2006 Ford Fusion Sedan

Already a much-needed hit for Ford Motor Company, the new Ford Fusion brings distinctive style, a high level of all-around safety, forward-looking exhaust emissions performance and an involving driving experience to the mid-size American car. In this case, though, "American" might be somewhat of a misnomer because the car has international roots (largely courtesy of Ford-controlled Mazda), and it is built in Mexico. This means the front-wheel-drive Fusion has a feel that is more akin to a mid-size Japanese-nameplate car than a traditional American mid-size and we think that's a good thing. At the same time, the Fusion does not succumb to look-alike styling. Instead its exterior and interior speak to the boldness of the American character, boldness in this case powered by either a 2.3-liter in-line four-cylinder or 3.0-liter V6 engine.