Edmunds.com just ran a comparions test among the 5 best-selling family sedans. With no doubt, the 2010 Ford Fusion won the top place! It beat the Chevy Malibu, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata and the Mazda6.
1st Place: 2010 Ford Fusion SportAs-Tested Price: $29,545
Where it Follows:
Throw on a better set of tires and that "fun to drive" category could've turned out differently. The 2010 Ford Fusion Sport feels like an immensely capable car until you head into that first turn, hear the Goodyear tires scream and feel the car struggle to grip the pavement. Of course, a grippier set of rubber may have hurt the Fusion's test-leading ride comfort and road noise scores, but if you're looking to maximize the Sport's handling potential, a trip to Tire Rack is in order.
There were other minor shortcomings. The tightly constructed interior has the best materials in this test, but the overall look is a bit stark despite the contrasting stitching and snazzy gauges. The Sport's available red or blue color schemes would have brightened things up. Like the Accord, the Fusion had lots of little buttons on its center stack, and the climate controls are mounted too low on the dash.
This really wasn't close. The Ford Fusion Sport scored either first or second in every subjective scoring category, barely trailed the Mazda for top features score and was picked by all but one editor as the sedan we'd most frequently recommend to consumers -- all while being only the third-most expensive car in the test. In those categories it didn't win, the Fusion was always close to the victor.
We know what you're going to say: "Of course the Sport model wins a comparison test, you people love fun cars." We do, but the truth is, the Sport isn't that sporty. Despite its sport-tuned suspension, it had the best ride in the test, it was the quietest (in terms of both wind and road noise), and it had a large back seat that didn't trail the Accord's by much. The Fusion had the most comfortable front seats (although they can pinch the shoulder blades of taller or long-torsoed occupants), which are actually shared with the sedate Hybrid model. The driving position was friendliest for the widest array of driver sizes, and long distances passed by with the greatest comfort. The Sync electronics interface is becoming a beloved feature, and the rearview camera was unique in this test. The Sport's hydraulic power steering is tactile and nicely weighted at speed, yet sufficiently light for parking maneuvers (the non-Sport Fusions have less communicative electric power steering).
The Ford Fusion is a wonderfully well-rounded automobile. The Sport is simply its best version, offering an ideal ride/handling balance that is comfortable enough for the average buyer, but sporty enough for enthusiasts. It is also the only way to get the 263-horsepower V6 as opposed to the SE and SEL's 240-hp mill (both V6s return equal fuel economy). Despite its advantages, though, the Sport costs $1,145 more than a similarly equipped SEL, but we think it's worth it. Yet, even if you'd rather save the cash with an SEL, we're convinced the Fusion would still emerge victorious. How about that, folks: the best family sedan can now be found at a Ford dealership.
Best for: The majority of family sedan shoppers, iPod and cell phone addicts.
View our big selection of New 2010 Ford Fusion
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