While the Escape has been a very reliable vehicle, it wasn't getting much better mileage than our '02 Lincoln LS (20mpg vs. 19mpg). So we decided we needed a more economical vehicle for our daily commute and since the Escape was leased and due to be returned next year anyway (and we really, really LOVE the LS), we decided to replace it with a Fusion I4. So far I'm very pleased. Quality seems excellent, the ride is firm but smooth, very little wind or road noise, and the stereo is pretty killer for an OEM unit. We're also averaging around 26mpg so far.

Here's a pic:

 

Cool! My wife loves her Fusion. Did you get the 5-speed or Auto? We have the 5-speed and love it! Oil changes suck as I like to change our cars oil. I'm not going to try and replace one of those cartridge filters.

Congratulations!

 

Good luck with the Fusion. They're a good looking car. I've heard some complaints about the I4 engine, but sounds like you like it.

 

We got an auto (wife didn't want a manual). While it's not a 1/4-mile monster, it's surprisingly peppy for an I4/auto combo. I'm going to give changing the cartridge filter a try. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

Looks Nice! Congrats.....Not too sure about the pin stripe...

 

I wasn't either when the dealer told me about it (he picked it up from another dealer since he didn't have one with the features I wanted). It looks far better in person.

 

My buddy used to be a sales guy at one of the local dealerships here, and they had to fire the guy becuase he pinstriped pretty much the intire inventory....and they charge you for that stuff too! I went to look at a Terminator a few years ago (at that lot) and there was a little post-it note next to the window sticker that said "Black Pin-Stripe-$180"

 

Congrats. Beautiful car.

 

There was an additional $200 charge but that also included window tint in addition to the pin stripes.

 

If you don't mind me asking, are there any rebates or anything like that on Fusion? How much under MSRP did you get it for?

 

The sticker was $23,005 and I got it for x-plan price ($21,764) and then they applied $1,500 in rebates so I got it for $20,264.

 

That's pretty pricey.

According to Yahoo Autos, SEL V6 AWD was only $800 more than yours.

 

According to the Ford web site, an AWD SEL V6 starts at $25,340, a $2,335 difference. My car actually has almost $3,000 worth of options (base MSRP of the SEL I4 is $20,175). An AWD SEL with the same options I have prices out at nearly $27,000 (some the options on mine are standard on the AWD). It sounds like Yahoo's numbers are off.

 

Yahoo's numbers are way off.

 

I can definitely vouch for that.

 

Yea you can get them under 20k easilly if you don't load it up. A good package is the sport apearance package if you are not getting an SEL, really dresses up the SE. Mark's car looks pretty loaded, 20k with leather/6cd/all power/17" whees with Michelins and auto is a lot of car for the money. They are priced right along the Sonata line.

 

Great buy, I really wanted a Fusion but it was a little to rich for my budget.

 

It also has the Audiophile sound system.

 

My only complaint on your car is alos the pin. Not the existence of, mind you, just the front end. I really think it would look boss if it just went along with the fenderline by the headlight, and swooped down parallel to that edge, ending into the point right before the end of the body panel. Ah well, its still a nice car

 

You mean kind of like this?