FordBuyer Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 I saw two Fusion S's at Bill Brown Ford today...both going to government fleet service. Great value for the money....$20,400 on window sticker. 23 city and 34 highway with 6 speed auto and 27 in combined driving...about the same as Focus with lots more room and cargo space. Included was automatic, handsome allow wheels, chrome tipped exhaust, power windows, and cruise control. Decent features for the money and outstanding fuel economy for a mid sized vehicle with over 170hp. The seats were well contoured and basically same interior package as Fusion SE. In a few months, you could probably get this vehicle for about $16,000. Good value for the money and for those on tight budget. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FordBuyer Posted March 31, 2009 Author Share Posted March 31, 2009 I saw two Fusion S's at Bill Brown Ford today...both going to government fleet service. Great value for the money....$20,400 on window sticker. 23 city and 34 highway with 6 speed auto and 27 in combined driving...about the same as Focus with lots more room and cargo space. Included was automatic, handsome allow wheels, chrome tipped exhaust, power windows, and cruise control. Decent features for the money and outstanding fuel economy for a mid sized vehicle with over 170hp. The seats were well contoured and basically same interior package as Fusion SE. In a few months, you could probably get this vehicle for about $16,000. Good value for the money and for those on tight budget. BTW, Bill Brown was super busy tonight AGAIN. Ford dealers around me have been busy for weeks now. I really don't see how Ford is doing same sales as last month. Dealers around me have been very busy last couple weeks...much more so than in February which was super slow. As many as 15 2009 Fusions were going out door today or tomorrow at Bill Brown. And Brown was prepping 5 2010 Fusions for delivery. About 10 new F-150's were going out door also along with lots of Escapes and a few Flexs. I really don't see March as a terrible month for Ford. Bad yes, but not terrible. I don't now how many vehicles Ford sold last March, but Ford sales have picked up markedly over last month around here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiefstang Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 After months of looking at tumbleweeds on the lot, we've been really busy the last couple of weeks. We're actually now understaffed in sales. Good news for me! Also noticed the alloy wheels on the S. Thought it was pretty ironic that the SE comes with plastic wheel covers (albiet nice ones!), while the base got the alloys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
630land Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Were those alloys part of a fleet package maybe? I dont see Ford offering them on S models as standard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KCM1 Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Also noticed the alloy wheels on the S. Thought it was pretty ironic that the SE comes with plastic wheel covers (albiet nice ones!), while the base got the alloys. Just curious, but why do you think the SE has plastic wheel covers? The order guide lists aluminum wheels for all models except for the SE, which says "17" Design Wheel with silver paint". I took this to mean an aluminium or steel painted wheel. Seems unlikely Ford would use aluminum wheels on all models except a mid-level trim. But I suppose anything is possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PREMiERdrum Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Just curious, but why do you think the SE has plastic wheel covers? The order guide lists aluminum wheels for all models except for the SE, which says "17" Design Wheel with silver paint". I took this to mean an aluminium or steel painted wheel. Seems unlikely Ford would use aluminum wheels on all models except a mid-level trim. But I suppose anything is possible. I too read this as no wheel covers over the whole line. The only 1st gen Fusion with wheel covers was the 'S', and I think one of the upgrades for the 2010 was that there were no hubcaps on any model. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex D. Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 I too read this as no wheel covers over the whole line. The only 1st gen Fusion with wheel covers was the 'S', and I think one of the upgrades for the 2010 was that there were no hubcaps on any model. Yet the "superior" Camry still comes with hubcaps on some models and those awful brake dust shields. Kudos Ford for not using hubcaps and giving us one more example of how great this car is compared to the competition! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edstock Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Some places, it's good to have your nuts covered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blazerdude20 Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 After months of looking at tumbleweeds on the lot, we've been really busy the last couple of weeks. We're actually now understaffed in sales. Good news for me! Also noticed the alloy wheels on the S. Thought it was pretty ironic that the SE comes with plastic wheel covers (albiet nice ones!), while the base got the alloys. same deal here. the last 2 and a half -3 weeks have been really busy. its been really nice to see. i wonder if people are just sick of listening to the negative media. and yet still no fusions here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FordBuyer Posted March 31, 2009 Author Share Posted March 31, 2009 Just curious, but why do you think the SE has plastic wheel covers? The order guide lists aluminum wheels for all models except for the SE, which says "17" Design Wheel with silver paint". I took this to mean an aluminium or steel painted wheel. Seems unlikely Ford would use aluminum wheels on all models except a mid-level trim. But I suppose anything is possible. The SE definitely has plastic covers over the rim underneath. I bent down and tapped on them with my fist and they are plastic like the chromed ones on Escape and Edge. It could be a fleet package on the S, but they are alloy wheels and handsome ones at that. The Fusion SE covers are nice looking though and more aggresive looking than S alloys. You can also get 18 inch alloy wheels on the Fusion for $295 extra and they are very sharp. They come wtih low profile Goodyear Eagle GT tires. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PREMiERdrum Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 The SE definitely has plastic covers over the rim underneath. I bent down and tapped on them with my fist and they are plastic like the chromed ones on Escape and Edge. It could be a fleet package on the S, but they are alloy wheels and handsome ones at that. The Fusion SE covers are nice looking though and more aggresive looking than S alloys. You can also get 18 inch alloy wheels on the Fusion for $295 extra and they are very sharp. They come wtih low profile Goodyear Eagle GT tires. So it's more of a plastic cover over the shaped steel wheel? Not like a hubcap, right? I could have sworn they weren't using hubcaps on the new Fusion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aneekr Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 (edited) Just curious, but why do you think the SE has plastic wheel covers? The order guide lists aluminum wheels for all models except for the SE, which says "17" Design Wheel with silver paint". I took this to mean an aluminium or steel painted wheel. Seems unlikely Ford would use aluminum wheels on all models except a mid-level trim. But I suppose anything is possible. Reasons that come to mind: -Consumer surveys indicate that a wheel's styling is a more significant consideration than its material type.-New varieties of steel (HSS, dual phase, microalloy) that allow for greater design flexibility.-Cost and profitability enhancement considerations for Ford.The steel wheels used on the 2010 Fusion SE and Mercury Milan (RS 102A & 103A) embody a five spoke, high-ventilation area design with silver painted plastic fascia. The cost effectiveness of this design, dubbed "Versastyle" by Hayes Lemmerz and "Superspoke" by ArvinMeritor, permitted Ford to upsize the Fusion SE standard wheel to 17" diameter for the 2010 MY (compared to 16" aluminum alloy wheels for 2007-2009 MY). GM actually embraced the same idea for its mid-level Malibu LS in 2006- they replaced the 15" aluminum wheels that were standard in 2005 with a 16" high vent, fascia spoke steel wheel for 2006 (here's a case study by AISI). The company has since expanded the application of high vent steel wheels to several models in the Americas and Europe. Ford has used them in the past as well, with the C1 Focus and the 2006 Mustang V6. The 2010 Fusion S probably uses 16" aluminum wheels and lower rolling-resistance tires to achieve a higher fuel economy rating, which is certainly a major consideration for Ford's CAFE numbers. Edited March 31, 2009 by aneekr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PREMiERdrum Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Reasons that come to mind: -Consumer surveys indicate that a wheel's styling is a more significant consideration than its material type.-New varieties of steel (HSS, dual phase, microalloy) that allow for greater design flexibility.-Cost and profitability enhancement considerations for Ford.The steel wheels used on the 2010 Fusion SE and Mercury Milan (RS 102A & 103A) embody a five spoke, high-ventilation area design with silver painted plastic fascia. The cost effectiveness of this design, dubbed "Versastyle" by Hayes Lemmerz and "Superspoke" by ArvinMeritor, permitted Ford to upsize the Fusion SE standard wheel to 17" diameter for the 2010 MY (compared to 16" aluminum alloy wheels for 2007-2009 MY). GM actually embraced the same idea for its mid-level Malibu LS in 2006- they replaced the 15" aluminum wheels that were standard in 2005 with a 16" high vent, fascia spoke steel wheel for 2006 (here's a case study by AISI). The company has since expanded the application of high vent steel wheels to several models in the Americas and Europe. Ford has used them in the past as well, with the C1 Focus and the 2006 Mustang V6. The 2010 Fusion S probably uses 16" aluminum wheels and lower rolling-resistance tires to achieve a higher fuel economy rating, which is certainly a major consideration for Ford's CAFE numbers. Like it. You still see crappy, cheap hubcaps on new Camrys and Accords. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FordBuyer Posted March 31, 2009 Author Share Posted March 31, 2009 Reasons that come to mind: -Consumer surveys indicate that a wheel's styling is a more significant consideration than its material type.-New varieties of steel (HSS, dual phase, microalloy) that allow for greater design flexibility.-Cost and profitability enhancement considerations for Ford.The steel wheels used on the 2010 Fusion SE and Mercury Milan (RS 102A & 103A) embody a five spoke, high-ventilation area design with silver painted plastic fascia. The cost effectiveness of this design, dubbed "Versastyle" by Hayes Lemmerz and "Superspoke" by ArvinMeritor, permitted Ford to upsize the Fusion SE standard wheel to 17" diameter for the 2010 MY (compared to 16" aluminum alloy wheels for 2007-2009 MY). GM actually embraced the same idea for its mid-level Malibu LS in 2006- they replaced the 15" aluminum wheels that were standard in 2005 with a 16" high vent, fascia spoke steel wheel for 2006 (here's a case study by AISI). The company has since expanded the application of high vent steel wheels to several models in the Americas and Europe. Ford has used them in the past as well, with the C1 Focus and the 2006 Mustang V6. The 2010 Fusion S probably uses 16" aluminum wheels and lower rolling-resistance tires to achieve a higher fuel economy rating, which is certainly a major consideration for Ford's CAFE numbers. Thanks for the info. Interesting. However, you wouldn't think tires would give you 3 more miles to the gallon. If so, Ford should offer S package tires on SE for those who want it. I would rather have the 3 more mpg and screw the fancier wheels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blazerdude20 Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Thanks for the info. Interesting. However, you wouldn't think tires would give you 3 more miles to the gallon. If so, Ford should offer S package tires on SE for those who want it. I would rather have the 3 more mpg and screw the fancier wheels. amen! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Reasons that come to mind:..... I always wondered why they didn't do something like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blazerdude20 Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Reasons that come to mind: -Consumer surveys indicate that a wheel's styling is a more significant consideration than its material type.-New varieties of steel (HSS, dual phase, microalloy) that allow for greater design flexibility.-Cost and profitability enhancement considerations for Ford.The steel wheels used on the 2010 Fusion SE and Mercury Milan (RS 102A & 103A) embody a five spoke, high-ventilation area design with silver painted plastic fascia. The cost effectiveness of this design, dubbed "Versastyle" by Hayes Lemmerz and "Superspoke" by ArvinMeritor, permitted Ford to upsize the Fusion SE standard wheel to 17" diameter for the 2010 MY (compared to 16" aluminum alloy wheels for 2007-2009 MY). GM actually embraced the same idea for its mid-level Malibu LS in 2006- they replaced the 15" aluminum wheels that were standard in 2005 with a 16" high vent, fascia spoke steel wheel for 2006 (here's a case study by AISI). The company has since expanded the application of high vent steel wheels to several models in the Americas and Europe. Ford has used them in the past as well, with the C1 Focus and the 2006 Mustang V6. The 2010 Fusion S probably uses 16" aluminum wheels and lower rolling-resistance tires to achieve a higher fuel economy rating, which is certainly a major consideration for Ford's CAFE numbers. the new f150 uses wheels like this too i believe. http://www.webridestv.com/photos/2009-ford-f150-xlt-94625/5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
battyr Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Reasons that come to mind: -Consumer surveys indicate that a wheel's styling is a more significant consideration than its material type.-New varieties of steel (HSS, dual phase, microalloy) that allow for greater design flexibility.-Cost and profitability enhancement considerations for Ford.The steel wheels used on the 2010 Fusion SE and Mercury Milan (RS 102A & 103A) embody a five spoke, high-ventilation area design with silver painted plastic fascia. The cost effectiveness of this design, dubbed "Versastyle" by Hayes Lemmerz and "Superspoke" by ArvinMeritor, permitted Ford to upsize the Fusion SE standard wheel to 17" diameter for the 2010 MY (compared to 16" aluminum alloy wheels for 2007-2009 MY). GM actually embraced the same idea for its mid-level Malibu LS in 2006- they replaced the 15" aluminum wheels that were standard in 2005 with a 16" high vent, fascia spoke steel wheel for 2006 (here's a case study by AISI). The company has since expanded the application of high vent steel wheels to several models in the Americas and Europe. Ford has used them in the past as well, with the C1 Focus and the 2006 Mustang V6. The 2010 Fusion S probably uses 16" aluminum wheels and lower rolling-resistance tires to achieve a higher fuel economy rating, which is certainly a major consideration for Ford's CAFE numbers. Isn't the idea behind aluminium wheels is to reduce the weight of the wheel. The highly vented style also increases aerodynamic drag. Otherwise if you are buying aluminium wheels just for style, it is easier to get style with a hub cap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aneekr Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Isn't the idea behind aluminium wheels is to reduce the weight of the wheel. The highly vented style also increases aerodynamic drag. Otherwise if you are buying aluminium wheels just for style, it is easier to get style with a hub cap. Newer steel wheels that use dual-phase alloys or microalloys can achieve weight targets comparable to that of aluminum wheels of the same size. To cite one example, the 16" high vent steel wheel from Hayes Lemmerz on the 2006 Chevy Malibu was actually slightly lighter than the 16" aluminum wheel offered the previous year. (LINK) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Extreme4x4 Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 If anyone has ever taken the time to really look at OEM aluminum wheels, you will see that they are massively overbuilt, compared to aftermarket wheels. This makes them weigh alot more than aftermarket aluminum wheels. Thus, these steel wheels probably save weight, and money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
630land Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 (edited) Checked the order guide, which is posted here under Fusion forum. Here are the S and SE standard wheels. S: 16" painted aluminum wheel SE: 17" design wheel with silver paint Check the PDF file posted there under page 13, it shows all the wheels. Edited March 31, 2009 by 630land Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiefstang Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Just curious, but why do you think the SE has plastic wheel covers? The order guide lists aluminum wheels for all models except for the SE, which says "17" Design Wheel with silver paint". I took this to mean an aluminium or steel painted wheel. Seems unlikely Ford would use aluminum wheels on all models except a mid-level trim. But I suppose anything is possible. Definitely covers, but the nicest wheel covers I've seen. When our Sport came off the truck, there was an SE as well. I remember thinking the SE wheels were just as nice, or nicer looking than the Sport's. It wasn't until I peeled off the plastic shipping film on the wheels that I noticed the were plastic. I HATE hubcaps, but would have absolutely no problems with these covers on my car. Fret not, SE buyers. They look great! We went to the Ford presentation for dealers on the new Fusion, and they credited the S getting better mileage to both the wheel and lower rolling resistance tires. Also the car is 200 lbs. lighter with the fewer options. At least that's the story... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
transitman Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Looking at the Dec. 08/Jan. 09 Frontline magazine my salesman gave me that features the 2010 Fusion it reads: 16-inch painted aluminum wheels standard on S 17-inch design steel wheels with silver painted wheel covers standard on SE 17-inch machined aluminum wheels standard on SEL 17-inch 15-spoke painted aluminum wheels standard on Hybrid 18-inch painted aluminum wheels standard on Sport 18-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets optional on Sport Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Isn't the idea behind aluminium wheels is to reduce the weight of the wheel. The highly vented style also increases aerodynamic drag. Otherwise if you are buying aluminium wheels just for style, it is easier to get style with a hub cap. Yes, but with a regular hub cap you still see the ugly steel wheel behind it, with these, you don't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
630land Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Hmm, I may get a Fusion S instead of a Focus,,, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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