Zastava_101

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/p...-configurator/

We've noticed that 2013 Ford Fusion configurator has been updated with dollar values for each of its four models, however, we're not so sure the pricing is that black-and-white. Ford has also updated the disclaimer at the bottom of the page, to read, "Prices and features are for survey purposes only and are subject to change and features may become unavailable at the time of vehicle introduction." In other words, don't get too fixated on the numbers, as they're not locked down yet. And by playing with the configurator, you're likely serving as a FoMoCo lab rat – after all, this is the company that never met a focus group it didn't like.

It's worth noting that Ford has not issued an official press release on pricing yet. But for now, it seems like the base Fusion S will start at $22,495, though we're not sure whether that includes destination or not. Stepping up to the SE at $24,490 will upgrade the steel wheels to alloys, add heated, lighted mirrors with turn signal indicators, and get you body color rocker panels. Inside, the SE has a power driver's seat and a better stereo, and backseat passengers get an armrest and their own HVAC ducts. The SE also allows you to order other stuff, including navigation and start/stop, or opt for a different engine than the base-spec 2.5-liter four-cylinder with automatic transmission.

The 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder is available with a manual or automatic on the SE for $25,290, while the start/stop-equipped version (automatic only) is $25,585. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost with automatic is $26,745 when ordered in SE trim. Ford lists a number of different packages and options, but they seem to be offered on a sliding scale, such that the packages are more expensive on the lower-priced models. For instance, the Luxury Package with leather and heated seats, among other equipment, is $1,505 on the 1.6-liter EcoBoost but only $1,050 on the 2.0-liter EcoBoost.

On the SE Hybrid, which starts at $27,995 and is equipped with a non-EcoBoost 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a CVT, the same Luxury Package is listed at $2,000. Apparently if you're saving all that money on gas, you can afford to pay double the guy with the most powerful engine.

At the top of the Fusion price list, of course, rests the Titanium, which offers a lot of the optional stuff standard for $30,995. It's also the only way to get all-wheel drive, which will set you back $32,995. Note that the Titanium is exclusively powered by the 2.0-liter EcoBoost and is not available with a manual, so you won't be configuring your Fusion as a dual-use weekend rally car.

Overboost

I think this is going to be our replacement to the g/f's Mazda6. However, I'm shocked at the price of the Titanium model. I priced two models, not totally loaded, but the Titanium with optional wheels and nav came to $31,5XX, and a similarly equipped SE 2.0 with nav and appearance package was only $1200 less. I have a hard time thinking that's reasonable, but maybe it's just me.

Zastava_101

IMO, it's a pretty expensive car.

Less than 4 years ago I got a brand new Fusion SE for $15,500 and now Ford is asking $24,500?

2.5L is really outdated engine so the cheapest "new" engine (1.6L EcoBoost) is $25,500 ... It's just too much for a mid-size car.
Nissan Altima is $3,000 less and gets the same power and fuel economy from 2.5L ...

Evil_Capri

I think it is a fair price structure from what I have seen so far (autoshow pre-production Titanium.)

Ethanjbeau

This fusion is also coming with more advanced technology than the previous version. It warrants a price hike. I'm sure ford will push rebates on them anyways.

Moosetang

Keep in mind it's preliminary pricing, I think the Escape's final pricing dropped a bit from the early configurator to production. At any rate, it's an amazing car and I wouldn't take an Altima over it even for substantially less money.

Zastava_101

Since it's not even out yet, I hold my judgement on how "amazing" it is until I see it in person and have a chance to test drive it.

IMO, the best buy for a mid-size sedan is a Kia Optima.
Most power (200 hp), best warranty (10 years/100,000 miles), one of the best fuel economy (24/35 mpg) for the least amount of money ($19,500).

MARZ

I went over to Kia's site to build an Optima and the cheapest one I found is an LX. With destination, at least when entering my zip code, it's $21,750 with no options. If you want floor mats, add $70. There are also various "applique" options available, too, whatever those are. The $22,495 Fusion S comes with Sync with MyFord Touch and, presumably, floor mats, though if you want all-weather mats, you're going to pay $75 for the Fusion's and $115 for the Optima's. Add Microsoft's "UVO" system to the Kia, and I bet it'll be close to, if not more than, the Fusion S's going rate.

Zastava_101

I rarely choose any optional equipment on cars when I buy them. All I want is a power windows, locks and a CD player. I can live without the rest, including the floor mats.

I don't mind if Ford wants to offer better equipped models, but they should also offer more basic models for people like myself.

Overboost

Herein lies the problem; people aren't buying the basic cars like they used to. Expectations for basic technologies and features is higher than ever. Couple that with OEMs trying to streamline their material chain and reduce overhead on components, and it makes sense why the vehicles with little or no content are becoming more and more rare.

Zastava_101

That's too bad ... I mean, they price cars pretty high and then few months later they start to offer thousands in rebates ... and end up selling a better equipped car for the same money than they would've otherwise sell the base model.

My local Ford dealer is already offering ~$2,500 in rebates on a Focus ...

rhumb

Waiting for an SVT/SHO version, basically one with the Taurus SHO drive train.

Scuba-Matt

Who ever thought a Ford Fusion would cost over 30K

Overboost

It won't be a SHO or SVT. It'll wear the ST badge if they bring one out. Besides, it won't have the 3.5TT. They'll keep that specifically for the SHO and stick with something a tad smaller for the Fusion.

Scuba-Matt

You could buy the Mazda6 Grand touring, Its based off the same car as the Fusion and comes with a 280HP V6

Zastava_101

Not anymore.

codeman94

kia optimas are pretty slick, but they can challenge 30K with AWD and fancy stuff too.

Scuba-Matt

I still would get the Mazda over the fusion.

Zastava_101

Fully loaded, yes, but you get a turbo 274 hp engine and AWD.

For $30,000, there is no way to get a Fusion 2.0L EcoBoost and AWD.

Overboost

That's what we have now, and I wouldn't advise anyone to get one. Severely lacking in content, poor gas mileage, and bland interior. The Mustang gets equal highway mileage to the 3.7. It's only 272hp, and the platform is a stretched version of the old CD3 platform the first two generation Fusions rode on.