AOL 2012 Car of the Year Ford Fusion

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The 2012 Car of The Year
by AOL Autos Staff
Posted: Dec 28, 2012
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2013 Ford Fusion
1. Ford Fusion

MSRP: $21,700 - $32,200
Invoice: $20,235 - $29,705
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg City, 34 mpg Highway

And our number-one new car of the year is the 2013 Ford Fusion--boldly redesigned to not only riase the bar from the original Fusion, but to meet the stalwarts of the category--Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima--pound for pound and dollar for value for performance, value and quality. The Fusion is spacious, well-powered and more fuel efficient than some of its competitors. If the Fusion wasn't a top-tier contender in the sedan market before, it is now.

The bold styling is seen in the car's front-end, which is audaciously reminiscent of the Aston Martin Rapide (Ford until recently owned Aston Martin). It's offered with three engines, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder automatic or a six-speed manual with a turbo 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine.

The range-topping Fusion Titanium (base price $30,200 plus $795 destination) is equipped with the 2.0-liter engine and automatic transmission as standard equipment, but buyers are offered a choice between front- and all-wheel drive to tackle more challenging climates. The premium trim is configured with standard equipment like dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, push-button start (with remote ignition on the key fob) and 18-inch alloy wheels.

If there's a caveat to be offered to consumers, it is this: While we also like the Fusion Hybrid, that car has been called out by Consumer Reports for not living up to advertised fuel economy in real-world driving. We like both models, and won;t hold back out award for the alleged shortcoming of the Hybrid.

The point here is that Ford has not led the mid-sized sedan "family four-door" market in earnest since the mid 1980s and early 1990s when the Ford Taurus was dominating U.S. driveways. The first generation Fusion was competent if bland. The new Fusion is exemplary in styling, handling, interior packaging, as well as fit and finish.

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