Rodeo

I didn't know it had this feature. So when you turn your wipers on, the headlights automatically come on too? Great! That should be standard on every car and truck. But I also agree with you that the dash instrumentation should show that has happened too. Also I heard the wipers are speed sensitive? How does that work? I'm not 100% about getting the AWD but leaning towards that. On one hand the FWD is pretty good with weight over the wheels and traction control and you get better fuel mileage because of less weight and with AWD its heavier with less mileage but better traction. Whatever I decide there, I really fear I will second guess myself later and regret the decision after it's too late. I really don't want to sacrifice power either and AWD willl rob some. I know what you mean about the "Merritt" as I often get on at the southern end and see all the stop signs on those ramps and the cars waiting desperately for a fair chance to enter from a stand still.

On a portable their is simple fixed computer type memory inside that stores your saved addresses and preferences. It would be nice if you could download that data to save as necessary but unless new units are different, you cant back it up. On the built in NAV there is likely a "hard drive" yes, that stores that data and maybe you can back that up somehow so that would be a plus for the built in system (if possible) but then again a hard drive is more succeptible to crashing then fixed memory is to crash. The bottom line is that yes, naturally there are some differences between the systems but it comes down to what are the important differences to you the buyer that help you make your buying decision. For me, that aspect along with having control of the HVAC or Radio via the Nav screen are not nearly important because they are redundant to the manual controls on board the car. Plus it's less to worry about failing too.

Always inspect the car in good daylight, go around it and look for scratches, repairs, bad paint, anything that later on the dealer will try to blame you for. Don't pick up your new vehicle at night, for the same obvious reasons. if the vehicle is backed in somewhere or hard to access, make the dealer move it. (Had that happen years ago because the dealer was hiding a flaw in the paint so he tried to make it hard to see as well.) You really should test drive the car you are taking delivery of too but the inspection is paramount before you sign anything. Make sure you get all of the manuals, owners manual, SYNC, NAV (if purchased) etc. if anything is spotted, get it in writing that it will be taken care of by your dealer. Never do anything by word of mouth or hand shake.

No doubt I'd love to have the built in NAV of the Fusion but I find the price to obtain it to be obnoxiously high, since I myself don't see the need or desire for the electronics either. If it all were "half" the price, then maybe. Anyway I have owned and used a garmin 660 for many years now and have come to rely on it. The biggest downside I see is that it will not allow you to "back up" and save your stored destinations and addresses so if it ever goes bad or I replace it, all those addresses need to be reprogrammed into it. When I get the new FF I will likely upgrade to a new Garmin such as the 1690 to get the interactive features such as Traffic and Weather plus the "Birds eye view" and lane assist feature too. I'll be glad to report back about a quick review after I've used it but I expect it to perform as advertised and do trust the Garmin name as one of the very top GPS suppliers. By the way, I wasn't trying to talk anyone into this new Garmin so much as I was pointing out the reasons why I myself see the value of it as compared to buying the FORD built in Nav screen. If it came off wrong, please understand that is not what was intended. The way that FORD has built their packages has forced me to rethink my purchase and I even decided to downgrade to the SEL model because of the way stuff is packaged. There are certain things I definitely want and certain things I definitely find way too high or unnecessary and having lived with a portable Garmin for years tells me I can continue to do so, knowing it will closely rival the features of the built in FORD screen.

Since the Escape was mentioned above, I will say that the AWD in my 07 Escape has been flawless. I live in NJ but do travel throughout the Northeast for my job to include up to New England / Maine / Buffalo etc plus it kicks in when I'm on the boat ramp too which is often slick. If the Fusion's system is like the Escape, then I definitely want it when I buy the Fusion.

I am - and I agree.

For a $500 versus $3000 price differential, when it comes time to adjust the HVAC, I'll simply use the HVAC controls that are inches away on the dashboard and when I want to adjust the audio system, I''ll likewise just do the same on the audio controls right there in front of you (or on the steering wheel too) and as far as the "rear view" the Ford NAV does not accomplish that alone and needs an approximate $1200 electronics package that includes the back up camera which you also cannot purchase stand alone but must include the "moon & tune" so thats closer to $2700 more really, so lets not give credit to the Ford Nav screen for that one either, unless you plan to include the extra $$$ to add the electronics that make it work. And on the FORD screen, you can't take it with you to use in another car, so that is different then a portable, yes. But like I said, you get all the same features and even more on the Garmin such as features like "EcoRoute", a function that optimizes route guidance to aid fuel economy and provides a trip log with driving speeds and acceleration data to help the driver develop a more efficient technique. Then there's the matter of subscription services like Serius and Travellink, both required to maintain the service and costing between $10 and $15 a month at bare minimum (after 6 months only) whereas on the Garmin, the subscription service after the first free two years is only $5 a month total. So yes, in fact you are right there are some differences and it is apples to oranges but both round and both fruit but not enough nearly to make me spend the extra $2500 for the Ford system because to ge the FORD system costs roughly $3000 ($1800 NAV screen and required $1200 Electronics) versus the Garmin at $500. And should my Garmin ever get stolen, there's plenty of cash left over to replace it several times over too. By the way, comprehensive insurance covers your broken window and I dont window mount my GPS anyway, so no rings on my windshield ever to see.

I recently decided that I do not need (nor will order) the electronics package. I was considering the NAV screen also but you are required to buy the electronics package to get the NAV, so my thought is that it's way too much to pay just to get the NAV. So, I will not order either, thus savings thousands of dollar$. On a side note, that aspect also played into me deciding to not look at the FF Sport model any longer and to downgrade to the SEL V6 instead. Why? because on the Sport, the electronics pakage also includes a power passenger seat, heated outside mirrors and heated seats, all things I'd definitely like to have but again don't want to pay for the electronics pakage to get them. On the SEL however, those necessary options are standard and not tied to the electronics package. I will order the "reverse sensing system" for roughly $300 and I do plan to buy the new Garmin 1690 GPS that does everything the Ford NAV screen does (and more!) for roughly $500 or less and I will be more then happy. I've had a drivers license for over 35 years now and I have lived without BLIS or "cross traffic alert" thank you very much, so I dont think i need it now. I am looking forward to that new model Garmin though to replace my older Garmin 660. Check the NEW interactive Garmin 1690 out here: http://www.fordfusionforum.com/index.php?s...ic=2424&hl=

You forgot the most corrupt politicians too! Monmouth County, New Jersey here.

grdina, you do realize that you're talking about racing (for pink slips no less) your stock 4-door family sedan just because you might have obnoxious racing stripes on your seats?? You've been watching too many youtube videos of youngsters beating the hell out of their fusions trying to make 0-60 and 0-100 videos or high speed gravel driving, beating the heck out of their cars (or likely their mom's cars) for what? You don't buy a Ford Fusion to race anybody or anything, lest you really want to look stupid. By the way, please let me know when you are selling your car used (and where you are from) so I (and others) can avoid it like the plague. (FtLewis, that goes for you too. After his "beat" Fusion is yours I don't want to buy it from you mistakenly either.) Good Racing though! (Please don't forget to "buckle up")

Has anyone tried or used one of those mounts that clips into the a/c vent? I hate the air blowing straight on me anyway so covering one with a GPS for me is no big deal as the air still will easily circulate. I wonder how sturdy they are or if it will damage the vent louveres. Seems like a good place to mount it though, keeps it off the top of the dash and if you use the right side vent, allows the cord to hang straight down towards the accy port. I just now ordered one of these and will try it out in my Escape to see how it works. Looks good to me though. This is a Garmin made mount and I got it for less then $20 shipped.

Fluid and filter too. Good question you raised.

Preview: Garmin Nuvi 1690 GPS gets connected The fast-moving portable navigation device (PND) market has seen the rapid deployment of new innovations, and connectivity is the technology driving the latest revolution. Today, Garmin has introduced its latest take on connected information with the Nuvi 1690, a navigator that provides information like that currently available through the subscription-based MSN Direct service on uplevel units and adds a location-based social networking layer. On sale by year’s end, the Nuvi 1690 will be retail priced at $500 and include two-year NuLink service. Subscription renewal for data services will be priced at $5 a month. The connectivity enables Google local search, and it can provide traffic, weather, fuel prices, movie listings, flight status, local events, and white-pages telephone listings. As with other connected devices, the Nuvi 1690 allows points of interest (POI) to be searched online, ensuring the latest information. A POI database can also be used, providing an alternative resource when traveling through a coverage dead zone. (See the Nulink coverage map.) The Garmin social-networking platform Ciao! aggregates information from other networks, such as GyPSii and uLocate’s Buddy Beacon. With this ability, Ciao! allows users to share their location with friends, effectively redefining “POI” to also mean people of interest. The participating networks and capabilities are expected to evolve over time. Like other recent, midlevel Garmin navigators, the Nuvi 1690 includes reality view and lane assist features to aid in selecting the correct lane and exit on major roadways. It also features EcoRoute, a function that optimizes route guidance to aid fuel economy and provides a trip log with driving speeds and acceleration data to help the driver develop a more efficient technique. The Nuvi 1690 also includes Bluetooth connectivity to pair cell phones for hands-free operation. Maps of North America are included. Bottom line A full-featured unit, the Nuvi 1690 moves further into the connected arena than current devices, like the TomTom Go 740 Live. At least at launch, it commands a premium price, though including two-years of service with purchase should aid sales and encourage social-network participation. The $5 a month fee after two years (free) is notably less than the charges for subscription-based traffic information alone or MSN Direct services on other devices. We will test the Nuvi 1690 soon as we can purchase one and report on how it works, with an eye toward potential distraction that may be caused by the social aspects. Courtesy of Consumer reports http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2009...-connected.html (With the money left over, I'm going to buy All Wheel Drive - That's allot of savings here and I save even more because Garmin is not forcing me to also purchase BLIS and the Electronic package that I really don't want nor feel I need.) HA!

In NJ it is illegal to tint (at all beyond factory glass) the front side windows or windshield but as far as back side and rear window, you can go as dark as you like.

I can agree with your quest. I don't know why the Car Companies don't start to build in accessory plugs on top of the dash somewhere near the center, or at least near the top of the center console instead of the bottom to allow us to plug in our Radar detectors and GPS units. The cord hanging down is getting old. Ford's answer is to offer a nice NAV screen for $1800 but to get it you need to also buy the electronics package of BS and the total cost to get the GPS goes up significantly if that's all you wanted. By the time they start building plugs in to the top, our electronic devices will probably be obsolete. Anyone know of a cord routing system made to clean up that dangling cord?? Anyone have a good way to mount a GPS in a new 2010 FF? I myself will not spend $3K to get Fords screen.

100K miles? Brings back not so fond memories of why we started to buy imports in the first place. Thanks for reminding us of those times.... :hysterical2: But seriously, don't trust any of them and keep getting opinions because all those tranny shops will rip you off badly. I've had instances where it was a simple pan gasket leak (caused intentionally by a chevy dealer to drum up service business - the car didnt leak going into the dealer but sure leaked coming out) and estimates ranged all over the place with the tranny specific chain shops being the worst. All inspected it and while the leak was in plain sight they all wanted to supposedly "pull the transmission" to find the leak (the "we got'cha" moment) when a local shade tree mechanic found it in 10 minutes of having the car and repaired it same day at very low cost. Transmissions = rip off so be very careful. Yea, you don't have a leak problem but still they will alll rip you off.

Fiar enough of an answer. Thanks. I am curently driving a 4x4 Escape that has 200 HP and 193 torque and while the FF will be geared differently, thats still 40 more HP and 30 more foot pounds of TQ, so I think I will be satisfied with it. Your statement that you never felt that it really needed more power and passing is easy and getting up to highway speeds is quite effortless. basically answered my question. But you're right, everything is relative. Thanks again for replying.

What made you decide to get the AWD instead of the FWD model? Do you find it powerful enough? No complaints as far as that aspect? Did you test drive both FWD as well as AWD and did you notice any difference in power? As for a tranny, I myself would rather have one that shifted more frequently but stayed in the correct range rather then one that was slow to change gears, prompting a heavier throttle input. The last car I had with an auto dimming rearview mirror was an 80s something Buick Regal. I do remember that that one dimmed only lightly too at night until someone got up close or had high beams on from behind, then it darkened significantly. That seemed to work fine for my taste. I haven't had that option on several vehicles since though. The regal also has an auto dimming driver side-view mirror too.

98% sure I'll get the SEL with the 3.0 with the appearance package and moon & tune too, most likely FWD but still considering AWD. I really like the NAV screen but you are required to get the electronics package, BLIS, rear view camera, cross traffic alert etc that I really don't need nor want so it makes that NAV screen really really expensive. I could leave off the BS electronics and the NAV screen too and save myself thousands of dollars. I have a portable GPS but with the $ I'll be saving I could go out and buy the latest and greatest Garmin witha nice big screen for the car and still have thousands left over. I may get the back up alert though for $300 extra. Also with the money I'll be saving I could now consider the AWD too although I am not sure I really want that extra weight and reduction in acceleration and fuel mileage either. There's a difference between needs and wants and in thinking about it all I really feel like the 3.0 V6 will be more then adequate and to spend thousands just for their NAV screen is crazy. If it were offered without having to buy the electronic BS then I might be more willing. Besides, for roughly $500 retail, I can get one of these and it does EVERYTHING the Ford NAV does at a fraction of the price: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2009...-connected.html

Do you own and drive a 2010 Fusion SEL with the 3.0 V6 and AWD? What's you opinion of it? What kind of gas mileage are you getting city / highway? Does it have ample power or does it feel sluggish? I'd like to hear from current owners what you think of the car thus far. THANKS!

I'd be curious to know how this ends so please do post after you've found out or had it back to the dealer. What you described would not be tolerable to me in a 2010 FF as I'm sure many others would object too.

Dave, His thread (post) was something that really only he and I would understand, unless you also followed the other thread he referred to. Believe me, it does make sense to Deathlok and myself and possibly a few others too but wouldn't make much sense to someone just reading this one thread. Sorry for the confusion but I am partially to blame on this one. P.S. I do agree however that THIS THREAD HERE is a complete waste of time and probably shouldn't have been even posted.

Yes but honestly since I had no interest in the Hybrid, I skipped over much of that. I do see where it says the Hybrid electric propulsion (aka battery) can get up to 191 Net Horsepower and that isn't too shabby! It probably isn't news to you but I think that's not half bad.

But thats just the point I was making. The Brochure contains changes that are known to be "Job 2", introduced mid stream and the website is yet to reflect those changes. The brochure is more current then the website and that is all Bass Ackwards as it is the WEB that should be much easier to keep current.

Today I had the opportunity to test drive a Sport model and afterwards I asked the Salesman if he had a brochure. He found one for me and I just flipped through it at home and made a few discoveries. 1. The $295 priced 18" wheels shown as an option on the build it website are gone. On the spec page, there is no mention of optional (stand alone w/ sport suspension) 18" wheels for the SE or SEL models. 2. In place of item 1 above, they now list the "Appearance Package" and "Monochrome Appearance Package" as options for the SE and SEL. Both packages include the newly designed 18" wheels in place of the older 18" ex-optional wheels. Also mentioned will be included a chrome fog light bezel (on the SE since the SEL already has them) which I do not believe was mentioned in the PDF that was posted earlier about these packages. (Personally I think I liked the older 2009 / 2010 optional wheels better but that's all that's available.) Both packages also include the Spoiler and sport tuned suspension plus interior changes too. 3. Under"accessories" on the inside back cover are shown an 18" Chromed Wheel that are available as an accessory purchase. They are NICE!! What amazes me is that this is obviously the latest information since we all know that the Appearance packages are Job 2. Catalogs such as this are usually out of date and here in this case the brochure supercedes their own website. Websites are easily meant to be dynamic and easily changed and kept current. Why Ford cant find that simple to do is beyond me. Anyway, that's what is in the brochure itself, # 10-2FUSCAT Hire a webmaster Ford.