2011 Ford Fusion Sport AWD

The thing about the 2011 Ford Fusion Sport: You’ll like living with it.

Chances are, you have, at some point in your car-buying existence selected a car primarily because of its looks. Sure, you did some research, even if it was nothing more than glancing through a few copies of Motor Trend or Car and Driver while standing in your local Barnes & Noble. You may have gone so far as to taken test drives in competitive vehicles as well as the one that you had your eyes fixed firmly on. And then before too very long, you had the car in your very own driveway.

But then, perhaps, while you still find its lines to be pleasing, that’s about all you like about it. It turns out that it is, for your purposes, aesthetically appealing and functionally deficient.

But because you have that car loan, it is something that you learn to live with.

The Fusion Sport isn’t that car. No, it isn’t by any means an ugly car. It has a fairly fresh, if understated look to it. And I must admit that I am mystified by Daily Drivers, as this is, that have a spoiler, as this does. I mean, Telegraph is not Talladega. Yes, I get the “Sport” part, which necessitates something, but is this car ever going to be driven sufficiently fast such that downforce is going to be an issue? I don’t know what the alternative signifier would be for “Sport.” (Flame decals, perhaps?)

In addition to said spoiler, there are 18-in. painted aluminum wheels, side rocker moldings, dual exhausts, and the obligatory “Sport” badging. There is a 263-hp V6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift—but there are no paddle shifters for those who want to feel, well, particularly sporty.

Arguably, its (optional, but a mere $295) Red Candy Metallic clear-coat paint is something that surely shimmers sportiness; it will have strangers and neighbors alike throwing complements your way (actual case).*

Inside, the attention to detail and judicious use of materials make the car visually appealing. Ford has been working hard on its interiors of late, particularly on its plastic surfaces that have too long had a surface texture and appearance that seemed to remind you every time that you got into the car that (1) you were in a Ford and (2) “Ford” meant something less than you’d like to think yourself driving in. That’s gone. And because this is the sporty model there are things like a 10-way power driver’s seat, leather trim surfaces on all seats, and the cowhide on the steering wheel, as well. And the steering wheel tilts up and down and telescopes in and out, so you’re able to make it, in the immortal words of Little Red Riding Hood, “just right.”

Although many of us may think “Ferrari” when we think “red, sporty car,” for most of us, thinking is about as far as it goes, and when it comes down to it, Ford is affordable. All told, this is a comfortable, competent daily driver. And it really does look good, too.

Selected specs

Engine: 3.0-liter V6

Material: Aluminum block and heads

Horsepower: 240 @ 6,550 rpm

Torque: 223 lb-ft @ 4,300 rpm

Transmission: Six-speed SelectShift

Wheelbase: 107.4 in.

Length: 190.6 in.

Width: 72.2 in.

Height: 56.8 in.

Base curb weight (AT & AWD): 3,638 lb.

EPA Estimates: 18/26 mpg city/hwy

*Yes, we realize that although we’re promoting red, most of the pictures are blue.  That is an issue of pictorial availability, not visual acuity.  Really.