I own a 2006 Civic Hybrid and love it but am thinking about a little roomier car in the next few years. The Fusion seemed the fit the bill except one point. I could justifiy the $2500 difference between the Civic hybrid and non-hybrid but it appears we are talking about 5-8K in the Fusion...is this right? No way you can make that up savings wise even at $5 a gallon so it must be strictly a green decision. I don't qualify for the tax break on any hybrid by the way.

 

The difference is actually more on the order of $3300 if you compare comparable equipped cars (both having I-4 engines as well). The car itself is nice...for the most part. The climate control system is buggy though. Ford bought back my 2010 FFH under the Lemon Law after owning it for 3 months, and my 2011 FFH has the same exact problem and has been in to the dealer 3 times already in the past 2 months.

 

What is buggy about yours if I can ask? Mine has been flawless since I bought the car in June 2009, I am referring to the climate control sys that is, and most else.

 

The heated seats and rear defroster don't energize on command (intermittently). I have posted on this forum (https://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/...nt-turn-24497/) and at fordfusionforum.com (http://www.fordfusionforum.com/index...mly-dont-work/) if you want to see more details. I can go into more detail if you have more questions.

 

When you get the Ford Fusion Hybrid, you are essentially getting a well-equipped Fusion SEL with a hybrid drivetrain. So if you compare the two, you get a price difference of a little over $3000. The price premium for the hybrid drivetrain should be paid off under normal driving within five years. If, like me, you plan to keep the car longer than five years, that is nice money in your pocket. Overall, though, not many hybrids pay off the hybrid drivetrain price premium so quickly.