed auto.
Posted by J.D. | April 22, 2008 4:48 AM
Posted on April 22, 2008 04:48
It won't show that much of an increase in economy. Maybe 1mpg, to take a guess.
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | April 22, 2008 6:45 AM
Posted on April 22, 2008 06:45
Ford is putting together more exciting products for the US market, why did it take soooooo long. Their new management team is sparking the company!
Posted by harryo | April 22, 2008 9:03 AM
Posted on April 22, 2008 09:03
Fusion beats Accord and Altima. Ties Camry but beats it in looks. I bought one. Its great.
Posted by john | April 22, 2008 1:43 PM
Posted on April 22, 2008 13:43
I always liked the Fusion. The new power increases will make the 4cyl even more appealing to most buyers. I have been pricing out used 4cyl/speed Fusions (and comparible Mazda 6) for my next commuter car. ( 4cyl/5speed Escape is also on the list)
Posted by longdxcommuter | April 22, 2008 1:52 PM
Posted on April 22, 2008 13:52
"Fusion beats Accord and Altima. Ties Camry but beats it in looks. I bought one. Its great." - John
Umm, right. What a lame statement.
All of those cars have an available stomping V-6 that sends them to 60mph in about 5.8-6.2 seconds.
The Accord is the best coupe/sedan in it's price range, from quality materials, interior/exterior styling to performance and resale.
Posted by Noya | April 23, 2008 12:24 AM
Posted on April 23, 2008 00:24
The Accord has hit somewhat of a coundrum though Noya. At its top end its a luxury car for people who like plush and fat cars.
At its bottom end, its only a "very competitive" mid-size thats bordering on huge.
I really do not consider a car as big as the Accord a midsize any more. The Fusion, Camry, Altima and such still are midsize to me. But the Malibu and Accord are just bordering on too big. The Malibu is 3500lbs!!!! What the? If they could drop the weight by just 300lbs its fuel economy would improve ten fold, probably be more reliable as not stressing the powertrain as much too.
As far as the Fusion beating the Altima, I laugh out loud at that. Ford has intentionally NOT put the Fusion against the Altima in customer testing. It is true that a base Altima, the S, is more expensive to start though. Still, its I4 is incredibly potent, its transmission solid as can be, its almost incredible that this is from a company that has ties to Renault.
Posted by Allen | April 23, 2008 9:56 PM
Posted on April 23, 2008 21:56
I want to know we will be shipping new brand vehicle here at dealer in Maryland?
Vernon
Posted by Vernon Shorter | April 29, 2008 1:57 PM
Posted on April 29, 2008 13:57
Been looking at buying a new car. Down here in Houston, a base Honda Accord is north of $23,000. The base Fusion is about $17,500 at local dealers. And, of course, you have to add 8.5% to the difference in sales tax. So, that is another 5%. Thus, there is about a $6000 differrence in price between the base level cars.
Posted by David | September 22, 2008 12:04 PM
Posted on September 22, 2008 12:04
Been looking at buying a new car. Down here in Houston, a base Honda Accord is north of $23,000. The base Fusion is about $17,500 at local dealers. And, of course, you have to add 8.5% to the difference in sales tax. So, that is another 5%. Thus, there is about a $6000 differrence in price between the base level cars.
Posted by David | September 22, 2008 12:05 PM
Posted on September 22, 2008 12:05