The problem with my reviewing cars is this: I’m not a fan of the automobile. I appreciate the utilities of the automobile — namely its ability to get you somewhere fast, especially places that aren’t as of yet well-connected by public transportation in L.A. — but I experience more of the problems of the automobile — i.e. breathe in the pollution, hear the honking, deal with aggro drivers’ road rage — than I do its pleasures on a daily basis.
And while I applaud electric cars and support higher MPG requirements, I see the more eco-friendly personal automobile not as an end-all solution, but as a temporary, transition technology that’ll get us by until we have more complete streets, walkable neighborhoods, and sustainable cities.
All that’s to say that this is a review of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, which I test drove earlier today, from the would-be-car-free environmentalist’s perspective. And my conclusion is this: The Ford Fusion Hybrid seems like a great option for a family of 4-5 who aren’t yet able to get rid of their car but want to lessen their carbon footprint while saving a little money on gas.
The Fusion Hybrid’s behaves a lot like a Prius, but is roomier than the popular Toyota hybrid. Like the Prius, the Fusion Hybrid’s engine’s pretty much silent when you turn it on — and stays silent until the gas kicks in when you accelerate, switching from electric to gas power.
The car gets 41 mpg in the city, 36 on the highway — and you can find out exactly how well you’re doing environmentally via the little electronic vine plant on the front LCD screen (see above, to the right), which grows leaves when you use more electric power, and drops leaves when you use more gas.
Other cool features: The car’s de-gas-capped, equipped with what they call an “Easy Fuel capless refueling” that reduces pollution while preventing you from accidentally losing your caps by forgetting to screw it back on. In addition, if you get fabric-upholstered seats, said fabric’s apparently made with recycled material. I’m waiting for verification and more details on that point. [Update, 4/27/09: The fabric's 85% postindustrial recycled material, 40% of which is soy.]
At the end of your trip, you get a recap of your journey. As you can see below, my driving skills appear not to be particularly green — but hey, I’m proud to say I haven’t had much driving practice!
The Ford Fusion Hybrid’s available at dealers now, starting at $27,270. Want a review from a real driver’s point of view? Try this review from Wired’s Autopia.
wow that’s great- 36/41 mpg…
that’s almost as good of as my 1999 Saturn,
for only 10 grand more.
such progress…
Comment by Barent — April 25, 2009 @ 3:41 am
Do you happen to know if it’s plug-in hybrid possible? I think if you can make a car electric and add some solar panels to your rooftop – it’s not so bad.
Comment by Gavin — April 25, 2009 @ 7:25 pm
Solar panels on the roof of a commuter car is almost pointless. The ones that Toyota is coming out with only power a portion of the AC.
Martin’s last blog post..Cheap Solar Panels
Comment by Martin — April 26, 2009 @ 2:36 am
I wonder what my 1995 Honda Civic gets — It probably does as well as this Fusion too, but my Civic’s small — 2-door — though certainly big enough for me –
Gavin — I would guess turning it into a plug-in’s possible, since I’ve seen so many crazy cars turned into plug-in hybrids that I get the sense it’s possible to turn almost anything into a plug-in — so long as you’ve got the money and the willpower — and a willingness to void your warranty. Plug In America should be able to answer your Qs if you’re really curious –
Comment by Siel — April 27, 2009 @ 7:32 pm
This is another confirmation that the Ford doesn’t live up to the EPA numbers. The 2010 Prius has a EPA city rating of 51mpg which is 40% better than Ford.
Comment by Will — April 27, 2009 @ 7:37 pm
The Fusion is larger than the Prius, carries five people and has a much larger trunk. It competes with the Toyota Camry Hybrid (the same size … larger than Prius) and is rated 8 mpg better than Camry Hybrid in the city.
Comment by john clinard — April 27, 2009 @ 9:28 pm
The Fusion Hybrid is a dual Five star safety rated vehicle. I would not want to get t-boned in a crash in a 1999 Saturn or 1995 Civic – Neither meet the new crash standards. This is a Safe and Fuel Efficient vehicle – a true mid-size American sedan, desiged in America by Americans.
Comment by Rupert — May 1, 2009 @ 7:34 am