DriveTech

2007 Ford Fusion SE is just fine with a V6 engine.

There's been a lot of grumbling from automotive journalists who think that Ford should have put V8s in more vehicles.

I was one of those journalists until I picked up a four-door 2007 Ford Fusion SE with the 3.0-liter V6 with 221 horsepower and 205 pound/foot of torque. But to my surprise, this Fusion has enough get-up-and-go to burn the front tires on hard acceleration. Boy, was I impressed.

The second thing that impressed me was how much room I had in the front seat. I had to slide the seat forward to be comfortable with the steering wheel and floor pedals. I also like the way it rides down the freeway - smooth as silk and when it did hit a pothole, it was a minimal experience.

The backseat is just as roomy and comfortable, plus the center console in the backseat is a nice touch. The interior is pretty basic, with large gauges for the driver plus an information center. Just push a button on the dash and the information appears at the base of the speedometer. The steering wheel has cruise and audio controls for a safer hands-on approach to driving.

The audio system is a base unit but once turned up, it really shakes the interior with tons of bass. The standard AM/FM/six-CD changer in-dash can be upgraded to Sirius Radio and it can play an MP3 player.

The 2007 Ford Fusion looks just like the '06, but some creature comforts are added. It has a DVD-based navigation system, all-wheel drive (available for the first time on the SE and SEL V6 models). Also included on the SE (the car I tested) are 16-inch aluminum wheels, fog lights, heated outside mirrors and puddle lamps (so you don't go ankle deep in a puddle just outside your door - a nice touch). It also has an electrochromatic inside mirror with a compass. The front passenger seat folds flat on the SE and SEL models.

The fuel mileage is good, with 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the open road. If you're looking for even better mileage, try the 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 160 horsepower and 156 foot/pound of torque. It gets 23 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the open road (I haven't driven the four-cylinder model).

Another first for this year is the all-wheel drive on the V6 SE and SEL models. They only lose a mile or two in fuel mileage, so if you live on a dirt road or like to head up to the snow country, then AWD may be just the ticket for you.
A feature that isn't new for '07 is the Fusion's look. It looks so good it won the JD Powers Award for "Most Appealing Midsize Car."

If you need trunk space, the Fusion has it. I had to pick up 10 cases of coffee mugs and they all fit in the trunk except for three cases, which sat in the back seat with ease. Since I had to load and unload the car myself, I found the trunk and rear door opening perfect.

One other thing that helps the Fusion look so good is its color palette. My Fusion came with a beautiful "merlot metallic" exterior and a "camel" leather interior (leather was the only option on my test vehicle).

When it comes to safety, Fusion comes pretty well loaded with front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, a standard perimeter alarm system and child lock systems.

This Ford Fusion came from North County Ford, just off Vista Way and Route 78. North County Ford has a large selection of Fusions to choose from, so I recommend you stop by to check one out.

I really like the Fusion. It reminds me of NASCAR racing, plus it offers plenty of comfort. If transmissions are important to you, be careful when picking the engine. You get a six-speed automatic on the V6 model or a four-cylinder model with either five-speed manual or automatic. Drive them all and make your choice. My tester was less than $23,000, before tax and license. That's pretty cool!

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