2011 ford fusion and reviews

After last year's extensive refresh,2011 ford fusion sees only detail changes involving standard features for 2011. For power, there's a fully competitive 175-horsepower four-cylinder base engine, a 240-hp 3.0-liter V6 or a 263-hp 3.5-liter V6 in the Fusion Sport.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 Ford Fusion is a midsize sedan available in S, SE, Sport and SEL trim levels. The SE adds 17-inch steel wheels (alloy-look covers), foglamps, automatic headlights, dual exhaust tips, a fold-flat passenger seat, an eight-way power driver seat with manual recline and lumbar, steering-wheel radio controls and a six-speaker stereo with satellite radio.

The Sport adds a sport-tuned suspension and steering setup, 18-inch alloy wheels, exclusive styling cues inside and out, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a 10-way power driver seat, a four-way power passenger seat, unique leather-trimmed seats and the Sync entertainment and communications interface. The Fusion SEL adds heated exterior mirrors, puddle lights, a numerical keyless entry pad, ambient lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats and leather upholstery.

The 2011 Ford Fusion features three different engines. The base power plant -- standard on S, SE and SEL models -- is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 175 hp and 172 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is optional on the Sport and V6-powered SEL.

Fuel economy ratings for the four-cylinder Fusion with the automatic check in at 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined.

Safety

Antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags are standard on all Fusions. In the side-impact test, the Fusion earned five stars for front passengers and four stars for those in the rear. The 2011 Ford Fusion's cabin features soft-touch materials and a somewhat austere but attractive design. There's plenty of room for passengers in the Fusion.

Driving Impressions

The Sport model feels particularly buttoned-down thanks to its sport-tuned suspension.

The 2011 Ford Fusion ranks 1 out of 19 Affordable Midsize Cars. Reviewers were impressed with the 2010 Ford Fusion’s upscale interior, more powerful engine options and available all-wheel drive. The 2011 Ford Fusion maintains these traits, but gains a few more improvements.

The Ford Fusion had an excellent 2010. Perhaps one of the coolest additions to the 2011 Ford Fusion is the MyKey system. Most car reviewers agree that the 2011 Ford Fusion is ideal for small families. In addition to great fuel economy, buyers receive the same sprightly performance and high-quality interior finishing and amenities the 2011 Ford Fusion gasoline models offer.

Also, the Ford Fusion is one of the few Affordable Midsize Cars available with All-Wheel-Drive, making it a popular family car in the snowbelt.  AWD shoppers would do well to test drive at least one of these alternatives before buying a Ford Fusion