2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid Reviews
If you’re in the market for a Hybrid, you may not need to look further than the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid is a gem among eco-friendly family sedans. It’s super fuel-efficient, comfortable and has great performance for a hybrid. The first is the Toyota Prius, which boasts the highest fuel economy ratings of hybrid cars. So if you want a more enjoyable drive and fuel efficiency that tops gasoline cars, go for the Fusion Hybrid, Nissan Altima or Toyota Camry Hybrid.
The Toyota Camry Hybrid is one of the Fusion Hybrid’s closest matches. Nissan improved its performance though; the Altima Hybrid is a better handler than the Camry Hybrid. If you decide not to buy a hybrid, check out the regular Ford Fusion.
The "2011 Fusion Hybrid" has experienced few changes for the 2011 model year.
The Fusion Hybrid pairs a 2.5 L in-line four that produces 155 HP to an electric motor powered by a NiMH battery to pump out a total of 191 net horsepower. Ford claims the electric motor is capable of traveling up to 47 MPH before the gasoline engine kicks in, a higher speed than any other hybrids on the road today. The Fusion Hybrid managed to pleasantly surprise in both power and in average MPG. The most impressive bit of the Fusion Hybrid is definitely the exclusive dual LCD SmartGauge instrument cluster with EcoGuide. I strongly advise against playing with this system when you’re driving.
If you’re spending this much money ($28,100 starting MSRP, the tester was north of $32,000 with the Rapid Spec 502 A package) on a Fusion, you better make sure people know you’re driving the Hybrid.
The Fusion feels a bit tight on the inside. Trunk space was also a premium since the Hybrid’s battery is located behind the rear seats and takes up about 1/3 of the regular Fusion’s trunk space. The tester had heated leather-trimmed seats, part of the Rapid Spec 502 A package. With the top-of-the-line options package the Fusion Hybrid came in at $33,740. Ford claims 41 city and 36 highway MPG on the Fusion Hybrid, so it’s true that you’ll save more gas with this than you would on the Acura or Infiniti.
Overall I must say the Ford Fusion Hybrid surprised and delighted. The Fusion Hybrid was very competent in power ad maneuverability, great on fuel efficiency despite my driving style, and had lots of bells and whistles on the inside. The tight interior space and trunk space as well as the seats would prevent me from taking this car on a long road trip again, but I think the Fusion Hybrid would make a fine commute car.
It's hard to distinguish a hybrid Fusion from a gas-only model. For those who want a hybrid sedan that just gets on with it, the Fusion Hybrid works perfectly.
The Fusion Hybrid is rated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 41 miles per gallon in the city. With a combined city/highway EPA rating of 39 mpg, the Fusion Hybrid beats the Camry Hybrid for fuel economy, which is estimated to get 33 mpg in combined driving.The combination of gas and electric motors means the Ford Fusion Hybrid is quick off the line, with more muscle left in reserve for passing.The Fusion Hybrid's meager thirst nearly matches that of the smaller Honda Insight. The Fusion Hybrid also has excellent driving dynamics. The extra weight of hybrid components like batteries and electric motors could squash the fun out of any car, but thankfully, the Fusion Hybrid retains the nimble personality of its gas-only sibling. There are less expensive hybrids than this Fusion (MSRP: $28,100), but that's hardly the point. One alternative to the Fusion Hybrid comes from Ford's other brand. Nissan's Altima Hybrid ($26,780) is a little roomier inside, but, like the Camry Hybrid, falls far short of the Fusion's impressive 41 mpg in the city and 39 mpg combined.
When picking a hybrid, fuel economy is usually a primary concern. Because hybrids are typically more expensive than their non-hybrid counterparts, look for one with a lot of standard features. It's rare to find a car that combines performance, style and great fuel economy so effectively, but that's exactly what the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid does.
