2010 Ford Fusion: Six Gears, Sleek New Styling

For the 2010 model year, Ford adds an additional engine and more gear ratios to the automatic transmission in its popular Fusion midsize sedan. The updates yield greater fuel efficiency as well as more power for Fusion models across the line. From the looks of the newly released picture, Ford has also incorporated an attractive new snout adhering to the company's horizontal three bar design and flanked with smart-looking projector beam headlamps.

The base Fusion gets Ford/Mazda's new 2.5-liter four cylinder that also finds a home under the hoods of the 2009 Ford Escape, Mercury Milan, and 2009 Mazda6 among other corporate cousins. The uplevel 3.0-liter V-6 gains 19 horsepower over its predecessor, and a 3.5-liter V-6 (also feature in products like the 2009 Ford Flex) that spins out 263 hp is available in the Fusion Sport model (pictured). All engines may be teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission that Ford claims is in part responsible for mpg ratings besting the Fusion's competitors (3 mpg better than the Honda Accord on the highway, and 2 mpg better than the 2009 Toyota Camry).

Ford wisely notes that "fuel economy continues to top customers’ purchase-consideration lists," claiming that 38 percent of those intending on a new purchase claim they'd sacrifice performance for improved economy. But Ford intends to offer them a "no-compromise proposition" wherein they may enjoy both improved economy and high performance.--Colin Mathews

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Make sure you check out our partner sites dedicated to focused news, reviews and more for Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, and the Toyota Prius. 2010 Ford Fusion SportEnlarge PhotoFor the 2010 model year, Ford adds an additional engine and more gear ratios to the automatic transmission in its popular Fusion midsize sedan. The updates yield greater fuel efficiency as well as more power for Fusion models across the line. From the looks of the newly released picture, Ford has also incorporated an attractive new snout adhering to the company's horizontal three bar design and flanked with smart-looking projector beam headlamps. The base Fusion gets Ford/Mazda's new 2.5-liter four cylinder that also finds a home under the hoods of the 2009 Ford Escape, Mercury Milan, and 2009 Mazda6 among other corporate cousins. The uplevel 3.0-liter V-6 gains 19 horsepower over its predecessor, and a 3.5-liter V-6 (also feature in products like the 2009 Ford Flex) that spins out 263 hp is available in the Fusion Sport model (pictured). All engines may be teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission that Ford claims is in part responsible for mpg ratings besting the Fusion's competitors (3 mpg better than the Honda Accord on the highway, and 2 mpg better than the 2009 Toyota Camry). Ford wisely notes that "fuel economy continues to top customers’ purchase-consideration lists," claiming that 38 percent of those intending on a new purchase claim they'd sacrifice performance for improved economy. But Ford intends to offer them a "no-compromise proposition" wherein they may enjoy both improved economy and high performance.--Colin Mathews --- Make sure you check out our partner sites dedicated to focused news, reviews and more for Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, and the Toyota Prius.