Ford Fusion earns marks

Brian Early

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

BEST: 2010 FORD FUSION HYBRID

It's a sign of the times that this year I've driven no less than four hybrid vehicles, ranging from the immensely capable – but immensely priced – BMW 750Li-based ActiveHybrid 7 to the equally impressive-in-its-own-way GMC Sierra Hybrid pickup.

Still, I'd have to name the Ford Fusion Hybrid as my "Best" vehicle for 2009. Not only does it dramatically better the non-hybrid Fusion's fuel consumption ratings, it does so without overly compromising the delightful driving experience and roomy, comfortable cabin that the regular Fusion offers. Only the trunk suffers.

It has a very cool – and engaging – reconfigurable instrument cluster display that makes efficient driving feel like a video-game challenge (clusters of leaves on vines are your scorecard).

Significantly, it underscores that Toyota isn't the only one that can produce a world-class full-hybrid system.

Worst: 2009 Honda Pilot

Ford nearly garnered vehicles on both my "Best" and "Worst" lists, because I was disappointed by the new Taurus – not because the car itself is "bad" (it truly isn't), but because of my expectations.

I liked the Five Hundred from which the new Taurus is derived.

Unfortunately, Ford also made the Taurus feel heavy and confining, with a big centre console, low roofline and small glass area.

Still, the Taurus wasn't my "Worst" this year. That shame goes to Honda for its Pilot crossover.

I've probably sold more first-generation Pilots than some Honda sales staff – three that I can immediately think of – by recommending them to friends and customers; I like them that much.

So my hopes were high for the new Pilot. This is, after all, the mechanical twin to other faves of mine: the Acura MDX and Honda Odyssey.

Well, the new Pilot's caricature-of-an-SUV styling doesn't sit well with me, even if I understand that American consumers wanted a more rugged, macho design.

There are appealing elements, inside and out, and the Pilot's basic spacious, flexible layout and mechanical goodness remain, but the overall design and the interior's materials leave a lot to be desired.

Sorry Honda, the Chevy Traverse and Toyota Highlander have won this round.

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