allfuze

So latest Fusion AWD system seems better than a 100% reactive one. I think the key is what you stated: that it is "reacting" to changes in steering angle and throttle - so in this respect it works for 'everyday driving'. Taking that fast corner, "flooring it" from a standstill, etc... will engage immediately if this works as Ford says. But I'm guessing it would still be "reacting" to a typical winter slip condition in the front wheels. eg. you're driving but hit a patch of ice. Unless this is an intelligent car, and even so, there would be no way for the car to determine when to engage the rear-wheels. It would have to 'react' to the slip. Especially if the conditions which enables it to 'predict' are not there (change in steering angle, throttle, ....). In this respect, the "full time AWD" if I can call it that, would be a better system.

I was saying in another post (Transmission/ transfer case problem) that there was an article this week in local paper about AWD systems stating that 'not all systems are created equal'. Interesting piece. In short, it said that AWD system that spread that power to front/rear wheel at all times, are better than those 'reactive' systems that normally drive 2 wheels, then transfer power to other wheels when slip is detected. In the article they spoke about new Mercedes, they give as example their latest 4matic system as (by default) sharing drive-power 45/55. They also listed a few other brand/models - Audi, Subaru... They also name Saab's new 9-3 (did not know they had AWD, maybe 2009 ?), and BMW upcoming DPC system which splits power front-rear and also left-right without using traditional Stability Control (which applies brakes to spinning wheels). Article gave as an example of a 'reactive' systems that normally drive 2 wheels as the Volvo S80 which works wonders when it actually begins to do its thing. But it says the slip first, grip-later nature of the system and the lag time between the need (when the front wheels spin) and the moment the all-wheel-drive system kicks-in tends to leave the driver feeling as though you lost control. Reason is that when front wheels do begin to slide, the car begins to understeer (and this is at slow speeds). The problem is that firing up the rear wheels after the fact pushes the car farther into understeer before it comes to the rescue. Went on to say that to keep S80 system functioning at its optimum requires the driver to be more aggressive than might be considered prudent. The electronic stability/traction control systems does keep things fine. However, the sensation of losing the car even for a few seconds (especially on a snowy road), can be bad for your heart.... I found it interesting that they mentioned Volvo because I heard the Ford Fusion system was based in part on Volvo system. Ford knows Volvo system well since it uses the Haldex in its bigger cars. Even if Fusion AWD is new, I've heard its "philosophy" is similar in way it performs. I tried to find articles that tested, described, compared the Fusion AWD to others, but did not find anything. Would be interesting to see a known magazine (car and driver, ...) test a bunch of cars in a similar environment. I saw the comment above stating that the Ford system will anticipate the need for rear wheel torque and engage the rear wheels before slip is detected. I know its all computer based, etc... but no matter how quick it does things, it still must be a 'reactive' system. Unless you have all 4 wheel driven at all times, I find it difficult to see how any system can "predict" when it will need to send power to other wheels (maybe the Great Houdini can do it !!). I'm not sure if anyone can "share" some of their knowledge here. But its a very interesting topic. Thanks to all....

Nice to hear that all of the people above have had positive experience with AWD models. I'll have to verify if its the Haldex AWD they were talking-about. I'm guessing the Five-hundred/Taurus has this particular system. There was an small article this week in local paper this week about AWD systems and the fact that 'not all systems are created equal'. Interesting piece. There is a new post on "Front wheels limited slip" - I'll have to write some info I read in this article in that post. Thanks again.

Happy to hear you've had no issues. How much mileage do you have on yours? And how do you find it in winter driving? How much snow do you get in your area? For mileage, I was looking around at other AWD/4WD cars. I realized that driving all 4 wheels will cost in terms of gas consumption. All vehicles are rated in the same range. Even the small AWD such as Subaru Impreza, Suzuki, etc... don't get much better mileage. But key for me is reliability of AWD system. Glad to hear at least one positive response...

I was looking into buying a 2007 AWD Fusion. I've heard lots of good stuff and reviews. I've also heard 2 not so good (negative) things: 1) mileage of AWD 2) issues/problems with the AWD system (transfer case if we can call it this). 1) Mileage: as per the various posts I've read in diff. forums, the AWD does use-up a (fair bit) more gas. Especially city. Won't dwell on this, but one person who tested/driven both AWD & FWD V6, said he used $20 more gas per week ($80 vs $60) for his weekly travel with AWD. For roughly same travel. Seems like quite a bit (25 to 33% more depending how you calculate). 2) AWD transfer case: Other issue I heard which may be more serious is there may be some problems with the AWD system. I don't think AWD use a 'transfer-case' as such (4WD used to), but someone working at a car dealer said he already has seen major repair on 2 'transfer-cases' in past months (with mileages in the 15K-25K Km or ~9K-15K Miles). I'm not sure if anyone has heard any such things. Obviously, AWD systems have more moving parts, more complex, etc... than FWD. But if what I heard is true - and after only 1-year equivalent driving mileage.... what will it be later. I live in cold area and would love to go with AWD model. I plan on keeping car at least 5-yrs (probably 5-10). Would love to hear any comments from actual users, people in the know, etc...

let's see italll