The Ford Fusion delivers comfort and sporty handling that is even more athletic for 2008 with the addition of a Sport Appearance package. The available all-wheel-drive model provides exceptional handling stability on slippery surfaces. While available power isn't up to the benchmark set by the class leaders, the Fusion is an excellent value.

NewCarTestDrive correspondent John Rettie filed this report from Hollywood, California; with Cheryl Jensen reporting from Cleveland, Ohio; and Mitch McCullough and Kirk Bell reporting from Dearborn, Michigan.