Car and Driver - Hybrid Comparo (1.Fusion, 2. Camry, 3. Altima, 4. Malibu)
01-06-09 | 04:01 PM
#16
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 91,715
Likes: 89
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
I agree with several of the test's conclusions, but C&D (which is untypical of them) seems to have overlooked two points here. First, the Fusion's hybrid system is mostly Toyota-developed (indeed, Ford used it in the Escape/Mariner for several years under license), and, Second, I agree that the Camry drives seamlessly, but its interior materials, especially on the dash, are a joke.
The Malibu may have a hybrid system that is not quite state-of-the-art, but if I had to live with any of these four cars on a daily basis for a couple of years, it would probably be the one I picked...or its similiar Saturn Aura cousin. I find its interior (where you spend most of the time in a car) clearly the best of the four, and its overall build quality generally good.
The Fusion is actually a good car mechanically (it has consistantly had better-then-average reliability ratings) but its interior materials are little better than the Camry's. But, if you are willing to forgo the hybrid drivetrain, it is the only one of the four to offer AWD.
The Malibu may have a hybrid system that is not quite state-of-the-art, but if I had to live with any of these four cars on a daily basis for a couple of years, it would probably be the one I picked...or its similiar Saturn Aura cousin. I find its interior (where you spend most of the time in a car) clearly the best of the four, and its overall build quality generally good.
The Fusion is actually a good car mechanically (it has consistantly had better-then-average reliability ratings) but its interior materials are little better than the Camry's. But, if you are willing to forgo the hybrid drivetrain, it is the only one of the four to offer AWD.
Last edited by mmarshall; 01-06-09 at 04:07 PM.
01-06-09 | 04:17 PM
#17
The Fusion might have more soft materials but Camry's interior is better put together in my opinion. I am speaking from my personal experience with extensive seat time on both cars as rentals (Fusion for 10 days when my car was in the body shop and Camry for a weekend in Vegas).
01-06-09 | 04:25 PM
#18
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,518
Likes: 0
From: MD
I am eager to see the interior of the refreshed Fusion. I saw the Malibu today, it is quite an improvement, especially over the Impala that was also in the showroom. What a joke.
I also would like to see how the Escape will benefit from Ford's advances in hybrid technology.
Toyota needs their 2.5L in the Camry. I hope that they don't delay too long.
I also would like to see how the Escape will benefit from Ford's advances in hybrid technology.
Toyota needs their 2.5L in the Camry. I hope that they don't delay too long.
01-06-09 | 04:36 PM
#19
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 91,715
Likes: 89
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
The Fusion might have more soft materials but Camry's interior is better put together in my opinion. I am speaking from my personal experience with extensive seat time on both cars as rentals (Fusion for 10 days when my car was in the body shop and Camry for a weekend in Vegas).
The Fusion's interior is generally well-assembled but looks too dull.....Ford needs to spruce it up with more wood paneling, carbon-fiber trim, etc.....
01-06-09 | 05:16 PM
#20
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,279
Likes: 0
From: CA
The Fusion might have more soft materials but Camry's interior is better put together in my opinion. I am speaking from my personal experience with extensive seat time on both cars as rentals (Fusion for 10 days when my car was in the body shop and Camry for a weekend in Vegas).
The Camry's interior is just sad, a gradual downgrade since the 1997 model. Leather quality is still excellent, the rest of the interior is a cheap mess. To be fair, it's not like the Honda Accord is any better.
01-06-09 | 07:46 PM
#21
Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
From: California
I haven't been in a current-generation Camry, but for interior quality look no further than the Camry-based Lexus ES...that's what I did.
I'm not too sure about the Fusion's exterior and interior styling. Malibu is the looker in this comparo.
I'm not too sure about the Fusion's exterior and interior styling. Malibu is the looker in this comparo.
01-06-09 | 11:20 PM
#22
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,192
Likes: 3
From: none
[QUOTE=nthach;4137724]The Ford hybrid system is Toyota's system, but with a Sanyo battery instead of Panasonic one and a few other tweaks./QUOTE]
Nope. Ford developed its own system. Ford paid a bounty (unknown sum) to Toyota so that Toyota wouldn't sue for some overlap between their hybrid systems.
You're thinking Nissan which did lease the hybrid system from Toyota.
I do recall an 07 Camry SE being sent to one of these magazines. I believe they said the opposite (in other words, it's obvious they don't want the Camry to win. If it's an LE/XLE, it's too soft, if it's an SE, it's too firm).
Nope. Ford developed its own system. Ford paid a bounty (unknown sum) to Toyota so that Toyota wouldn't sue for some overlap between their hybrid systems.
You're thinking Nissan which did lease the hybrid system from Toyota.
Hopefully this is a wake up call to some product planners at Toyota who have focused on cushy rides soley.
The Camry has never really been liked by these car magazines, however. There is an old Road and Track from 2001 that I still have in which the $31,000 "Camry" XLE V6 came in sixth place, out of seven cars. Number one reason? They mentioned it felt and drove like an appliance - an expensive one at that. Something's never seem to change. The Fusion, upon it's introduction, offered something the Taurus could never offer - an enjoyable driving experience (it shares it's platform with the Mazda 6, if you remember). The writing's all over the wall for the next Camry to offer something outside of smoothness. Sportiness and driving satisfaction were never traits of it's immediate competitors all had, but look at the niche the Altima exploited upon it's 2002 debut. To constantly undermine and arrogantly snub off the competition's growing edge in the steering/handling/road feel is blind at best, stupid at worst. It may have worked when only a handful of manufactures were exploiting it, but when nearly all are offering something outside of yacht driving limits, it's time for a change out of the Camry, on all trim levels.
The Camry has never really been liked by these car magazines, however. There is an old Road and Track from 2001 that I still have in which the $31,000 "Camry" XLE V6 came in sixth place, out of seven cars. Number one reason? They mentioned it felt and drove like an appliance - an expensive one at that. Something's never seem to change. The Fusion, upon it's introduction, offered something the Taurus could never offer - an enjoyable driving experience (it shares it's platform with the Mazda 6, if you remember). The writing's all over the wall for the next Camry to offer something outside of smoothness. Sportiness and driving satisfaction were never traits of it's immediate competitors all had, but look at the niche the Altima exploited upon it's 2002 debut. To constantly undermine and arrogantly snub off the competition's growing edge in the steering/handling/road feel is blind at best, stupid at worst. It may have worked when only a handful of manufactures were exploiting it, but when nearly all are offering something outside of yacht driving limits, it's time for a change out of the Camry, on all trim levels.
01-07-09 | 10:42 AM
#23
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 91,715
Likes: 89
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Originally Posted by Nextourer
Nope. Ford developed its own system. Ford paid a bounty (unknown sum) to Toyota so that Toyota wouldn't sue for some overlap between their hybrid systems.
You're thinking Nissan which did lease the hybrid system from Toyota.
You're thinking Nissan which did lease the hybrid system from Toyota.
01-07-09 | 10:56 AM
#24
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,518
Likes: 0
From: MD
I dunno fellas, I've heard both that Ford was using Toyotas and the Ford had their own. Whatever the case, Ford has done quite a bit of legwork to produce a great system for the Fusion. Hopefully, the new Prius will be just as astounding.
01-07-09 | 11:20 AM
#25
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 91,715
Likes: 89
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
The latest Ford Hybrid systems have advanced beyond that of the original Escape/Mariner ones. But the point still remains that the Ford systems would not be where they are today unless Toyota had given them a boost (pun intended
)
01-07-09 | 07:26 PM
#26
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,192
Likes: 3
From: none
<shrug>. I got mine from a release way back in 2005. I'll remember to save stuff in the future for reference.
Anyway, the new Fusion's hybrid system seems fantastic and the reviews are positive. That's a good sign.
Anyway, the new Fusion's hybrid system seems fantastic and the reviews are positive. That's a good sign.
01-08-09 | 11:23 AM
#27
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: MA
The review was fair and balanced. Clearly the Ford won and the Camry is left catching up. The Malibu placing in 4th is laughable, especilly since the Altima doesn't even have an independent system (borrowed from Toyota) The media will just give the Altima the place higher than the Malibu because they will do anything to knock down GM. Go figure
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
JDR76
Car Chat
16
06-11-19 02:36 PM
Hoovey689
Car Chat
4
03-09-14 11:30 AM