The 2013 Fusion: Can It Compete?

Ford alleges that the F-150 has been the bestselling vehicle in the United States for quite some time now, but not since 1996 have they been able to say that they manufacture the bestselling car in the U.S.  For the last few years these bragging rights have belonged exclusively to Camry-manufacturer and Japanese automaker Toyota.  Though the Nissan Altima nipped at the Camry’s heels early on in 2012, no automaker has been able to manufacture a vehicle that can seriously compete with Toyota’s midsize sedan.  With last week’s launch of the 2013 Fusion, however, Ford intends to change that. 

Though Ford has big plans for the Fusion, which will be manufactured at its Flat Rock and Hermosillo plants, it isn’t the only automaker aiming to increase its share of the U.S. midsize market this year.  Honda is releasing an all new Accord in 2013 and Chrysler is coming out with a redesigned 200 as well.  And even though projections suggest that U.S. sales of midsize sedans will be up to 2.5 million in 2013, with these new additions and with the Camry and Altima already holding their own in the segment, the question becomes: can the Fusion compete?

Those who believe it can are pointing to its brand-new upscale design, a high-tech interior that’s been described as ultra-comfortable and cozy, and an increase in engine choices.  Among these engine choices are a gas-electric hybrid and a plug-in hybrid to go along with three different gas engines.  In comparison, the Camry has only two gas engine options and is without a plug-in hybrid offering.  Similarly, while the Altima and Accord have three different gas engine options like the Fusion, Nissan and Honda have yet to equip their midsize sedans with a hybrid engine of either sort.

Although Ford executives were careful not to say that upstaging the Camry is their ultimate goal, it is clear that Ford has a lot of expectations for the Fusion.  They’ve invested over $550 million dollars in their suburban Detroit plant to up manufacturing capabilities, and they’ve have also hired over 1,000 workers in anticipation of high consumer demand.  While we can only sit back and wait to see what happens in the coming year, a lot of people, myself included, have their fingers crossed for Ford and the Fusion in 2013. 

This post was written by Ford enthusiast Brittany Larson who writes for John L Smith Used Cars.