[Shotimes] Drove the new Fusion

[Donald Mallinson]

Zach,

The RX8 is a nice car, super nice looking, great handling.  Can't fault 
you for that choice.  The Fusion isn't going to be on my short list 
either, but I wanted to drive it to see what it was about.  I think it 
should be on anyone's short list if looking for a mid-size to full size 
sedan that is just "normal", not a sports car or drag/track beast.  Just 
a good car at a decent price........, what most people buy!  :)  (not us 
gearheads usually).

Don Mallinson

Zach Leahy wrote:

> Thanks for the info don, but I think my 25,000 would go in for a 
> bottom of the line RX8. 
>  
> Z
>
>  
> On 2/14/06, Donald Mallinson <dmall@mwonline.net 
> <mailto:dmall@mwonline.net>> wrote:
>
>     Got a chance to take a new Fusion V6 out for a drive yesterday.
>
>     I have to say it is a nice car.  Based on the Mazda 6, it seems to
>     have
>     a bit more room inside, I think they stretched the platform a little.
>
>     I was a bit disappointed that in the top version, there is NO
>     provision
>     for shifting the tranny, no wheel buttons, no detents on the shifter
>     other than D and L.   No autostick option.  Not that most people use
>     one, but it would be nice to have some nod to the enthusiast.
>
>     Build quality looks very good, lots of interior room for the
>     class, and
>     good trunk space.  Power is good, but I would not say it was a
>     replacement for the SHO.  I would go for one of these possibly if they
>     were to bring power level up some, but the base suspension seemed
>     quite
>     good.
>
>     All up price is right at $25,000 with every option available.
>
>     All in all, a pretty nice car for Ford to offer.  Would be nice if it
>     could have been an all American design, but using chassis and
>     expertise
>     from a corporate cousin is why Ford bought into Mazda, to get some of
>     that to use elsewhere.  It is a good addition to Ford and probably the
>     best sedan they offer right now.
>
>     Don Mallinson
>     _______________________________________________
>     Shotimes mailing list
>     Shotimes@autox.team.net <mailto:Shotimes@autox.team.net>
>     http://www.team.net/mailman/listinfo/shotimes