2009 FORD FUSION One Very Big Story By Judy Gell Automotive Journalist      The 2009 Ford Fusion is a lot of things. It is a mid-size practical, sporty, family versatile, comfortable, safe and economical sedan that is fun and smart. Ford suggests that everyone “drive one”, and that seems like a good recommendation. All the features, options and qualities of this car just won’t fit in one review!

   Named a 2009 top safety pick for mid-size cars, the Fusion earned the highest rating in front and side crash tests and in the rear impact test. Six standard airbags provide the protection: two front, two side-impact and two side-curtain airbags. The uni-body construction includes side-impact door beams and crumple zones.  These absorb the energy before it reaches the occupants of the vehicle. Fusion’s Personal Safety System utilizes an electronic sensor to evaluate the severity of a crash and manipulate safety belt retractors and pretensioners.
     One choice of engine for the Fusion is a Duratec 30 3.0 liter V6 with 221 horsepower and a 6 speed automatic transmission to provide responsive acceleration and fuel efficiency. Advanced intake Variable-cam Timing boosts power. Fusion boasts first-in-class all-wheel-drive for improved traction on any surface, transferring torque to wheels with the best traction to prevent spinout. AWD automatically deactivates at highway speed for fuel conservation. The 2.3 liter 16 valve Duratec 14 engine with 5-speed manual transmission offers improved fuel efficiency: 20 miles per gallon city and 29 miles per gallon highway.
     A smooth ride is provided by double wishbone front suspension that eliminates sway and multilink rear suspension for less bounce, equaling ride comfort and vehicle control found in luxury and sport cars!
     Also available to Fusion purchasers are a long list of features and options. SYNC is a voice-activated system for MP3 player, Bluetooth enabled phones and flash drives. New with Fusion is 9-1-1 Assist and Vehicle Health Report. Voice activated DVD navigation on a 6.5 inch color LCD monitor includes more that 20 functions! An MP3 input jack lets you listen to your MP3 selections through the vehicle speakers. You can choose from 7 colors of ambient lighting according to your mood, accenting foot-wells, console bin, and cup holders. The reverse sensing system with audible signal warns of an obstacle you are nearing as you back up. Most of these items are combined into value packages: The Moon and Tune value package, the Sun and SYNC value package, the Sport Appearance package or the Blue Suede package.