2008 Ford Fusion SEL

The 2008 Ford Fusion we recently tested didn't rocket to 60 mph with any urgency, and didn't have the most dramatic styling, but the Fusion still left everyone who drove it thoroughly impressed.

Its 2.3L four-banger doesn't blow the doors off the competition, proving thrashy and asthmatic on inclines and just adequate everywhere else -- and that was while driving without passengers or cargo. (A more energetic 2.5L four with around 170 hp will replace the 2.3 for 2009.) The Fusion's five-speed automatic did what it could with the 160-hp engine, holding gears longer to make up for the relative lack of power. Unfortunately, it doesn't allow you to take control-the shifter lets you choose between D and L, and, when in L, it doesn't take much for it to bounce off the rev limiter. Manual control would've been welcome. Where the Fusion shines, though, is on twisty roads. It uses a version of the Mazda6's chassis, making the Ford confident and firmly planted in turns. It's also well controlled over bumps and irregularities and compliant enough to offer a comfortable ride; in addition, steering is linear and predictable.

The interior is an elegant black-and-beige combination, with metal and woodgrain-like accents throughout. Ford chose materials wisely, selecting those that lend the cabin style and class without making the MSRP too high. Its front seats are soft, but with plenty of lumbar support, and the back row, while feeling too narrow, has considerable toe and foot room. The nav/information screen was tough to read at a glance, forcing the driver's eye away from the road for extended periods of time. Changing to different fonts or contrasting colors would make a big difference and make this a much safer system to use.

Ford's midsize competitor blends attractive looks, an excellent chassis, and a lot of value. The topline SEL, including navigation, Sync, Sirius, reverse sensing, and heated (front) leather seats, came to a hair over $26,000 -- and it wouldn't take much to bring the price down from there.