My dad's fiancee's '01 Honda Accord is a great car, however it is starting to get a lot of miles...
She wants a Fusion, but may be open to another good newer Ford car...
Obviously, we would buy used, as you can get some good deals right now.
I am mainly posting this because I want some feedback by actual Ford car owners, as all we have is trucks. (The last Ford car we had was a 1986 Ford Thunderbird, this particular car had computer problems, what a pile. I still remember sitting in the back seat at the age of 6 and seeing the big LED speedometer. I don't remember what happened to it, I think it got rear ended at a stop light)

Thank you guys in advance.

 

I am not sure how new you are looking for,but I can say my 2005 focus 5 speed has been the most reliable car I have owned. Had it for two years and all I have done to it is basic maintenance and modifications.

 

I realize that this is not everyone's cup of tea, however, the Lincoln Towncars just can't be beat and are one of the best overall values you can find. A. You can pick up a clean used TC, 2000-2005, for next to nothing. B. They will always go the distance, easy 200K, which is why they are used by limo/taxi drivers across the world due to their reliability. C. Doesn't get much more comfy than a TC. D. As fancy as they are, maintenance is a lot less than you think. D. Did I mention reliability....they will just go and go and go. E. Enough room to carry the whole fam damily and groceries in comfort. F. Gas mileage is very good. Depending upon how one drives, they can squeeze out about 26 mpg on the highway and 21/22 combined. The only issue with a TC is that they are rear wheel drive, which is great and comfortable, but here in Colorado...not the best for winter snow/ice but I believe you live in SOCAL so not a problem. In my opinion, Ford made a huge mistake by discontinuing the TC. My 2 cents.

 

I've got a bunch of Ford's but I guess they could all be considered trucks for your purposes. 03 Expedition has been a great vehicle for us and now has 120k relatively trouble free miles. My wife's brother bought a Fusion a couple years back and he loves it. Her folks have a Lincoln MKX and they speak well of it. My mom has a Crown Vic and while it's low miles, they are stop and go town driving and I would count that one in dog years. Been a good vehicle though - no issues there either.

 

Thank you guys, you have given me a lot to think and talk about.

 

The Focus' and Fusions have been great since day one both new and used.

I would have a really hard time discounting the reliability of a used Honda or Toyota. In fact, if I were buying used, I'd likely go that route.

 

don't rule out the crown vic or mercury grand marquis. the same as the town car but no bells or whistles.
you can usually pick up a very clean vic or GM for around 3-4 grand with under 100k miles. and they get very good gas mileage if you do not drive them like a race car.
my parents wanted new cars. mom got a 09 mercury milan with a 4 cylinder, and dad got a 04 buick century with V6.
neither one of them come close to the fuel mileage the 97 GM or 99 crown vic got.

 

That myth is particularly not true at this point in time. Auction and retail prices for used cars have never been higher. High mileage junk is wholesale at prices we have never seen before. If ever there was a time to consider new, its now. If you are getting a keeper, and dont trade often, Id consider a Fusion. While its not the newest design out there, I think it looks better than the latest mid-size competition. I would rule out the Focus if you want an automatic because I dont trust Ford (or Honda) with brand new transmissions. The DSG in the Fiesta has been problematical and the Focus uses the same unconventional automatic. The Fusion powertrain is conventional and proven.

Here is the reason. New car sales plummeted in 2008 and stayed low in 2009 and 2010. That means that the supply of late model used cars is about half of normal, driving up prices. That, in turn, is forcing buyers who wanted late model used into the older used car market, driving up demand and prices for a fixed supply of those. Added to that is the supply of new Japanese cars was choked off last year by the earthquake and tsunami, further depressing supply. Now, the new car supply is back to normal, so new car deals are ok again.

Its used trucks that are hurting a little due to high gas/diesel prices and construction industry still depressed, but you want a car.

 

Funny you should mention that..my friends 97 crown vic got a max of 27 mpg...4.6 engine of course....my moms buick century wagon with a 3.1 also gets a max of 27...but i think im gonna try and beat that on the next road trip

 

I may sound treasonous for saying this here but I had an 04 Chevy Cavalier that was an incredible car. Went 200,000 miles reliably until the tranny went out...the only problem i had till then was the coil pack went out. Never burned oil. no funny noises....if was a stickshift i would have put a new clutch in it and kept driving it. It was a little cramped but fairly comfortable, quiet, and pretty peppy for a 4 banger automatic.I highly recommend one.

 

I have a 2008 ford fusion and I love it. Fun to drive, great mpg's!

 

Since everyone has seen the 2013 Fusion, new 2012's have a lot of "cash on the hood" to move them.

We have a Chevy Cr@palier in the family, reliable, but incredibly dull to drive. Its cheap to operate because is is a rare fleet version, dual fuel CNG or gasoline.

 

Ditto here on the '08 Fusion. Wonderful car and by far the best driving vehicle we own.