2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Pros: High mileage (42), Interior comfort, fit, and finish
Smooth ride, Sound system, Value

Cons: Exterior styling, Unresponsive handling, non-folding back seat

Summary: I am coming up on 3,500 miles in my Hybrid Fusion, and I like the car more with each mile. I have been driving conservatively, and my total mpg is just over 42. Driving has become more and more about watching the mileage, and after several months it hasn't gotten old at all. My previous cars included a Z4 and a G35, and I honestly rarely miss the sporty acceleration or handling. Having said that, this car is no barn burner, and you won't be seeking out curvy country roads to enjoy the drive.

The ride is incredibly smooth, and the interior is borderline luxurious. The leather seats are a must, and the premium sound system is terrific - better than the cars mentioned above. Controls are very clear and accessible with top notch tech. The backup camera that pops up in the rear view mirror is great.

I had 6'2" and 6'3" passengers in the back seat for a 2 hour drive with no complaints, though perhaps they were preoccupied as they made use of the very handy AC plug in the back.

The fixed back seat is less than ideal; however, the passenger seat will fold all the way forward to create more space. I was actually able to place (carefully) a 6 foot stepladder in the passenger cabin without compromising my driving position, though no one else was getting in the car at that point. A normal 700c bike with the front wheel taken off fits behind the front seats easily.

I'm not a fan of the big front grill, and it has not grown on me as I had hoped it might. I've only seen one other Fusion Hybrid on the road, but standard Fusions are popping up all over. Soon this will be unique only by the subtle hybrid badges and fairly bland wheels.
Using the A/C puts a big dent in mileage - I believe more than a normal car, but that could be because I watch it so closely. (after a while its habit forming, and ending each trip with anticipation of what the trip mileage report will say is unavoidable)

At first these were selling at or close to sticker, but with a large tax credit. Now that the credits on this car have been cut down or are gone I'm not sure what the dealing is like. Even at sticker the car is still a good value.
Overall I have no regrets!

Updated on Jan 16, 2010

Note - in cold weather the mileage takes a HUGE hit. The gasoline engine runs until the temperature is up, and on a really cold day that can be a good chunk of time. The bottom line effect is that a 10 minute commute on which I normally get 40+ mpg is well be below 30mpg on days in the teens or twenties.
I have had to my lower my total mpg expectations for the car from 39 to more like 34 year round - not insignificant when weighing fuel costs against the incremental cost of the hybrid.