Car Reviews: 2006 Ford Fusion

Almost There, but Not Quite Yet

Ah, the Ford Taurus. Can any car achieve such a mixture of hatred and love from it's owners? Many found happiness and joy in the low prices of the vehicle, they loved the open space, and the smooth ride (at times) was nice for a car of that price range. Of course, drive your Taurus more than 75,000 miles, and problems start rearing their ugly heads. The steering turns to uncontrollable mush, the transmission and engine decide they don't need you to control the car, and once nice suspension throws the driver over every bump possible. Still, everyone makes mistakes, and if the new Ford Fusion is any kind of apology from Ford, they may be well on their to forgiveness.

For a long, sad time, the Ford Probe probably had the most personality of any Ford vehicle produced. However, with the introduction of the Fusion, that may very well change. Unlike the cookie-cutter Focus, and a host of other bland models, the Fusion has some legitimate style. The front end is smooth, the headlights attractive, and the overall stance of the car really does look sporty. This design is continued throughout the rest of the car, a nicely matched side, with attractive and balanced doors, along with a wide back end with decently sized and nicely complementing tail lights help to round out the appearance package. A small spoiler on the back end does wonders for the vehicle, as do the upgraded wheels and tires. However, even in it's base form, the Fusion is a car that really does inspire a second look. It's sleek, sporty and modern. Unlike some cars in it's class, the Fusion does not overwhelm the driver, nor does it try to be a sports car, it is simply an attractive sedan, and that is definitely a positive for the vehicle.