Originally introduced in 2005, the original Fusion was a good car, but not outstanding. A Honda Accord and Toyota Camry were still the better cars. Once Chevrolet released its new Malibu in 2008, Ford understood immediately that its updated Fusion would need to be immense. Jump to 2010 and Ford has managed to meet and exceed all of its goals. The 2010 Fusion won Motor Trend's prestigious Car of the Year Award along with numerous others.

More importantly, Ford was able to zero in on all of the faults of the first generation car and correct them. The exterior has a sleeker look and the interior is so well put together that it can even meet or beat Honda and Toyota standards.