Ford Problems

Debuting at the 2018 New York Auto Show, Ford released details of the 2019-spec Fusion models. The pick of these are the Titanium (replacing the formerly top-of-the-range Platinum) or the V6 Sport model for those wanting some pep.

Properly maintained with regular servicing, and driven sympathetically, there is no reason a Ford Fusion won't be a picture of reliability.

Ford's announcement they're moving away from building sedans like the Fusion caused a huge revolt from Americans and even Ford dealers, which tells me there is a very large fanbase for the Fusion, which has been something of a hit for Ford since it was introduced in 2006.

The American mid-sized Ford Fusion sedan was introduced for the 2006 model year, with production started on 1 August, 2005 in Sonora, Mexico. The second-generation model, built on Ford's CD4-platform, is still built in Sonora, Mexico and - until 2016 - was also built in Flat Rock, Michigan, USA.

Ford's Fusion is 4869mm, or 191.7in.

Turn the smart key upside down, then depress the notch near the top of the key and pull the back half off.

Remove the manual key from the holder, then prise the middle section of the smart key loose and the battery is underneath. To program a Ford Fusion smart key you need to close all the car doors, then open the driver's door, and press unlock on the driver's side door. Turn the ignition from OFF to RUN eight times in a row, finishing the 8th time on RUN. You need to do this step within 10 seconds of pressing unlock on the driver's door, and need to cycle the key within 10 seconds each time. When you have correctly entered programming mode the door locks will begin to lock and unlock as part of that cycle. Within 10 seconds of entering program mode, press any key on the smart key to be programmed.

Turn the key to OFF, the door locks will activate again to signal the end of programming.

This question is entirely dependent on how you drive. If your friends refer to your driving style as "Miss Daisy" rather than "Lewis Hamilton", and you get your car serviced regularly, then there's no reason a Ford Fusion shouldn't last at least a decade before needing major maintenance work.

However, if you prefer to model your driving style on a mix of New York cabbie or teenage Grand Theft Auto-player, then you'll probably end up visiting your service department quite a lot to fix broken parts.

The Ford Edge (sold in Australia and New Zealand as the Endura) is available in both front wheel drive and all wheel drive. With no low range or locking hub options the mid-size SUV is not considered to have 4WD even though the all wheel drive system turns all four wheels.

Front wheel drive models are rated at 1774kg, while all wheel drive models are rated at 1840kg.

To change the Ford Edge key battery, push the button on the smart key and remove the manual key. Then, using a flat-head screwdriver, prise the two halves of the battery apart by twisting the screwdriver in the end of the smart key where the manual key was removed from. Once the key is apart, replace the battery with a fresh #CR2450 battery and clip the key back together.

The first step to getting a fast Fusion is to buy the Sport version, as the 242kW turbocharged V6 engine and great handling means the performance model actually lives up to its name.

If that doesn't whet your appetite then unfortunately your only other real option is to grab one of the NASCAR racing Fusions being discarded ahead of the 2019 season as Ford moves the stock car racing teams across to the Mustang