vett93 Posted January 27, 2014 at 12:00 AM Report Share Posted January 27, 2014 at 12:00 AM I am in the SF Bay area and want to get a car that I can drive on HOV lane. So I test drove a Ford Fusion Energi Titanium today. My first impression is that the car bounces up and down way too much. It is even worse than my wife's Lexus. I have owned high performance cars in the last 25 years. I understand these hybrid plug-in cars don't have the same horse power, which is okay. But the Energi's suspension is simply too soft for me. Has anyone modified the suspension? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
howardbc Posted January 27, 2014 at 01:03 AM Report Share Posted January 27, 2014 at 01:03 AM Wow, I have never noticed that my 2013 Titanium bounces up an down. Have 5300 miles on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russael Posted January 27, 2014 at 01:18 PM Report Share Posted January 27, 2014 at 01:18 PM Not to sound offensive, but the Fusion Energi is designed and intended to be a commuter car, not a race rocket, so they gave it a comfortable suspension. I think it rides very well for all the added weight in the trunk. However, if you wish to have a more firm suspension, I don't see why you can't change out the shocks and struts for upgraded ones. Most likely, the ones on the car are made by Monroe (probably the sensatrac models). You could probably toss on some Bilsteins or even something adjustable. Or if you wanted it REALLY firm, you could always weld it in place (KIDDING! Just kidding). :thumbsup: It's kind of surprising to me in regards of the people who want this car for seemingly the sole purpose of getting HOV access... are these lanes really that special? We don't have those here in MI, so I don't know what I'm missing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murphy Posted January 27, 2014 at 01:31 PM Report Share Posted January 27, 2014 at 01:31 PM The 495 bypass around Washington, DC now has special EZPASS only lanes in the center of the highway in some areas. I've seen the ones approaching route 66 from the north on my trips to Charlottesville, VA. The EZPASS fee is dynamic and depends on how congested the free lanes are. The more congested the free lanes are the higher the EZPASS fee goes. Route 66 has an HOV lane. I don't see the point since anytime I've been caught in a backup on 66 the HOV lane wasn't moving either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russael Posted January 27, 2014 at 01:38 PM Report Share Posted January 27, 2014 at 01:38 PM EZ pass is just for passing through tolls without stopping. I've researched it because when I take my yearly trip to Baltimore, MD from MI, I thought it would be really convenient to pick up an EZ Pass so I wouldn't have to stop on the Ohio and PA turnpikes. Too bad they charge a monthly fee for it, so it lost its value to me. Unless the EZ Pass ONLY applies to HOV vehicles where you're at... which makes me scratch my head. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murphy Posted January 27, 2014 at 02:36 PM Report Share Posted January 27, 2014 at 02:36 PM The yearly fee for a PA EZPASS transponder is $3.00 plus you have to maintain a positive balance in the account at all times. When my account drops below $10 they hit my credit card for $35 to replenish it. Sounds like a lot but the tolls for a roundtrip to Charlottesville from the Fort Washington interchange are $26.04. The EZPASS tolls on the PA turnpike are 28% lower than paying cash. EZPASS means I don't have to carry a lot of cash to pay tolls. You don't have to stop at the MD toll plaza on route 95 but the two EZPASS lanes have speed limits of 5 mph and 10 mph. DE finally put in high speed toll lanes after a lot of years with 10 mph EZPASS lanes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russael Posted January 27, 2014 at 02:50 PM Report Share Posted January 27, 2014 at 02:50 PM It's 9 dollars a year for the Ohio one (unless you make 30+ trips), plus a 3 dollar activation fee (one time). Other problem is, I don't think I can get one since I'm not a resident of Ohio. I can't find anything in regards to getting one of these if you're not a resident of the state where you'd use it. And yes, I loathe having to stop, fish out the wallet, etc. Maybe I'll try it this coming year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murphy Posted January 27, 2014 at 03:14 PM Report Share Posted January 27, 2014 at 03:14 PM OT My first EZPASS transponder was from the state of NJ since PA hadn't started their program. I canceled it when they went to $12 per year and got a PA one because it was only $3 a year. Go to the PA EZPASS website and see if you can sign up for one with an out of state address. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gigi Posted January 27, 2014 at 03:20 PM Report Share Posted January 27, 2014 at 03:20 PM In Atlanta we have regular HOV lanes on 75 and 85 inside the Perimeter. The northeast expressway, 85, has Peach Pass lanes outside the Perimeter that are variable fee depending on traffic volume. It is possible to get an AFV plate for an Energi here, which allows use of the HOV lanes by one driver and to get a sticker for free use of the Peach Pass lanes, but the driver has to swear that more than 85% of the miles driven are on electricity only. If you are caught not telling the truth (I don't know how they would know) the penalty is that you forfeit your registration. What you have to do to re-register your car as a regular vehicle, I don't know and I wouldn't want to have to find out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Fusion Posted January 28, 2014 at 02:59 AM Report Share Posted January 28, 2014 at 02:59 AM I am in the SF Bay area and want to get a car that I can drive on HOV lane. So I test drove a Ford Fusion Energi Titanium today. My first impression is that the car bounces up and down way too much. It is even worse than my wife's Lexus. I have owned high performance cars in the last 25 years. I understand these hybrid plug-in cars don't have the same horse power, which is okay. But the Energi's suspension is simply too soft for me. Has anyone modified the suspension? I haven't. Steeda sells some stuff: http://www.steedafusion.com/parts/ford-fusion-suspension/ If you're looking for a great selection and a great sales guy, call "JC" at The Ford Store Morgan Hill. Wow, I have never noticed that my 2013 Titanium bounces up an down. Have 5300 miles on it. Everything is relative. The Energi is a loose goose compared to a high performance car. It's by far the loosest suspension of any vehicle I've ever owned. Not to sound offensive, but the Fusion Energi is designed and intended to be a commuter car, not a race rocket, so they gave it a comfortable suspension. I think it rides very well for all the added weight in the trunk. However, if you wish to have a more firm suspension, I don't see why you can't change out the shocks and struts for upgraded ones. Most likely, the ones on the car are made by Monroe (probably the sensatrac models). You could probably toss on some Bilsteins or even something adjustable. Or if you wanted it REALLY firm, you could always weld it in place (KIDDING! Just kidding). :thumbsup: It's kind of surprising to me in regards of the people who want this car for seemingly the sole purpose of getting HOV access... are these lanes really that special? We don't have those here in MI, so I don't know what I'm missing. Yes. In silicon valley the traffic on HWY 101 is brutal. My commute is about 28 miles each way. I can make it to work in as little as 30 mins using the HOV lane. Without it I'd add about 30-40 more mins. Even more on the way home. I bought my car for the sole purpose of getting HOV access. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mergy Posted February 1, 2014 at 07:08 PM Report Share Posted February 1, 2014 at 07:08 PM Not sure what the beefs are. I have 12k in around 6 months on my Fusion Energi SE and most of the miles are on 280. I haven't notice any bouncing as I blow past Prius drivers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vett93 Posted February 1, 2014 at 10:46 PM Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2014 at 10:46 PM As someone pointed out, it is all relative. It really depends on what cars you had before. If you don't feel any bouncing, more power to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
immortal216 Posted May 31, 2014 at 02:02 AM Report Share Posted May 31, 2014 at 02:02 AM I drove a energi titanium with nav and sunroof I like the cat but I am currently driving a '12 Camry hybrid I am wondering what do you think the overall reliability of this car will be compared to the toyta because Ford is not really known for reliable cars also I was quoted $33,200 on the fusion after all rebates excluding the tax credit and trade before tax is this a good price? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EnergiCCAATS Posted May 31, 2014 at 03:14 AM Report Share Posted May 31, 2014 at 03:14 AM Ummmm, Ford is well known for reliability. Toyota is known for "marketing" reliability in order to mask their failures and unreliability. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
immortal216 Posted May 31, 2014 at 06:37 PM Report Share Posted May 31, 2014 at 06:37 PM My last Toyota was a corolla drove it for 150k nothing but oil changes and my mom had a Camry and corollary with 300k plus the Toyota seem pretty reliable I'm just apprehensive because the newer tech and amount of money Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meyersnole Posted May 31, 2014 at 07:06 PM Report Share Posted May 31, 2014 at 07:06 PM My last Toyota was a corolla drove it for 150k nothing but oil changes and my mom had a Camry and corollary with 300k plus the Toyota seem pretty reliable I'm just apprehensive because the newer tech and amount of moneyThis was a bit of a concern for me as well... this is my first American company car. In addition to Ford really cleaning up its act in the quality department, I also liked the strong styling and and the amount of technology in this car. I did, however, buy an extended warranty to hedge my bets on anything breaking. You can get a 7 year / 100K plan with $100 deductible for a little over $1200. http://www.fordfusionenergiforum.com/topic/1964-ford-esp-extended-service-plan-the-poll/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
howardbc Posted May 31, 2014 at 07:15 PM Report Share Posted May 31, 2014 at 07:15 PM Hi, immortal216. Welcome to the forum. You are very wise to take advantage of this great resource. Yes, Toyotas do have a (mostly) very good record of reliability over the years, but Ford is gaining. I owned Toyotas for almost 10 years before I bought my 2013 Ford Fusion Energi and, after 14+ months, I have never regretted it. I owned a 2008 Toyota Prius for 5+ years and had a LOT of problems with it. What made me furious was that Toyota knew about the problems but never advised its customers – at least not until the problems gained national attention. One time the Prius died (no power steering or brakes) in the middle of the expressway. I was lucky not to have been killed. Fortunately I was able to coast it over to the side of the road. When I called my Toyota service adviser, he knew exactly what it was (bad inverter something), but his company chose to keep its customers in the dark. Yes, all of the car manufacturers are guilty of looking first at the bottom line, but Toyota and Chevy have been the worst offenders recently. I decided to give another car manufacturer a try. I had a wonderful Honda Accord for 91k miles but unfortunately the Honda Accord plug-in hybrid is only available in California. I'm in Arizona. Plus the looks of the Fusion were no contest. Depending on your daily commute, you would be astounded at the MPGs you'll get with the Fusion Energi if you decide to buy. I get 120-130+MPG for my Lifetime Summary. I have 7000+ miles on the odometer and I have put a total of $269 in gas in the car for those miles. That includes a 550-mile road trip where I couldn't charge up. Oh, and you won't need to do an oil change for 2 years or 20k miles unless you drive well above average miles. The car is amazing. Again, you're very smart to do your homework. Your experience driving a hybrid will be extremely helpful if you decide to buy a plug-in hybrid. All the best to you. meyersnole 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
immortal216 Posted June 1, 2014 at 03:14 AM Report Share Posted June 1, 2014 at 03:14 AM Thank You everyone has been very informative and friendly thus far. I have 2 jobs one which is only 4 miles away eachway and the 2nd is a driving job that is anywhere from 60-100 miles daily i am guessing i would only becharging once (overnight) there are a few things honestly preventing me from buying this car. Made in Mexico...........last Mexican car i got was a '07 Chevy HHR i know it was a different make however, the car was a nightmare. GM would do nothing for me although the car had massive issues including the engine blowing at 20k also the steel for the doors seems really thin and cheap on the fusion for example when closing the door it almost sounds hollow not the thud sound when closing some other makes or car door i know it may sound silly but just an observation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rexracer Posted June 2, 2014 at 04:01 PM Report Share Posted June 2, 2014 at 04:01 PM Don't blame Mexican assembly for the problems with the HHR, it was a terrible vehicle all around.That's the fault of the American designers (being handcuffed by the corporate bean counters). If your doing 4 miles one day then 60-100 miles (i assume all freeway) the next I honestly would just get the Hybrid. You will not be taking advantage of the battery to make it worth it. The battery will only last 12-15 miles at highway speeds at best, so then your driving 45-88 miles on gas, not a good EV/Gas ratio to justify the added cost of the Energi.In the Northwest they are selling certified used hybrids for 22k with 10-15k miles. Pick up the 7 year-100k miles extended warranty and enjoy the car. howardbc 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tangozulu Posted June 2, 2014 at 05:18 PM Report Share Posted June 2, 2014 at 05:18 PM The Energi's smooth ride comes with trade offs in certain scenarios but I think the engineers did a good job balancing the trade offs. I drive a 180 degree hair pin turn every day at 40 mph and the car stays level and hugs the road. I don't feel like the car is going to roll over like my Prius. The Fusion car likes to turn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaggy314 Posted June 2, 2014 at 06:16 PM Report Share Posted June 2, 2014 at 06:16 PM Wow, am I spoiled. Our EZPass is free for the transponder and no yearly fee. Charging fee to have one is just a scam as it's a small fixed cost to them. Here in Texas you only have to pay for them if you don't have auto pay on them (you drop below $10 they charge another $20 or more, you decide). They are having a hard enough time getting people to drive them that they raised the fee per segment to make up for the loss (huh?). I'd have thought they'd lower it to get more people to drive on it. I avoid them and use it only when I have to... which is rare. I HATE paying for road over and over. HAve they ever made a toll into a non-toll? There was brief talk to change some places from free to toll, that started a sh*tstorm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cairo94507 Posted June 4, 2014 at 02:59 PM Report Share Posted June 4, 2014 at 02:59 PM I have been looking for suspension upgrades for the FFE too. I know Steeda offers a strut tower brace and a rear sway bar. Steeda has been unable to answer the question of fitment for these parts on the Energi as they were designed for the non-hybrid models. I suspect they would fit but it would be a gamble. In all likelihood I will buy them and see if they fit. Still waiting for my car though. All Star Ford (Pittsburg) first gave me a delivery estimate of the week of June 9th, telling me they come in early at times. Yesterday they changed their story and told me that the car leaves the plant on June 9th and will be at their dealership around the 23rd. So I am still waiting for my car. FusionEnergi 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vett93 Posted June 5, 2014 at 02:55 AM Author Report Share Posted June 5, 2014 at 02:55 AM I ended up getting the car. After almost 3 months of ownership, I think the number 1 issue with the ride is that it bounces up and down too much. Your proposed enhancements are addressing the 2nd order issues, IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darrelld Posted June 9, 2014 at 08:11 PM Report Share Posted June 9, 2014 at 08:11 PM I need to do another test drive without the extra people in the back seat to see if this is tolerable for my daily driving. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dune Posted June 11, 2014 at 07:34 PM Report Share Posted June 11, 2014 at 07:34 PM Maybe it's because I'd driven Bimmers with sport suspension for so long, but I like the ride. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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