AAA: Ford Fusion and Flex Are Top Vehicles for Commuting

Hyannis, 04/05/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

The average American commutes 25 minutes each way to work, and with all that daily driving, it is important to own a vehicle that is not only comfortable, but also easy on wallets at the gas pump. After examining vehicles across the market, AAA Auto Buying experts have determined that the 2013 Ford Fusion and Ford Flex are top contenders for commuters in the Sedans and Crossovers categories, respectively.

AAA Auto Buying experts test-drive hundreds of new vehicles each year, and using those experiences, they name the best models for commuting in several different segments. Evaluators base their decisions on interior comfort, overall performance and fuel efficiency. The Flex was honored this year because of its quiet ride, spaciousness and available fuel-efficient EcoBoost V6 engine, while the Fusion was praised for its sleek exterior, updated interior and its two four-cylinder EcoBoost options that still offer impressive performance.

"When drivers have to commute nearly half an hour or more to work and back every day, it's essential to be comfortable, but as gas prices remain unstable across the country, motorists are also demanding more miles per gallon out of their daily drivers," said Mark Caliri, general manager of Balise Ford of Cape Cod, a Ford dealership in MA. "Fuel economy has become one of the most important factors for car buyers, and Ford's EcoBoost engines provide impressive efficiency without taking away the performance that makes driving fun."

Redesigned for the 2013 model year, the Ford Fusion sports a new exterior design that combines sharp lines and a distinctive hexagonal grille for an aggressive look. Under the hood, an available 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine generates 178 horsepower while returning up to 37 mpg on the highway, and buyers can upgrade from there to a 2.0-liter EcoBoost that produces up to 240 horsepower. For those who prefer gas-electric drivetrains, the new Fusion Hybrid nets up to 47 mpg in both city and highway driving, while the new Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid has earned a rating of 108 MPGe in the city.

Car buyers appear to be embracing the 2013 Ford Fusion, as the sedan posted its best-ever monthly sales in March, moving more than 30,000 units in a month for the first time ever. That strong performance also helped the Fusion earn a record in quarterly sales, with 80,558 models sold during the first three months of the year.

"The Fusion's redesign for 2013 brought a new, more engaging style to the table, but it's the comfortable interior and remarkable fuel economy that is really sealing the deal for buyers," added Caliri. "There's a Fusion for every type of driver now, whether you prefer a powerful model that's fun to take down the back roads or an efficient hybrid that will save a lot at the gas pump."

About Balise Ford of Cape Cod:
Balise Ford of Cape Cod is dedicated to offering a top-notch new and used Ford sales experience to Massachusetts motorists on the Cape and South Shore. Offering the entire lineup of new Ford vehicles, including sedans like the Focus, Fusion and Taurus, as well as the popular F-150 pickup truck, Balise Ford strives to ensure that every customer is matched with their ideal model. Visit their showroom at 90 High School Rd. Extension in Hyannis, Mass., call them at 508-815-4007 or browse their inventory online at www.balisefordcapecod.com. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BaliseFordCapeCod.