Ford hit a grand slam two years ago with the introduction of an all-new Ford Fusion Hybrid. It was awarded the North American Car of the Year prize at the 2010 Detroit auto show, named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year, was one of Car and Driver magazine’s “10 Best Cars for 2010” and was given the inaugural Hermance Vehicle Efficiency Award by the publishers of HybridCars.com.

Why did the Fusion Hybrid rack up so many awards? Because the vehicle established a new benchmark in hybrid technology. Marrying a seamless, sophisticated hybrid powertrain to the outstanding Fusion platform – positioned solidly in the middle of the mainstream market – proved to be a winning combination. It’s fun to drive and speaks of refinement all around, from handling and braking through comfort and convenience. And then there was the icing on the cake – class-leading fuel economy of 41 city/36 highway and 39 combined.

But Ford is not resting on its laurels. An all-new 2013 Fusion Hybrid will be in dealer showrooms this fall. It not only ups the fuel economy numbers to an expected 47 city/44 highway, it is blessed with the styling of the gasoline-powered Fusion that auto critics are calling the best-looking midsize car, bar none.

Given that the 2013 Fusion Hybrid arrives later this year, there are no changes for the 2012 Fusion Hybrid.

Correcting the Bad Rap Against Hybrids

“The Toyota Prius and other hybrids are great for eco-geeks who hold fuel efficiency, low emissions and high-tech auto technology as sacrosanct – and all other car features as sacrifice. But drivers looking for a smooth, comfortable ride – with a modicum of style and performance – might as well forget hybrids.” So went the opinion of many auto journalists who historically dinged hybrids for lackluster driving characteristics, squishy brakes, and clunky transitions between gas and electric power. But that was before the Ford Fusion Hybrid, a family sedan that offers 41 mpg in the city – and more importantly, some fun and refinement behind the wheel.

USA Today emphatically stated, “The Ford Fusion Hybrid is the best gasoline-electric hybrid yet.” And Car and Driver said, “High mpg is a hybrid must, but the Fusion interpretation adds a modicum of fun-to-drive, thanks to precise steering.”

From Gas to Electric and Back

Ford engineers did a remarkable job of eliminating the flutter-rumble that many hybrids make when transitioning from gas engine to electric mode. In the Fusion Hybrid, the gasoline engine seamlessly starts up and shuts down “with only the very faintest shudder” according to Automobile magazine. USA Today goes further: “There was no – none, nada, zip – vibration or shimmying in the test car when the gasoline kicked in to help the electric. No other hybrid – not even that $112,000 Lexus – can make that claim 100 percent of the time.”

The Fusion Hybrid – and its sibling at the time, the Mercury Milan Hybrid – were the first vehicles to use Ford’s second-generation hybrid system. Hybrid-electric vehicle systems engineer Gil Portalatin told us that the control logic for the new hybrid system provides much tighter integration of engine operation and power delivery. The new logic goes as far as to vary the engine’s valve timing, fuel delivery, and spark timing to match the power delivered through the electric motor, permitting very aggressive fuel shutdown under light loads. As a result, the Fusion Hybrid’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine shuts itself off twice as often as the earlier hybrid design, with the electric system providing more power. In addition, new control logic for the regenerative brakes recaptures up to 94 percent of the braking energy and feeds it to the battery.

Zesty Drive

Enthusiasm from the auto press is also extended to the Fusion Hybrid’s road manners. Car and Driver said, “While most hybrids squeeze the fun out of driving, the Fusion has nicely weighted steering, a nimble chassis, and rides in a controlled, supple manner. You can hustle the car down a back road and get a smile on your face, which is not something one can say about the Camry hybrid.” Automobile magazine wrote, “Yeah, sure, there’s some of that artificialness in steering and braking responses that afflicts all hybrids, but it’s quite benign, and the car really does go down the road quite well. Anyone who’s shopping the Toyota Prius needs to check out this car also.” Nadaguides.com commented that the Fusion Hybrid’s 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine provides plenty of power for freeway ramps, while hugging the road and offering a comfortable ride.

The combined output for the Fusion Hybrid’s engine and motor is 191 horsepower. In addition to the Hybrid, the 2012 Ford Fusion lineup offers a choice of three different engines: a 2.5-liter inline-four with 175 horsepower; a 3.0-liter flex-fuel V-6 with 240 horsepower; and a performance-tuned 3.5-liter V-6 with 263 horsepower.

The one consistent criticism regarding the Fusion Hybrid’s drive is that Ford exaggerated with its claim that the sedan can go 47 miles per hour, and as much as two miles, in all-electric mode. That requires just the right conditions for acceleration, load, battery charge level, weather – and proper alignment of stars. Unless you exert extreme care to stretch the electric drive, you shouldn’t count on more than a few blocks at relatively low speeds.

Exterior & Interior Design

The entire line of Ford Fusions – including the base S, mid-level SE, well equipped SEL, and the Fusion Hybrid – were spruced up for the 2010 model year. Car and Driver said, “The refresh makes the Fusion sharper looking, particularly since the weird headlamps of the original have been replaced.” Reviewers said the Fusion Hybrid looks like an uplevel Fusion SE or SEL. But not everybody likes the design. Bloomberg wrote, “From the lackluster rims, which look like they’re made of plastic, to the generic sedan shape, the Fusion has no flash whatsoever.”

The interior, especially the high-tech features, gets mixed reviews, but mostly positive. Detroit News said, “The new instrument cluster looks much more sophisticated, and the dash has an easy flow. The touch points are soft, and every inch of the cabin uses high-quality materials. Car and Driver added, “Inside, the Fusion also receives a new instrument panel, redesigned seats, and more stylish trim, although the quality of some of the materials isn’t yet on par with those of the class leaders.”

The Fusion Hybrid offers Ford’s popular Sync voice-activated digital entertainment and integrated mobile phone system. Other options include blind-spot information mounted on the outside mirror, a backup camera screen cleverly hidden in the rearview mirror, cross-traffic alerts when reversing, and real-time traffic and weather through the Sirius Travel Link satellite radio system.

MyKey, added last year, will keep parents at ease when their teen drivers are behind the wheel. It chimes continuously when seat belts aren’t buckled, gives earlier low-fuel warnings, limits radio volume to 45 percent and can sound chimes at 45, 55 and 65 mph.

Standard features include bags, belts, 110-volt outlet, six-CD stereo (instead of the typical single setup), dual-zone climate control, auto on-off headlights, and auto-dimming mirror.

The Fusion Hybrid uses a new nickel metal hydride battery with 20 percent more power, in a package that’s 30-percent smaller. That means the Fusion Hybrid sacrifices only a negligible amount of trunk space compared to the standard version – but not enough to retain rear folding seats, which are not available in the Fusion Hybrid. The Camry Hybrid manages to keep folding back seats.

Fusion Hybrid Comes With Fuel Economy Nag

The 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid continues with Ford’s SmartGauge technology. Inspired by the Toyota Prius’ hybrid energy/consumption monitor, the SmartGauge goes further by helping the driver to learn specific techniques to achieve higher efficiency. The dashboard interface offers feedback to the driver – both visual and sound. In other words, it actually talks to you.

The gauge cluster is comprised of dual hi-resolution LCD screens to display instantaneous mileage and fuel economy history – as well as key data including battery charge, engine output, and accessory power consumption. One animation depicts a vine of leaves that grows larger as the driver becomes more efficient over time. To prevent sensory overload, the system allows the driver to decide how much information to see, and what can be ignored. That’s critical, because many reviewers believe the fuel economy system is distracting. And others experienced “false alarms” from the cross-traffic alerts.

Economics

If you like the Fusion Hybrid’s more dynamic handling and performance, and smoother hybrid system, compared to the Camry Hybrid, then get ready to pay for it. The 2012 Fusion Hybrid, with a base MSRP of $28,700 is $2,800 more than the 2012 Camry Hybrid LE and $1,300 more than the top line XLE model. Depending on the model, the Camry gets either more or less city fuel economy than the Fusion. Hyundai’s Sonata Hybrid is also several thousands less than the Fusion Hybrid and offers a sleek exterior plus generous interior features. The Sonata Hybrid has worse fuel economy than the Fusion Hybrid in the city, but its EPA-estimated highway fuel economy rating is better than the Fusion.

For reference, Ford’s other hybrid, the Escape Hybrid SUV, is comparably priced to the Fusion at $29,865 and offers fuel economy at 34 in the city and 31 on the highway. (Ford is dropping the Escape Hybrid in March.)

A dilemma is, should you buy a 2012 Fusion Hybrid or wait for the 2013 model with its stunning looks and improved fuel economy?

If you don’t place a premium on the latest styling or technology buy the 2012 Fusion Hybrid, it will serve you well. Plus, you can save money with the expected manufacturer incentives and dealer discounts as inventories of the 2012 model are cleared out to make way for the 2013 Fusion Hybrid.

Wait for the 2013 Fusion Hybrid if you want the advances in fuel economy, high-tech gear and safety features that accompany an all-new design. Waiting will also mean the car’s styling will look current for several years and it will be worth more at resale than the outgoing 2012 model.

Prices are Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at time of writing and do not include destination charges, taxes or licensing.

This review was originally posted when the Ford Fusion Hybrid was introduced in early 2009.

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An electric car is powered by an electric motor instead of a gasoline engine. The electric motor gets energy from a controller, which regulates the amount of power—based on the driver’s use of an accelerator pedal. The electric car (also known as electric vehicle or EV) uses energy stored in its rechargeable batteries, which are recharged by common household electricity.

>> Take a quick tour of electric cars you can buy today (or very soon)!

Unlike a hybrid car—which is fueled by gasoline and uses a battery and motor to improve efficiency—an electric car is powered exclusively by electricity. Historically, EVs have not been widely adopted because of limited driving range before needing to be recharged, long recharging times, and a lack of commitment by automakers to produce and market electric cars that have all the creature comforts of gas-powered cars. That’s changing. As battery technology improves—simultaneously increasing energy storage and reducing cost—major automakers are expected to begin introducing a new generation of electric cars.

Electric cars produce no tailpipe emissions, reduce our dependency on oil, and are cheaper to operate. Of course, the process of producing the electricity moves the emissions further upstream to the utility company’s smokestack—but even dirty electricity used in electric cars usually reduces our collective carbon footprint.

Another factor is convenience: In one trip to the gas station, you can pump 330 kilowatt-hours of energy into a 10-gallon tank. It would take about 9 days to get the same amount of energy from household electric current. Fortunately, it takes hours and not days to recharge an electric car, because it’s much more efficient. Speaking of convenience, let’s not forget two important points: charging up at home means never going to a gas station—and electric cars require almost none of the maintenance, like oil changes and emissions checks, that internal combustion cars require.

Electric motors develop their highest torque from zero rpms—meaning fast (and silent) zero-to-60 acceleration times.

Note: In the illustration, we show the relative features of electric cars and gas-powered cars. However, it doesn’t have to be an “either-or” situation. Plug-in hybrids offer many of the benefits of electric cars while mitigating most of the drawbacks, such as limited driving range.

1New and Upcoming Electric Cars

Just as the major car companies were crushing their electric car programs in 2004 and 2005, the perfect storm was brewing on the horizon: Hurricane Katrina, growing acceptance of global warming, runaway Prius sales, oil price spikes, green marketing galore…The major auto companies went right back to the drawing board and emerged with big plans for electric cars.

The following companies have announced intentions to produce electric vehicles, but have not discussed specific vehicle details: Volkswagen and Peugeot Citroën.

2Limited Run Electric Cars

Not content to follow the slow timelines from the major car companies, a number of entrepreneurs have taken the bold step of building mainstream highway-capable all-electric vehicles. The payoff could be big—but the logistical hurdles, such as federal highway crash testing, are daunting and very expensive. Those costs will get passed on to customers—those that are willing to wait for months or years for innovative companies to roll out models even in small quantities.

The poster child of the independent electric car movement has been Tesla Motors. When the company launched, it promised to reinvent the auto industry in the mold of a Silicon Valley start-up—and leave Detroit in its dust. After hitting a number of potholes—product delays, boardroom discord, and major operating losses—the company emerged looking good. An investment from Daimler, a $465 million government loan, and a potential IPO, add up to cash and momentum for the electric car start-up.

Within the Limited Run category, a number of companies are converting existing gas-engine models into electric vehicles:

Also, limited runs of the following all-electric sports car are extremely limited: the UEV Spyder, Mullen L1x-75, UK’s Lightning and the Venturi Fetish, selling for about $75,000, $125,000, $200,000 and $300,000 respectively.

3Low-Speed and Three-Wheel Electric Cars

Aptera 2e

The arduous road to delivering a new highway-speed electric vehicle to the market can be bypassed in two primary ways: limiting the electric vehicle to three wheels (so it can be legally classified as a motorcycle) or limiting the vehicles legal top speed to 25 miles per hour (so it can avoid highway crash testing). Those strategies lower the “barrier to entry,” opening the gates to scores of fledgling companies offering some mighty funky machines. It’s a long list, so we’ll keep our descriptions to a minimum. We’ve also eliminated companies that do not provide a base-level of information about products and prices—and products not directly selling in North America.

4Discontinued and Rare Electric Cars

The most promising recent period for electric vehicles was the 1990s—at least it seemed so at the time. In September 1990, the California Air Resources Board mandated that 2 percent of all new cars sold by major automakers in California would be “zero emission” vehicles by 1998—growing to 10 percent by 2003. That sent automakers scrambling to produce electric vehicles for the mass market. Obviously, things didn’t work out as planned. (See “Who Killed the Electric Car” for details.) Very few units were ever produced, and nearly all of them were destroyed. The remaining units are extremely hard to find and very expensive.

Did we miss a crucial electric vehicle? Are our facts straight? Let us know so we can keep this page complete and up-to-date. Thanks.

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As soon as the second-generation Prius arrived on the scene in 2003, the Civic Hybrid was cast in its role as runner-up in the hybrid world. It’s true that the Civic Hybrid is not quite as fuel-efficient, not quite as comfortable and roomy, and not quite as powerful as the Prius. But the gas-electric Civic, like Rodney Dangerfield, deserves more respect than it receives.

In fact, it’s the Civic Hybrid’s un-hybrid-like looks and sticker price that makes it such a compelling proposition. Prius buyers usually spend at least a couple thousand more dollars to buy Toyota’s celebrity hybrid than those who drive off with a Civic. And yet the Civic’s 40-mpg in the city and 43-mpg on the highway, places it right next to the Toyota Prius as two of the three vehicles with average fuel economy in the 40s. The other is the Prius look-alike 2011 Honda Insight.

No Significant Changes For 2011

Honda is on the fourth generation of its integrated engine/motor hybrid design. The system combines a 1.3 liter iVTEC 4-cylinder engine with a 20-hp electric motor to deliver a total of 110 hp. The nickel metal hydride battery pack has a 158 volt output. In addition to turning the engine off at stops, the Civic can save fuel by de-activating all of its cylinders and cruise under electric motor power alone in some circumstances. With the electric motor attached to the engine’s crankshaft, the engine never stops turning when the car is moving, as it does in the Toyota and Ford hybrids, but it can shut off the fuel supply and valves, which has a similar effect. Also, the engine uses eight spark plugs to allow greater flexibility with the firing order for more complete combustion of fuel in the cylinder. Add an improved battery pack and regenerative braking from the previous generation to produce a hybrid with Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions status.

In August of this year, Honda issued a “technical service bulletin” for model years 2006 through 2008 Civic Hybrids. Addressing an issue that could cause batteries to wear out sooner than expected, Honda informed owners to bring vehicles into dealerships to fix a software flaw. Some owners experienced disappointing mileage after receiving the fix. Model years 2009 and 2010 were not included in the software update.

Exterior

The Civic Hybrid looks almost identical to the conventional gas-powered sedan, which was redesigned—to rave reviews—for the 2006 model. Honda has made few changes to that winning design.

Check out that windshield. It sweeps up from the hood with 23.9 degrees of rake. That’s more than any Honda ever built, more even than that uber-sports-car, the Acura NSX. Honda accompanies that bold stroke with abbreviated front and rear overhangs and fenders that cling to the tires with a 50-millimeter gap—narrower, says Honda, than those on a 5 Series car from BMW. A-pillars are virtually over the front wheels, and the large front doors make it easy to get in and out of the car. Motor Trend commented. “When the latest-generation Civic first hit the market, many were surprised by its unusual styling. But the Civic’s looks have proven a hit with buyers and…Honda decided not to mess with success.”

Interior

The long, sloped windshield produces an especially deep dashboard, and designers used that real estate to try something different. They came up with a two-tier dash with upper and lower gauge pods. The top level, in line with the driver’s view above the steering wheel, features a digital speedometer, fuel gauge and engine temperature readout. In the lower tier behind the three-spoke steering wheel is the tachometer, fuel economy readout, and a hybrid gauge—showing how much the hybrid batteries are being recharged (via regenerative breaking) or being used to assist the gas engine. An Idle-Stop indicator flashes when the gasoline engine has completely shut down to prevent burning fuel when the vehicle is at a stop.

In the dark, the gauges glow an unearthly shade of blue, prompting some to dismiss the two-level dash as a “Star Wars” solution. Frankly, though, it’s time for a certain generation to shove over; a new group, with new tastes and expectations is here. To satisfy them, the Civic Hybrid is loaded not just with cool lights, but also with useful technologies. The audio system accepts MP3 and WMA formats. XM Satellite radio and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity is part of an available navigation system.

While the Civic Hybrid scores high points for style, finish and ergonomics, the cabin doesn’t rank as well for cargo space and comfort in the back seat. The rear-seat legroom was cut by 1.4 inches with the 2006 redesign, making it cramped when loaded with three adults. The Honda Civic Hybrid has 10.4 cubic feet for cargo space. To make room for the hybrid system’s battery pack, Honda has eliminated the rear folding seats on the Civic Hybrid. As a result, storage of long objects cannot be shared between the trunk and the back seats. And, USA Today noted, “Gooseneck hinges on the trunk lid swing down and in, swiping cargo room and possibly pinching your luggage. Plenty of rivals use hinges that fit in the gutter around the trunk opening, avoiding the luggage compartment.”

Standard equipment is on par with the gas-powered Civic’s top EX trim level. The Hybrid comes with: power windows, outside mirrors and locks with remote keyless entry; automatic climate control; tilt-telescoping steering wheel with controls for audio: and cruise control and a 100-watt AM/FM/CD six-speaker sound system.

Honda equips every Civic with anti-lock disk brakes with brake-force distribution, electronic stability and traction control and a full complement of airbags, including curtain-style bags. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure weaves the front end’s major structural and suspension elements into a web of components that absorbs the energy created by a front-end collision and directs it away from the cockpit.

On The Road

The Civic Hybrid doesn’t stray too far from its gasoline cousins. It is relatively nimble and tightens up nicely for confident maneuvers at higher speeds. While it certainly won’t win any stop-light drags, once up to speed it’s a solid, smooth performer on city streets and on the highway as well. In a world where economy cars are often just driving appliances, this hybrid is actually fun to drive: it’s peppy, agile and responsive, and you might even find yourself looking for places to go with it.

There’s more. The ride is solid but comfortable without being numb, with less road noise and wind whistle than expected for the compact-car class. It is, simply, a pleasurable car. USA Today commented, “Like gasoline Civics, the hybrid test car had a sturdy, tight feel, as if it were modeled after a sport sedan. It didn’t have the slip-slidey feel you can get when trying to push a Prius briskly through corners. Thus, the Civic was more fun to drive in the normal-to-brisk end of the scale.”

Economics

For 2011, the Civic Hybrid has a suggested retail price of $23,950, up $150 from 2010. A leather-trimmed interior package that includes heated front seats adds $1,200 as does the navigation package. Combine the leather and navigation package and the sticker price is $27,150. In comparison, the Toyota Prius III, the most popular 2010 model with fuel economy rated at 50 miles per gallon in combined city/highway driving, starts at $23,800 and includes satellite radio and Bluetooth. The Prius IV with leather trim makes a considerable jump to $26,600 and a navigation system that includes a backup camera (not available on the Civic Hybrid) retails for $2,380.

Even though the price comparison between the Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius tips the scale toward the Prius with its better fuel economy, the Civic Hybrid will satisfy shoppers who value the Honda Civic for its reliability and contemporary look, but really want a hybrid. And, if the Prius design is not your cup of tea, and you can live with a compact rather than a mid-size sedan, then the Honda Civic Hybrid is worth a little respect and consideration.

Prices are Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at time of publication and do not include destination charges, taxes or licensing.

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