We drove the redesigned 2010 Fusion SEL and are happy to report that an American car company can compete with some of the best-selling cars in the market, including Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima. Ford's fuel efficent Fusion has a freshened look, several powertrain options, trim levels, and Sport and hybrid models.

“From a design standpoint, we wanted to amplify the sporty look and make it more modern. The 2010 Fusion is bolder, sportier and even more fun to drive. With the added technology and beautiful, dynamic interiors to go along with even better performance all-around, the 2010 Fusion is the ‘can’t-miss’ mid-size car.” said Darrell Behmer, Fusion chief designer.”

The freshened front end gives a more wider, sportier, muscular look with improved aerodynamics. Ford designers gave the Fusion a domed hood, new headlamp treatment and more foglamp area. The rear gets new taillight treatments and decklid.

The interior redesign has unified styling from the all new instrument panel continuing through the center stack, doors, and steering wheel with metallic new finishes. Updated displays and switches have a contemporary iced blue lighting and a redesigned leather wrapped steering wheel. A high tech look is achieved with he use of a backlit gauge cluster with 3D elements. Redesigned seats give a more comfortable feel with more side support. A nice touch the Ambient Lighting System allows drivers to customize the interior lighting of the vehicle with seven colors – ice blue, purple, blue, orange, red, white and green.

Powertrain choices for the Fusion are the Duratec 2.5-liter I-4 for S, SE and SEL models, the optional enhanced, flex fueled, 3.0-liter V-6 for the SE and SEL model and the 3.5-liter 263 horsepower V-6 Duratec engine for the Sport model. All engines have been upgraded for both improved fuel economy and power, hybrid specifics are outside the realm of this review.

The Fusion models are front wheel drive with all wheel drive, as an option, for SEL and Sport models. The standard transmission for S and SE models is a 6 speed manual with a 6 speed automatic option. The 6 speed automatic is optional on SEL with a 4 cylinder and standard with all 6 cylinder models The 263-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 Duratec engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift.

“The new Fusion is a strong combination of performance, appearance and features,” said Mike Dugan, Vehicle Engineering Manager. “We hope our customers will be delighted with all of the enhancements and additions.”

We were delighted...our SEL comfortably handled ever dip and change in the road and driving the 175 horsepower 2.5L 4 cylinder with the 6 speed automatic, we were impressed by its response and performance. We give the nod to this nicely appointed, impecably mannered mid-sized sedan.

Vehicle as tested - 2010 Ford Fusion SEL, 2.5L I4 Engine, 6 Speed Automatic Transmission, Heated Leather Seating, Sync, Sirius Satellite Radio. MSRP $24,020

- by Bill Keller