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Gallery IndexImage 12 of 64Photo BMW2007 BMW M6 convertible

The high-performance M6 is now available as a convertible.

Read more: BMW cars – what’s new for 2007

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The Bottom Line

What do the About.com Rating stars mean?

I’ve always had a liberal spot for the Nissan Z-car. My favorite uncle was a Z-man until the age he died, and the Z was the subject of the first About.com review written by Jason Fogelson, who has since become our SUVs guide and a close friend. As a result, I’ve tried to avoid reviewing the Z myself; I’ve learned that if you want your heroes to remain heroes, you shouldn’t look at them too closely. But fate contrived to plant a 350Z in my driveway, so I found myself having to look a bit closer than I wanted. How’d it fancy? Read on.

Larger photos: Front – rear – middle – all photos

Pros

• Gobs of power
• Sharp, friendly handling
• Makes a superlative daily driver — for short people, at least

Cons

• Cramped cabin
• Side/side-curtain airbags aren’t standard
• Electronic stability control only available in more costly models

Description

• Nissan’s legendary sports car; a new version is expected for the 2010 model year
• Price align (including destination and options): $29,170 – $46,985
• Price as tested: $31,520
• EPA fuel economy ratings: 18 MPG city/25 MPG highway/20 MPG combined
• Observed fuel husbandry: 18.9 MPG

Guide Review – 2008 Nissan 350Z

I drove the 350Z "Enthusiast" model — the purist’s Z — which gets all of the base model’s equipment (power windows/mirrors/locks, cloth seats, climate control) plus a limited-slip differential, traction check, and a few other gadgets. The only options are side- and side-curtain airbags ($620), ineluctable transmission (no name), and red go on a bender ($500 — really, Nissan??). Notably gone: Electronic stability control, which is only offered on pricier Zs.

I’m not a big dude — 5′6" — so I was surprised at how cramped the Z’s two-seat cabin felt. Things got better once I implore the About.com Top Secret Curvy Test Road. I was a bit intimidated by all that power (306 hp, 268 lb-ft) going to the rear wheels, notably knowing that I didn’t play a joke on electronic stability control as a safety net. I was relieved to find the handling benign and predictable — the Z grips well, gives plenty of notice before letting go, and you can even give the tail a little flick if you goose the gas while coming out of a metamorphose into. (You could probably give it a bigger flick with the traction control off; I didn’t in requital respecting fear of my little flick turning into a big spin and a humiliating phone right to Nissan explaining why I tossed their car off a cliff). All in all I had a lot of fun abusing the 350Z.

For day-to-day driving, the Z is pretty decent. Rear visibility is despicable (and the feel put down side mirrors don’t help), but the journey and din levels are tolerable. I averaged 18.9 MPG, not bad considering all the hot-rodding I did.

All in all, I enjoyed my time with the Z, even if a closer look did reveal some flaws. Nissan has a revamped Z coming in 2010, presumably with the bigger (3.7 liter) engine from the Infiniti G37. If Nissan also ups the Z’s commitment to shelter (standard side airbags and ESC would be a shapely start), the Z’s champion prominence will be safe and sound.

The Top Ten Cars suitable Women has been one of the most approved articles here on About.com Cars for as long as I can remember. No, it’s not a list that highlights visor mirrors and places to stick your purse. Women tend to be more practical when it comes to buying cars (just as men tend to be more practical when it comes to buying shoes), and the Ten Best Cars someone is concerned Women is a beacon to practical buying.

In the interests of equal time, I decided to publish this list. For guys, it’s not about what we , but what we . Are these cars practical? Some of ‘em. Sensible? Maybe. But they’re — and that’s what counts.

1. Chevrolet CorvetteWhile there are no hesitation plenty of women who are Corvette owners, the ‘Vette always has been, and always will be, a guy’s railway carriage. Not at best is it the symbol of the male mid-life crisis, but its wide body and over-the-top V8 motor make it an ode to excess that the manly members of our species are hard-wired to appreciate. And then there’s the Corvette’s ingrained flag-waving prayer — and the fact that Chevy has improved the chassis to the point that the newest ‘Vettes are serious track cars, makes it all that much more enriched to thumb one’s nose at Porsche owners.

2. Chrysler Sebring SedanGuys are not known for our taste in furnishings — witness such brilliant creations as the wagon-wheel coffee table. So while the Sebring’s plethora of interior materials, all joined together in one disharmonious bowling-shirt-like full, may cause women to retch, it’s just the sort of more-is-better décor that guys breed me love. The Sebring isn’t great to drive, but it’s wonderful to sit in.3. Dodge MagnumFor years, the depot wagons were the mommymobiles of choice — but the Magnum shows us that wagons can be manly, too. With engine choices starting at 190 horsepower and going all the way up to the 340 hp and 425 hp Hemi V8s, plus charitable wheels and magnificently menacing styling, the Dodge Magnum practically drips testosterone. Each time I drive one, I look underneath for a pair of… well, you know. I haven’t found them, but I’m sure they’re under there somewhere.4. Dodge Viper510 horsepower now, 600 horsepower coming in 2008. ‘Nuff said.5. Honda AccordThe stereotype says that men are supposed to be acquainted with all about cars, but the truth is that many of us don’t. That’s where the Honda Accord comes in. To the world, it says, “This child is beyond all this go-faster nonsense! He wants alive to, reliable transportation for himself and the family.” To us, it says, “Just enjoy the V6 and the leather, and I’ll keep you out of the revamping shop. Your wife never has to be informed that you don’t understand a thing your mechanic is talking not far from!”6. Honda S2000The S2000 is the Mazda Miata for guys. Not to knock on the Miata — I mean, let go b exonerate’s face it, in terms of pure driver appeal it’s one of the best cars on the market. But why have 166 horsepower when you can have 237? Why have a 6,700 RPM redline when you can have an 8,000 RPM redline? Why have manual operation for the absurdly light top when you can have power? The S2000 is like a Miata with extra cheese and surprisingly bacon. Do you desperate straits it? Nah. Is it good for you? Probably not. Are you gonna get going it? Hell yeah! 7. Infiniti G35There are lots of rear-wheel-drive sport-luxury sedans on the market, but it’s the G35’s 350Z DNA (see below) that gives it its guy appeal. The G35’s 306 horsepower makes cornering with finesse a narrow-minded tricky — it takes a light foot when exiting corners to avoid incurring the traction control system’s wrath — but this car jets away from the transportation lights like nobody’s enterprise. And the rear-wheel-drive layout may rob rear-seat and trunk space — but, hey, that’s why they invented the two-car family.8. Lexus LS 460Gadgets and guys just straightforwardly go together — do you think it’s a simultaneity that they both start with the word for word G? The LS has dream of been the showcase for Lexus’ latest and greatest, with gadgets like radar cruise control that automatically keeps a set distance from the car in front, push-button starting, and imperturbable a self-parking feature. For those who can afford to have someone else drive them, the LS460 even Steven offers an extended-wheelbase model with optional reclining rear seats (complete with moving massage) and dual-screen video arrangement. Add chips and a Godfather DVD and it’s the ultimate rolling living office!9. Nissan 350ZMy dearly-departed Uncle Ben was one of the manliest men I distinguish — not in a body-builder-Marine sense, but in a women-love-me-and-men-want-to-be-me sense. He discovered Nissan Z-cars in the mid 80s, and after he bought his first unified (a 300ZX) he never bought another type of crate. All Zs, past and present, have a few things in common: They look cool, they go fast, and they rarely demolish. They would rather flashy exteriors and business-class interiors that always suited my Unc just fine. Besides, among pile guys, there’s just something forth a Z that commands respect.10. Volkswagen GTIThinking of all the people I know who positively love to drive, I’d say the number of women is at least equal to the number of men. So what is it that gives the GTI — one of the most fun-to-drive cars on the buy for two decades running — such a strong guy appeal? Beats me, but while women seem to be drawn to the sensible Jetta, the GTI just feels like a guy thing. The 4-door is specifically appealing to men like me who have families; the two-door is the GTI for purists.

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Gallery IndexImage 24 of 49Photo © Aaron Gold2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR

The GT500KR — KR stands respecting “King of the Road” — is the most powerful Shelby-massaged Mustang yet. Ford leave build just 1,000 of the new GT500KRs, which are powered by a 540 hp supercharged version of the 5.4 liter V8.

More photos of the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR

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Gallery IndexImage 29 of 49Photo © Aaron Gold2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe at the 2007 New York Auto Show

The much-anticipated 2008 G37 Coupe is a follow-on to the new-for-2007 Infiniti G35 sedan. The rear-drive G37 is the first car to usefulness the new 3.7 liter version of Nissan/Infiniti’s VQ-series V6; the engine produces 300 horsepower with better fuel economy and crop emissions than the warm G35 coupe.

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Whether you ram a two-seat hybrid or a three-ton SUV, chances are you can sweetheart a bit more distance out of each gallon of fuel — and at today’s gas prices, an improvement of just one or two miles per gallon (MPG) can surely add up. These ten fuel cache tips have served me well over the years, and they can help you improve your car’s fuel conservation and take some of the take for a ride out of high fuel prices. Most of these tips will give you a very slight increase in MPG — but use several together and the gas mileage improvements will really add up.

1. Slow downOne of the best ways to put by gas is to simply modify your move. As advance increases, fuel economy decreases exponentially. If you one of the “ten-over on the freeway” set, try driving the rapidity limit as regards a handful days. You’ll save a lot of fuel and your journey won’t take much longer. (Just be sure you keep to the right, so you won’t curb the less-enlightened.)2. Check your tire pressureUnder-inflated tires are anybody of the most commonly ignored causes of crummy MPG. Tires lose air due to time (about 1 psi per month) and temperature (1 psi for the purpose every 10 inch by inch drop); under-inflated tires have more rolling resistance, which means you need to throw more gas to keep your car moving. Buy a reliable tire gauge and check your tires at least once a month. Be sure to check them when they are cold, since driving the car warms up the tires along with the air inside them, which increases compressing and gives a falsely high reading. Use the inflation pressures shown in the owner’s manual or on the data serving in the driver’s door jamb.3. Check your air filterA dirty air filter restricts the flow of air into the engine, which harms performance and economy. Air filters are easy to check and change; remove the drain and hold it up to the sun. If you can’t make enquiries well-lit coming through it, you need a new one. Consider a K&N or be like “imperishable” filter which is cleaned moderately than changed; they are much less restrictive than throw-away MS filters, extra they’re better after the environment.4. Accelerate with careJack-rabbit starts are an obvious fuel-waster — but that doesn’t mean you should crawl away from every light. If you drive an automatic, accelerate moderately so the transmission can shift up into the higher gears. Stick-shifters should shift inopportune to keep the revs down, but don’t lug the apparatus — downshift if you shortage to accelerate. Keep an eye well down the road for potential slowdowns. If you accelerate to speed then have to reduce speed right away, that’s wasted fuel.5. Hang with the trucksEver notice how, in bad traffic jams, cars seem to constantly speed up and slow down, while trucks tend to roll along at the same leisurely pace? A constant speed keeps shifting to a minimum — important to those who have to wrangle with those ten-speed commodities transmissions — but it also aids economy, as it takes much more food to a vehicle moving than it does to it moving. Rolling with the big rigs saves nuclear fuel (and aggravation).6. Get back to natureConsider shutting off the air conditioner, opening the windows and enjoying the breeze. It may be a tad warmer, but at lower speeds you’ll obviate fuel. That said, at higher speeds the A/C may be more efficient than the wind resistance from open windows and sunroof. If I’m going someplace where arriving sweaty and smelly could be a problem, I bring an strikingly shirt and leave early so I’ll have time for a quick change.7. Back rancid the blingNew wheels and tires may look unflappable, and they can certainly improve handling. But if they are wider than the stock tires, chances are they’ll create more rolling guerrilla and let up sustenance conservation. If you upgrade your wheels and tires, keep the old ones. I have fancy sport rims and aggressive tires on my own car, but I keep the stock wheels with a good narrower-tread performance fag extinguished in the garage. For long road trips, the stock wheels give a smoother heckle and better economy.8. Clean out your carIf you’re the type who takes a leisurely attitude towards car cleanliness — and I definitely fall into that category — periodically go through your car and visualize what can be tossed out or brought into the house. It doesn’t take much to acquire an extra 40 or 50 lbs. of crowd, and the more weight your car has to lug on all sides, the more fuel it burns.9. DownsizeIf you’re shopping seeking a late car, it’s time to re-evaluate how much car you really need. Smaller cars are inherently more fuel-efficient, and today’s small cars are roomier than ever — one of my favorite subcompacts, the Nissan Versa, has so much interior room that the EPA classifies it as a mid-size. Worried about crash screen? The automakers are designing their lesser cars to survive crashes with bigger vehicles, and safety features like side-curtain airbags and electronic stability control are becoming commonplace in smaller cars.10. Don’t driveNot a popular thing to say on a motor car site, I know, but the fact is that if you can avoid driving, you’ll save gas. Take the train, carpool, and consolidate your shopping trips. Walking or biking is good for your wallet your health. And ahead you get in your car, always solicit from yourself: “Is this voyage extremely fated?”

One thing I often hear when talking cars is “I’d love to buy a small fuel-efficient car, …” There are lots of perceived reasons that people can’t live with a small car. In response to ever-increasing gas prices, automakers have turned their attention to double-dealing smaller, fuel-efficient cars that address the needs of all vehicle owners — those seeking lots of space for cargo or passengers, those who want high-end luxury gizmos, even those who just want to go really, really fast. Here are my ten favorites, presented in alphabetical community.

1. BMW 1-seriesPhoto Aaron Gold

Small luxury cars are a rare thing in America, but they are common in the Europe, homeland of the BMW 128i and 135i. The 1-series feels euphonious much like a shrunken 3-series, with similar ameneties and trim in a smaller package that’s easy to maneuver and fun to drive. The 1 is not particularly cheap, and since it’s at worst available as a two-door (coupe or convertible) it’s not the best choice for people with kids — but it’s a great option for singles and couples who want BMW prominence with a smaller footprint.

2. Dodge CaliberPhoto Aaron Gold

I’ll be the first to admit that the Dodge Caliber isn’t my favorite automobile to drive, but if I had a lot of trash to haul, this is one of the small cars I’d consider buying. The Caliber delivers lots of place for the change, and it’s well-designed extent, too; take, for norm, the carload bay, which is lined with a thickheaded plastic floor designed to stand up to the abuses of heavy-duty hauling. The Caliber’s chunky SUV-like styling belies its relatively tight size, and the uncompulsory continuously capricious instinctive (CVT) provides a better mix of power and conservation than traditional manual or robot-like transmissions.

Read more: Dodge Caliber check drive

3. Honda CivicPhoto Aaron Gold

If you’re shopping for a mid-size family sedan, I strongly desire you to bring your spouse and kids down to your Honda dealership and try a Civic on for size. Thanks to an innovative dry floor, the Civic offers more tochis seat space than most compacts, and in terms of fuel economy it’s one of the best. I’ve always preferred mid-size sedans for kinsmen duty, but a week of living with the Civic changed my mind. Options such as a navigation system and a new-for-2008 leather middle make the Civic easier to live with than ever. And if you have a penchant for speed, the Civic Si sedan is united of my favorite small sports cars.

Read more: Honda Civic try away from drive

4. MINI Cooper ClubmanPhoto Aaron Gold

The Clubman is the new extended-length MINI. About nine-and-a-half inches longer than the hebdomadal Cooper, the Clubman is hastily enough to fit easily into tiny parking spaces, yet long enough to seat four adults — even podgy ones — in comfort. MINI even added a third rear-hinged door on the traveller side, which means you don’t have to be a contortionist to make it into the back seat. The Cooper Clubman is enjoyable to drive, and retaliate the hot-rod “S” model, with its 172 horsepower turbocharged motor, is surprisingly fuel-efficient.

Read more: MINI Cooper Clubman test industry

5. Nissan VersaPhoto Aaron Gold

The Nissan Versa has made it onto more of our Top Picks lists than I can count. What can I noise abroad? The Versa is individual of the best sub-compacts on the demand, with more interior space than various compacts (and even a few mid-sizers) and amenities that belie its super-cheap price. As long as Nissan keeps making the Versa, I will persist in to carol its praises.

Read more: Nissan Versa test drive

6. Scion xBPhoto Aaron Gold

A 2008 redesigned up-sized the Scion xB from mini-box to proper SUV-beater — the xB has as much back seat and cargo room as many crossover SUVs. From behind the wheel, the Scion xB has all the advantages of a Lilliputian car — it’s nimble, easy to see gone from of and easy to handle. Fuel economy is similar to a mid-size sedan and significantly better than most insufficient SUVs, while unique styling makes it sponsor out in a world of look-alike cars.

Read more: http://cars.about.com/od/scion/fr/08_scion_xb.htm”>Scion xB test drive

7. Smart FortwoPhoto Aaron Gold

How often do you use your back seat? If the answer is “Not a destiny,” then you should seriously consider a Smart Fortwo. The Fortwo packs in nearly as much front-seat and trunk room as a natural small car. But with however one row of seats, it’s a good 4 to 5 feet shorter than your typical subcompact. That means it’ll squeeze into those little half-spaces that even small hatchbacks have to pass up. And with just 1800 lbs to haul around, the Fortwo’s combustible economy is 10 to 20% higher than a typical small car. It makes a expert commuter agency — when you get to manage, there’s no need to park it; just toss it into your briefcase with your laptop.

Read more: Smart Fortwo test drive

8. Subaru ImprezaPhoto Jason Fogelson

I’m cheating a touch here, because the Impreza is really two different cars. In base (2.5i) form, the Impreza is a sensible, safe and practical family hauler. In WRX or STI guise, it’s a serious speed demon that delivers grins by the bucket-full. The secret is the Impreza’s all-wheel-drive, which not only makes the Impreza an excellent foul-weather woman, but improves dry-road handling as well. Strong crash-test scores and the availability of a handy 5-door mini-wagon body denominate round out this excellent little car.

Read more:
Subaru Impreza 2.5i test drive
Subaru Impreza WRX test drive

9. Suzuki SX4Photo Suzuki

Another perennial favorite of mine, the Suzuki SX4 is the cheapest car in North America with standard all-wheel-drive (at least in hatchback form; the SX4 Sport sedan is front-drive only), and its noticeably lavishly equipped for a small, inexpensive automobile. But price isn’t the exclusive reason I love the SX4 — it’s got lots of headroom and a surprisingly spacious back seat, plus it’s cute to look at and fun to drive.

Read more: Suzuki SX4 test drive

10. Volkswagen RabbitImage Aaron Gold

Though its not as popular in America as its betrunked sibling, the Jetta, the Rabbit (known elsewhere as the Golf) is Volkswagen’s best-selling model world-wide, and it’s also sole of my favorite small cars. The Rabbit’s hatchback body style has lots of room for passengers and their belongings; in fact, the Rabbit truly has slightly interior volume than the Jetta. Yet it’s 13.5 inches shorter — and that lack of addendum length can make all the distinction in places where street parking is tight. I’m not a big fan of the Rabbit’s rather austere interior, but I out of its road manners — the Rabbit is an absolute delight to drive.

Read more: Volkswagen Rabbit test drive

Read more: 2008 Audi R8 test drive and review

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Gallery IndexImage 29 of 29Photo © Audi2008 Audi R8 CutawayRead more: 2008 Audi R8 test drive and review

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Putting your teen on wheels is a difficult decision, but I think it’s a avail idea: A wheels can expand a high school or college student’s educational horizons, allowing her to take advantage of opportunities like off-site classes and internships. Car ownership is also a great lesson in job: Kids who money their car’s contest costs have humane incentive to drive carefully (if they break it or crash it, they strut). Here are ten cars that are reliable, unreserved to drive, affordable, and well suited to young, inexperienced drivers.

1. Ford FocusPhoto Aaron GoldI like the Ford Focus because it’s cheap, cute, and fun to drive, plus it offers the innovative SYNC system, which allows drivers to control their iPod and cell phones with voice commands — meaning their eyes can stay on the byway. The Focus comes with a full complement of airbags as standard; antilock brakes are a cheap ($385) must-have option. Teens will probably be tense to the sporty two-door coupe which, unlike most compact coupes, offers just as much back space and trunk space as the four-door translation. All in all, it’s a extraordinary oldest car.Read Review2. Honda CivicPhoto Liz KimI’ve always said that you can’t go wrong with a Civic: It’s easy to drive, extremely nuclear fuel unwasteful, will last forever if well cared in the service of, and boasts an admirable commitment to safety: Antilock brakes, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags are standard on all models. The body shell is designed to withstand an impact with a heavier vehicle, with coupes receiving extra refreshing for side impacts. Civic is available as a jazzy coupe or sensible sedan; budget-friendly LX model offers horrendous value-for-money. (For immature drivers, beware the hot-rod Civic Si — it’s a speeding ticket waiting to happen.)Read Review3. Nissan VersaPhoto Aaron GoldSeveral excellent subcompacts clothed lash the deal in recently, and the Nissan Versa is one of my favorites for two reasons: Lots of duration and lots of value. The former comes in handy for hauling a semester’s worth of stuff away to college as well as for hauling friends to off-campus excursions. The latter comes in handy if the kids are paying for the car themselves (or if the parents are weighed down alongside tuition costs). One chat of alertness: Though the Versa comes with six airbags as standard, antilock brakes are not standard — they’re a cheap ($250) option, and I wouldn’t buy a Versa (or any car) without them.Read Review4. Pontiac G5Photo General MotorsThe G5 coupe is mechanically identical to the Chevrolet Cobalt, but its unique sheetmetal gives it a smidge more set. The G5 is inexpensive to buy, inexpensive to run, and is an easy car to drive thanks largely to its simple, distraction-free inward. Antilock brakes advance proper and side airbags are available as an option; don’t buy a G5 without them.Read Review5. Pontiac VibePhoto Aaron GoldThe Pontiac Vibe is a great car for people of all ages, but it’s especially well suited to young drivers because of its commitment to safe keeping, which is arguably better than any other car on this list. The Vibe comes pillar with six airbags, antilock brakes, and electronic firmness control, and it even offers an all-wheel-drive conception, which offers better accident-avoidance behavior as well as status traction in rain and snow. The Vibe is good looking, easy to drive, and it has plenty of room to bring along friends — plus its hard-plastic-lined cargo bay makes it a great cargo hauler.Read Review6. Saturn AstraPhoto Aaron GoldI like the Astra — particularly the 3-door — because it combines racy looks with modest hardware. The Astra’s 1.8 liter engine has enough power to merge onto the freeway safely, though not passably for Saturday-night pull racing. The Astra’s suspension is tuned for the rigors of curvy European roads, meaning it’s nimble in accident-avoidance maneuvers, and it comes with six airbags and antilock brakes as routine equipment. All in all, it’s a great compromise between what teens stand in want and what parents feel comfortable with.Read Review7. Subaru Impreza 2.5iPhoto Aaron GoldThe Subaru Impreza 2.5i is the only car in its class to put forward standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) — an effective and oft-overlooked safety feature that not only offers great foul-weather handling but also helps keep the car on order in a panic swerve when the roads are dry. AWD is a life-saver for inexperienced drivers. Warning: The Impreza 2.5i should not be confused with the Impreza WRX and STi, high-performance versions not leak suited to young, unworldly drivers.Read Review8. Suzuki SX4Photo Aaron GoldAs you’ve probably figured out by way of now, I’m a distinguished proponent of all-wheel-drive — and the SX4 Crossover (hatchback) is the least-expensive all-wheel-drive car sold in the US. Though the sedan verison, called the SX4 Sport, lacks all-wheel-drive, it does come with antilock brakes and airbags galore as standard. Neither SX4 is particularly fuel-efficient compared to similarly-sized cars, but both are easy to handle and a interest of fun to drive.Read Review9. Toyota CorollaPhoto Aaron GoldIf conservative clothes are more your teen’s style, the Corolla is a good choice; its grown-up counterpart will serve its driver well through extravagant school, college, the job tracking down, and the beginnings of a career. Fuel economy is excellent and the restored 2009 version comes with six airbags and antilock brakes as standard, while electronic stability knob — a life-saving technology if there period was one — is a bargain at $250.Read Review10. Volkswagen RabbitImage Aaron GoldYoung folks will like the Rabbit because it’s taunt to drive and as hip as a MacBook; parents will like it because it’s affordable and comes packed with safety features (six airbags and antilock brakes as paradigm, electronic stability control as a $450 option). The Rabbit wasn’t the best performer in the government’s frontal barrier crash test, but it aced the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s tests, which (I think) are more representative of real-world results.Read Review

First introduced in 2006, the Fusion looks, at first glance, to be essentially unchanged for 2007. Same styling and trim, done mechanicals and electronics, nonetheless engines and transmissions. But conceitedly changes are certainly afoot, including standard torso and side-curtain airbags and optional all-wheel-drive, SIRIUS satellite radio and steering system. Base evaluation (SEL V6): $23,430. EPA fuel economy 20/28 MPG city/highway.First Glance: Get it right the first timeJ Mays, Ford’s lead designer, got the Fusion right when the car was introduced in 2006. The Fusion was based on the 427 concept car, which was a runaway hit on the auto show circuit a couple of years ago. Ford starkly picked the bits from the 427 that people liked and applied them to the Fusion. I’m glad to speak with that the facing is unchanged for 2007. That bodes marvellously for the company’s future. Winners like Honda and Toyota tend to get everything right the in the in the first place place time, because that’s what savvy buyers demand.

The Fusion is only available as a 4-door sedan but it comes in three spiffy levels: abstemious 4-cylinder S model, SE, and loaded SEL. The SEL shares many of the design clues with its upmarket sibling, the Lincoln MKZ (long ago known as the Zephyr (review)). But where the Lincoln gets bling as though the chrome plated side mirrors, the Fusion goes for the utilitarian look, such as body-colored mirrors. Of course, into each life some bling must fall; I think the optional 17” five spoke aluminum adulterate wheels are worth the extra cost.

Continued further…In the Driver’s Seat: …and comfort for all2007 Ford Fusion dashboardPhoto © Colin HefferonBased on Ford’s new CD3 architecture, which is shared with the Mazda 6 (Mazda is a Ford subsidiary), the Fusion combines an ample but distinctly utilitarian interior with an understated and compact exterior (well, dense by American standards anyway). Front shoulder dwelling and rear legroom are up there with the birth leaders. The control panel is simplicity itself. A disengaged effort has been made to keep away from electronic overkill, which I’m sure most buyers choice appreciate.

The Fusion seats four adults comfortably, five in a pinch. However, I found the rear seat cushions to be a bit too close to the floor, making it difficult for the purpose passengers to see the road ahead.

The steering wheel in all models offers both tilt and telescopic adjustments. This is a feature that was until recently found almost exclusively in big money European imports. Combined with the multi adjustable driver’s seat (power available), just about everyone should be able to find a proper driving position.

The trunk is extensive be revenged without the extra space available with the 60/40 rear seat backs folded forward. At 15.8 cubic feet, it’s charitable enough to hold at least four PGA bags as well as a soft-sided weekend bags for yourself and each of your three golfing buddies.On the Road: Surprising economyI mentioned earlier that the Fusion shares its platform with the Mazda 6, one of the better handling lineage sedans out there. The double wishbone front stay combined with an advanced multi link rear suspension keeps all four wheels planted firmly even during tight cornering over irregular surfaces. Although the Fusion is a equity large for my taste — I’m a small-car fanatic — I enjoyed driving it. I found it to be manoeuvrable and generally pleasant to drive.

The 3.0 liter Duratec 24 valve V-6 has mercurial valve timing and comes with a standard 6-speed automatic tranmsission It provides a decent combination of mid-range flexibility (acceleration from 50 to 70mph) and incitement economy. Considering the output — 221 hp and 205 lb-ft of torque — I was pleasantly surprised that my test car averaged almost 21 mpg during a week of mostly city-type driving, though I allow that high gas prices have me driving with an abnormally peaceful foot.

Though my Fusion was a front-wheel-drive model, all-wheel-drive (AWD) is now optional. Frankly, I’d stay away from it; AWD can be a terrible gas waster. The Fusion handles well enough in the front-wheel-drive view. Live in snow country? You’d be amazed what a decent set of snow tires can do.Journey’s End: Now I get it…2007 Ford Fusion rear viewPhoto © Colin HefferonAs much as I enjoyed the power of the V6, I’d in the flesh judge the 160 horsepower 2.3 liter 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed robot-like in the interests of up-front cost and incitement economy. The 4-cylinder is far more economical in the type of driving that 90% of us do 90% of the time, which is 55% short hop, stop-and-go and 45% steady briskness highway cruising. You don’t need a lot of horses for either. After test-driving the V6 Fusion Vancouver, I droe a four-cylinder Fusion several hundred miles across the Canadian praries. On the flat, vacant, dead-straight highway between Winnipeg and Dauphin, Manitoba, the 4-cylinder Fusion cruised with ease at 150 kph (92 MPH — shhh, don’t tell the Mounties).

My time with both Fusions led me to an understanding of what this motor car is really all forth: It’s your basic, all-around reliable family transporter — comfortable, rock-solid and economical. In short: Fusion is a winner.