Fusion Arrives...

Hello one and all. Yes I am still alive and I have great news: My shiny new Ford Fusion has arrived. It was difficult to see the Explorer go. We have been through a lot together. But let's face it, it had a gum stain on the floor, and well, once a car has a stain in the carpet it's old hat.

Done - Gone - On to the next one.

The next one happens to be the brand-spanking new Ford Fusion. After driving it for almost a week, my official rating for this new vehicle is: wicked sweet. Don't laugh Lindsay. It really is wicked sweet. Like the perfect woman, this car is good-looking yet approachable.

I ordered a jet black Fusion SEL (SEL stands for: load it up!). And with the exception of the V6 engine and the power sunroof, this beauty has everything, from a six-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability and eight booming speakers to heated leather seats with cool oatmeal-colored stitching.

I was a little upset at first that my driving excitement would be held captive by an I4 (four-cylinder engine for everyone but dad.) However, after acquainting myself with the tight five-speed manual transmission it became apparent that this four-banger has plenty of pep. I've had it for five days and put over 600 miles on it, mostly on the highways of northern Mississippi.

The car also handles very well. I've taken a few hard corners and the 17" rims hold the road a heck of a lot better than an Explorer.

Overall, I was very impressed. More importantly, I am very happy with the new direction Ford is heading in design.