8th Jan 2007, 11:04
So if the V-6 Accord is a lawnmower what does the Fusion represent? How about a hamster in a rolling wheel??? I am pretty sure an Accord V6 could smoke a Fusion.
8th Jan 2007, 20:41
Good point. When we were car shopping a couple of years ago we had heard so much about Honda's transmission problems and Nissan's near bankruptcy because of the unreliable Titan and Armada lines that we didn't even bother to look at either. We did look at Toyota, but then found out that they were also having transmission problems as well as braking problems. We were also told by a friend that Japanese car companies use fraudulent methods of figuring horsepower and that the 210 Horsepower V-6 Camry really only has about 135 Horsepower, while the 240 horsepower V-6 Accord is more like 165. I test drove a V-6 Fusion recently and it was plenty fast and rode and handled much better than either the Camry or Accord (I've driven friend's Accords). I guess that's why it's rated better by all the magazines and testing companies.
8th Jan 2007, 21:17
The Titan and Armada were NOT the cause of Nissan's then-downfall as it was already in financial trouble. What those vehicles did was ruin Nissan's reputation in those respective markets.
Your horsepower claims are right out of a Ford dealer's mouth. Next you'll be telling us the Japanese have tails and worship Bal.
Please, get some facts.
Oh, and there is still a STRONG possibility that Carlos Ghosn will buy Ford. Guess what that means? Ford will be owned by Nissan!
8th Jan 2007, 22:04
That problem is overrated!!! People think it involves all Hondas. Well as an owner of a few of them I have not had any trouble at all with my transmission on my Accord. Possibly you are thinking of an Odyssey or TL??? DO a little research before you write your comments Bud! If you ruled the world everyone would drive Tauruses and the elite class would drive Fusions and Japanese or Korean cars would be banned. You cannot save the Ford Motor Company with your small talk!!!
9th Jan 2007, 22:00
I think a person might buy an Accord before an Expedition... good analogy however? Maybe we should step up to Lexus recalls now.
10th Jan 2007, 11:07
It is a fact (and like most FACTS) is apparently unknown to uninformed import fans that Honda and Toyota do, indeed, measure horsepower ratings at the flywheel rather than at the wheels. This gives a grossly exaggerated horsepower rating. This is widely known, amply publicized and not even denied by Honda or Toyota. The figures given in comment 20:47 are just about dead-on accurate for the true horsepower ratings of these vehicles. Japanese manufacturers will go to any length to delude the public, and this is a prime example. They (correctly) assume that most American car buyers are too lazy to research the facts and make informed car buying decisions. The information is public knowledge. Look it up.
10th Jan 2007, 22:01
Commenter 21:17 is obviously unaware that Japanese car makers, do, in fact use a different (and very deceptive) method for calculating horsepower. This is no secret (well, to anyone who isn't in the import cult I guess). The actual horsepower of Japanese vehicles IS actually about 20% less than the advertised horsepower.
11th Jan 2007, 08:38
I see, so now 20% less than 210 is 135?
And please explain to me why this matters at all since few Japanese makers really brag about horsepower in their marketing. There are A LOT of other figures to take into consideration, as SUVs clearly prove with their high horsepower and anemic acceleration rates.
The Subaru WRX has 227 horsepower (or 182 hp according to you) yet still accelerates 0 -60 in about 5 seconds. So, 182 or 227, who cares? It still gets there faster than most of the American crap.
12th Jan 2007, 08:28
I think the point about the horsepower ratings being deceptive on Japanese cars is just another example of how many of the myths about Japanese superiority or foisted on the American public. If they lie about horsepower ratings, it should be obvious all their other claims are less than truthful also.
No Japanese cars made match the power and performance of cars such as the Mustang, Impala SS, Dodge Hemi, Trailblazer SS or other high performance American cars. There are no high-performance Toyotas or Hondas (or any sporty looking ones either). The new Fusion with the V-6 has more (real) horsepower than any car in Honda or Toyotas line up and outperforms them in every category (INCLUDING reliability).
13th Jan 2007, 16:16
The previous generation Camry's 3.3L V6 engine was rated by the manufacturer at 210HP and re-rated with the new SAE rules at 190HP. Not a significant drop, probably doesn't qualify as "fraudulent".
I am quite put off by the Camry's new 4cyl/auto combo, as I have read numerous reviews from many different sources that cite the same software-causal horrendously sluggish performance. Also, while a 4cyl Camry will beat a 4cyl Fusion to 60MPH, that does not guarantee it has more passing power.
Still, people aren't giving Ford enough credit for producing a car such as the Fusion, as it is quietly winning over many people. There is such a thing as a solid reliable American car as well as a piece-of-junk Japanese car, and of course vice-versa.
14th Jan 2007, 09:04
<<The previous generation Camry's 3.3L V6 engine was rated by the manufacturer at 210HP and re-rated with the new SAE rules at 190HP.>>
Um, yes, I really don't think you can blame Toyota for a ratings change that is BEYOND THEIR CONTROL.
14th Jan 2007, 09:13
Enough credit? Ford has REPEATEDLY turned out junk that was supposed be reliable. They had built the Focus for THREE years before bringing to the US, so you figure they would have ironed any bugs out. But, no, the Ford Focus ended up being the worst car for recalls. Mine had repeated flooding, endless starting problems, and finally an ignition lock that just disintegrated - things that I have NEVER encountered in my 20 years of driving imports. In fact, the Scion that replaced the Ford (which was also in Japan for three years before coming here) had ONE minor fault in the three years I had it. ONE.
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
29th Jan 2007, 17:55
"Lets talk about Ford's woes... what is it 21,000 dollars a minute? I don't know.. take a few add a few grand. THis Ford thread should talk about its own woes and not Nissan which has already had its turnaround..."
Wrong. This "thread" as you call it, should include reviews on the 2005 Ford Fusion. It is not a chat room.
30th Jan 2007, 08:21
What are you talking about? The financial condition of the car company is 100% apropo to the quality and durability of the vehicle.
Do you really think disgruntled workers make the best product? Do you really think Ford is putting all its money into research and quality initiatives when it can barely make payroll?
The Fusion is made in Mexico which is suspect enough, but the fact it comes from Ford makes one very very leery of its long term durability.
7th Jan 2007, 07:18
Giving up a full size new company car Impala for $500 month was a good deal for your company. I have had company cars for 15 years. No car payment, depreciation, insurance, major repairs, fuel expense probably they give you an allowance however, but still the hassle when you sell... you might want to re evaluate that move. You still are taxed personal use, but still...