TEST DRIVE: 2006 Ford Fusion SEL V6

[USA_Idol]

So a family member got a new-to-him car...a 2006 Fusion SEL V6.  My thoughts...

Good:
- 3.0L Duratec V-6 and 6-speed automatic are a good match and deliver good, if not inspired, performance.
- Ride is firm, but comfortable.  Very solid body structure probably doesn't hurt.
- Interior materials, though not plush, are better than I expected from Ford, and nothing seems misaligned.  Did Ford move up a notch in quality while I wasn't looking?
- Front seats are very supportive and comfortable.
- Pretty decent 6CD sound system, and it doesn't even have the Audiophile system.
- Damn if it doesn't look good in black.   

Bad:
- Accord, overall, still feels more solid...more upscale...as far as the cabin goes.
- Noise levels are higher than I expected.  To be fair, so are the Accord's.
- Rear seat is set a little too low for my taste (so is the Accord's).
- The taillight design looks out of place on this car.
- The Milan variant, in my opinion, is still the better-looking car (overall).

Verdict:
Well...Ford went and impressed me with this one.   

[The Pirate]

I really, really like the Fusion (I agree that the Milan is sharper looking).  I've seen a few 4-cylinder 5-speed models around, I'd love to test drive one sometime.

Cool to hear that you liked it, they seem to be good cars.

[SVT666]

I really, really like the Fusion (I agree that the Milan is sharper looking).  I've seen a few 4-cylinder 5-speed models around, I'd love to test drive one sometime.

Cool to hear that you liked it, they seem to be good cars.

The V6 is great, but the I4 isn't up to snuff.  The engine is loud and buzzy and for some reason the car doesn't feel as nice as the V6 version.  I can't put my finger on it, but it just doesn't.

[the Teuton]

The V6 is great, but the I4 isn't up to snuff.  The engine is loud and buzzy and for some reason the car doesn't feel as nice as the V6 version.  I can't put my finger on it, but it just doesn't.

It isn't the same 4 banger from th Tribute, is it?

[cawimmer430]

How about some pics for us clueless Europeans? <--- I'm to lazy to google it.   

[ifcar]

Nobody give him pictures! I have Fusions lined up in the guess what car thread. He can figure it out then.

[nickdrinkwater]

How about some pics for us clueless Europeans? <--- I'm to lazy to google it.   

[ifcar]

I'd be astonished if that thing had a 3.0-liter V6.

[MX793]

It isn't the same 4 banger from th Tribute, is it?

It's the MZR23, same 2.3 as the Tribue, Mazda3, Mazda5 and Mazda6.

[cawimmer430]

Looks almost like ours. 

[Autobahn]

Looks almost like ours. 

Because that one is ours, nick fooled you

The US Fusion looks (from the rear) a  like the last-gen Mondeo (but bigger!) (Iffy said no pics  - sorry )

[cawimmer430]

Because that one is ours, nick fooled you

The US Fusion looks (from the rear) a  like the last-gen Mondeo (but bigger!) (Iffy said no pics  - sorry )

I was wondering why they looked so similar. 

[the Teuton]

It's the MZR23, same 2.3 as the Tribue, Mazda3, Mazda5 and Mazda6.

Yeah, that's quite a buzzy, little engine.

[ifcar]

Yeah, that's quite a buzzy, little engine.

If you're basing that off the Tribute, make sure it's a 2005 or newer. 2001-2004 4-cylinder Tributes have an older 4-cylinder that I believe comes from the 626.

[the Teuton]

If you're basing that off the Tribute, make sure it's a 2005 or newer. 2001-2004 4-cylinder Tributes have an older 4-cylinder that I believe comes from the 626.

[The Pirate]

If you're basing that off the Tribute, make sure it's a 2005 or newer. 2001-2004 4-cylinder Tributes have an older 4-cylinder that I believe comes from the 626.

Nope, the 626's FS 2.0 engine was shared with the Ford Probe (from '93 on) and the Mazda Proteg? and P5 from 2001 on.  I believe the Tribute just had a version of the Ford Zetec motor.

[ifcar]

Nope, the 626's FS 2.0 engine was shared with the Ford Probe (from '93 on) and the Mazda Proteg? and P5 from 2001 on.  I believe the Tribute just had a version of the Ford Zetec motor.

In any event, it had something that wasn't the current Ford/Mazda 2.3-liter.

[MX793]

Yeah, "buzzy" isn't a word I'd use to describe the MZR.  '05 and later Tributes/Escapes use the MZR/Duratec motor.  Prior to that, they were using a 2.0L Zetec which is a bit buzzy.