[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.