5 Things You Should Know About the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Posted on June 23, 2009 by Danielle Brigida in Cars+Tranportation

Danielle takes the new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid out for a spin…

Danielle in the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

In working for a conservation nonprofit, it’s not very often I get the opportunity to review a highly anticipated hybrid vehicle. I spend more time in my car looking out the window trying to identify a passing bird then I would noticing the smoothness of an engine or the efficiency of the brakes. That being said, when offered a chance to test the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, I jumped at it. I have already made a deal with myself that when my 2000 Ford Focus dies, a hybrid (or no car at all) will take its place.

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The first night with the Fusion Hybrid was exhilarating. I decided to take it for a spin with a few of my favorite critics, my mother and brother. Fords are a family affair for the Brigidas–my mother drives an Explorer, my dad a Ranger, my brother an Escort. They were immediately impressed by how the car sparkled and how inviting the interior was.

One of the biggest differences we noticed was how quiet the car was while in hybrid mode. There was no blatant engine roaring at startup, which was definitely a nice change–though I felt the need to blast music a bit louder than normal to let any humans or animals know I was coming. My brother liked the seamless acceleration of the Fusion, and I think he was impressed with the pick-up. Overall I think my mother and brother realized that hybrid cars could be pretty sweet and luxurious too.

I’m not one who needs or wants luxury. I feel good when I rough it–but I will admit that the Ford Fusion had a way of making you feel okay about spoiling yourself. And that felt good too.

The bells and whistles on this particular Fusion–such as the seat warmers, multi-colored ambient lighting, and voice activated navigation–were well received by all my passengers. They only added to what was thoroughly impressing me as one of the most efficient vehicles I’d ridden in. What I appreciated about the ride was that I was getting an average just slightly under 40 miles per gallon, and I was not at all in the ideal driving conditions to kick in the Electric Vehicle power. It seems that Ford has invested in the Fusion and turned it not only into a car that can consistently get you anywhere from 40 to 60 mpg, but that doesn’t compromise comfort, safety or style.

Here are five things you should know:

Ford estimates that you will spend only $731 annually on gas (based on 15,000 miles at 1.90 a gallon)
Your expected city mileage has an EPA rating of 41 MPG
Your expected highway mileage has an average of 36 MPG
It can go up to 47 miles per hour in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode
Your can monitor how sustainably you are driving with the car’s “efficiency leaves” (seen below on right)

Fusion Dashboard

In the end, I was distraught to give the vehicle back. What started out as a treat turned into a tease! I loved what the Fusion challenged me to expect from a car–and what I should expect from myself as a driver. Through the different power meters and gauges like the efficiency leaves, I was able to adjust my driving and drive smarter, taking into account how much I braked, how I accelerated, and even what accessories I was using.

Overall, I learned so much, and I’m very glad Ford has taken its green movement to a new level. I think the Fusion will challenge the hybrids of today and inspire the cars of tomorrow.

To learn more about the technical details of the Hybrid check out Ford’s 2010 Fusion Hybrid site.

Tags:

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, car, Ford, hybrid, reviews, transportation

11 Responses to “ 5 Things You Should Know About the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid ”

Duncan Robertson

24. Jun, 2009

Wow. 40mpg. Please can websites such as this stop hyping up these ‘planet saving’ vehicles. 40mpg. So what?! Buy a diesel car can get just the same mpg, AND you won’t be polluting the planet by producing the hybrid batteries!

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Mike Dougherty

24. Jun, 2009

I’m really jealous that you got to drive this. I can’t wait to take a test drive in 2010.

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Kevin

24. Jun, 2009

Very well written article, tweeting it as we speak. Thanks for the research.

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Tylast

24. Jun, 2009

Diesels are actually greener:

http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?from=rss_&fArticleId=4450435

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Rachel

25. Jun, 2009

To Whom It May Concern:

On Monday June 22, I was loading my 7-month-old son into my 2006 Ford Fusion. When I went to shut my door, my window exploded all over my infant son. My son, horrified, began to scream. I quickly grabbed the car seat out of the car to examine him. He was covered in glass with several shards stuck in his legs. Luckily, it didn’t get into his face or eyes and he wasn’t hurt. I then proceeded to call Haag Ford in Lawrenceburg, IN; where I had purchase my vehicle new. They tried to help me the best they could but told me their hands were tied because my car was over its warranty. They told me they thought the explosion from the back window was due to heat, although I promise you I did not stick my baby in a hot car! They then told me it would cost me $700 dollars to replace the back windshield. When I explained that I was a stay- at- home- mom and my husband worked at Home Depot, they gave me the Ford Customer Service Line to contact and so I did.

I was appalled at the service I receive through the Ford Customer Service Line. Not only could I have gotten the same response from a machine, but the man I spoke with was cold and hard to understand. He told me once again, there was nothing they could do and insisted that nobody else could solve my problem because I was over my warranty and I was expected to pay it.

To add fuel to the fire, I got a call today from Haag. The windshield they got in for me is also broken, and they have to order me a new one. They say they won’t be able to get to my car until Friday. Lovely!

My insurance doesn’t cover it and my husband and I have live with my parents to save on bills — we are strapped for cash. I have tried endlessly to get a job, but have had little luck in the slow economy. I need some assistance and do not believe I should have to pay for faulty craftsmanship period!

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- Swarmie
  
  19. Aug, 2009
  
  Rachel, I agree with Jack; your car is out of warranty and unless there is a recall or a compilation of complaints for the same problem, then it’s not the dealer or ford’s responsibility. Secondly, you may want to consider asking your auto insurance co. what it would cost to insure glass repair/replacement. I have it on my cars and have been very glad that I did, because I have had 2 incidents of rocks hitting my windshield causing it to need replacement. Because I had this coverage, it was replaced w/o a deductible! My husband broke his passenger window on his BMW while mowing one day and it was covered too.
  
  To save money on this repair, check with an auto repair business that also uses salvage yard parts for repairs.
  
  Good luck
  
  Wasn’t your window safety glass?
  
  Reply to this comment
Jack

26. Jun, 2009

Hi Rachel, your comment was a little confusing. Did your door window explode or your windshield? If your car is out of warranty you cant cry about the dealer not fixing everything free. Your best bet is to call a mobile glass installer many windows you can get replaced for less than 200 bucks. Never go to the dealer for glass thats an item best handled by aftermarket. I’m just telling you from experience. Good luck.

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Global Patriot

27. Jun, 2009

While it’s a sad commentary that domestic auto makers were so late to the hybrid game, It sounds as though Ford paid attention to what customers are looking for and may very well have a success on its hands.

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- mike
  
  28. Jun, 2009
  
  You need to bush up on your history; while Ford was not the first with a hybrid, the Ford Escape hybrid has been out since 2005 and it is a first generation type like the Toyota and Honda, i.e. they can go up to 25 mph on battery power alone.
  The latest version of the Toyota is still at 25 mph. Ford, on the other hand, made a major leap to the second generation that can go up to 47 mph on battery power alone. It does not get 50 mpg as does the Toyota–the Fusion gets 41 mpg and that is due to larger size and weight—it is a midsize rather than a compact. 5 star crash ratings; how does the Toyota rank in crash tests??
  
  Reply to this comment
Robert

02. Jul, 2009

I am all for hybrids and technology it brings. I still would like to see a mainstream hybrid vehicle priced in the the mid to upper $10,000 so everyone can enjoy fuel economy ranging in the 45 to 50 MPG in the city.
I wonder why Ford does not have a Focus Hybrid? Nor does Chevy and Chrysler have their own hybrid.

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06. Jul, 2009

[...] Drive time: Danielle Brigada, social media guru at the National Wildlife Federation, just loves the ‘10 Ford Fusion hybrid. [...]

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