New here and looking for opinions

[out.of.focus]

Hi, I currently have a 2008 Focus that I am seriously considering trading in on a new Fusion Energi in the next month or two.  This will be my daily driver.

 

Can I get opinions of and experiences with your Fusion Energi's.  What options should I insist on and which ones can I, or should I, skip.

 

I don't have a lot of time to make this decision, but feel right now is the right time for me to get a car with better mileage.  Usually, I take a lot more time deciding on what to be stuck with for the next several years.

 

I appreciate any insight, suggestions, and advice that anyone is able to provide.

Thanks.

[Taz]

What don't you like about your Focus? That might help. If you like your Focus a lot, but just want better mileage, maybe consider a C-max Energi. Nice compact form factor, nimble handling and great mileage to boot.

[Eric4539]

The Focus Electric is also an option if the range suits your daily commute.  But I don't think the Focus has all the options available that the Energi does.

 

As far as which options should you take and which should you not, I think that is very subjective.  There are pros and cons from everyone here on this forum for each option.

 

My favorite feature that I would not live without is the Adaptive Cruise Control.  I also have the Driver Assist Package; BLIS - I like the cross traffic alert/blind spot monitoring.  If you're in parking lots/garages often this feature can be extremely helpful.  This package also comes with auto high beams and rain sensing wipers.  Not sure if those options are necessary for you but I love them!

 

I have 250 miles roundtrip drives at least twice a month with several 120 miles trips throughout the month so I also like the Lane Keeping Assist but others find it annoying.  

 

My suggestion is to drive an Energi that has all the options and really try all the options to see if they are worth it for you.  Good luck!  Let us know what you decide on!

[lonzo71]

The Focus Electric is also an option if the range suits your daily commute.  But I don't think the Focus has all the options available that the Energi does.

 

As far as which options should you take and which should you not, I think that is very subjective.  There are pros and cons from everyone here on this forum for each option.

 

My favorite feature that I would not live without is the Adaptive Cruise Control.  I also have the Driver Assist Package; BLIS - I like the cross traffic alert/blind spot monitoring.  If you're in parking lots/garages often this feature can be extremely helpful.  This package also comes with auto high beams and rain sensing wipers.  Not sure if those options are necessary for you but I love them!

 

I have 250 miles roundtrip drives at least twice a month with several 120 miles trips throughout the month so I also like the Lane Keeping Assist but others find it annoying.  

 

My suggestion is to drive an Energi that has all the options and really try all the options to see if they are worth it for you.  Good luck!  Let us know what you decide on!

I agree, and sadly, I have the 14', but I wish I had cool seats, the heated steering wheel and the adaptive cruise. I have everything else tho including the moonroof. Might want to think about the side window guards too..

[isaaktnt]

I got everything BUT the Blind spot and cross traffic doh!  Coming from a Volt this is a much bigger and longer car.  Backing out of a spot, I have to be way more careful and much slower.  Find myself backing it in whenever possible.  Not to say you can't live with any of the features, but one of the reason I got this car was for all the latest toys.  Also been using the Auto parallel parking a lot too.. more for just the amusement of it. 

[out.of.focus]

I got my Focus when gas first shot up over $3 a gallon. I had my choice of two that were left and they were identical.

It averages 25 mph now and I want something that does better. It has everything except leather seats, but there wasn't as much available for it. Plus, a little more room with the added safety features would be nice.

I like my Focus for what it is, but it's getting to the point where I would have to start sinking big money into it or get something else. I'd rather get a more comfortable daily driver.

[out.of.focus]

I appreciate the comments.

I'm not sure if I'll get a leftover 2015 or go for a '16 yet.

It's nice to know what people who have the more "advanced" options think of them. I can only do so much on a test drive or two, but you all drive yours all the time.

Before I got my other car, I rented a similar one for a long weekend to test it out. I don't think anyone rents Fusion Energi's or I would do that.

You all are the next best thing ;)

[meyersnole]

I appreciate the comments.

I'm not sure if I'll get a leftover 2015 or go for a '16 yet.

It's nice to know what people who have the more "advanced" options think of them. I can only do so much on a test drive or two, but you all drive yours all the time.

Before I got my other car, I rented a similar one for a long weekend to test it out. I don't think anyone rents Fusion Energi's or I would do that.

You all are the next best thing ;)

 

I have the 2013, but all the boxes were checked (so no inflatable seat belts or cooled seats (would have really liked that one))

 

Comments on what I have:

 

Adaptive Cruise - may never buy another car with out. Great on road trips and great around town... I use it all the time. Put the cruise in eco mode and get steady and efficient starts. My major complaint is that I wish the system worked more like the Tesla implementation and braked to zero (disengages around 10-15 mph). Even more frustrating is that you have to be going over 20 to get it to engage again after a stop.

 

BLIS --  Really like this feature as well. Probably room for improvement in this system as well, but it does the job. Changing lanes and backing out of parking spaces is so much easier with this system.

 

Lane Keeping -- meh. I turn it on when traveling, but honestly sometimes I find it annoying as when I am passing a big truck and want to hug the other line and the car somewhat fights me. I do like that it is there especially on those trips that I may not be at 100% at the end of a long drive. 

 

Navigation System -- Actually quite disappointing in this system. You are coming from a Ford so you are probably already familiar with this system though. 

 

MFT/SYNC -- Actually pretty impressed with the infotainment system. The bass is a little sloppy, but overall has a pretty nice sound to it (The Sony upgraded system). HD Radio is nice and bluetooth audio a very nice add, so much so that I dropped my Sirius subscription after the promo with out any regret (had XM in my Acura for 7 years on the previous car). 

 

If you are really indifferent about 2015 vs 2016, one of the changes that I really like about the 2016 is that they add real buttons back to the center console. With the previous design you will accidentally turn on the A/C or change the channel on your radio a few time. Not a huge thing, but the new design seems superior. You may also want to ask if the 2016 MFT will be based on the new SYNC hardware -- I think it is... that alone might make me want to wait a bit.  

 

Edit (8/12): forgot to add Parking assist

 

Parking Assist: I do not think I have ever used this, it just came with the car I ended up buying when the one I ordered took much longer than I expected. Got a call to look at my car (car I ordered plus spoiler and Parking assist). One thing I found out latter is that since I have it got the front parking sensors (which I do like). Not worth the cost since I never use it. 

Edited August 13, 2015 at 02:29 AM by meyersnole