BillCronan

Had a 2006 Honda Civic. I miss the 40 mpg, since I drive about 75k a year. Also miss the sliding arm rest, I seem to have shorter arms and need to be a bit closer to the steering wheel and like the arm rest to move along with the seat. That's about it. The Fusion has been a great car so far. Still on the original brakes, tires have been lasting about 90k and the ride is much better than the Civic was. Have 151k miles on it so far and hope it can last until it is paid for in two years. If it holds out, Ford will continue to be my car supplier. This was my first non Honda product in 20 years and I am satisfied up to this point. Dealership has also been good, Ford Country of Henderson :-)

Yes, it is ok, provided you don't mind some loss in fuel economy, largely on level stretches. It is intended for exactly what you are using it for. The only consequence should be decreased fuel economy, not increased wear. Just turn it off when you get somewhere flat and you should be fine.

 

It actually does more than just prevent the transmission from shifting into sixth gear (overdrive), it alters the shift program to maximize engine braking on downhill stretches. I've found it more than capable of holding vehicle speed reasonably stable in the mountains of TN and NC. It even shifts down to accomplish greater engine braking, and it seems to respond to slight brake inputs by performing an additional downshift, in my experience. The only caveat is that it is VERY aggressive, and sometimes shifts two gears down in rapd succession, which can generate some torque steer. I'd be very careful using it in snow or icy conditions.

 

*I'm assuming this is in reference to a 6F35-equipped 2010-2012MY Fusion, although Aisin-equipped 6-speeds should be similar, and that you do mean the downhill mode button, not the "L" detent on the shifter...

 

Thanks for the info. It was helpful and eased my mind:)

Just wanted to confirm that it was ok to drive with the low gear button engaged? I do about 20 miles a day of driving in the mountains of AZ/Nevada and find the constant cycling up and down of the transmission to be annoying. When I engage this lower setting, it keeps the gear from going into 6th I guess. Just don't want to do any damage.

151k and climbing:) 2010 SE

144K today and still going strong! Need 300 out of the ole girl before considering a new one:)

That's impressive! Do you have the automatic transmission? if so have there been any issues with it? What maintenance has been done on it?

I do have the automatic, no issues thus far. I change oil and filter every 5k, trans fluid 30k. On second set of tires, have had to replace the battery once and some module went out at 110k. That was a $500 repair done by the dealer. Brakes are still original, mostly highway miles. Been very happy with this car so far.

2010 SE with 139K. I still have anxiety over poor quality in the past from Ford, but this car has been amazing. Need it to continue to deliver since I use it for work and have two years remaining on the loan.

2010 SE. Now at 125K. Hoping for 300K out of it. 90% highway travel.

Just turned 117K. Still runs like new:)

112K and climbing.

That's quite a bit of driving, but she's still looking good.

 

Thanks, I drive about 250 miles a day for work. 90% highway.

 

2010 SE. 102K and going strong:)

Traded my 2006 Honda Civic for the 2010 Ford Fusion. Honda was beginning to have a problem with something electrical, battery kept dying. Had a 155K when I ditched it. Have really enjoyed the upgrade of the Fusion, much more comfortable on those long daily treks.

2010 SE I-4 88K and climbing:)

Thanks for the info.

On my way home from work tonight and the right blinker starts blinking fast when turned on. Left blinker works at the normal speed. Anyone have this happen or know what might be the problem? Any ideas on the cost to repair? It's going to drive me nuts to leave it:)

Hi Bill. :D There are plenty of published test times available to get professionally sourced information, but here is the bottom line: While the combined horsepower of the Hybrid is ~191 versus the ~175 of the 2.5L, the 2.5L and the Hybrid have comparable acceleration times. The reason for this is the added weight penalty of the battery pack and additional Hybrid components eat up the ~16 horsepower advantage.

 

Now, in comparison to the 3.0:L and 3.6L V-6's? There is no comparison between the 2.5L/Hybrid and either the 3.0L (~240 horsepower) or 3.5L (~265 horsepower) V-6's. Either V-6 outclass both the 2.5L and the Hybrid in horsepower and torque.and are therefore quite a bit quicker in all measures of acceleration. While I have experienced this firsthand while driving all four models/engines, this is also the known case in both Ford's internal testing measurements and all published acceleration times.

 

Of course, if you go to a V-6 engine, you will also suffer a very noticeable drop in fuel economy to go along with that added power and smoothness. And at 80,000 miles a year, the fuel costs will add up. So if the Hybrid has enough power for you, it may be the perfect compromise.

 

In my opinion, the best thing you can do is extensively test drive all the models/engines you are interested in, then make your own decision as to what is best for you.

 

Hope this information helps.

 

Good luck. :beerchug:

 

Thanks for the info. Have never driven a hybrid, but have always heard how they sprint out from the start unlike a gas only car. Guess I will just have to take one for a spin:)

No compaison to the 2.5. The Hybrid has 191 hp combined with the electric motor and the excileration from zero up is on par with the V6. I have driven the V6 and own the Hybrid. I would bet money that from a rolling start from around 15 miles per hour the Hybrid will blow away the V6 without it even being close. I have only driven a sport on one short test drive and did not floor it so I don't know how it would compare to it. I was going to purchase a V6 until I drove a Hybrid and when I put my foot in it that sealed the deal for me. The best thing is the mileage it has not been under 105 degrees for over 50 days and my in town mpg has stayed steady at 41 + a few tenths for the whole heat spell. When I don't use the air so much the mileage in town is even better.

 

Thanks for the info. Greatly appreciated.

I have a 2010 Fusion SE with the 2.5 engine. I was contemplating getting a 6 next year, I would like something with a little more pickup. I am also considering a hybrid due to mileage, I drive about 80k a year. My question is how is the pickup in the hybrid in comparison to the 2.5 gas I have now?

wow. thats a big commute

if you have a V6 get out your check book.... mine cost around $650

 

and i am at 113,300 today

 

$650? Yikes!

Bought my Fusion SE last June and have over 80000 on it. Drive about 250 miles a day for work, 95% highway. Love the car so far, had a Honda before it. No problems so far, was wondering what I should expect to pay for the spark plug service. Will be due soon.