The longstanding popularity of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima have prompted other manufacturers to attempt to infiltrate the midsize sedan market. Few have succeeded, but the Ford Fusion, a 2006 newcomer built in Mexico, could quickly join the major players.

As the replacement for the Taurus, the Fusion is categorized in the premium midsize class, but its base price of $21,710 and its top-end $25,650 plateau position the car economically well against the market's stronghold trio.

My weekly test vehicle was the top-of-the-line SEL, one of three Fusion models. The V6 has a 3.0 liter, 221-horsepower engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. The S and SE models offer 160 horsepower and five-speed automatic or manual transmissions.

The six-speed automatic performed admirably. During my test, I logged more than 500 miles, primarily in freeway conditions. But I also drove the Fusion on steep San Francisco hills and on suburban San Jose streets. Steering to quietness, comfort to ride quality, the Fusion warranted above-average marks in all scenarios.

Ford claims the Fusion accelerates from 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds, which isn't as fast as the claims of some competitors. But the vehicle never seemed sluggish.

The Honda Accord gets great design and comfort marks to correspond to its superior performance and resale value. But the Fusion matches the Honda, at least in my test vehicle, in the former two areas. Its resale value, of course, is untested.

Way too many vehicles in varying shades of red are on the road these days. But one fine choice for the Fusion is Dark Blue Pearl matched with a medium gray interior. The combination works particularly well considering the angular, handsome body design. In short, the car drew plenty of attention -- for all the right reasons.

The Fusion's instrumentation is also a plus. The design is understated with easy-to-read gauges  and a thoughtful, simple concept. The odometer and speedometer dials aren't flush, but presented
in independent circles positioned about a half-inch off the surface. The style promotes easier reading.

The vehicle's front head and foot room is fine, at least it was for a 6-foot driver. I didn't have any passengers during my week's trek, but the rear cabin has a spacious appeal rather than a construction-afterthought look.

The SEL standard features list is extensive -- 17-inch aluminum wheels to fog lamps and an attractive, well-positioned analog clock to six cupholders. Power windows, doors and locks and an AM/FM/MP3/CD changer, leather-wrapped steering wheel and dual vanity mirrors are also among the standard equipment.

My Fusion also included a long list of optional equipment that added more than $3,000 to the price. Leather front and rear seats and the increasingly popular heated front seats function added nearly $1,200. An upgraded sound system added $420) and anti-lock brakes added another $595. The safety and security package (side curtain airbags and anti-theft alarm) and the premium package (heated mirrors, puddle lamps and compass) combined for another $990.

As others have discovered, it's difficult to compete against the time-tested offerings of Honda, Toyota and Nissan. But the Fusion should do just fine against the mighty trio.
 

Safety Features – Dual front airbags (standard); front and side curtain airbags (optional)

Fuel Mileage (estimates) – 21 mpg (city), 29 mpg (highway).

Warranty — Bumper to bumper, 3 year/36,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles; (24-hour) roadside assistance program, 3 years/36,000 miles.

Base Price – $21,710.00.