There's something to be said for the current status of Ford when the brand occupies half of this tournament with a variety of different types of cars. It could've easily been five had the Fiesta been on sale.
This final battle in Round 1 of the All-American Face-Off pits arguably the most hallowed nameplate in Ford history against a model that is poised to take off after a major overhaul for 2010. In the pony car corner stands Automotive Editor John DiPietro for the Ford Mustang. In the other, Automotive Content Editor Warren Clarke will have his work cut out for him with the Ford Fusion, but as the Flex showed, sometimes a well-rounded practical car can trump retro-designed, high-horsepower fun.
Make sure to get your votes in by Friday at 2 p.m. when voting closes. Round 2 begins Monday.
Opening Statements:
John DiPietro for the Mustang
It's hard -- or should I say nearly impossible -- to bash the Fusion. That's one of the best cars in the midsize family sedan segment, especially in Sport trim with the bigger V6. But if I'm going to drop 25- to 30 grand at my local Ford dealer I'll take a Mustang GT, back seat room be damned. Besides, it's not that impractical - you can put kids or small adults in back and the 315-hp V8 not only thrills with its giddy-up (0-to-60 in 5.2 seconds), but also manages respectable fuel economy. No, I'm not kidding -- at 19 mpg combined it rates only 2 mpg less than your V6 Fusion. Even the trunk capacity isn't bad -- at over 13 cubic feet it's not much less than many midsize sedans'.
Next year, this pony and my argument both get even stronger. Imagine the entry-level Mustang V6 giving you more than 300 hp while getting close to 30 mpg on the highway. Come 2011, the cruel jokes about the V6 'stang and sorority sisters will be rendered obsolete. Well, the jokes that involve the V6 Mustang will be, anyway. And should anyone somehow find the current GT too tame, know that the 2011 version is going to have 412 hp!
But enough silly rationalization, I'll save that for when (if?!) I'm married and have to convince my wife that a speedy sport coupe is a fine alternative to a sedan or crossover SUV. Apart from its gratifying styling and performance, one of the best reasons to pick a Mustang GT over the Fusion can be heard in a 20 second audio clip of its sweet-sounding V8. If that rumbling soundtrack doesn't hook you on this horse, then nothing will.
Warren Clarke for the Ford Fusion
I'll admit, the Mustang GT looks great and sounds even better. It's a superb pick for those seeking a playmate for a hot weekend fling, especially if that weekend involves copious amounts of thrashed rubber. But weekends don't last forever. If I'm dropping 25 to 30 grand, I need a car that feels right not just on Sunday, but on Monday morning. That's why my money's on the Ford Fusion and specifically the Sport model.
The Fusion has more balls in the air than Petey the Clown. It offers downright sexy handling, but never sacrifices ride comfort. Its V6 spits out an energetic 263 horsepower, but still manages to pull off respectable mileage of 21 mpg combined. It does all this while offering almost 8 more inches of rear legroom than the Mustang - granted, I won't always need them, but it's nice to know they're there for those moments when I do. The Fusion's generous 16.5-cubic-foot trunk - that's 3 cubes more than the Mustang's, in case you're keeping track -- ensures that I can go hog-wild at Best Buy with impunity. And the Fusion eclipses the Mustang when it comes to cockpit comfort, with more agreeable seats and a more favorable seating position.
Somehow, this Ford manages to do it all -- plus should the Sport not be your flavor, there's a fuel-sipping four-cylinder version and a Hybrid. I'd gladly hook up with the Mustang GT every now and then, but the Fusion Sport's the car I'd want to live with.
Rebuttals
DiPietro:
There's no denying that the Fusion trumps the Mustang GT in practicality and that among family sedans, it's one of the more entertaining picks. My point is what my Mustang GT gives up in practicality it more than makes up for in the fun factor. Being someone accused of having Peter Pan syndrome, that works for me. Yes, my longer-limbed friends and relatives may not be too happy if they have to sit in back, but that's the price they'll have to pay to ride in such a cool car. Besides, there's always the option of taking someone else's car. Ninety percent of the time, it's just either me or me and my girlfriend or a buddy in the car, so why would I base my purchase decision on a 10 percent scenario?
Clarke:
This country was built on vision and a sense of possibility - heck, this is the land that gave us the Internet, TiVo and toilet paper sold in packs of 24 rolls. We dream of having it all, and as such, the best American car should give people most of what they want with as few compromises as possible. I'm talkin' fun and function, blended to creamy perfection. For my money, the Fusion is the car that best delivers on this red, white and blue promise.
So which is the better American car?
NOTE: Voting ends at 2 p.m. PST Friday, January 15
By 7driver
on January 14, 2010
04:20 AM
If this were next year, I might vote differently because of the engine changes coming down the line. But for 2010, the base V6 in the 'stang kills the deal. The Fusion, on the other hand, is at the top of its game. Therefore, I vote Fusion.
By ahightower
on January 14, 2010
06:05 AM
I don't find 21 mpg impressive. I'll vote for the Mustang based on the promises of the 3.7 and 5.0.
By heffling
on January 14, 2010
06:38 AM
The Fusion may be exciting now, but the Mustang has been exciting for over 40 years.
As a Mustang owner, I can say that for most daily uses my Saleen does just as well as the Fusion, while being more fun to drive and looking a heck of a lot better.
For those situations that the Mustang isn't up to snuff, such as transportation of several adults on long trips, I'd rather rent a more suitable vehicle for the weekend. As this only happens a couple of times a year for me, it works out well for me.
By brn
on January 14, 2010
07:08 AM
Not fair! These should be the two finalists.
I'm going to stick with my practicality trend and say the Ford Fusion.
By dougtheeng
on January 14, 2010
07:17 AM
The history of the Mustang should be enough to bring it to the final against the Corvette.
Mustang all the way. Its as redneck as can be, and thats alright with me.
By vvk
on January 14, 2010
08:06 AM
Fusion is not an American car. As if...
(Hint: it is a mildly facelifted Mazda)
Mustang rules! Two new engines make it absolutely world class! Unsurpassed among rear wheel drive practical cars for sale in North American market. And not just "for the money".
By bodyblue
on January 14, 2010
08:07 AM
As a Mustang (family and me have owned 8 in the last 40 years) owner I cannot be disloyal......MUSTANG!!!
By iskch
on January 14, 2010
08:38 AM
Fusion.
By greenpony
on January 14, 2010
09:01 AM
Gosh dang it. This shouldn't be a hard choice. Can a four-door fwd family car ever compete with the car that gave "pony cars" their name? Seemingly, yes. The Fusion is an excellent vehicle. Is it good enough to deserve my vote in this faceoff? No.
My vote's for Mustang.
By estreka
on January 14, 2010
09:17 AM
Mustang, no doubt. Heritage be damned, this is a great car.
By subytrojan
on January 14, 2010
12:28 PM
Tahoe!!!!!!!!!!!
By lvranger
on January 14, 2010
01:26 PM
Mustang
By jriz
on January 14, 2010
01:38 PM
As good as the Fusion is, I actually think that Ford can do even better given the Fiesta, new Focus (it looked fantastic at Detroit) and the Mondeo.
The Mustang is completely irrelevant in other markets, but it's also an icon that unlike past Mustangs doesn't totally suck and betray its iconic name. Plus, the 2011 engines beat everything.
+ Mustang
By chicagotex
on January 14, 2010
01:41 PM
Hmm, the practical sedan with a sophisticated suspension and an engine actually designed this decade...
Or the triumph of 80's engineering live-axle rear suspension coupled with a 4.6l SOHC 24V that wasn't really a performance engine when it was new in the mid '90s...
Yes, the Fusion is a Mazda underneath - so it's no coincidence it's the best they have to offer.
I vote Fusion. Leave the Mustang to the Keystone Light and 9000 Watt subs in the trunk crowd.
By old_volvo
on January 14, 2010
01:42 PM
Mustang, The fusion just isnt that good. Now if this had been a fusion hybrid, that is a revolutionary car.
By debo1091
on January 14, 2010
01:55 PM
Mustang.
By adavis2493
on January 14, 2010
02:07 PM
Quite honestly, my heart would want to go with the Mustang, but my wallet would want to go with the Fusion.
GT or not, every time I see a Mustang, all I can think is "retired Hertz Rental Car".
I feel like the Fusion is similar to the Jetta in the fact that it has a really good presence. Though the Jetta's styling is kind of "anonymous", as a young person pulling up to an interview with one sends off really good vibes.
Both the Jetta and the Fusion are sophisticated, professional, and practical.
Plus, looking at the trends of previous Mustangs, in 10 Years, it will look like a white-trash trailer-park car (no offense to prev. gen. owners)
Bottom Line:
Though I'm not amazed, actually somewhat disappointed in the 21mpg, I would take a Fusion over the Mustang any day because it's more practical, sends off better vibes, and doesn't cost a ton to insure.
By operators
on January 14, 2010
02:14 PM
Fusion better overall.
By abyss
on January 14, 2010
03:19 PM
Roll up in the Fusion, it says you're smart and sensible. Roll up in a 'Stang, it shows you're cool.
My vote is for the 'Stang, it was meant to be driven off into the American sunset
By mikedrud
on January 14, 2010
03:32 PM
The Mustang is pure muscle, but I think with gas prices being what they are and a concern for emissions, I'd go with the Fusion hybrid.
It's good to see Ford making inroads into the hybrid market more substantially than in the past.
By bromans
on January 14, 2010
04:03 PM
If this was conducted next year, the Mustang might take it. But the V6 model is an albatross.
+Fusion
By hybris
on January 14, 2010
04:20 PM
The Mustang is King.
The Fusion is IMHO one of the best looking Hybrids though.
By mtakahashi
on January 14, 2010
04:25 PM
Mustang
By 3ricchu
on January 14, 2010
04:35 PM
Really?
Mustang.
By stephen987
on January 14, 2010
04:38 PM
Fusion.
By carguy622
on January 14, 2010
06:22 PM
Mustang, nuff' said.
By auto4fun
on January 14, 2010
07:18 PM
Mustang.
By siarizona
on January 14, 2010
07:50 PM
This contest is to determine the best all-American car...
Mustang
By stevej2001
on January 14, 2010
09:29 PM
Fusion
I've been in both. The mustang looks better but isn't as comfortable for the driver let alone the back seat.
By uncanny_man
on January 15, 2010
03:43 AM
I'll vote for the only musclecar still made in america: Mustang.
By cromagnum_man
on January 15, 2010
06:45 AM
Mustang!
By sabastian
on January 15, 2010
08:37 AM
Mustang. Forty years on, and this version is the best of the breed.
By crowb
on January 15, 2010
10:24 AM
Mustang for me, please.
By leahd1
on December 17, 2011
04:03 PM
I have a Ford Fusion 2010 SEL V6. It gets 31 MPG. I love that it has lots of room, since I have 2 kids, and is also very sporty, which makes me not feel like a mom all the time. I like the Mustang, but the Fusion is the car for me! (: