When two hydrogen atoms combine to form a helium atom, we call the process "fusion." Fusion has the potential to generate a great deal of energy – it powers the stars, in fact. So Ford is making a big statement with the 2006 Ford Fusion V6 SEL Sedan, the midsize replacement for the venerable Taurus. With a list price of $21,710 ($25,650 as tested), the 2006 Ford Fusion V6 SEL Sedan carries a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty and the hopes of the Ford Motor Company. Will it generate some energy?

The Fusion is a looker, especially dressed in black. Elegantly shaped with sharply-creased edges, the Fusion exudes class. It's a substantial-looking car. The hood slopes down to the chromed grill, with three beefy bars housing the Ford blue oval logo above the bumper and two bars below the bumper lending authority to the front end. Large triangular headlights dominate the front corners of the car, and similarly shaped taillights dress the rear corners, resulting in great visibility and enhanced safety. Even while incorporating some big choices, the Fusion's styling is understated without being boring. More than once, people stopped me in parking lots to ask about the car and to compliment its looks. One man even thought it was a Cadillac at first glance – high praise for a car that lists in the low $20s.

Fit and finish on the exterior was quite good, though some material choices were a little disappointing. The shiny front grill is actually chromed plastic – I wonder how well it will hold up in the long run, where wind, bugs and dirt pummel a car on every drive. Nothing looks cheaper on a car than chrome coating peeling off of plastic trim. A heavy coat of wax can help delay the problem, but the chrome will eventually give out.
In the Driver's Seat
Picture of 2006 Ford Fusion
What's nice is what's not here: no faux wood grain or tacky plastic in sight.
© Jason Fogelson
The tasteful understatement continues in the Fusion's interior. Everything is highly symmetrical and well-organized. The gauge package is clearly laid-out, with round shapes and big numbers and indicators. A simple LCD info panel toggles information with a big square button on the dash, providing miles to empty, two trip meters and a compass – very handy. An analog clock sits in a chromed bezel at the top of the center stack, a very classy touch. There's no faux wood grain or tacky plastic in sight.

The tilt- and telescope-adjustable steering wheel houses redundant buttons for the audio, climate and cruise controls, a welcome feature. The SEL's steering wheel is heavily wrapped in leather, and has a nice feel.

The Fusion's optional leather seats are great, with a wide range of adjustment and contrasting stitching to add some visual interest. The leather feels thick and rugged, and should break in nicely.

Passengers complimented the back seat, which actually has room for three full-sized adults to ride in comfort. Head room is great, and leg room is better than average, even behind a tall driver. The rear seats fold down, 60/40, to give access to the 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space. The Fusion would be a great road trip car.
On the Road
With 221 horsepower and 205 lb-ft of torque, the Fusion's 3.0 liter V6 engine isn't a class leader. The Fusion delivers 21 mpg in the city/29 mpg on the highway according to the EPA, good numbers for a midsize car. The six-speed automatic transmission is well-mated to the engine, though, providing healthy launches from the line and good passing power. Oddly, there's no manual shift option on the transmission, so you can't take the gearing into your own hands like you can on many competitive cars. I didn't miss it.

I was pleasantly surprised by the Fusion's handling on the road. On the freeway, the Fusion is a dream – solid and steady, the Fusion communicates road conditions to the driver without ever feeling harsh. It's a comfortable car that you can drive with confidence. Twisty, hilly roads are not its strength, but it does a fine job of eating up rough pavement without complaint.

Anti-lock brakes are a $595 option. So are side-curtain airbags. Traction control is a bargain basement option at $95. Such essential safety items should be included in the base price, but I guess Ford wanted to make the sticker price look low. Don't save money on safety items – skip the heated seats ($295) and the SEL Premium package ($395) instead.
Journey's End
Picture of 2006 Ford Fusion
Ford makes a looker. From all angles.
© Jason Fogelson
Ford hopes that America will love the Fusion as much as it loved the Taurus back in the 1980s. Well, the good news is that the Fusion is a much better car than the Taurus ever was, and it shows how far Ford's quality control and manufacturing has come over the years. The bad news for Ford is the competition has also kept pace, and there are some very good front-wheel drive midsize sedans on the market that will give the Fusion some fits.

The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord have to be considered when you look at the Fusion, as does the Nissan Altima. Statistically, all three cars are very closely matched. To my taste, the Fusion is a little better looking, the Altima a little better driving, the Camry a little more solid and the Accord a little more comfortable. Your taste may differ from mine. Drive them all.

You may also want to consider the Korean option – the Hyundai Sonata is nicely equipped – or other American cars. The Pontiac G6 has some great features, and the Dodge Stratus is very competitively priced, if a little overmatched in some areas.

You don't have to be a nuclear scientist to appreciate the collision of atoms in the midsize car segment. But you will have to do some experimenting to find the right car for you.

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