When two of the top family sedans on the North American market faced off recently, a interesting outcome came about. A recent match up by The Detroit News pitted the 2006 Ford Fusion and the 2007 Toyota Camry against each other in terms of best value. Both cars were comparably equipped (the Fusion was trimmed as an SEL & the Camry was an LE) and were priced aorund the $25,000 mark. So, what were the results? Read on ...

Exterior
Result: A draw. Both cars have very stately and audacious exteriors. Ford's Fusion has an exterior dubbed "go-Daddy" (short for hip and edgy) by the Ford design team. A large chrome grille, wrapped headlights, and an all-around sporty appearance have helped the Fusion gain increasing buyer favor ever since its debut last Fall. In stark contrast, the Toyota Camry takes a leap from its mild past and appears to head upmarket, with many cues from what is found on many Lexus models. While not having a direct and sporty demeanor, the Camry still maintains the roots of its success, elegance and sophistication; something slightly deficient in the Fusion.

Interior
Result: Fusion wins. Traditionally, the Camry has been revered because of its luxurious and refined interior, but the Ford Fusion was able to come up with quite the swanky cabin. The Camry, in LE trim, had a pleasant two-tone scheme, cloth seats, and sparse amenities. As opposed to models past, the 2007 test model seemed to have some quality issues in assembly and fitment. The model tested was actually built in Japan, not at the Toyota assembly plant in Georgetown, Kentucky. On the other side of the court, the Fusion exhibits a chic cabin area, with supple, perforated leather and jet-black trimmings. The entire interior has a firm and fit finish, as well as an ample supply of accoutrements to impress most anyone.

Handling & Ride
Result: Fusion edges ahead. It's a tough issue to judge and its subjectivity suggests buyers decide for themselves what appeals to them with respect to the "feel" of the car. The Fusion's preference here is much attributed to the crispness of its cousin, the Mazda6, as they both share the same underpinnings. The Camry feel and grasp is not much different as in years past, so the base for comparison is flat to begin with.

Powertrain
Result: Fusion hands down. Ford offers 2 more cylinders in its choice of powerplants and one more transmission gear, for about the same money spent. The DOHC 3.0 liter V6 puts out 221 horsepower and is fitted to a six-speed automatic transmission to provide a hint of performance and spirit in a sedan package. The Camry LE, equipped with an everlasting DOHC 2.4 liter, produces 158 horsepower, is equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission. Even with less displacement and power, however, the Camry barely edges out the Fusion in economic terms. The EPA fuel consumption ratings for the Camry are 24mpg city/33mpg highway, while the Fusion still maintained respectable numbers with 21mpg city/29mpg highway, with 2 more cylinders firing.

Safety
Result: Camry creeps forward. Most all of the best safety equipment comes at an extra cost on the Fusion, whereas the Camry comes with many of the most important safety features standard. Side air bags, side curtain, anti-lock brakes and traction control, when combined together, are about a $1300 option. Toyota baked all this equipment into the Camry LE with no question of which one to pick and choose.

The Finish Line
Result: Fusion takes the cake. With only $1400 difference in the two cars tested, the Fusion SLE made a more promising buy in terms of engine performance, ride quality and control, as well as feature comforts and amenities on the inside. Last but not least, Ford seems to have come up with fine product indeed, surprising many people with the extremely high quality of assembly in the Fusion.

It's no wonder dealers don't have to push the sales of these cars the Fusion seems to have what it takes to sell itself.

Visit Ford to see more of the Fusion