Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F)’s 2013 Model Fusion. Photo Credit: Ford.
Before and during the recession, people laughed at the idea that Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) and General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) could compete in sedan segments. Those were segments long dominated by Japanese automakers Toyota Motor Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:TM) and Honda Motor Co Ltd (ADR) (NYSE:HMC), and Detroit’s Big Three were left for dead — and rightfully so after decades of poor-quality products. At least for Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F), that stereotype has abruptly reversed, and its Fusion, Focus, and Fiesta have given the company a rebirth into the sedan segments.
The Fusion has been incredibly successful and is on pace to do something no other Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) vehicle has done in a decade aside from its F-Series — top 300,000 vehicles sold. Here’s a look at what’s new for the 2014 model and what it means for consumers and investors.
Information from Automotive News DataCenter.
The Fusion has drastically narrowed the gap with the Camry, which has seriously dominated the segment for years. Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) looks to continue that trend with its 2014, and it won’t need any drastic changes — if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.
The Fusion, which was redesigned last year, picks up a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine option with a handful of new features. Some of those include a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats. One of the most popular options with the Fusion has been its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that provides a nice zip from its 240 horsepower. It still earns a respectable 26 mpg for combined highway/city driving and is even available with all-wheel drive — something few midsize sedans can offer. Here’s a handful of other highlights.
Adaptive cruise control.
Blind-spot detection.
Automated parking assist.
MyFord Touch.
SYNC voice system.
That’s all standard, but if you move up to the SE trim, you’ll get options on a few extra perks. Among them:
17- and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Exterior keypad entry.
Heated mirrors.
Six- or 12-speaker sound system with satellite radio.
Keyless ignition/entry.
Rear parking sensors.
Sport-tuned suspension.
The interior doesn’t disappoint, either, as it’s well designed and uncluttered.
Interior of a Ford Fusion. Photo: Ford.
With plenty of legroom, and a very adjustable power driver seat, no one will have problems getting comfortable. Recently Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) was knocked down by J.D. Power and Associates for having a clunky MyFord Touch system, which is to be expected with such a new model — redesigned just last year remember. In the years to come, Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) will tweak its infotainment system for the better, but for now that’s just about the only knock against the Fusion.
