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The introduction of the Ford Fusion marked a turning point for Ford, finally giving the company a strong entry in the midsize sedan segment for the first time since the original Taurus. Upon its debut, the Fusion's spacious cabin, responsive driving dynamics and attractive styling made it competitive. A thorough refresh for 2010 has elevated the Fusion to elite status among midsize family sedans.

Underneath its edgy styling resides a stretched chassis first developed for the original Mazda 6, which has lent the Fusion a sporty character not usually associated with family vehicles, let alone ones endowed with the Blue Oval badge.

The Ford Fusion was thoroughly revised for 2010. The styling is now edgier and the interior has been updated with a more modern design featuring Ford's latest entertainment and climate controls. The four-cylinder engine was upgraded to 2.5 liters and now produces 175 horsepower, while the 3.0-liter V6 now makes 240 horses. A new trim level, the Fusion Sport, gets a 3.5-liter V6 good for 263 hp. This Sport model maintains the previous car's sporty hydraulic steering, whereas the regular Fusion switches to more parking-lot and fuel-efficiency-friendly electric steering.

The Fusion is offered in S, SE, Sport and SEL trim levels. Front-wheel drive is standard on four-cylinder and Sport models, while all-wheel drive is optional on the Sport and mandatory on the V6-powered SEL. Even the base trim comes with niceties like 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, a telescoping steering column and an auxiliary audio jack.

There are an ample number of attractive features available as trim level upgrades or stand-alone options, including bigger wheels, power seats, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, heated seats, upgraded stereos, a navigation system and the Sync electronics interface system.

One of the Ford Fusion's key strengths is its cabin, which is spacious and features high-quality materials. The center stack is a bit button-happy, but it's a significant ergonomic and aesthetic improvement over its dated
predecessor. The Sync system works great, integrating audio and Bluetooth functionality with voice-recognition technology to provide easy hands-free operation of cell phones and portable MP3 players.

While Ford's midsizer isn't the largest car in its class, its generous interior dimensions prove that such sedans need not be as controversially large as the Accord or Mazda 6 in order to accommodate families' needs. A pair of adults will be content in back (especially given the new rear seat headrests), and storage space is adequate.

The Fusion is one of the most engaging family sedans from the driver's perspective. The Sport model feels particularly buttoned-down thanks to its sport-tuned suspension. Performance from the base four-cylinder is adequate, and while the revised 3.0-liter V6 is still down on power compared to its rivals, it's plenty capable for most shoppers in this segment. Should you find the 3.0-liter unit lacking, the 3.5-liter V6 is a good match for competing V6s.

(Review by Edmunds.)