“The Fusion rides and handles very well, again thanks to the sound Mazda platform. Steering feel is fine, brakes are excellent, handling is good, but limited by the 16-inch tires.”– Orlando Sentinel
I took a test Fusion from the dealership over to a nice wet freeway ramp with a 90 degree entrance. I aimed for the inside of the curve under wide open throttle, trying to bust the tires loose and drift across the lane. The Fusion grabbed hard and true and we launched out onto the freeway without a hint of tire slippage. Inside, Jen let out her ‘there he goes again’ sigh while I and the car salesman wore big wide grins.
The traction control system worked so perfectly that I didn’t even notice it. Except that the tires never broke loose. I briefly considered turning off the traction control so I could have a little oversteering fun. But it was so unobtrusive and effective that I left it in control.
Having driven my Fusion for a week, I still love how it handles. It brings back fond memories of driving a Miata. Minus the wind and road noise.
“Overall, the Fusion is engaging. It tracks steady and true on twisty roads and flatters the driver in a way that the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry can’t.” — Road and Track.
Where my SHO and Jetta both had very predictable oversteer, the Fusion is wonderfully balanced. There is no tendency towards over or understeer. I suspect I’d have to turn off the traction control to achieve either. The steering wheel is incredibly responsive. There’s no slosh and no twitchiness, just a subtle anxiety to act upon my intentions. The car holds straight and true through the curves without even a hint of body roll. The Fusion longs for that next twisty stretch of road.
“The Ford Fusion we recently tested didn’t rocket to 60 mph with any urgency, and didn’t have the most dramatic styling, but the Fusion still left everyone who drove it thoroughly impressed.” — Motor Trend
Unlike Motor Trend, I got the V6. Unlike the Sentinel, I got the 17″ wheels. The Fusion doesn’t have the catchy appearance of some cars so there was no love at first sight. But it didn’t take long for us to be “thoroughly impressed.”