maybeford

@ noreast: Any particular reason she hated the Camry?

@noreast. Thats exactly the analysis I was trying to do as well. Given current financing terms both 0% the Toyota is just about a 1000 more. So I suspect I will end up behind if I bought a Fusion. However with cash incentives, the difference is about 2500, it is hard to tell if Fusion improves its reliability perception and Toyota doesn't then I may be level or ahead with a Fusion. Note: Camry seems to be selling at a record discount this year. That said, I must admit the ride in a Camry is smooth! Not sporty at all, but boy is it smooth. Ironically, It reminds me of a Lincoln that a friend of mine had in college. Other than that and Camry's "expected" low maintainece costs, I think Fusion is a more fun car. Darn, buying a car for ponderers like me is a pain

I do not need sirrius as well. I just want to make sure that there is nothing other than the electronics that is missing in the S when compared to the SE. From the replies here it seems like there should not be. The only decision that is left for me is should I get the Fusion S, Camry LE or Legacy 2.5i. Each progressively more expensive. Legacy had AWD, and the best safety raging. $3000 more than Camry Camry drives very smooth and rarely ever breaks down. $2500 more than Ford Ford is like the new kid on the block that is cheapest and is pretty safe, but may have much less residual value.

Well snow tires are a given in either car.

Aha.. that seems reasonable. not as good handling. I need all the handling I can get in the snow. I should consider the SE then.

Thanks @ enfuego. So the SE and S are the same weight, but have S is fuel efficient and costs less (with a couple of electronic accessories less). Hmm.. Fuel efficiency must be because of the rolling resistance difference.

Does anyone know a definitive place to check the curb weight of the SE vs. S?

I tried to look for the weight and at least according to Car and Driver both SE and S weight the same- 3275 lbs. I could not find the weight on specs section of the the ford website! So is it just the tires?

Yes you were right.. The smaller radiator is mentioned in a press release here. Not really that visible on the ford web site http://allworldcars.com/wordpress/?p=16380 I am not sure if that is a bad thing. But without accurate information and proof, as an engineer I am wary of things that require "special" parts, especially in the long run. Darn. So I guess I have kiss the 3000 cash back on Fusion S goodbye. And evaluate the Fusion SE and see if it stacks up well with the Camry,Accord etc.

Thanks for the replies guys. I will try to read up on the smaller radiator. That definitely doesn't sound good to me. I am a bit concerned about the reliability of the Fusion as compared to Camry. Ford seems to be rated pretty low in the last three year reliability ratings in the consumer reports (May issue). In a family car I may be able to live with a bit of boring, but would like as much reliability as possible. Has anyone here had any problems with reliability of the Fusion? Is there a thread here on reliability?

Hi All, I am considering buying a family sedan. I had an accord before. I was trying to decide between the usual suspects, but the Ford Fusion S is being offered at $3000 discount on the website and the dealer for cash purchase. This makes the Fusion S cheaper than comparable cars by a mile! The other trims are about the same cost as others (Camry, Accord, etc.) Is there a reason why they are offering Ford Fusion S at that low a price, compared to even the SE? The specs do not seem much different other than added electronics and 17'' wheels. I read that there are some folks here who have had oil leaks in 2010 Fusions (although I did not see that they were S). I would appreciate hearing from anyone here driving a 2009 or 2010 Fusion S, about its reliability. Thanks.