New cars: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Chicago Tribune

Ford’s Fusion will compete against the Chevy Malibu, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry in the hybrid department. Unlike its rivals, the Fusion comes with all-wheel drive and a smaller but more potent nickel-metal-hydride battery pack, which can boost efficiency up to 47 mpg. The sportier, more upscale look also features a raised hood, larger fog lamps, and soothing ice-blue background lighting on the instrument panel.

USA Today

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This is flat out “the best gasoline-electric hybrid yet.” Its closest competitor is the $107,000 Lexus LS 600h. Standard equipment includes dual-zone climate control, automatic on-off headlights, auto-dimming mirror, backup alarm, six-CD stereo, traction control, seating for five, and a continuously variable transmission.

Motor Trend

With an EPA city/highway rating of 39/37 mpg, the Fusion beats Toyota’s Camry Hybrid “by a whopping 6 mpg.” This brilliant, user-friendly charmer also comes with a dashboard display of “Efficiency Leaves.” Drive frugally and the leaves grow. Make jack-rabbit starts, drive too fast, or brake too late and the leaves start dropping “like a Vermont sugar maple in October.”