Bradley Cooper Looking French

Roadshow: Forget Prius, Insight; Ford Fusion is the hybrid many like

Oakland Tribune June 22, 2009 | Gary Richards Q Can you do an evaluation of the Prius vs. Insight vs. Ford Fusion Hybrid? I think Ford may now have the best hybrid technology, using electric power longer and for higher speeds without burning gas. Ford says it runs up to 47 mph in electric mode. If buying a hybrid, should I go with Ford or a Japanese model? here ford fusion 2013

Greg Gilliom Redwood City A I’m not an under-the-hood type of guy, but my recent column on the Prius and Insight drew a considerable reaction from Fusion owners who say this is a hybrid to consider. It is the most fuel- efficient mid-size car in North America and received the “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Q Why aren’t you talking about the Ford Fusion Hybrid? It seems a little un-American not to push the only American auto manufacturer that survived the bailouts. Stop pushing the Prius and Insight.

Richard Barnard, Edward Oates and more A The Fusion gets around 41 mpg in city driving and 38 on the highway. That’s better than the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima hybrids. A reviewer at cars.com wrote that “the Fusion Hybrid is a significant step forward for the technology, particularly for family sedans. It’s worth a look, and not just if you’re in the market for a hybrid.” Q I bought a Ford Fusion Hybrid and love it. I commute to Palo Alto and my savings in gas almost makes the payment.

Mike Perez Aptos A Mike has put 2,150 miles on his Fusion and averaged 38 mpg, much better than the 16 mpg with his old Ford Explorer. He filled up the Explorer two to three times a week at $50 to $60 per fill-up. Now he fills up every week and a half, saving $250 a month.

Q I have to add my two cents about whether the Prius is sexy. My husband’s ’65 Cobra is sexy. A stiletto is sexy. A Prius is like a plastic garden clog worn with orthopedic stockings.

Marlys Balsamo Fremont A Oh, this hurts. fordfusion2013now.net ford fusion 2013

Q Prius sexy? Ha ha ha ha. The Prius is the second-nerdiest auto on the planet, second only to a Volvo station wagon. As for the “holier-than-thou” drivers, there will be a judgment day.

Michael Plechaty A Maybe Jesus drives a hybrid.

Q I think “sexy” and “snooty” are both misnomers in the Prius debate. When I see a Prius, I announce, “There goes a ‘smugus’”‰” to describe both car and driver. By the way, you can all take your Obama stickers off now. Give me an SUV any day.

Elaine Andres A Jesus, please talk to Elaine!

Q Gary, let me tell you what is sexy: brains, frugality, care for the environment, and the willingness to put your beliefs into action to make this a better world for our children. While a Prius may not be sexy, people who drive them certainly are. “… I think the Prius is sexy, especially pretty black ones with yellow carpool stickers.

Susan Howard and Brigid A.

A I’ll accept that.

Contact Gary Richards at mrroadshow@mercurynews.com or 408-920- 5335.

Gary Richards