Some relatives ("of the more mature type") replaced their first-gen Focus estate with one of these. When I met them a year or so later, they were back in a Focus.

A fine piece, Ben, and one that I think is very much in the spirit of Petrolblog.

Although I can't say that I'm a fan of the Fusion, I'm glad that it has such an eloquent champion.

I'm sure the Focus is a better, more dynamic car, but I've not had a Focus so don't know what I'm missing!

Many thanks! I had a go!

Good article! I've always thought of these as Fiestas for old folk. Shame Ford never did a 'Streetwise' version with a lift, bigger wheels and plastic cladding.

I never understood why Ford ditched the faux off-roader look of the original concept:
http://www.thecarconnection.com/image/100004628_ford-fusion-concept-frankfurt-2001
If they had raised the ride hide a little and fitted roof rails etc. they would have had a B segment soft-roader years before they introduced the awful Ecosport

*height not hide

Thanks Mike, I have never seen the original concept vehicle, it looks like its running on 16 inch (or maybe 17?) wheels, which were of course an option on the road going model.

What I find amazing is that even the concept model is in hearing-aid beige! (sort of)

I can't see much to praise about the Ecosport - but that probably means it is a long term petrolblog candidate...

I've always felt the Fusion got an undeservedly bad rap. It's basically a nothing more than a slightly more spacious and practical Fiesta, and that version of the Fiesta was a good little car. It's easier to get in and out of, so great for older people and handy for small children, and the flat boot floor with no lip is a godsend.

I suppose the only real charge you can lay at the Fusion's door is that it's perhaps a bit unnecessary. It's only that little bit more practical than a four-door Fiesta and the argument is that if you need more than that, you could just get a Focus. Kudos to Ford, though. The commonality of parts between the Fusion and Fiesta must have made this a pretty cheap niche to fill and judging by the numbers you still see on the road, demand for a B+ segment Ford was substantial.

nice car and also very cheap.

I have owned Ford fusion 3 for the past 4 years lovery car never let me down covered 77.000miles black in colour sine like new if I had to replace it I don't know what

I also own a 2005 version of this. I have the Durashift transmission, and I had no problem with it so far. (3+ years of ownership) I kind of like the look of it too. It kind of looks like an SUV from the 90s.

I have two 2007 models. A black zetec and a red pursuit edition (best looking in my opinion) great little cars, cheap parts and easy to fix. Let down by their boxy looks, but vastly underrated. I had 2 Mondeo's prior. For scooting about town with kids in tow they're great with the higher roof line. Good at motorway speeds too.

I could be accused of being an ageing hipster (40-something) and I just bought one of these, having long coveted it on looks alone. Not sure whether I like it because it's cool or because I'm getting on a bit. It looks so 90s, in a good way. Mine is a shiny vivid red with chrome door handles and leather seats. I couldn't be happier.

Had excessive pressure buildup in cooling water resulting in burst hose. Quality of cooling water acceptable; doesn't look contaminated / darkish.
Any ideas why?.
Tks

It's because you'd just ragged it 60 miles up the M5 doing 120mph Don. You're welcome.