Planet 9

iremembercliford · #1 05-05-2009, 02:45 PM

Thinking about getting a 2010 Ford Fusion as a long trip, dog-friendly car. Though the looks aren't the greatest, the price is good, and it has all the features I need. The model I am looking at is the 4 cylinder SEL (leather seats). 31 mpg. MSRP: 24k, factory invoice is 22.5k.

Any one have experience with these? Suggestions for other cars (I don't like the accord or camery) The only other car I am considering at the moment is a used Acura TSX but it'll likely cost more, have 25k miles, and have lower mpg.

Thanks!

kehr · #2 05-05-2009, 03:06 PM

I've always liked the Mazda3. Almost bought one for my dayghter but decided to give her my old SUV instead.

iremembercliford · #3 05-05-2009, 03:25 PM

Originally Posted by kehr

I've always liked the Mazda3. Almost bought one for my dayghter but decided to give her my old SUV instead.

Going to try one out tomorrow, but they're hard to find with leather that aren't fully loaded (which I don't need). Agreed, that's be a better choice if I could find the right one.

**suneet** · #4 05-05-2009, 04:19 PM

This past Spring I took a cross country trip with a buddy in a new model Ford Focus rented from Hertz... I would never drive longer than 5 hours in it again. The car is cheaply put together, loud, the seats are SO uncomfortable after a while that you have to keep taking weight off pressure points to make it bearable. I suggest renting one from Hertz for a day and going on a long drive before you buy.

A used TSX would be heaven compared to the Focus, but even if you can't afford that, there are plenty of great alternatives out there. I'd suggest a Mazda3, Civic, or Corolla before I ever looked at the Focus and honestly even GM Cobalt rental I once drove for several hours was more comfortable.

To its credit, the Focus did have good gas mileage but not the best in its class and it did have Sirius radio which made the trip better... other than that, ugh.

JML42 · #5 05-05-2009, 04:50 PM

think focus is different then the fusion the op is looking at.

I would take a look at the altima, the style and build is better then the fusion

msn compare:
http://autos.msn.com/research/compar...7929&v=t107482

**Blitzkrieg** · #6 05-05-2009, 04:56 PM

Had our Mazda 3 (hatchback) for a just over 2 trouble free years now, been very happy with the purchase. Great car to take camping, skiing, load up our dogs etc.

iremembercliford · #7 05-05-2009, 05:10 PM

Originally Posted by JML42

think focus is different then the fusion the op is looking at.

I would take a look at the altima, the style and build is better then the fusion

msn compare:
Ford Fusion Compare - Summary - MSN Autos

Yup. Different car in most every way. Agreed that the Focus is not a good car. The Altima is just a bit ... not youthful. I am, after all, still in my 20s :-)

Going to test drive the Mazda3 tonight. I have high hopes.

gtscayman · #8 05-05-2009, 05:28 PM

Brother had a Fusion and liked it until his son got hit and it was totalled.

Too bad about the comments on the Focus - NA has been stuck with the first version for almost ten years now while Europe has an excellent new model - on which the Mazda 3 in NA is based on. And the new Focus RS has just gotten 5 stars from EVO magazine. I know, back to the topic.......

**Santa Fe** · #9 05-05-2009, 05:51 PM

The Fusion is pretty nice for what you want. If you are trading however you might want to see what Congress finally passes on the junker for better mileage bill that is working its way through. $3500 to $4500 incentives for mileage improvements in the current version.

iremembercliford · #10 05-06-2009, 11:55 AM

Originally Posted by Santa Fe

The Fusion is pretty nice for what you want. If you are trading however you might want to see what Congress finally passes on the junker for better mileage bill that is working its way through. $3500 to $4500 incentives for mileage improvements in the current version.

No trade-in.

Ok, well, finally tried the Mazda3 yesterday (the top of the line one with leather seats, 2.5L engine, etc) and all I have to say is WOW. It's a mile ahead of the Fusion. Granted it's smaller, but I couldn't help thinking every time I got in the Fusion that it looked like a rental car (oddly smelled like one too). The Mazda3 (2010) interior is quite nice for it's category. Still not totally sold on the front bumper, but everything else about the car is darn near perfect. And, it sure is peppy!

Thanks for the suggestions! Still want to try out a VW Rabbit and Jetta.