Do you own / drive a 2010 FF SEL 3.0 V6 - AWD?

[Rodeo]

Do you own and drive a 2010 Fusion SEL with the 3.0 V6 and AWD?

 

What's you opinion of it? What kind of gas mileage are you getting city / highway?

 

Does it have ample power or does it feel sluggish?

 

I'd like to hear from current owners what you think of the car thus far.

 

THANKS!

[2010SEL]

Yes. 2010 SEL AWD here with 4700 miles. No serious problems. I drive about 60% city 40% highway and am right around 21.5 mpg average (calculated). The on board computer always shows 1-2 mpg better. Car has pretty good quality except for 3 things so far:

 

I don't like the way the transmission shifts. It never seems to be in the "right" gear, resulting in a lot more shifting than I think should be absolutely necessary. Dealer says this is normal... it is trying to maximize gas mileage. I don't really agree.

 

One corner of the left taillight broke off when the trunk lid hit it. The light/lens was misaligned. Finally got Ford to cover it under warranty... they originally tried to blame me for breaking it.

 

The automatic dimming rer view mirror is very weak in it's dimming capability. I'd really rather have an old style mirror that is driver operated. Dealer "cannot duplicate problem".

 

It's a decent car, well put together, attractive, rides and handles good. Ford has a few issues to work on.

[Rodeo]

Yes. 2010 SEL AWD here with 4700 miles. No serious problems. I drive about 60% city 40% highway and am right around 21.5 mpg average (calculated). The on board computer always shows 1-2 mpg better. Car has pretty good quality except for 3 things so far:

 

I don't like the way the transmission shifts. It never seems to be in the "right" gear, resulting in a lot more shifting than I think should be absolutely necessary. Dealer says this is normal... it is trying to maximize gas mileage. I don't really agree.

 

One corner of the left taillight broke off when the trunk lid hit it. The light/lens was misaligned. Finally got Ford to cover it under warranty... they originally tried to blame me for breaking it.

 

The automatic dimming rer view mirror is very weak in it's dimming capability. I'd really rather have an old style mirror that is driver operated. Dealer "cannot duplicate problem".

 

It's a decent car, well put together, attractive, rides and handles good. Ford has a few issues to work on.

What made you decide to get the AWD instead of the FWD model? Do you find it powerful enough? No complaints as far as that aspect? Did you test drive both FWD as well as AWD and did you notice any difference in power?

 

As for a tranny, I myself would rather have one that shifted more frequently but stayed in the correct range rather then one that was slow to change gears, prompting a heavier throttle input.

 

The last car I had with an auto dimming rearview mirror was an 80s something Buick Regal. I do remember that that one dimmed only lightly too at night until someone got up close or had high beams on from behind, then it darkened significantly. That seemed to work fine for my taste. I haven't had that option on several vehicles since though. The regal also has an auto dimming driver side-view mirror too.

[2010SEL]

What made you decide to get the AWD instead of the FWD model? Do you find it powerful enough? No complaints as far as that aspect? Did you test drive both FWD as well as AWD and did you notice any difference in power?

 

As for a tranny, I myself would rather have one that shifted more frequently but stayed in the correct range rather then one that was slow to change gears, prompting a heavier throttle input.

 

The last car I had with an auto dimming rearview mirror was an 80s something Buick Regal. I do remember that that one dimmed only lightly too at night until someone got up close or had high beams on from behind, then it darkened significantly. That seemed to work fine for my taste. I haven't had that option on several vehicles since though. The regal also has an auto dimming driver side-view mirror too.

Powerful enough compared to what? I was driving an '06 Highlander 4x4 prior to this car, and I'd have to say the Highlander seemed to have more power. But it had much better transmission calibrations, and the power seemed to flow a lot more smoothly than in this car. I don't know how to explain it any better. Compared to the '01 Mustang GT I used to have, this car is a dog. Like I said, powerful compared to what? I know that in the Fusion I have never felt that it really needed more power. Passing is easy and getting up to highway speeds is quite effortless. But it's no drag racer.

 

No I didn't drive a 2 wheel drive Fusion. I suspect it would be a little more powerful feeling due to the lower weight. I got the AWD because I hate driving FWD vehicles in the snow and ice that we get for 4-5 months of the year here in CT.

[Rodeo]

Fiar enough of an answer. Thanks.

 

I am curently driving a 4x4 Escape that has 200 HP and 193 torque and while the FF will be geared differently, thats still 40 more HP and 30 more foot pounds of TQ, so I think I will be satisfied with it.

 

Your statement that you never felt that it really needed more power and passing is easy and getting up to highway speeds is quite effortless. basically answered my question. But you're right, everything is relative. Thanks again for replying.

[bartman1]

Fiar enough of an answer. Thanks.

 

I am curently driving a 4x4 Escape that has 200 HP and 193 torque and while the FF will be geared differently, thats still 40 more HP and 30 more foot pounds of TQ, so I think I will be satisfied with it.

 

Your statement that you never felt that it really needed more power and passing is easy and getting up to highway speeds is quite effortless. basically answered my question. But you're right, everything is relative. Thanks again for replying.

 

I have a 2010 SEL AWD with just over 10000 miles. No problems so far, and I expect much easier driving this winter in CT. My last car was a 2006 Fusion FWD with the V-6. Although the '10 has 240 HP vs the '06 221 HP, it doesn't seem any more responsive (and no less, either). I assume that is due to the AWD weight.

 

Ford has improved the tip-in response slightly (the off-idle initial acceleration), and there is no problem in the rain from a standing start just "nailing it" if you have to get into traffic (like we do on the Merritt and Wilbur Cross Parkways with stop signs at the end of the on ramps). With AWD there is never wheel spin like the '06 had.

 

Overall quality was excellent in the '06, and excellent in the '10, but Ford has improved many features in the car. Over all it is a far better package than the '06, just because of the creature amenities (toys) Ford added.

 

There were several programming upgrades for the '06 in the TCM (transmission control module) and PCM (power control module). My dealer let me get upgrades when I complained about hesitation or bad gear selection. The last TCM upgrade made the '06 tranny perfect. We've taken a small step backward here, but offset by the ability to manually shift. I can see a hill coming before I get there, and downshift when I think it's necessary, better than the ATX. Maybe a later programming upgrade will improve this.

 

The "fly by wire" accelerator on both the '06 and the '10 is a different animal than the old mechanically linked pedal. It appears - at least to me - that the car is more responsive if you press the pedal gently, than if you push it aggressively. I don't know how to verbalize this - but it's like years ago that when you push too hard you "flood" the engine. I know that's not true today, but you get the point. Obviously, if you "floor" it, the car goes right NOW.

 

One oddity is the tendency of the ATX to shift UP harshly when the car is cold. After warmup it shifts more smoothly. Other users have commented on this also, and I know Ford reduced the fluid in the tranny significantly to reduce weight and improve mileage.

 

Nevertheless I think the car's darn near perfect and the only issues are minor. Other than the PCM and TCM upgrades, and oil, brakes and tires, I've put over 80000 miles on two Fusions since 2006 and have never had a maintenance problem. That speaks well of Ford.

 

If I could change just one thing, what would it be? For me, it would be to add a "headlight on" pictogram on the dash. Since the lights come on with wipers, it's hard to know when they are actually on. That's so picky, but it shows how little there is left to change on this car.

[Rodeo]

I have a 2010 SEL AWD with just over 10000 miles. Since the lights come on with wipers, it's hard to know when they are actually on. That's so picky, but it shows how little there is left to change on this car.

I didn't know it had this feature. So when you turn your wipers on, the headlights automatically come on too? Great! That should be standard on every car and truck. But I also agree with you that the dash instrumentation should show that has happened too. Also I heard the wipers are speed sensitive? How does that work?

 

I'm not 100% about getting the AWD but leaning towards that. On one hand the FWD is pretty good with weight over the wheels and traction control and you get better fuel mileage because of less weight and with AWD its heavier with less mileage but better traction. Whatever I decide there, I really fear I will second guess myself later and regret the decision after it's too late. I really don't want to sacrifice power either and AWD willl rob some.

 

I know what you mean about the "Merritt" as I often get on at the southern end and see all the stop signs on those ramps and the cars waiting desperately for a fair chance to enter from a stand still.

[dezop]

I bought my 2010 V6 SEL AWD just over a month ago and have been very pleased with the car. I previously owned an 07 V6 SEL FWD. The changes between the 07 and 10 are pretty significant in a number of ways. The 2010 interior has been significantly upgraded and is far more comfortable. The comfort of the driver's seat merits special mention, as it is the most comfortable seat I've ever sat in. My 07 had excellent reliability with no problems whatsoever, and I expect the 2010 to be similar. I opted for the AWD this time because of Michigan weather. Thus far, MPG on the highway has be 30+ in pure highway driving. My mixed driving has MPG right around 25-26 currently.

 

The vehicle is also one of the quietest I have ever driven. Ford's efforts in this respect have paid off quite nicely.

 

Overall, it's a terrific vehicle. The only change I would suggest at this point would be the addition of a memory function for the power seats. Yes, a niggle, but it would be nice.

[bartman1]

I bought my 2010 V6 SEL AWD just over a month ago and have been very pleased with the car. I previously owned an 07 V6 SEL FWD. The changes between the 07 and 10 are pretty significant in a number of ways. The 2010 interior has been significantly upgraded and is far more comfortable. The comfort of the driver's seat merits special mention, as it is the most comfortable seat I've ever sat in. My 07 had excellent reliability with no problems whatsoever, and I expect the 2010 to be similar. I opted for the AWD this time because of Michigan weather. Thus far, MPG on the highway has be 30+ in pure highway driving. My mixed driving has MPG right around 25-26 currently.

 

The vehicle is also one of the quietest I have ever driven. Ford's efforts in this respect have paid off quite nicely.

 

Overall, it's a terrific vehicle. The only change I would suggest at this point would be the addition of a memory function for the power seats. Yes, a niggle, but it would be nice.

I'd like that too on my '10. Come to think of it, if we get Ford to make all these little upgrades, they won't be able to sell any Lincolns!

[jrseykid686]

I just picked up an AWD SEL. I absolutely love this car. I came out of a 2002 Eddie Bauer Explorer V8. The fusion 3.0L will run with the 4.6L explorer. The AWD system is fantastic in the snow. The option to turn off traction control allows for alot more power through the snow and ice. I have 6100 miles on mine with no problems or complaints. I chose the AWD over FWD due to the fact that i came out of a 4x4 truck and live in Michigan...

 

My MPG is around 17.5 in the city. I have yet to have it out on real highway driving, but back and forth to work which is combination driving i will average about 19mpg.

Edited February 3, 2010 by jrseykid686

[myaeger18]

We purchased a 2010 SEL V6 AWD back in October and love it. It just rolled over 5000 miles last night.

 

This car is built very well. Ford did a great job on the quality on this car. It deserved Car of the Year. As for mileage, we are averaging 21 mpg. It's my wifes daily driver and she is driving mostly city miles, well back roads anyhow.

 

I would have to say that the power is actually pretty good. We traded in a 2007 Mustang GT because the lease was up and my wife says she doesn't really miss the power. Plus the AWD is great. We live in the Cleveland, OH area so we get a bunch of snow and the AWD works perfectly.

 

As for the transmission shifting strangely, yes, it does, but it has a sporty feel to it. It does seem to try to find the right gear to save gas, but if you drive in the manual mode you control the shifts.

 

Hope this helps!

 

Marc

Edited February 5, 2010 by myaeger18

[cmdadama]

I have a 2010 AWD SEL too. It's my first ford ever. Was a GM loyalist until the G went from General to Government. Came to it from an 07 Impala.

 

I was looking at AWD because I live in a snow climate for 5 months every year, lots of rain too. Checked out the Subaru legacy but the trunk space was abysmal.

 

I have also noticed the harsh shifting when cold. But it goes away once the cars temp gauge reaches normal (in the middle) is shifts smoothly.

 

Only problem I've had was installing the Cargo Net. For some reason the hooks for it aren't installed at the factory. The directions are horrible. So I gave up trying to install it and took it back to the dealership to have them do it. I just bought it (had ~200 miles) and hadn't gotten my survey yet so I told them I wouldn't be 100% satisfied unless my cargo net was installed. LOL

 

It has more power than my 07 Impala LT. And is handles WAY better in the snow. I can't stress this enough, this car moves through bad conditions like a dump truck and treats rain covered streets like dry pavement. It rides better than my impala and the toys are ridiculous. It even streams music from my iphone via bluetooth.

 

IOW, I really like this car.

[FtLewis2002]

Fiar enough of an answer. Thanks.

 

I am curently driving a 4x4 Escape that has 200 HP and 193 torque and while the FF will be geared differently, thats still 40 more HP and 30 more foot pounds of TQ, so I think I will be satisfied with it.

 

Your statement that you never felt that it really needed more power and passing is easy and getting up to highway speeds is quite effortless. basically answered my question. But you're right, everything is relative. Thanks again for replying.

 

If your Escape has enough power for you, you won't have any qualms with the Fusion. My wife had an Escape with the 3.0 in it, and my Fusion would eat that thing alive. She graduated to an Edge back in 07, and that things pretty quick, but has the 3.5 in it. That AWD definitely helps in the snow. My Fusion is FWD, but her Edge has NEVER had a problem in the snow. It has more clearance than a Fusion, but she's gone through over 18" of snow since they don't plow our damn street. I probably could have followed her if I'd had AWD in the Fusion. Had to take the beast to work instead.

Edited February 9, 2010 by FtLewis2002

[priggly]

Hi all.

 

I am new to Ford and am considering the purchase of a new 2010 Ford Fusion SEL AWD with the 3.0 liter engine. I am opting for the AWD iteration because I live in a mountainous region with a lot of snow in the winter.

 

I am a bit concerned as to whether the car will have enough power.

 

Does anyone know what the 0-60 mph time is for the 3.0? I have found references online to the 0-60 for the 3.5 but not the 3.0 AWD.

 

Thanks.

[bbf2530]

Hi all.

 

I am new to Ford and am considering the purchase of a new 2010 Ford Fusion SEL AWD with the 3.0 liter engine. I am opting for the AWD iteration because I live in a mountainous region with a lot of snow in the winter.

 

I am a bit concerned as to whether the car will have enough power.

 

Does anyone know what the 0-60 mph time is for the 3.0? I have found references online to the 0-60 for the 3.5 but not the 3.0 AWD.

 

Thanks.

 

Hi priggly. :D The 3.0L Fusion has 240 hp, certainly not underpowered and plenty of power for a daily driver/family sedan.

 

0-60 test times will vary according to magazine/tester. In general, "best times" seem to be in the mid 7 second range (FWD is quicker in good weather testing conditions). If that is not enough, then purchase a Fusion Sport AWD (263 hp).

 

Good luck. :beerchug:

Edited March 21, 2010 by bbf2530

[BUCKYBOO]

Do you own and drive a 2010 Fusion SEL with the 3.0 V6 and AWD?

 

What's you opinion of it? What kind of gas mileage are you getting city / highway?

 

Does it have ample power or does it feel sluggish?

 

I'd like to hear from current owners what you think of the car thus far.

 

THANKS!

 

My 2010 FF 3/0L V6 AWD is a truly great car. It has great acceleration and when driven in first and second gears in town can pull with the best of them. It tends to shift too rapidly (for economy). It corners like it is on rails, cruises in dead silence and really fun to drive. I have averaged about 24 mpg in about half and half driving. Have no doubts that I could get 28 mpg highway miles if driven sensibly. I don't like the rubber band 17" tires and would prefer fatter sidewalls, but reducing air pressure to 30lbs per tire helps a great deal.

My one complaint is that it takes a full two (2) seconds to downshift when the accelerator is floored which could cause a bad wreck in some situations.

If this the norm as my dealer tells me, I will sell the car and go back to my '71 T-Bird which really jumps when I get on it.

[BUCKYBOO]

Hi priggly. :D The 3.0L Fusion has 240 hp, certainly not underpowered and plenty of power for a daily driver/family sedan.

 

0-60 test times will vary according to magazine/tester. In general, "best times" seem to be in the mid 7 second range (FWD is quicker in good weather testing conditions). If that is not enough, then purchase a Fusion Sport AWD (263 hp).

 

Good luck. :beerchug:

 

Guess a lot depends on the car itself, as some accelerate better than others. My 3.0L V6 AWD has no problems getting into the high 6 seconds bracket. What little weight the AWD adds has very little impact on acceleration, in my opinion and quite a few others. If the transmission is shifted manually, the acceleration is much better than leaving the trans in "D." Start out in first gear to red line, bump it into second gear, red line it and then bump it into third at which time you will be past 60 mph. Have read some tests that claimed the AWD is beneficial in fast acceleration as it puts all the horsepower to all the wheels, which is great.

[BUCKYBOO]

I have a 2010 AWD SEL too. It's my first ford ever. Was a GM loyalist until the G went from General to Government. Came to it from an 07 Impala.

 

I was looking at AWD because I live in a snow climate for 5 months every year, lots of rain too. Checked out the Subaru legacy but the trunk space was abysmal.

 

I have also noticed the harsh shifting when cold. But it goes away once the cars temp gauge reaches normal (in the middle) is shifts smoothly.

 

Only problem I've had was installing the Cargo Net. For some reason the hooks for it aren't installed at the factory. The directions are horrible. So I gave up trying to install it and took it back to the dealership to have them do it. I just bought it (had ~200 miles) and hadn't gotten my survey yet so I told them I wouldn't be 100% satisfied unless my cargo net was installed. LOL

 

It has more power than my 07 Impala LT. And is handles WAY better in the snow. I can't stress this enough, this car moves through bad conditions like a dump truck and treats rain covered streets like dry pavement. It rides better than my impala and the toys are ridiculous. It even streams music from my iphone via bluetooth.

 

IOW, I really like this car.

I agree with you on everything you say except that I have a major problem with my 2010 3.0L V6 AWD in that when flooring it to pass, it bogs for a full two (2) seconds before it gets to the right gear and starts going. To me, this is totally unacceptable and the dealer is trying to downplay the situation. Have you the same problem? My '71 T-Bird shifts instantaneously and gets going, but quick! NOTE: the old bird get 0-60 in the 6 second bracket with only three gears, and those are high gears. It would run over the top of the new Mustangs if it had six gears like my 2010 FF. The Plymouth police cars (440 c.u.) back in the 60's and 70's could hit an honest 0-60 in 7 seconds and the Ford 429 police interceptors could run away from them. Can you imagine what six gears would have done for those cars!

[wptski]

I agree with you on everything you say except that I have a major problem with my 2010 3.0L V6 AWD in that when flooring it to pass, it bogs for a full two (2) seconds before it gets to the right gear and starts going. To me, this is totally unacceptable and the dealer is trying to downplay the situation. Have you the same problem? My '71 T-Bird shifts instantaneously and gets going, but quick! NOTE: the old bird get 0-60 in the 6 second bracket with only three gears, and those are high gears. It would run over the top of the new Mustangs if it had six gears like my 2010 FF. The Plymouth police cars (440 c.u.) back in the 60's and 70's could hit an honest 0-60 in 7 seconds and the Ford 429 police interceptors could run away from them. Can you imagine what six gears would have done for those cars!

Was your vehicle included in the 10B15 recall to do a PCM reflash which might help?

[Jshell757]

I had an 2008 V6 AWD, and just got the 2010 SEL V6 AWD.

 

Compared to the 08, this car Rocks!!!

 

The A/C is far better, the SST trans is awesome,dash is cooler, I like the dual power seats, the stock radio seems better, the seats are nicer, and the fuel mileage is up.

 

I had some issues with my 08, so Ford wanted to take a look at it and back it went. After the Trans went at 18K, and then the PTU, and then the ABS HCU, and the list went on, and on........

 

It went bye bye, got a full payoff, and $1500 coupon plus A plan pricing (NO NOT A REAL "A" PLAN) but close enough that my payments went down. Also got remote start as a surprise.

 

I liked my 2008, when it was not in the shop, for 2 years I had it, it was in the shop over 40 days.... No B.S. I have the loaner car paperwork and added it up.

[Chapinsky84]

Do you own and drive a 2010 Fusion SEL with the 3.0 V6 and AWD?

 

What's you opinion of it? What kind of gas mileage are you getting city / highway?

 

Does it have ample power or does it feel sluggish?

 

I'd like to hear from current owners what you think of the car thus far.

 

THANKS!

Own the above mentioned auto and it is a world class rig with one exception.....if you don't like feeling every manhole cover, tar strip and minor surface irregularity, it is the wrong one to buy. I dumped a 2010 FF Hybrid because of the stiff, jolting ride and then made a second mistake, I drove a new SEL AWD and felt that it was better riding, but after a few thousand miles, it appears that I was delusional at the time. As a last resort, I traded in the skinny 17" tires for a new set of 16" Pirelli's and should have saved my money. The suspension is like most of the rest of late model cars, so stiff that fatter tires can't do much for it. When I go over bad spots, the wheels don't follow the road surface leaving the body level, but the whole car moves up and down....so much for the exotic five link rear suspension. I know I will be hated for saying it, but I can drive my 1971 T-Bird down bad washboard and severe potholed roads at highway speeds that I couldn't go over five or ten miles per hour in my Fusion. As far as the rest of the car is concerned, it's all GREAT!

[awdpath]

... The suspension is like most of the rest of late model cars, so stiff that fatter tires can't do much for it. When I go over bad spots, the wheels don't follow the road surface leaving the body level, but the whole car moves up and down....so much for the exotic five link rear suspension. I know I will be hated for saying it, but I can drive my 1971 T-Bird down bad washboard and severe potholed roads at highway speeds that I couldn't go over five or ten miles per hour in my Fusion. As far as the rest of the car is concerned, it's all GREAT!

 

 

Let me guess ... Inland Northwest roads. For recent models, I think you will like the Chrysler Sebring ( the 200 might be too stiff for you!).

[FusedFanatic]

I'm really happy with my 2010 sel awd too! I just got it in december 2010 and have only have to reprogram the transmission.

I would ask for a stronger transmission if I could change anything, however it seems to understand my style of driving now and shifts to my liking.

I am going to lower the car to improve the already awesome hamdling characteristics. can anyone tell me why some spring companies don't provide a lowering spring for the AWD?

HR is the only company so far that I have seen that has a set for the 2010 awd. Theirs lower more in the rear than the front. 1.6 front, 1.9 rear. I would prefer Eibach; 1.5 in the front and the rear .

Any thoughts?

Edited April 3, 2011 by FusedFanatic