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Manual transmissions have a wonderful way of spicing up what would otherwise be a mundane driving experience. The Mazda-sourced six-speed manual does just that for the four-cylinder Fusion, making this model the most entertaining of the many variants we've driven. Throw the car into second gear at 30 mph, and its no-drama 2.5-liter four-cylinder howls pleasantly and reminds you that it's the same peppy, smooth motor found in the Mazda3. Give credit to Ford as well, not only for offering a stick shift in the first place, but also for making it available with a decent amount of equipment, rather than relegating it to the bargain basement, fuel-economy special (good thing, as the six-speed automatic actually gets better mileage). Our Fusion came with eighteen-inch wheels, performance tires, and a sunroof all for $23,065. I also like the sporty-looking body-colored grille, though I should disclose that I'm one of those folks who used to admire plastic-cladded Pontiacs.inline_mediumwraptextright31851960/reviews/editors_notebook/0912_2010_ford_fusion_se0912_01_z+2010_ford_fusion_sE+front_view.jpgTrue

1 When open, the tall side section of the door interferes with entrance headroom.inline_mediumwraptextright26159303/features/by_design/1001_2011_mercedes_benz_sls_amg_design_analysis1001_01_z+2011_mercedes_benz_sLS_aMG+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue