jlucas3

I believe i saw that 2008 and beyond models are going to a Ford recommended 7000 mile change interval. Joe

It is indeed a I4 (a rental SE). About 2500 miles on it so it should be broken in. It is a real limited study as i haven't put enough miles on to do the true paper and pencil method so i'm going by the built-in mileage gage. I've been able to easily keep it above 30 mpg at highway speeds on the interstate. I haven't done much in the way of stop and go but my off highway has been above 25 mpg. I've probably put a total of 250 miles on it over the last couple of days. I figure i'm looking at a 20% mpg improvement from my current '01 taurus. Not shabby at all! Very nice driving dynamics over the Taurus as well. Just a very nice car.

I've been driving a rental 2007 SE for the last few days and have been very impressed with the mileage (at least the mileage as shown by the computer). I am considering buying a used 2006. Was there any mileage differences between the year models or should I expect them to be pretty much similar in performance? Thanks! Joe PS. I love the direct MP3 line in which i know is only available in the 2007s.

The 2nd car sold the same day they rolled it off the transport. Its hot while its in limited supply!

Just got a call from my salesman at Paul Harvey Ford. He said they just got their 2nd Fusion. The first one they got last Friday and sold pretty much within hours of hitting the ground. I'm going to hopefully get to drive this one around tomorrow morning for a bit. He said the one they sold last week was the first Fusion sale in the Cincinnati region (we are in Indianapolis). Joe

Showoff, Did the SEL go to someone who was a Fusion fan before they saw it or was it a walk-in type? Joe

Community Ford in Mooresville (just outside of Indianapolis) has one on the lot (saw it myself!) and Paul Harvey Ford has at least one, shows two on the inventory listing. They are starting to trickle out there. Joe

2 dealers in the Indianapolis area now have 1 car each in stock, so its starting to trickle out

Definately front wheel drive. An all-wheel drive is supposed to be available next year. Joe

It runs on 87 octane for sure. I haven't heard the mileage yet and am very interested in that myself.

Getting closer. The prelim info is up on Edmunds: http://www.edmunds.com/new/2006/ford/fusion/index.html I also read that the new Car and Driver and Motortrends has a review. Joe

I agree with you in the Focus ST. My wife owns one and it is just a blast to drive (esp compared to my '01 Taurus ). I'm probably going to replace the Taurus with a Fusion but i might wait until the AWD available next year. Joe

no auto/manual transmission

It is a conventional automatic transmission.

They start making 'em on Aug 1. I think you'll see at the dealers in September tho i have heard Oct 1 as the official on sale date. I'm probably looking to get one in December.