[Frost__2001]

Full story here: Consumers Affairs Report / Article

and pics here: IIHS Safety Ratings front & side

[OAC_Sparky]

While the rating is not good news -- keep it in perspective that the IIHS tests are performed on cars with STANDARD equipment. On the Fusion, side airbags are OPTIONAL; with them the Fusion does just as well. So it's kind of a skewed comparison -- when a car that costs $5G more (in the same class) has airbags standard, the Fusion does not, of course the Fusion will not do as well.

The IIHS will retest a Fusion with the side airbags -- and charge Ford for the test. The Focus is the same -- how many of you (2005+) have side airbags?

Personally, I think that all cars should come standard with them now -- but I can afford the premium but not everyone can. The only reason I didn't get them is because my ST was a dealer-ordered car (I bought it in transit) -- had I actually ordered it would have had them. A $500 option.

[ZTWsquared]

OAC_Sparky,Mar 7 2006, 07:30 AM Wrote:keep it in perspective [right][snapback]173673[/snapback][/right]

In terms of overall safety, here's the perspective that I think should be considered by anyone thinking of buying a Fusion - quote from the IIHS.

IIHS Wrote:"Nearly every car now earns good ratings in our frontal test," said Institute president Adrian Lund. "The Fusion is acceptable, which isn't a bad result, but it's not competitive with other cars in its class. Based on this car's side and rear evaluations along with its acceptable frontal rating, the Fusion is the lowest rated moderately priced midsize car we've evaluated."

You're right that Ford should make side air bags standard - but even that wouldn't change the overall poor performance vs. other cars in its class.

[meford4u]

check out gmc

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/head_restrai...d_gmc.html

hyundai

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/head_restraint...ad_hyundai.html

shocking nissan

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/head_restrai...issan.html

even toyota sucked

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/head_restrai...issan.html

my point. Volvo, as we all know got good marks across the board. And I hate to admit it but Subaru also did very well. I guess there is a positive note for boxes on wheels. :lol:

[euro_zx5]

Well... i'm still shocked they compared the Fusion to such "competitors". I didn't realize that the Fusion was a luxury car... why are comparisons such unfair ones? Then they blow them up and well... make corporations look worse than they are.

[K_OS]

meford4u,Mar 7 2006, 09:09 AM Wrote:hyundai

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/head_restraint...ad_hyundai.html

notice that the only Hyundai that got good marks across the board was the Sonata a direct competitor to the Ford Fusion.

Laterz :)

[Drivesthebeast]

Let's all just be rid of NA cars once and for all, and ALL drive asian cars...and lets not forget to "baaa-aahhh......baaa-ahhhh" as we drive...

The End...

[ZTWsquared]

Drivesthebeast,Mar 8 2006, 08:52 PM Wrote:Let's all just be rid of NA cars once and for all,  and ALL drive asian cars...and lets not forget to "baaa-aahhh......baaa-ahhhh" as we drive...
[right][snapback]173984[/snapback][/right]

How are you defining "Asian?" The Civic made in Allison or the Corolla made in Woodstock are both more Canadian than your ZX3 made in Mexico.

[K_OS]

ZTWsquared,Mar 8 2006, 08:21 PM Wrote:

Drivesthebeast,Mar 8 2006, 08:52 PM Wrote:Let's all just be rid of NA cars once and for all,  and ALL drive asian cars...and lets not forget to "baaa-aahhh......baaa-ahhhh" as we drive...
[right][snapback]173984[/snapback][/right]

How are you defining "Asian?" The Civic made in Allison or the Corolla made in Woodstock are both more Canadian than your ZX3 made in Mexico.
[right][snapback]173992[/snapback][/right]

That's the thing the lines are being blurred everyday as to what is a NA car and what isn't, Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai, Honda, all have plants in NA so what would that make them? they pay NA employees and the local governments give these companies tonnes of money to make sure they stay a long time and become an integral part of the economy.

Laterz :)

[Drivesthebeast]

I wasn't sweating any details there gents, just saying lets just all sell out and buy cars NOT made by the big 3....then we'll all be sheep together...