The Fusion has been a modest hit, and Ford continues to refine the car that won the 2006 J.D. Power award for Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout. Its three trim levels--S, SE, and SEL--give the 2008 Fusion a wide appeal, as do the two available engines and drivetrain options. A 160-horsepower Duratec 2.3L 16-valve four-cylinder with five-speed manual driving the front wheels comes standard, while a five-speed auto is optional. Step up to a V6 SE or SEL and you get 221 horsepower from the Duratec 3.0L 24-valve V6 with a six-speed automatic. Ford's all-wheel drive with traction control is optional on V6 SE and SEL models. The standard S provides plenty of safety features and creature comforts, including the new anti-lock brakes, SecuriLock anti-theft system, adjustable front seats, 60/40 split rear seats, air conditioning, CD player with MP3 capability, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, power mirrors, power windows, and two 12V jacks. SE trim adds a six-way driver seat power, premium stereo with six-disc CD changer, 16-inch aluminum wheels, and fog lights. For an additional $705, the SEL model includes air conditioning with electronic automatic temperature control, SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system, heated mirrors with puddle lamps, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and new keyless entry. SYNC is optional on SE cars, while leather seating, Audiophile Sound, moonroof, Sirius satellite radio, rear park assist, reverse sensing, and ambient interior lighting are optional on all SE and SEL cars. For Fusion SE and SEL models equipped with the V6, Ford's all-wheel drive is available at a price that still keeps it below most of the competition's front-wheel-drive cars.
