I am also from Minnesota. I have a 2006 ford fusion and I did not know I hadone until I wa checking the oil level and started looking around. It was hard to notice because it was so camoflouged into the rets of the car. It is nice to have.
Picked the car up at 44,000 miles 2 years ago. I have 102,000 miles on it today so far no problems, I am enjoying the car and love the MPG, I average 28-30 in the summer, 24-26 in the winter.
I had the charging sytem warning come on last winter, brought itin under warranty and the dealer reset the the computer they said it was becasue of the three days in a row we had of temperatures -40F in MN.
I live in MN also and I have never had a problem getting stuck.with my 2006 Ford Fusion 4 cylinder. Maybe you have tires that are not meant for any type of snow or there is little tread on them.
I traded in a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited edition for a 2006 Ford Fusion 4 cylinder.
Miss:
AWD
Power
Heated Seats
Moon/Sun Roof
Self tinting mirrors
Don't Miss:
Bad MPG only averaged 15mpg
Repairs
What I like about the Fusion:
Good MPG, Average 28mpg with the 4 cylinder
6 disc CD changer
Headlights are bright compared to my other vehicle which is a Jeep
The computer which tells you the MPG avg and trip time etc.
Power seats and comfortable
Rides nice
What I don't like about the Fusion:
The slow start to get moving, might just be me it is the first 4banger i have ever had
The oil filter, I would rather just have a simple screw on and off filter