2008 Ford Fusion Exterior Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 52 Fusion reviews and test drives.
Exterior - What the Auto Press Says
The Fusion's exterior styling receives almost universal praise. "The look is clean and understated, with bright detail work to bring out the luxury look, like the sparse jewelry of a tuxedo," says Car and Driver. "This is the best looking Ford sedan in years."
The Washington Post is similarly positive, calling the Fusion "one of the best-looking family sedans" that Ford "has produced in decades", adding, "The Fusion's exterior lines are sensuous -- sexy without being obscene. There are no extravagantly bulging fenders. There is no excessively pointed nose, no adolescent flying rear wing. The side panels are conservative intermediaries joining a tastefully raked front end with a nicely tapered rear."
The midsize family car market has long been observed to be bland, especially compared with the stylistic offerings now appearing in the SUV and so-called crossover (car-SUV blend) vehicles. The Auto Channel says of the Fusion, "In a class infamous for bland styling, [its] chiseled lines stand out", and Road and Track observes the design to be "minimalist, with crisp, taut lines." In a complimentary manner, the Boston Globe notes the Fusion's, "dipping nose, sharply raked windshield, big greenhouse of glass, and sharply humped, short trunk." The Chicago Sun Times also notes the Ford's, "forward-leaning stance, and its bright front end," with "prominent chrome grille bars and shimmering rectangular projector-beam headlights."
Exterior Trims
For 2008, Ford offers a new Sport Appearance Package that enhances the Fusion's visual appeal. Cars.com explains, "Eighteen-inch alloys are optional in the Sport Appearance Package that also includes sport suspension tuning, a black-chrome grille and a rear spoiler, among other cosmetic upgrades inside and out."
